1. Paraguay's Colorado Party's Santiago Peña wins presidential election
Tags: Person in news International News
Santiago Peña, an economist from Paraguay's ruling conservative Colorado party, won the country's presidential election.
An Overview of the News
The election was decided in a single round of voting, and with nearly all ballots counted, Santiago Peña received over 42% of the vote.
His main challenger, Efrain Alegre, who represented the Concertación Nacional coalition, received about 28% of the vote.
The Colorado Party has been the dominant political force in Paraguay for more than 70 years, and Santiago Peña's victory solidified its hold on power.
Despite an expected economic growth of more than 4% this year, Paraguay still struggles with high levels of poverty and corruption.
About Paraguay
It is a country located in the middle of South America. It is a landlocked country, bordered by Argentina, Brazil and Bolivia.
Asuncion is the capital of Paraguay and is situated on the banks of the Paraguay River.
Official languages - Paraguayan Guarani, Spanish
2. Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan takes over as AOC-in-C Southern Air Command
Tags: Defence Person in news
Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan took over as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Southern Air Command on May 1, 2023.
An Overview of the News
He is an alumnus of Sainik School Kazhakootam and National Defense Academy, and was commissioned into the Indian Air Force on June 7, 1986.
Manikantan has flown over 5400 hours on various types of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, and is a Helicopter Combat Leader and a Type Qualified Flying Instructor.
He has completed instructional tenure at National Defense Academy and Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE).
He has commanded a frontline helicopter unit and two major IAF stations, and has held the appointments of Senior Air and Administrative Staff Officer (SAASO) at HQ Maintenance Command and ACIDS Int-C at HQ IDS, responsible for international defence cooperation .
Prior to assuming the present appointment, he was the Senior Air Force Officer handling Air Operations at the Eastern Air Command.
The Air Marshal is a recipient of the Presidential Awards of Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Vayu Sena Medal (VM).
About Indian Air Force
It is a branch of the Indian Armed Forces responsible for defending Indian airspace and conducting air operations in times of war.
Its main objective is to protect the sovereignty of the country by defending against any potential air threats and providing air support during military operations.
Establishment - 26 January 1950
Headquarters - Integrated Defense Headquarters, Ministry of Defence, New Delhi
Motto - Nabhaḥ spṛṣṭa deeptam ("Touch the sky with glory")
3. Ranjit Guha passed away at the age of 100
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An eminent historian, Ranjit Guha passed away at the age of 100 in Austria on 28 April.
An Overview of the News
He was born on May 23, 1923 in Barisal, which is currently located in Bangladesh.
Guha completed his post-graduation in history from the University of Calcutta after studying at a school in Kolkata.
He was associated with several renowned institutions during his career, including the Australian National University, from where he retired in 1988.
One of his famous contributions in the field of history is his book titled 'Elementary Aspects of Peasant Insurgency in Colonial India'.
About Austria
It is a landlocked country located in Central Europe, bordering several countries such as Germany, Switzerland, and Italy.
The country is made up of nine states, with Vienna being both the capital and most populous city and state.
Government - federal parliamentary republic
President - Alexander Van Der Bellen
Chancellor - Carl Nehmer
4. AK Mohanty appointed as the chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission
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Ajit Kumar Mohanty has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy.
An Overview of the News
Mohanty is a renowned physicist and is currently serving as the Director of Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC).
He will be responsible for overseeing India's nuclear program and exploring the use of nuclear energy for non-military purposes.
Mohanty will replace KN Vyas.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Mohanty till the age of 66 years i.e. up to 10.10.2025 or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Mohanty was appointed as BARC director in March 2019.
Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC):
It is a nuclear research centre located in Trombay, Mumbai.
It was established in 1954 by a renowned physicist Dr. Homi J. Bhabha, who served as the founding director of the institute.
BARC primarily focuses on nuclear energy research including design and development of nuclear reactors, fuel cycle technologies and radiation processing.
The organisation also conducts basic and applied research in areas such as physics, chemistry and biology.
BARC operates several nuclear facilities, including the Dhruv, Cirrus and Poornima-II reactors.
The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) controls BARC, and the DAE reports directly to the Prime Minister's Office.
5. King Charles III confers Britain's Honorary MBE on Dr. M.N. Nandakumar
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King Charles III awarded an Honorary MBE to Dr MN Nandakumar, a renowned Sanskrit scholar and executive director of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Center in London, for his contribution to Indian classical arts in Britain.
An Overview of the News
Dr. M.N. Nandakumar has been associated with the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Center in London for 46 years and has hosted Prince Charles on several occasions at the centre, which promotes Indian culture.
Britain's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed the award.
The Honorary MBE award is given to foreign nationals for their services in public life.
Dr. Nandakumar originally hails from Mattur village in Karnataka and joined Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Kendra as a Sanskrit teacher while completing his PhD at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London in the 1970s.
He has been the executive director of the building since 1995.
United Kingdom:
It is an island nation located in northwestern Europe, consisting of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
England is one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom, and is known for being the birthplace of many famous cultural icons, such as Shakespeare and The Beatles.
London, the capital of England, is a globally influential centre of finance and culture. It is home to many iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and the British Museum.
6. Rajneesh Karnataka appointed as new MD & Chairman of Bank of India
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Rajneesh Karnataka has been appointed as the Managing Director (MD) and Chairman of Bank of India (BOI) by the Government of India.
An Overview of the News
Rajneesh Karnataka is currently serving as the Executive Director of Union Bank of India.
He will hold the role of MD & CEO of Bank of India for a period of three years, from the date he assumes charge or until further instructions.
With over 29 years of experience in the banking sector, Karnatak has served as the Chief General Manager of Punjab National Bank before being appointed as the Executive Director of Union Bank of India on October 21, 2021.
Karnataka holds a Master of Commerce degree and is a certified associate from the Indian Institute of Bankers (CAIIB).
About Rajneesh Karnataka's career and experience
He has held several key positions in the banking sector, such as General Manager at Oriental Bank of Commerce, where he headed key departments such as large corporate credit branches, digital banking, credit monitoring and mid-corporate credit.
Following the amalgamation of Oriental Bank of Commerce into Punjab National Bank, Karnatak took over as the head of both Credit Monitoring Division and Corporate Credit Division in PNB.
Karnataka served as non-executive chairman of UBI Services on behalf of Union Bank of India and was a non-independent non-executive director on the board of UBI (UK).
He was also a member of the Governing Board of the Indian Institute of Bank Management (IIBM) in Guwahati.
Karnataka served as a nominee director on behalf of Punjab National Bank on the boards of PNB Housing Finance and India SME Asset Reconstruction Company.
Additionally, he served as the Board Trustee at IIFCL Asset Management Company (IAMCL).
Bank of India:
Founder- Ramnarayan Ruia
Established- 7 September 1906
Headquarters- Mumbai
7. Debdutt Chand appointed as the new Managing Director of Bank of Baroda
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Debdutt Chand was appointed as the Managing Director (MD) of Bank of Baroda (BoB) on 29 April.
An Overview of the News
Chand is currently serving as the Executive Director of the bank.
He will assume the position of MD for a period of three years with effect from July 1, 2023 or until further notice.
The appointment comes after the tenure extension of the previous MD, Sanjiv Chadha, which ended on January 19, 2021, was extended by the government for an additional five months till June 30, 2021.
The Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) recommended the name of Debdutt Chand for the post of Managing Director and CEO in Bank of Baroda.
About Debdutt Chand
Chand started his career in 1994 as an officer in Allahabad Bank.
He worked as a manager in Small Industries Development Bank of India [SIDBI] from 1998 to 2005.
He joined Punjab National Bank (PNB) in 2005 as Chief Manager and eventually rose to the rank of Chief General Manager.
Prior to his role as Executive Director in Bank of Baroda, Chand served as the CGM of Mumbai Region in PNB.
Bank of Baroda
Established- 20 July 1908, Vadodara
Founder- Sayajirao Gaekwad III
Headquarters- Alkapuri, Vadodara
8. Indian-American 'Neeli Bendapudi' gets 'Immigrant Achievement Award'
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Indian-American citizen 'Neeli Bendapudi' (59) was on 28 April conferred with the prestigious'Immigrant Achievement Award' 2023 for her contribution in the field of higher education in the US.
An Overview of the News:
Neeli Bendapudi is the president of Penn State University.
The award is given each year to an individual or organization for their commitment and dedication to American heritage.
For nearly 30 years, Dr. Bendapudi, President of ‘Penn State University’, has been working to foster student success, inclusive excellence in higher education, and create opportunities for students, faculty and staff.
Raised in India, Bendapudi came to the US to pursue her doctoral studies at the University of Kansas.
After that, in America itself, he made his career in the academic and teaching field.
She is the first black woman to serve as the president of Penn State University.
9. Siddharth Mohanty becomes chairman of LIC
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The government has appointed Siddharth Mohantyas the chairman of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) till June 2024.
An Overview of the News:
The Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) recommended the name of Siddharth Mohanty for the post of chairman.
The decision regarding the appointment of Mohanty as LIC chairman was taken by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) headed by PM Narendra Modi.
Mohanty was serving as the interim chairman of the corporation from March 14, 2023.
Also Chairman Siddhartha Mohanty will be the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the insurance giant from June 2024 to June 2025.
Siddharth Mohanty:
Mohanty holds a post graduate degree in Political Science as well as a law degree.
Mohanty also holds a Post Graduate degree in Business Management and is a licensee from the Insurance Institute of India.
In a career spanning over three decades in the corporation, Mohanty has distinguished himself in the areas of Marketing, HR, Investments and Legal.
Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC):
LIC (Headquarters Mumbai) was established in the year 1956 by passing the Life Insurance of India Act in the Parliament of India.
It is India's largest life insurance company and also the country's largest investment company.
It is known for continuously bringing innovative and profitable policies in the market. Also its policies are recognized as a benchmark in the insurance market.
10. Renowned scientist Dr.N. Gopalakrishnan passed away
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Renowned scientist and director of the Central Building Research Institute Dr N Gopalakrishnan passed away in April 2023 at the age of 68.
An Overview of the News
Life introduction:
Dr N Gopalakrishnan was born inKochi city of Ernakulam district, Kerala.His father's name was Narayanan Embranthiri and his mother's name was Satyabhama.
His wife's name isRukmini. They are parents to two children named Harish and Hema.
Education Background:
His educational background includes a BE degree from the Faculty of Engineering in Guindy.
M.Sc. (Pharmaceutical Chemistry) - 1978
M.Sc. (Applied Chemistry) - 1979
MA (Industrial Sociology) -1984
Ph.D (Biochemistry) - 1984
D.Litt. (Doctor of Literature) - 2002
Apart from this, he has also obtained an MBA degree.
Carrier:
He worked for 25 years from 1982 as Senior Scientist in CSIR, Government of India.
Visiting Scientist at the University of Alberta, Canada (1993 -94).
Visiting Scientist at National Sanskrit University, Tirupati.
Director, Indian Institute of Scientific Heritage (IISH-Registered Charitable Trust).
Guest faculty member in many other Indian and foreign universities and institutions.
Professional Contribution:
50 research papers in national and international scientific journals
6 patents in science and technology
9 National and International level awards from Science & Technology Scientific Societies.
Thirteen awards for popularizing science and culture.
Authored over 135 books in English and Malayalam, both scientific and cultural.
National and International Fellowship:
DST to popularize science, first NCSTC fellowship from Government of India.
Fellowship of NSERC/Canadian Development Agency (CIDA) Govt.
Dr N Gopalakrishnan has co-authored 61 articles in both foreign and domestic journals.
