Madhabi Puri Buch has become the first woman Chairperson of which financial regulator?

Daily Current Affairs

FRB

HAL

FDIC

SEBI

Correct Answer : SEBI

The elevation of Madhabi Puri Buch, who has been appointed as the chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), assumed significance as she became the first woman to lead the market regulator in the country.

The government on Monday named Buch as the next chairperson of the Sebi as current Chairman Ajay Tyagi’s term ended on February 28, 2022 (Monday).

She takes over from Tyagi, a 1984 batch IAS officer of Himachal Pradesh cadre, who became the chairman on March 1, 2017. Tyagi has received two extensions after the end of his three-year term.

Buch assumed charge on March 1, 2022 (Tuesday).

According to a notification by the department of personnel and training (DoPT), the Appointments Committee of Cabinet approved her appointment for a term of three years.

Apart from being the first woman chief of the Sebi, Buch also became the first person from the private sector to head one of the most important financial institutions in the country..

Buch’s Experiences : Madhabi Puri Buch (56) has served as a former whole-time member of the Sebi between April 2017 and October 2021. According to reports, she has around three decades of experience under her belt.

Buch, who has three decades of experience in the financial market, started her career in 1989 with ICICI Bank. She worked in various profiles for 12 years, including in corporate finance, branding and treasury, and loans. According to her LinkedIn profile, she headed the marketing and sales department for five years from 1997 to 2002 and was then head of product development from 2002 to 2003. She has also held the post of head of operations (2004 to 2006).

Later Buch moved to ICICI Securities, where she became the managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) from February 2009 to May 2011. She was also an executive director on the board of ICICI Bank.

In 2011, Buch joined the Greater Pacific Capital LLP in Singapore. She is the founder-director of Agora Advisory Pvt Ltd. She worked as the non-executive director for Idea Cellular from 2011 to 2017. Apart from this, she held multiple non-executive director roles in Zansar Technologies, Innoven Capital, and Max Healthcare, and also served as an independent director of the Indian School of Development Management (ISDM)..

Source : ABP Live

Published On : March 2, 2022

Understanding the Phenomenon “Midnight Sun”

The midnight sun, a phenomenon where the sun remains visible even at midnight, is a rare spectacle witnessed in select regions near the Arctic Circle. During specific periods of the year, these locales experience daylight stretching into the late hours of the night, creating a surreal landscape bathed in perpetual sunlight. Among these regions, one country stands out as the quintessential embodiment of this phenomenon.

Which Country is Known as “Land of Midnight Sun”?

Nestled amidst the rugged landscapes and pristine fjords of Scandinavia, Norway emerges as the quintessential “Land of Midnight Sun.” Situated on the northernmost edge of Europe, a portion of Norway lies within the Arctic Circle, where the midnight sun graces the skies during the summer months. From late May to July, certain areas of Norway bask in the radiant glow of the sun, witnessing sunset and dawn merge seamlessly without a moment of darkness in between.

Published On : April 26, 2024

Q .

India's Pharmaceutical Exports Surge to ____ Billion in FY24

$18

$23

$28

$35

Correct Answer : Option (C) - $28

India’s pharmaceutical exports witnessed robust growth in the fiscal year 2023-24, reaching $28 billion, marking a 10% increase compared to the previous fiscal year. Despite a 3% dip in total exports, the pharmaceutical sector demonstrated resilience and significant expansion.

Key Highlights

March Performance : Pharmaceutical exports in March soared by 12.73% to USD 2.8 billion, indicating a strong upward trajectory in the sector’s performance.

Year-on-Year Growth : Year-on-year, India’s drugs and pharmaceuticals exports escalated by 9.67%, totaling USD 27.9 billion in 2023-24, showcasing steady progress.

Top Export Markets : The United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, South Africa, and Brazil emerged as the top five export destinations. Notably, the US accounted for over 31% of India’s total pharmaceutical exports.

Expansion into New Geographies : India’s pharmaceutical exports penetrated new markets including Montenegro, South Sudan, Chad, Comoros, Brunei, Latvia, Ireland, Chad, Sweden, Haiti, and Ethiopia, underscoring the sector’s growing global footprint.

Future Projections : Experts predict that India’s pharmaceutical industry could surpass USD 130 billion by 2030, driven by expanding market opportunities and rising demand overseas, as compared to the over USD 50 billion valuation in 2022-23.

Industry Standing : India’s pharmaceutical industry ranks third globally by volume and 13th by value, boasting a portfolio of more than 60,000 generic drugs across 60 therapeutic categories.

Government Initiatives : To bolster domestic manufacturing, the government has introduced two production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes targeting key pharmaceutical ingredients and generic medicines, aiming to enhance self-reliance and competitiveness in the sector.

Published On : April 26, 2024

Q .

Which District of Uttar Pradesh is Known as 'Land of Tigers'?

Bahraich

Baghpat

Budaun

Hapur

Correct Answer : Option (B) - Baghpat

India, with its 28 states and 8 union territories, boasts diverse regions, each with its unique cultural and geographical characteristics. Among these, certain districts stand out for their distinctive identities, contributing to the country’s rich tapestry of diversity. One such district in India is Baghpat, known as the “Land of Tigers.” Let’s delve into the features and significance of this district, nestled in the heart of the nation.

Which District of Uttar Pradesh is known as “Land of Tigers”?

Baghpat district derives its nickname, the “Land of Tigers,” from its historical roots and geographical attributes. Formerly known as “Vyagprastha,” meaning the land of tigers, the district has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The name reflects the region’s once abundant tiger population, symbolizing its untamed wilderness and natural beauty.

Geographical Significance of Baghpat, the Land of Tigers :

Nestled along the banks of the Yamuna River, Baghpat district boasts picturesque landscapes and fertile plains. The district’s proximity to the river not only enriches its agricultural prowess but also adds to its scenic charm. The Yamuna River serves as a lifeline for the region, shaping its ecosystem and sustaining its agrarian economy.

Published On : April 26, 2024