Correct Answer :   March 22

---

World Water day is celebrated on March 22 every year to spread awareness about the water crisis all over the world.

World Water Day 2023 Aim :  To achieve the vision of sustainable water and sanitation for all by 2030.

* The UN's World Water Development Report (WWDR) is an overview of the crisis. The report is published on World Water Day every year, giving policies and recommendations to decision-makers to offer best practices and in-depth analyses of the global water crisis.

World Water Day 2023 Theme : The theme for World Water Day 2023 is "Accelerating the change to solve the water and sanitation crisis."

The theme emphasises the requirement for stern action to protect the world from the water crisis. Addressing the issue, the UN said, "Billions of people and countless schools, businesses, healthcare centres, farms and factories don’t have the safe water and toilets they need. There is an urgent need to accelerate change – to go beyond business as usual."

World Water Day 2023 Significance :

* Water is vital for the existence of life, but many people don't have any access to it. World Water Day works as a reminder to the world to work in this direction to support conservation efforts. As per the UN report, one in four people does not have access to clean drinking water.

* Inadequate access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene causes death to around 1.4 million people annually, and 74 million people cut their life short.

* Around 44% of household wastewater globally is not treated properly. On the other hand, global water demand is expected to increase by 55% by 2050.

World Water Day History :

* The United Nations General Assembly adopted World Water Day on December 22, 1992. The resolution was adopted, and thereon March 22 was declared to be celebrated as World Water Day. The first World Water Day Was observed on March 22, 1993.

Source : Business Standard

Correct Answer :   Laxman Narasimhan

---

Laxman Narasimhan has officially assumed the role of chief executive officer (CEO) of the coffeehouse chain Starbucks 20th March 2023, the Seattle-based company announced on Monday (20th March 2023) on its website. Narasimhan will join the company’s board of directors.

* Narasimhan was named incoming chief executive officer on 1 September 2022, succeeding company founder and now former chief executive officer, Howard Schultz.

* Narasimhan was earlier supposed to assumed charge as the head of the world’s largest coffee chain on April 1 but the Seattle-based giant has advanced his appointment by about two weeks.

* Narasimhan joined the company as incoming chief executive officer on 1 October 2022, bringing nearly 30 years of experience managing global consumer goods businesses and advising retail, grocery, restaurant and e-commerce companies.

* Over the past five months, he has embarked on a unique immersion experience, traveling to work with partners (employees) in over 30 stores, manufacturing plants and in support centers around the world, earning his barista certification along the way. He became immersed in the reinvention plans for the company led by Schultz who returned as interim CEO effective April 4, 2022.

* As he ascends into the role, Narasimhan will continue engaging the leadership team, sharing his early learnings and insights and assessing opportunities for the company as they chart a path forward.

* Prior to joining Starbucks, Narasimhan served in leadership roles at PepsiCo, Reckitt (consumer health, hygiene and nutrition company) and McKinsey & Company.

* “Laxman’s intensive immersion into the business coupled with his extensive experience as a proven brand builder, innovator and operator have uniquely prepared him to lead Starbucks into its next phase of growth,” said Mellody Hobson, independent Starbucks board of directors chair.

* Founded in 1971, Starbucks is an American multinational chain of coffeehouses and roastery reserves headquartered in Seattle, Washington. Today, the company operates more than 36,000 stores worldwide...

Source : IndiaRetailing

Correct Answer :   Nisha Desai Biswal

---

US President Joe Biden announced his intent to nominate Indian-American "Nisha Desai Biswal" as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the United States International Development Finance Corporation.

Who is Nisha Desai Biswal?

* The White House said Biswal brings over 30 years of experience in US foreign policy and international development programs within the Executive Branch, Congress, and the private sector.

* She served as Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia during the Obama Administration and is currently holding the post of Senior Vice President for International Strategy and Global Initiatives at the US Chamber of Commerce.

* She oversees the US India Business Council and the US Bangladesh Business Council.

* Biswal also served as Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs at the US Department of State from 2013 to 2017, where she oversaw the US-India strategic partnership during a period of unprecedented cooperation, including the launch of an annual US-India Strategic and Commercial Dialogue, the White House said.

* During her tenure as Assistant Secretary, Biswal also initiated the C5+1 Dialogue with Central Asia and the US-Bangladesh Partnership Dialogue.

* Before this, she was Assistant Administrator for Asia at the US Agency for International Development (USAID). She was responsible for directing and supervising USAID programs and operations across South, Central, and Southeast Asia...

Source : CNBC

Correct Answer :   Mindy Kaling

---

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

---

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

---

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

---

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

---

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

---

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

---

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