Correct Answer :   HPCL and Tata

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Tata Passenger Electric Mobility (TPEM), a unit of Tata Motors, has announced a strategic partnership with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) to establish a nationwide network of 5,000 public charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) by the end of 2024.

Leveraging Existing Networks :

* The collaboration will leverage HPCL’s extensive network of over 21,500 fuel stations across the country.
* TPEM’s insights from over 1.2 lakh Tata EVs on Indian roads will help identify locations frequently visited by Tata EV owners for setting up charging stations.

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) :

* TPEM and HPCL have signed an MoU to formalize their collaboration in building the charging infrastructure.
* The companies are also exploring the introduction of a co-branded RFID card to provide a convenient and hassle-free payment system for EV charging.

HPCL’s EV Charging Ambitions :

* HPCL aims to install 5,000 electric vehicle charging stations by December 2024, leveraging its extensive fuel station network.

Strategic Importance

* TPEM Chief Strategy Officer Balaje Rajan emphasized the partnership’s significance in advancing India’s EV ecosystem, where the growth of charging infrastructure plays a pivotal role.
* The collaboration is essential for facilitating infrastructure development to support the expanding EV customer base.

Enabling Strategic Expansion

* HPCL Chief General Manager (Retail Strategy & BD) Debashis Chakraverty stated that the alliance will enable the PSU to leverage Tata Motors’ vehicle base for strategic expansion in EV charging infrastructure at locations with higher charging demand.

The HPCL-Tata collaboration represents a significant step towards building a robust and widespread EV charging network in India, addressing one of the key challenges in the adoption of electric vehicles. By combining their strengths and resources, the partners aim to accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility and support the growth of the EV ecosystem in the country.

Correct Answer :   Nidhu Saxena

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The central government has approved the appointment of Nidhu Saxena as the Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) of the Bank of Maharashtra. This appointment will be effective for a period of three years starting from 27 March 2024.

Nidhu Saxena will take over the top leadership role at the Bank of Maharashtra from A.S. Rajeev, who has been selected as the Vigilance Commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission. The appointment is subject to further orders and will remain in effect until the earlier of three years or until further instructions are issued.

Seasoned Banking Professional :

* Nidhu Saxena brings with him over 26 years of experience in the banking sector, having worked across diverse areas.
* Prior to this appointment, he served as the Executive Director at Union Bank of India.
* During his tenure at Union Bank, Saxena oversaw crucial verticals such as treasury, international banking, human resources, stressed assets, retail assets, MSME, retail liabilities, and audit.

Educational Background :

* Nidhu Saxena holds a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) degree, a Master of Business Administration (MBA), and is a Certified Associate of the Indian Institute of Bankers (CAIIB).

Diverse Experience

* Saxena’s banking career commenced at Bank of Baroda, after which he moved to UCO Bank.
* He has held key positions such as Branch Head, Zonal Head, and Vertical Head.
* Saxena has also served on the boards of Union Bank of India (UK) and Union Asset Management Company, as well as being a member of the Academic Council of the National Institute of Bank Management, Pune, and the Governing Body of the Indian Institute of Bank Management, Guwahati.
* Additionally, he has 8 years of experience in the corporate sector before embarking on his banking journey.

Bank of Maharashtra :

* Bank of Maharashtra is a public sector bank in India, with the Government of India holding an 86.46% stake in the bank as of 30 September 2023.

Nidhu Saxena’s extensive banking experience and leadership skills are expected to contribute significantly to the growth and success of Bank of Maharashtra in the years to come.

Correct Answer :   28th March

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World Piano Day, celebrated annually on the 88th day of the year, pays homage to one of the most beloved and versatile musical instruments – the piano. This day serves as a global platform to recognize the beauty, cultural significance, and enduring appeal of the piano, fostering appreciation for its rich legacy across generations and cultures.

World Piano Day 2024 – Date

This year, World Piano Day 2024 has celebrated on Thursday, March 28th, 2024. Marking the 88th day of the year, this date symbolizes the 88 keys on a standard piano keyboard, a fitting tribute to the instrument’s unique characteristics.

World Piano Day 2024 – History

World Piano Day traces its roots back to 2015 when it was officially established to celebrate the piano’s magnificence. Since its inception, this annual observance has gained international recognition, inspiring exceptional live and virtual concerts, radio programs, podcasts, and playlists worldwide. The choice of the 88th day of the year as World Piano Day aligns with the number of keys on a standard piano, emphasizing the instrument’s fundamental role in music composition and performance.

Significance of World Pino Day

World Piano Day holds significant importance for pianists, enthusiasts, and music lovers globally. It serves as a platform to showcase the timeless charm and adaptability of the piano, encouraging individuals to explore and appreciate its diverse repertoire. From classical compositions by Mozart and Beethoven to jazz improvisations by Duke Ellington and Thelonious Monk, and contemporary masterpieces by Philip Glass and Ludovico Einaudi, the piano’s versatility transcends genres, inspiring and enriching lives worldwide.

Correct Answer :   Rs 8,000 Crore

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Wipro-GE Healthcare, a prominent player in medical technology and digital solutions, is set to invest Rs 8,000 crore over the next five years in India.

This investment aims to strengthen its manufacturing output and research and development capabilities. The company’s focus is on expanding its ‘Make in India for the World’ initiative, emphasizing increased localization and exports of medical equipment.

Investment Details :

* Wipro-GE Healthcare plans to invest Rs 8,000 crore in manufacturing output and research and development in India over the next five years.
* The investment aims to bolster the company’s focus on ‘Make in India for the World’, with an emphasis on localization and export-oriented production.

Product Focus :

* Products slated for export include PET-CT for cancer diagnosis, CT, and MRI coils.
* The company aims to increase localization in manufacturing from 50% to 70-80%.

International Expansion :

* Identified over 15 countries for exporting machines manufactured in India, including Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, the European Union replacement market, and Latin America.
* Emphasizes the importance of local procurement in India over importing components from China due to potential cost advantages.

Correct Answer :   Telangana

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A 900-year-old Kannada inscription from the Kalyana Chalukya dynasty has been found in a state of utter neglect at Gangapuram, a temple Town, in Jadcherla mandal, Mahabubnagar district of Telangana.

E. Sivanagi Reddy, archaeologist and CEO of Pleach India Foundation said he noticed this when he visited the surroundings of Chowdamma temple located on the outskirts of Gangapuram as part of the campaign ‘Preserve Heritage for Posterity’. The inscription was lying uncared on a tank bund nearby, he said.

Dr. Reddy after careful reading the inscription revealed that it was issued on June 8, 1134 CE (Friday) by the Customs Officers of Tailapa-III, son of the Kalyana Chalukya Emperor ‘Bhulokamalla’ Someswara-III which records the remission of income accrued through toll taxes called Vaddaravula and Hejjunka towards a perpetual lamp and incense of God Somanatha..

Source : The Hindu

Correct Answer :   Justice Mohammad Yusuf Wani

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The President of India has appointed Justice Mohd. Yousuf Wani as an Additional Judge of the Additional Judge of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court.

The Notification issued by the Ministry of Law & Justice states, “In exercise of the power conferred by Clause (1) of Article 224 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Shri Mohd. Yousuf Wani, to be an..

Correct Answer :   Life Insurance Corporation of India

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Insurance giant Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has emerged as the strongest insurance brand globally. According to the Brand Finance Insurance 100, 2024 report, the brand value of LIC remains stable at Rs 816 billion. It also has a Brand Strength Index score of 88.3 and an associated AAA brand strength rating. According to a statement by Brand Finance Insurance, Cathay Life Insurance has been shown as the second strongest brand on the list after LIC. The brand value of Cathay Life Insurance has increased by nine per cent to Rs 408 billion.

Next is NRMA Insurance, whose brand value has increased by 82 per cent to Rs 108 billion. As per the statement, China’s insurance brands have maintained their dominance in the global rankings. The Ping An brand led the way with a four per cent increase in value to Rs 2799 billion. After this, China Life Insurance and CPIC are in third and fifth position respectively.

Furthermore, LIC India recorded the highest first-year premium collection of Rs 39,090 crore in the fiscal year 2022-23. In the same period, SBI Life Insurance and HDFC Life Insurance achieved notable milestones with new premium collections of Rs 150 billion and Rs 109.70 billion, respectively, leading the private sector. Notably, the government-sanctioned a 17 per cent pay revision for LIC employees, effective from August 2022, benefiting over 1,10,000 employees. The LIC share price also hit an all-time high of Rs 1,175, making it India’s most valuable public sector undertaking (PSU) and maintaining its position as the fifth most valuable Indian listed company by overtaking SBI in market valuation.

On Tuesday, the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) disclosed that tax authorities have issued a demand notice amounting to approximately Rs 1.78 billion for the short payment of Goods and Services Tax (GST) over two financial years. According to a regulatory filing by LIC, the company has received a communication/demand order for interest and penalty from the Additional Commissioner of Central GST & Central Excise in Jamshedpur. The demand notice pertains to the premature availing of Input Tax Credit under the reverse charge mechanism, as stated by LIC..

Source : News18

Correct Answer :   Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh

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The Border Roads Organization (BRO) has connected the strategic Nimmu-Padum-Darcha in Ladakh by road. This 298 km long road will connect Manali to Leh via Darcha and Nimmu on the Kargil-Leh Highway.

This road is now the third route connecting Ladakh to the hinterland, apart from Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh. Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road or Zanskar Highway connects the Union Territory of Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh.    

Correct Answer :   Saudi Arabia

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In a historic first, Saudi Arabia is set to be represented by 27-year-old Rumy Alqahtani at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant, signaling a significant milestone in a country considered conservative throughout its history.

Alqahtani, a and content creator hailing from Riyadh, took to Instagram to express excitement at the opportunity while also highlighting the significance of the country’s landmark debut at the beauty pageant.

With this announcement, Alqahtani follows in the footsteps of Lujane Yacoub, who represented Bahrain in the previous year’s Miss Universe pageant, marking the first appearance of a contestant from the Gulf region.

The upcoming Miss Universe competition will take place in Mexico on September 18 and will also witness Iran’s debut..

Source : Indian Express

Correct Answer :   Adani Ports

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India’s largest port operator Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) has expanded its presence on India’s coastline after buying 95 per cent in Odisha’s Gopalpur Port Ltd (GPL) at an enterprise value of Rs 3,080 crore.
 
“Its (Gopalpur Port) location will allow us unprecedented access to the mining hubs of Odisha and neighbouring states and allow us to expand our hinterland logistics footprint. GPL will add to the Adani group’s pan-India port network, significantly enhance overall cargo volume, and strengthen APSEZ’s integrated logistics approach,” said Karan Adani, chief executive officer, Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone Ltd.

The Adani group company, which already owns ports like Dhamra and Gangavaram on the eastern coast, will acquire the stake in brownfield GPL by purchasing 56 per cent from the Shapoorji Pallonji (SP) Group and 39 per cent from Odisha Stevedores Ltd, which will continue as the JV partner post the acquisition.

The deal is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2024-25 (FY25). In addition to the enterprise value of Rs 3,080 crore, there is a contingent consideration of Rs 270 crore estimated to be payable after 5.5 years, taking the total to Rs 3,350 crore.
 
The sale of GPL is the second port divestment in the past few months from the SP group, a diversified construction and infrastructure, real estate and energy conglomerate. It had earlier divested its Dharamtar Port in Maharashtra to JSW Infrastructure for an enterprise value of Rs 710 crore.
 
“These divestments are key milestones in our road map to reduce group debt and set the stage for growth, taking advantage of the macro trends for demand in our core businesses, both in India and overseas,” said a SP group spokesperson. The SP group has been looking at several ways to reduce its debt, which has been reported to be around Rs 20,000 crore..

Source : Business Standard