31. Recently, who has been appointed as the Ambassador of India to Russia?
[A] Saurabh Kumar
[B] Vinay Kumar
[C] Amal Kumar Goswami
[D] D.B. Venkatesh Varma
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vinay Kumar]
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.
32. Recently, who was awarded the prestigious Devi Shankar Awasthi Award 2023?
[A] Achyutanand Mishra
[B] Ashutosh Bhardwaj
[C] Ram Shankar Awasthi
[D] Nishant
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Nishant]
Notes:
Nishant, a young poet and critic, is awarded the 29th Devi Shankar Awasthi Award in 2023 for his book ‘Kavita Pathak Aalochna’. The selection committee, comprising esteemed writers like Mridula Garg and Sudhir Chandra, unanimously chose Nishant. Established in 1995, this honor, named after Hindi literary critic Devi Shankar Awasthi, recognizes young critics for their significant contributions to Hindi criticism. Nishant’s work exemplifies excellence in both criticism and poetry.
33. Recently, who has been appointed as the new Ambassador of India to Myanmar?
[A] Vinay Kumar
[B] Abhay Thakur
[C] Vinay Mohan Kwatra
[D] Pavan Kapoor
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Abhay Thakur]
Notes:
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.
34. Recently, who has been appointed as the Director General of National Investigation Agency (NIA)?
[A] Kuldeep Singh
[B] Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar
[C] R.S.Krishnia
[D] Sadanand Vasant Date
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Sadanand Vasant Date]
Notes:
The central government recently appointed new Director Generals for key agencies. Sadanand Vasant Date, a 1990 batch IPS officer from Maharashtra, now heads the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Rajeev Kumar Sharma, also from the 1990 batch but from Rajasthan cadre, will oversee the Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPRD).
35. Recently, who was awarded the 15th CIDC Vishwakarma Award 2024 for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Contribution?
[A] NHPC
[B] POWERGRID
[C] SJVN Limited
[D] NTPC
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [SJVN Limited ]
Notes:
SJVN Limited received the 15th CIDC Vishwakarma Award 2024 for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Contribution. The company also secured the ‘Achievement Award for Social Development and Creating Impact’ and the ‘CIDC Partners in Progress Trophy’. Geeta Kapur, Chairperson and Managing Director, highlighted SJVN’s commitment to CSR initiatives, managed through the SJVN Foundation. SJVN spent over Rs 450 crore on diverse CSR activities including education, healthcare, infrastructure, disaster relief, and cultural promotion. CGM (HR) Baljit Singh accepted the awards.
36. What is the name of the world’s oldest man that died at the age of 114 recently?
[A] John Tinniswood
[B] Juan Vicente Perez Mora
[C] Yukichi Chuganji
[D] Eugenie Blanchard
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Juan Vicente Perez Mora]
Notes:
Juan Vicente Perez Mora, recognized by Guinness as the world’s oldest man, passed away shortly before his 115th birthday. His longevity secrets included hard work, early bedtimes, and a daily glass of aguardiente. Governor Freddy Bernal hailed him as a symbol of Tachirense values: humble, hardworking, and devoted to family.
37. Recently, which mission received the 2024 John L ‘Jack’ Swigert Jr. Award for space exploration?
[A] Chandrayaan-3 Mission
[B] Chandrayaan-2 Mission
[C] Mars Orbiter Mission
[D] Gaganyaan Mission
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Chandrayaan-3 Mission ]
Notes:
The ISRO Chandrayaan-3 mission team received the 2024 John L ‘Jack’ Swigert Jr. award for space exploration from the US-based Space Foundation. This prestigious accolade, presented during the Space Symposium, recognizes outstanding contributions to space exploration. India’s Consul General in Houston accepted the award, highlighting the mission’s technical prowess. The Space Foundation lauded India’s leadership in space, emphasizing its recent milestone of landing a spacecraft on the Moon’s South Pole.
38. Who has been appointed as the head of Global Airport Operations at Air India recently?
[A] Jayaraj Shanmugam
[B] S. Mukund
[C] Vinay Mohan
[D] Alok Thakur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Jayaraj Shanmugam]
Notes:
Air India appoints Jayaraj Shanmugam, a 25-year industry veteran, as Head of Global Airport Operations amid its Vihaan.AI transformation program. Shanmugam, renowned for his expertise from Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Jet Airways, aims to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. The airline’s recent restructuring, including layoffs and employee evaluations, aligns with Tata Group’s vision for increased effectiveness and organizational adaptability. Expectations are high for Shanmugam to drive significant improvements in Air India’s operations.
39. Recently, who has been appointed as the head of the US-India Tax Forum by US-India Strategic and Partnership Forum (USISPF)?
[A] M.N. Srinivasu
[B] Tarun Bajaj
[C] Naveen Aggarwal
[D] Ajit Saxena
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tarun Bajaj]
Notes:
Former Revenue Secretary Tarun Bajaj, now head of the US-India Tax Forum, brings extensive finance and taxation expertise to the US-India Strategic and Partnership Forum (USISPF). Appointed after serving as an advisor, Bajaj’s leadership aims to strengthen economic ties between the US and India.
40. Recently, who has become the first Indian monk to be honoured with the American President’s Gold Volunteer Service award?
[A] Acharya Lokesh Muni
[B] Raghaveshwara Bharathi
[C] Vijayendra Saraswati
[D] Bharathi Tirtha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Acharya Lokesh Muni ]
Notes:
Jain Acharya Lokesh Muni is the first Indian monk to receive the American President’s Gold Volunteer Service award in 2024. He is the founder of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharati and World Peace Centre, and is recognized for his contributions to humanity and the public good. He has said that receiving the award is a matter of pride, and that it honors Indian culture, spiritual values, and Jain principles of Lord Mahavir.
