Ambassador Quiz

Notes:
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.

Notes:
Mr. Sita Ram Meena, a 2008 batch IFS officer, has been appointed as India’s Ambassador to the Republic of Niger. Previously serving as Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, this appointment marks a significant career advancement. Mr. Meena’s diplomatic experience and expertise position him well for this new role, which underscores India’s commitment to strengthening ties with Niger on the international stage.

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Senior Indian diplomat Abhay Thakur, a 1992-batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), has been appointed as India’s next ambassador to Myanmar. This was announced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on March 26. Thakur, currently an Officer on Special Duty in the MEA, previously served as sous-sherpa for the G20 process during India’s presidency. His appointment comes amid Myanmar’s ongoing unrest following a military coup in February 2021, marking a crucial time for India-Myanmar relations.

Notes:
Vinay Kumar, an Indian Foreign Service officer of the 1992 batch, is appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Russia, currently serving in Myanmar. The Ministry of External Affairs announced his new assignment, reinforcing the longstanding partnership between India and Russia. The move highlights the strategic importance of diplomatic ties between the two nations amidst recent elections in Russia. Kumar is expected to assume his new role shortly.

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The government of India appointed IRS officer Narendra Kumar Yadav as the brand ambassador for the Fit India movement. Yadav is the Additional Director of GST and the first civil servant to be appointed as a brand ambassador for the movement.

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The Indian government has appointed Senthil Pandian C, a 2002 IAS officer from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, as the ambassador to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva. This decision, approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), follows the conclusion of Brajendra Navnit’s term as India’s ambassador to the WTO on March 31, 2024. Pandian will assume the role for a three-year term from the date of taking office. Currently serving as the commissioner of excise in Uttar Pradesh, Senthil Pandian C brings a wealth of administrative experience, positioning him well to represent India’s interests on the global trade stage.

Notes:
Senthil Pandian C, an IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre from the 2002 batch, has been appointed as India’s ambassador to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Geneva. His appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on January 5, 2024, and is set for a tenure of three years from the date of assumption of charge. This appointment follows the end of Brajendra Navnit’s tenure as India’s ambassador to the WTO. Senthil Pandian’s new role comes at a crucial time when the world is grappling with challenges like inflation, high interest rates, and geopolitical tensions. His experience and expertise will be pivotal in representing and advocating India’s interests in the global trade arena, especially at the upcoming WTO ministerial conference and in ongoing negotiations on various trade-related issues.

Notes:
The government appointed prominent motivational speaker and CSR icon Amitabh Shah, founder of NGO Yuva Unstoppable, as a brand ambassador for its Viksit Bharat Abhiyan program. The initiative, spearheaded by PM Modi, aims to tap India’s demographic dividend to drive national development. Shah’s youth-focused philanthropy aligns with the mission’s emphasis on upskilling youth and imbibing values for nation-building. His NGO has skilled over 6 million young beneficiaries so far. The appointment signals the administration’s strategy to involve civil society in achieving its vision for an empowered and future-ready India.

Notes:
Celebrity chef Amrita Raichand is the Health Ambassador for the Salaam Bombay Foundation’s Preventive Health Education Programme. Raichand works with the program to educate adolescents about the importance of proper nutrition and fitness.
The Salaam Bombay Foundation is a foundation that works with adolescents aged 12–17 who are growing up in Mumbai’s slums. The foundation’s model is based on two approaches to tobacco control.

Notes:
Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has been appointed as the youth voter awareness ambassador for Jammu and Kashmir.
Chief electoral officer (CEO) of Jammu and Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole announced the collaboration and said that Suresh Raina holds considerable influence, particularly among the youth.