Ambassador Quiz

Notes:
Swati Vijay Kulkarni has been appointed as India’s next Ambassador to Algeria, as announced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Kulkarni, a 1995 batch Indian Foreign Service Officer, is currently an Additional Secretary in the MEA.
She will assume her new role in Algeria soon. Diplomatic relations between India and Algeria began in July 1962 and have been friendly, with both nations supporting each other on various issues. High-level visits and the Joint Commission Mechanism (JCM), established in 1981, facilitate bilateral cooperation between the countries.

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केंद्रीय बंदरगाह, जहाजरानी और जलमार्ग मंत्रालय ने दो बार ओलंपिक पदक (Olympic medals) जीतने वाली निशानेबाज मनु भाकर को अपना ब्रांड एंबेसडर नियुक्त किया है। यह घोषणा 17 सितंबर 2024 को चेन्नई, तमिलनाडु में एक कार्यक्रम (event) के दौरान केंद्रीय मंत्री सर्बानंद सोनोवाल ने की। 'राष्ट्र के विकास के लिए नारी शक्ति का चौथा दोहन' (4th Harnessing of the Nari Shakti for the Development of the Nation) नामक इस कार्यक्रम का उद्देश्य महिला उपलब्धियों (women achievers) को सम्मानित करना था। इसका आयोजन चेन्नई पोर्ट अथॉरिटी और कामराजर पोर्ट अथॉरिटी ने संयुक्त रूप से किया था। यह कार्यक्रम चेन्नई पोर्ट के इंटरनेशनल क्रूज़ टर्मिनल (International Cruise Terminal) पर आयोजित किया गया।

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The Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways appointed Manu Bhaker, a double Olympic medalist shooter, as its Brand Ambassador. This was announced by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal during an event in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, on 17 September 2024. The event, called the 4th Harnessing of the Nari Shakti for the Development of the Nation, aimed to honor women achievers. It was jointly organized by the Chennai Port Authority and the Kamarajar Port Authority. The event took place at the International Cruise Terminal of the Chennai Port.

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The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) appointed Mr. R. Ravindran as the next ambassador to Iceland. He has served in various organizations and locations throughout his career. R. Ravindran is an Indian Foreign Service officer from the 1999 batch. He is currently India’s Deputy Permanent Representative at the United Nations.

Notes:
Arun Goel, a retired IAS officer and former Election Commissioner of India, has been appointed as India’s Ambassador to Croatia by the Ministry of External Affairs. Following his retirement in March 2024, this new role highlights his continued contribution to public service. His extensive experience in governance and administration will help strengthen diplomatic relations between India and Croatia, marking an important step in his distinguished career.

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Sharath Kamal has been named the first Indian ambassador of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Foundation.
The announcement was made during day 11 of the Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) season five at Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium. Sharath was elected to the ITTF’s Athlete’s Commission in November 2022. He will promote table tennis for development, especially among children from underprivileged backgrounds. He holds the record for the most medals in Commonwealth Games history for table tennis, including 13 medals with three golds at the 2022 Birmingham Games.

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Vinay Mohan Kwatra assumed charge as India’s Ambassador to the United States, succeeding Taranjit Singh Sandhu. Kwatra expressed commitment to strengthening the US-India partnership. Sripriya Ranganathan, Deputy Ambassador, welcomed Kwatra to the US. Kwatra has 32 years of experience, including roles in the Ministry of External Affairs, Prime Minister’s Office, and previous service at the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C. Kwatra takes charge at a time of strong US-India relations, with President Biden considering it one of the most consequential global partnerships.

Notes:
Vinay Mohan Kwatra has been appointed as India’s next Ambassador to the United States, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs. A retired Indian Foreign Service diplomat, Kwatra has extensive expertise in relations with India’s neighbors, the US, China, and Europe.

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In Nagaland, Japan’s ambassador Hiroshi Suzuki and CM Neiphiu Rio inaugurated Kohima Peace Memorial and laid Eco Park’s foundation stone. Symbolizing Japan-Nagaland collaboration, it commemorates WWII’s Battle of Kohima, signifying peace and reconciliation. Ambassador Suzuki highlighted the battle’s impact on Nagaland and prayed for all souls involved. He praised the monument’s role in honoring victims. The event holds historical and educational significance, fostering remembrance and respect.

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Yuvraj Singh, famed Indian cricketer, is named ambassador for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, starting in 36 days. Renowned for hitting six sixes in an over during India’s 2007 victory, he joins Chris Gayle and Usain Bolt as ambassadors. Bolt, Jamaican sprinter and eight-time Olympic gold medalist, adds to the event’s excitement. Singh, 42, played a pivotal role in India’s 2007 win and will participate in pre-tournament promotions for the 10-team event starting June 1.