Correct Answer :   Pavan Davuluri

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Microsoft is naming Pavan Davuluri as its new Windows and Surface chief from 26th Mar 2024. After Panos Panay’s surprise departure to Amazon last year (2023), Microsoft split up the Windows and Surface groups under two different leaders. Davuluri took over the Surface silicon and devices work, with Mikhail Parakhin leading a new team focused on Windows and web experiences. Now both Windows and Surface will be Davuluri’s responsibility, as Parakhin has “decided to explore new roles.”

The Verge has obtained an internal memo from Rajesh Jha, Microsoft’s head of experiences and devices, outlining the new Windows organization. Microsoft is now bringing together its Windows and devices teams once more. “This will enable us to take a holistic approach to building silicon, systems, experiences, and devices that span Windows client and cloud for this AI era,” explains Jha.

Mikhail Parakhin will now report to Kevin Scott during a transition phase, but his future at Microsoft looks uncertain, and it’s likely those “new roles” will be outside the company. Parakhin had been working closely on Bing Chat before taking on the broader Windows engineering responsibilities and changes to Microsoft Edge.

The Windows shake-up comes just days after Google DeepMind co-founder and former Inflection AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman joined Microsoft as the CEO of a new AI team. Microsoft also hired a bunch of Inflection AI employees, including co-founder Karén Simonyan who is now the chief scientist of Microsoft AI. As a result, most of Inflection’s staff is joining Microsoft AI in what is being seen as a talent acquisition that carefully avoids direct regulatory scrutiny.

Suleyman is now the CEO of Microsoft AI, a new team that will handle the company’s consumer-facing AI products like Copilot, Bing, and Edge. Suleyman reports directly to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, and it looks like he was set to manage Mikhail Parakhin, but that’s no longer the case.

Jha says the Windows team will “work closely with the Microsoft AI team on AI, silicon, and experiences,” but there’s going to be some interesting areas of potential overlap that these new leaders are going to have to navigate. Microsoft AI now looks after Edge, a browser that’s a key part of the Windows experience.

Who is Pavan Davuluri?

* Pavan Kumar Davuluri is an IIT Madras graduate. He completed his post-graduation from the University of Maryland, according to his LinkedIn profile.

* Mr Davuluri began his career at Microsoft as a Reliability Component Manager in 2001.

* Mr Davuluri has held various leadership positions over his 23-year tenure at Microsoft, working across PC and Xbox hardware, Surface, and Windows.

* Pavan Davuluri took on the role of corporate vice president for Windows and Silicon & Systems Integration in 2021, overseeing efforts to optimise Windows for Arm-based devices.

* Mr Davuluri was recently assigned to lead Windows engineering alongside his existing responsibilities in Microsoft's hardware endeavours. He will lead a dedicated team developing silicon systems for Microsoft's Windows and Surface products..

Source : The Verge

Correct Answer :   March 27

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World Theatre Day is a special day celebrated every year on March 27 to honour the art of theatre. It celebrates the importance of theatre and its role in the entertainment industry. This day is a reminder for everyone to recognize the value of theatre.

History of World Theatre Day :

* The International Theatre Institute (ITI) started World Theatre Day in 1961. Their aim was to promote World Theatre Day around the world and show how important and impactful theatre is.

* Every year on March 27, the ITI asks a famous artist to write a message about theatre. This message shares the artist’s thoughts on the art of theatre and its future. This tradition began in 1962 with a message written by Jean Cocteau.

* On this day, the ITI centers and many theatre organizations, theatres, theatre professionals, and universities celebrate in different ways. It also marks the start of the “Theatre of Nations” season in Paris from 1962.

Significance of World Theatre Day 2024 :

* The International Message is translated into over 50 languages. It is given to tens of thousands of people before theatre performances all over the world. It is also published in hundreds of daily newspapers.

* People in radio and television help by broadcasting the message to audiences across the five continents.

* Theatre has played an important role in human history since ancient Greece. It is an art form that goes beyond language and culture. Theatre can educate, entertain, and inspire people.

The goals of World Theatre Day are :

* To promote the art of theatre worldwide
* To make people aware of the value of theatre
* To allow theatre communities to promote their work widely
* To enjoy the art of theatre itself

One key action is sharing the World Theatre Day International Message. A famous person shares their thoughts on “Theatre and a Culture of Peace”. The first message was by Jean Cocteau. The message is translated into many languages and shared widely.

Correct Answer :   Jamshedpur

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Tata Cummins Private Limited (TCPL) has inaugurated a factory in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand which will produce hydrogen-based internal combustion engines for medium and heavy commercial vehicles.

Spread in about seven acres, the factory was opened within a year of signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Jharkhand government. Apart from the engines, the factory will also manufacture low to zero-emission technology products.

TCPL is a joint venture of Tata Motors Limited and Cummins Inc. USA.

TCPL Green Energy Solutions (TCPL GES), a subsidiary of TCPL, was formed in March 2023 specifically to design and develop low and zero-emission propulsion technology solutions. These solutions aim to address climate change and improve air quality by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Speaking at the inauguration, Girish Wagh, Executive Director of Tata Motors said, “Tata Motors’ established legacy of nation-building, innovations, and industry firsts gains further momentum with the opening of this new-age manufacturing facility.

“The hydrogen-based powertrain aggregates and systems produced here will shape the future of mobility in India, making it smarter and greener. We remain committed to partner our customers to build a better tomorrow by enabling them to progressively adopt emission free and commercially viable solutions for cargo and people mobility.”

Ashwath Ram, Managing Director, Cummins Group in India said, “Our commitment to manufacturing advanced low to zero-emissions technology products that advance decarbonisation isn’t just a promise. It’s a responsibility we embrace and is backed by concrete action. Powered by our global expertise, strategic partnership, and technological capabilities, we are making steady progress on our Destination Zero strategy.”.

Source : Business Standard

Correct Answer :   NAAC A++

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Parul University achieved the prestigious NAAC A++ accreditation, highlighting its exceptional performance across various domains and recognition as one of the top universities globally.

This accreditation reflects the institution's commitment to quality education and continuous improvement.

Correct Answer :   IIT Guwahati

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The Indian Institute of Technology-Guwahati (IIT-G) transferred a revolutionary swine fever vaccine technology to BioMed Pvt. Ltd., specializing in vaccine manufacturing.

This technology, based on a recombinant vector vaccine, targets the classical swine fever virus and represents a significant advancement in India's vaccine capabilities for the livestock sector.

Correct Answer :   Abhay Thakur

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Senior diplomat Abhay Thakur, who is at present an Officer on Special Duty in the Ministry of External Affairs, has been appointed as the country’s next envoy to Myanmar, the MEA said on Tuesday (26th Mar 2024).

The 1992-batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) had served as sous-sherpa of the G20 process during India’s presidency of the influential bloc.

“Abhay Thakur (IFS: 1992), presently Officer on Special Duty in the ministry, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar,” the MEA said in a statement.

He is expected to take up the assignment shortly, it said.

Thakur’s appointment as India’s envoy to the conflict-torn nation comes at a crucial juncture.

Myanmar has been witnessing widespread violent protests demanding restoration of democracy since the military seized power in a coup on February 1, 2021.

Describing the prevailing situation in Myanmar’s Rakhine state as “very delicate”, India on March 15 had called for a return of “inclusive federal democracy” to that country through dialogue and constructive engagement among the key stakeholders.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had said that India wants peace and stability to return to Myanmar.

Myanmar is one of India’s strategic neighbours and it shares a 1,640-km border with a number of northeastern states, including Nagaland and Manipur.

The MEA on March 18 had said that Officer on Special Duty (G20), Thakur, had participated in the G20 Development Working Group Meeting in Brasilia, capital of Brazil, current chair of the G20..

Source : Indian Express

Correct Answer :   Adani Power Limited

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The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the 100% acquisition of Lanco Amarkantak Power by Adani Group's Adani Power. Earlier this month, Adani Power received the Committee of Creditors’ approval for the resolution plan to acquire insolvent Lanco Amarkantak Power.

Adani Power has been aggressively expanding its capacity. This is the company’s second acquisition under the insolvency resolution process in the financial year.

As per a government notification : "The Adani Power Limited (Acquirer), a part of the Adani Group, is a company incorporated under the laws of India. The Acquirer is engaged in the business of thermal power generation in India. The Acquirer operates its thermal power plants across multiple states in India, including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh. Adani group is a global integrated infrastructure player with businesses in key industry verticals - resources, logistics and energy."

It added : "The Lanco Amarkantak Power Limited (Target), a part of the Lanco Group, is engaged in the business of thermal power generation in India. The Target is currently undergoing Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (IBC)."

The proposed combination relates to the acquisition of 100% equity share capital of the Target by the Acquirer.

Lanco Amarkantak Power operates two units of 300 megawatt (Mw) of thermal power each in Korba district of Chhattisgarh. The company has a 600 Mw capacity tied up under long-term power purchase agreements with the state distribution companies of Haryana and Madhya Pradesh.

In October last year, CCI approved the 100 per cent acquisition of Lanco Amarkantak Power by PFC Projects, REC, SJVN and Damodar Valley Corporation.

In another transaction, CCI has approves subscription to CCPS B of API Holdings by MEMG LLP and 360 ONE..

Source : Business Today

Correct Answer :   Harivansh Narayan Singh

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The Indian Parliamentary Delegation, led by Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Harivansh Narayan Singh held a bilateral meeting with their Armenian counterparts on the sidelines of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) event in Geneva, Switzerland.

The Armenian delegation was represented by the Vice President of the National Assembly, Hakob Arshakyan. Addressing the gathering at the event, Mr. Harivansh appreciated Armenia’s support to India in all its multilateral initiatives. He emphasized the growing partnership between the two countries and the potential for collaboration in various areas.

He said that as parliamentary democracies, India and Armenia share common ideas of governance which provides an opportunity for collaboration and experience sharing. Mr. Harivansh highlighted the rich cultural heritage of both countries and proposed enhancing focus on promoting cultural exchanges, such as art exhibitions, film festivals, and academic collaborations. He expressed hope for exploring various areas of engagement in parliamentary affairs between the two countries. He also underlined that shared democratic values, pluralism, and respect for human rights can serve as a foundation for strengthening ties and collaborating on global issues of common concern.

The Deputy Chairman also met with the Inter-Parliamentary Union President, Tulia Ackson, the Speaker of the National Assembly of the United Republic of Tanzania. He congratulated her on assuming the presidency of the IPU. He expressed hope that their meeting will renew their commitment and strengthen their collaboration with the IPU, and through it with the world parliaments.

An Indian Parliamentary Delegation, led by Mr. Harivansh, is currently attending the 148th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva, Switzerland. The delegation comprises five members from Rajya Sabha namely S Niranjan Reddy, Sujeet Kumar, Ashok Mittal, Prashanta Nanda and Sumitra..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Sadanand Vasant Date

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The central government has effected fresh appointments for respective Director Generals for the National Investigation Agency, the Bureau of Police Research & Development and the National Disaster Response Force.

As per a notification issued Tuesday (26th Mar 2024) by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Sadanand Vasant Date, an Indian Police Services (IPS) officer of the Maharashtra cadre from 1990 batch, has been appointed as the DG, NIA (National Investigation Agency).

Another 1990 batch IPS officer of the Rajasthan cadre, Rajeev Kumar Sharma, has been handed the responsibility to supervise the functioning of the Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPRD) as its Director General.

Meanwhile, Piyush Anand, IPS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre from the 1991 batch and presently working as special DG of CISF, has been designated as Director General of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

The tenure of the three newly-appointed Director Generals will come into effect on 31 March 2024.

However, Sadanand Vasant Date's tenure is scheduled to conclude at the end of 2026, while Rajeev Kumar Sharma will head the BPRD till 30 June 2026.

As far as Piyush Anand is concerned, he will hold office as Director General, NDRF for a period of two years from the date of his joining..

Source : India Today

Correct Answer :   Saksham

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In a bid to provide accessibility to all and leave no voter behind, the Election Commission announced that the voters above 85 years of age and Persons-with-Disabilities (pwd) with 40 percent benchmark disability can vote from home.

Further, volunteers and wheelchairs will be available at every polling station. The poll body is also arranging transport facilities for the persons-with-disabilities and elderly.

The Commission launched the Saksham App to facilitate easier voting for PWDs and to avail facilities at Polling Stations.

Further, it is pushing for permanent Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) in schools as a gift of election process to the students.

Assured Minimum Facilities consist of drinking water, toilets, signage, a ramp or wheelchair, helpdesk, voter facilitation centre, sufficient light and shed.

There will also be polling stations managed by persons-with-disabilities, and will exclusively ne managed by women and Model Polling Stations..

Source : DD News