Correct Answer :   Mindy Kaling

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US President Joe Biden has awarded the prestigious 2021 National Humanities Medal to Indian-American actress and producer Mindy Kaling.

Reason : For empowering the new generation to tell their stories with irreverence and sincerity

The National Medal of Arts is the highest award, given to artists, arts patrons, and groups by the US government.

Other notable recipients : Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bruce Springsteen, Vera Wang, Gladys Knight, Judith Francisca Baca..

Source : The Week

Correct Answer :   Ranveer Singh

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Actor Ranveer Singh is India's most valued celebrity of 2022, according to a report by corporate investigation and risk consulting firm, Kroll.

* With a brand value of $181.7 million, Singh has dethroned cricketer Virat Kohli, who occupied the top spot for five years, according to the report, titled “Celebrity Brand Valuation Report 2022: Beyond the Mainstream”.

* Kohli fell to second spot with a brand value of $176.9 million. His brand value has seen a decline for two consecutive years after he left the captaincy of the men’s cricket team. His brand value stood at over $237 million in 2020, but declined steeply in 2021 to $185.7 million.

* Actor Akshay Kumar remained in third position with a brand value of $153.6 million. With a valuation of $102.9 million, actress Alia Bhatt also retained the fourth spot and the title of the most valued female celebrity.

* Deepika Padukone’s brand valuation of $82.9 million earned her the fifth spot.

* Amitabh Bachchan, Hritik Roshan and Shah Rukh Khan were other big names from the film industry that made it to the top 10 list of most valued celebrities.

* Former cricketer MS Dhoni occupied sixth spot on the list with a brand value of over $80 million. Meanwhile, former Indian cricketing icon Sachin Tendulkar entered the top-10 club in 2022, ranking eighth with a brand value of $73.6 million.

* It may be noted that the overall brand value of the top 25 celebrities in 2022 is estimated at $1.6 billion, marking an increase of roughly 29.1 per cent from 2021.

* And for the first time, South Indian stars Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna made it to the list of India’s top 25 most valued celebrities.

* Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra also made it to the top 25, along with Commonwealth gold medalist PV Sindhu. They were both valued at $26.5 million..

Source : India Today

Correct Answer :   18th

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The Tamil Nadu Government will notify Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, spread over 80,567 hectares in the forest areas of Anthiyur and Gobichettipalayam taluks in Erode district, as the 18th wildlife sanctuary in the state.

* It will include reserve forest areas in Anthiyur, Bargur, Thattakarai and Chennampatti.

* The Tamil Nadu Government was announced was made during the state budget on Monday (20th March 2023).

* Home to wild animals including tigers, elephants, leopards, wild boars, gaurs and deer, the sanctuary is close to Malai Mahadeshwara wildlife sanctuary, BRT Wildlife Sanctuary, Cauvery wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka and also act as a connecting point between Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve and Cauvery South Wildlife Sanctuary.

* The announcement is a big push to the ongoing conservation efforts, environment, climate change and forests additional chief secretary Supriya Sagu said, adding that 21 species of mammals, 136 species of birds and 118 species of butterflies are found in the new sanctuary.

* Forest department officials have clarified that tribal people won’t face any restrictions in doing their job in these areas..

Source : New Indian Express

Correct Answer :   Bihar

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Bihar is 22nd March 2023 celebrating its 111th (one hundred eleven) foundation day. The state of Bihar was carved out from the Bengal presidency on March 22 in 1912.

* This day is celebrated as Bihar Diwas. The theme of this year's (2023) event is "Yuva Shakti Bihar ki Pragati".

* Prabhat Pheri organised today at more than 70 thousand government and private schools across the state.

* A three-day function has been organised on this occasion. Different departments of the state government will organise cultural functions on this occasion. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar have congratulated people on the occasion of Bihar Divas. .

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Arnab Banerjee

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CEAT, one of the leading tyre manufacturers in India, has announced a change in its top leadership. The company has appointed Arnab Banerjee as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD) while Anant Goenka has been designated as Vice Chairman of the company.

The new appointments will be effective from April 1, 2023.

Who Is Arnab Banerjee?

Arnab Banerjee is the new Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CEAT Limited and was previously serving as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the company. He joined CEAT in 2005 as the Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

Academics :

Arnab Banerjee has an illustrious academic record. Banerjee is a distinguished alumnus of world-class institutions like IIT Kharagpur, IIM Kolkata, and Harvard Business School.

Arnab Banerjee's Career :

At CEAT Arnab Banerjee has been working as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of CEAT and has been groomed by the Board of Directors to take over the top position. According to the company's filing, Banerjee was given company-wide exposure as COO to prepare him for the role of CEO. His appointment as CEO and MD is for a term of two years.

Over the years, he has been responsible for innovations in marketing, sales and distribution strategy, manufacturing flexibility, and seamless supply chain processes. He has also played a key role in ensuring customer satisfaction.

CEAT expects Banerjee's appointment as CEO and MD will bring a fresh perspective and energy to the company. Banerjee’s vast experience in the industry will be instrumental in driving the company's growth and ensuring that it remains a leader in the highly competitive tyre manufacturing industry.

Arnab Banerjee's Current Salary :

As per CEAT's annual report for 2022, Arnab Banerjee had a total remuneration of ₹2.96 crore. This figure includes a salary of ₹2.75 crore and other benefits that go upwards of ₹20 lakh...

Source : BG Prime

Correct Answer :   NTPC

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NTPC REL has signed an MoU with INDIAN ARMY for setting up Green Hydrogen Projects in its establishments on Build, Own and Operate (BOO) model.

* The intent is to reduce complex logistics, dependence on fossil fuels and to accelerate decarbonization. The MoU was signed by Mr. Mohit Bhargava, CEO (NTPC REL) and Lt. General Rajinder Dewan, PVSM, AVSM,  VSM, QMG.

* Under the ambit of the MoU, a joint identification of potential sites would be undertaken for setting up of green hydrogen projects for supplying electricity, in a phased manner. NTPC REL will also design, develop, and install renewable energy projects (solar, wind etc.) for the Indian Army.

* The MoU signals an advanced approach for modernization by Indian Army and NTPC’s commitment to assist the nation in its decarbonization goals. This agreement is a first of its kind and ushers in a new era of border security backed with energy security for the lines of defence of the country.

* Various locations of Indian Army are powered through DG sets in off-grid locations. The Indian Army, in line with Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of “Panchamrit” and Carbon Neutral Ladakh, intends to reduce the dependence on fossil fuel and their logistics for power generation and heat.

* NTPC REL is wholly subsidiary of NTPC Limited and currently it has a portfolio of 3.6 GW RE capacity under construction. NTPC Group has ambitious plans of 60 GW of RE capacity by the year 2032 and currently it has 3.2 GW of installed RE capacity.

* NTPC has taken several initiatives in the Hydrogen technologies and already commissioned Hydrogen blending with Piped Natural Gas project at Gujarat and currently executing hydrogen-based mobility project (in Ladakh and Delhi) and green methanol project in MP...

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Manmeet K Nanda

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In the 32nd Board Meeting of Invest India on 20th March 2023, the Board appointed Ms. Manmeet K Nanda, IAS, West Bengal Cadre (2000 Batch) as the Managing Director & CEO (Addl charge) of Invest India until a full time regular appointment.

* Ms. Nanda takes over after the resignation of Mr. Deepak Bagla.

* The Board placed on record its appreciation to Mr. Deepak Bagla for his leadership and commitment in establishing Invest India.

* He has served the organization for nearly 8 years and contributed to Invest India’s development..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   March 21

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The International Day of Forests, also known as World Forests Day is celebrated each year on March 21 to raise awareness about the importance of forests and trees for the survival of humanity and the planet. Forests are crucial for the ecosystem and our survival.

* It regulates the climate, purifies air & water, and provides food, medicine, and other resources.

International Day of Forests Theme 2023 : The theme for International Day of Forests changes every year, with the aim of highlighting different aspects of forest conservation and management. The theme for 2023 is 'forests and health.'

International Day of Forests History :

* The history of the International Day of Forests can be traced back to 1971 when the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) established World Forestry Day. The day was established to create and raise awareness of the importance of forests for people and the planet.

* In 2011, the United Nations declared the years 2011 to 2020 as the International Decade of Forests. It objective was to promote sustainable management, conservation, and development of all types of forests. In the year 2012, the International Day of Forests was established.

International Day of Forests Significance :

* On the International Day of Forest, organizations and individuals around the world organize events and activities to raise awareness of the importance of forests and to promote sustainable forest management practices.

* The day also provides an opportunity to celebrate the beauty and diversity of the world's forests and to recognize the important role they play in our lives..

Source : Times of India

Correct Answer :   Padma Lakshmi

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Padma Lakshmi, Kerala’s first transgender lawyer, chose the profession so she could speak for the voiceless. With unflinching support from family and professors, her dream was realised Sunday when she enrolled with the Bar Council of Kerala.

* State Industries Minister P. Rajeev shared the news on his Instagram account with a photo of Padma Lakshmi holding her enrolment certificate. She is among around 1,500 lawyers who enrolled Sunday (19th March 2023).

* Padma Lakshmi enrolled for LLB at Ernakulam Government Law College after graduating with a physics degree. She started his career as an intern with senior advocate KV Bhadrakumari.

* His post, translated from Malayalam to English, reads, “Becoming the first is always the hardest achievement in history. There are no predecessors on the way to the goal. Obstacles will be inevitable. There will be people to mute and discourage. Padma Lakshmi has written her name in legal history by overcoming all this.”

* 27-year-old Padma Lakshmi said "advocacy is a noble and respectful profession".

About Padma Lakshmi :

* Lakshmi, who identifies as a woman, finished her 3-year law degree in 2022 from Government Law College, Ernakulam, which she said was very “interesting”. Her professors, she added, were supportive all through.

* Prior to her law degree, she pursued BSc (Physics) from Bharata Mata College, Ernakulam.

* “(My college had) very interesting days. My teachers, Dr Mariyamma M.K. and former principal Dr Agitha T.G. were always positive and supported me. (They said if)… you have to achieve more, study well and concentrate on your journey, don’t think about anything negative, you can achieve your dreams,” she said.

* On whether she faced discrimination for being transgender, she said, “I am not interested in thinking about discrimination (I experienced). My aim (is) to speak for (and) raise my voice for those facing discrimination and injustice.”

* For Lakshmi, the youngest among three sisters, her parents and siblings have been her true support and inspiration. When she came out to her parents — her father, a government employee, and her mother, a clerk with an advocate — they were very accepting, she said, adding that she received the same kind of support from her senior,  advocate K.V. Bhadra Kumari, and other lawyers at the Kerala High Court..

Source : The Print

Correct Answer :   Finland

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On 20th March every year, the world celebrates World Happiness Day and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network releases an annual report named World Happiness Report.

Finland tops the ranking for the sixth year in a row with a score of 7.8 and other Norwegian countries like Denmark, Iceland are ranked second and third. In the list of top 10, other countries are Israel, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Luxembourg and New Zealand.

Most unhappy countries of the world?

Out of the 137 countries, Taliban-ruled Afghanistan has ranked last and is most unhappy according to the report. Other regions at the bottom of the list include Lebanon, Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of Congo, etc. The report adds that these countries have high-level of corruption and low life expectancy.

India's position in the World Happiness Report?

India's rank has certainly improved from 136 to 125 but the country still ranks below its neighbors like Nepal, China, Bangladesh, etc. Despite being the fastest-growing economy in the world, India has consistently ranked low in the index and several people have even raised questions on how India can rank lower than countries in crises..

Source : Mint