Correct Answer :   Nalin Negi

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Nalin Negi has been appointed as the BharatPe Chief Executive Officer over a year after taking interim charge, the fintech announced on 16th April 2024.

In January 2023, Negi was announced as the interim CEO amid a major rejig in leadership positions at the homegrown fintech. He succeeded Suhail Sameer who resigned after overseeing the firm’s operations since co-founder Ashneer Grover was ousted in 2022.

The fintech startup had then revealed that it had hired an "executive search firm" to assist with succession planning and help identify a new CEO.

The new CEO said the firm’s focus under his leadership would be on sustained profitability, scaling lending businesses, and launching new merchant-centric products.

“Nalin as interim CEO and CFO has been instrumental in showcasing substantial growth and strategic advancements across key business segments,” a statement from BharatPe stated.

As per the statement, under Negi's leadership, BharatPe clocked 182% increase in revenue from operations in FY23 and October 2023 happened to be its first earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) positive month.

Negi joined BharatPe in 2022. He comes with over 28 years of experience in building and scaling businesses in the fintech and banking domains. “As the CEO, he will focus on leading the company into its next phase of development,” the firm said.

Rajnish Kumar, Chairman of the Board, BharatPe said Negi’s extensive experience in the fintech industry and the growth witnessed for BharatPe under his leadership, make him a natural choice to lead the company.

Before joining BharatPe, Nalin Negi held several senior leadership positions at financial service organisations including SBI Cards and GE Capital, where he played key roles in driving profitability, strategic partnerships with businesses, and steering SBI Cards IPO..

Source : CNBC18

Correct Answer :   15th April 2024

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Derek Underwood, England's best spinner in the post-World War II era, who gave a torrid time to the legendary Sunil Gavaskar, passed away at Kent on 15th April 2024. He was 78.

* Underwood, a practitioner of slow left-arm orthodox spin, was highly regarded by his contemporaries because of his pin-point accuracy, something which made him 'Deadly' on uncovered pitches of the 60s and 70s.

* The Bromley-man had numbers to match his reputation too — 297 wickets from 86 Tests, the most by an England spinner, and in a First-Class career that spanned 24 years he took 2,465 wickets.

* But the numbers told only a part of the story. One of Underwood's finest moments on the field came in 1977 when he took 29 wickets to help England beat India 3-1 in a five-match series.

* It was the Three Lions' first series win on these shores since their victory in the 1933-34 tour under the legendary Douglas Jardine.

* Hedley Verity, another crafty left-arm spinner, was the architect of that triumph, taking 24 wickets across three Tests.

* Four decades down the line, Underwood kept the legacy of Verity intact in the company of pacer John Lever, who took 24 wickets to support his spin colleague ably.

* It was a wonderful effort from Underwood against a set of Indian batsmen, led by the inimitable Gavaskar, whom he had dismissed 12 times in Test cricket, the most by any bowler.

* Former Pakistan captain Imran Khan and West Indian fast-bowling legend Michael Holding had dismissed the 'Little Master' 11 times each in the longest format.

* Gavaskar too had admitted Underwood's grip on him.

* "It was tough to face Underwood in any conditions. He was so accurate and bowled on the stumps.

* "Since he had this ability to bowl quick when he wanted, you had to be in position very early to play the shots. He was the toughest bowler I faced along with Andy Roberts," Gavaskar had mentioned recently.

* Overall, Underwood played 20 Tests against India taking 62 wickets.

* Though primarily a bowler, Underwood was also a gritty lower-order batter who put his body on the line against some of the fiercest pacers of his time, particularly while coming down as a nightwatchman.

* There were also streaks of controversies in Underwood's career as he had forfeited two years of his Test career to play in the Kerry Packer's World Series Cricket and later he was banned for touring South Africa with the England rebel team in 1981.

* Much after his playing days, Underwood, who was also a successful businessman as a retailer for roll-in pitches, also dabbled with administration, serving as the MCC president for a year in 2008.

* But for an older generation, Underwood's craft will remain beautiful in execution and deadly in its effect..

Source : The Hindu

Correct Answer :   15 April

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World Art Day (WAD) is celebrated every year on 15 April. This day is dedicated to promoting the development, distribution, and enjoyment of art worldwide. The 40th session of UNESCO’s General Conference proclaimed World Art Day in 2019.

The day was established in order to reinforce the link between artistic productions and society, raise awareness of the variety of artistic expressions, and highlight the contributions of artists to sustainable development.

World Art Day offers an opportunity to highlight the importance of art education in schools. It is believed that culture can help lead to inclusive and equitable education. This Day presents an opportunity for everyone to learn, share, and celebrate. World Art Day is dedicated to promoting creativity, innovation, and cultural diversity.

World Art Day 2024 Theme :

The theme of World Art Day 2024 is 'A GARDEN OF EXPRESSION: Cultivating Community Through Art.'

History of World Art Day :

World Art Day 2024 is celebrated every year on 15 April. It is dedicated to the birthday of the famous artist Leonardo da Vinci, who is considered to be the symbol of freedom of expression and peace. The history of World Art Day dates back to 2012, when the International Association of Art (IAA) held a special ceremony in Guadalajara, Mexico, to celebrate the birthday of Leonardo da Vinci. The event was also used to launch the International Association of Art’s national committees. In ancient Greece, there were six official categories of art, namely, architecture, painting, sculpting, music, literature, and dance. However, in 1911, the concept of art expanded with the inclusion of cinema as the seventh art form introduced by Ricciotto Canudo.

Significance of World Art Day :

The significance of World Art Day is to promote and highlight the importance of art in the lives of human beings. It is celebrated to raise awareness about the contributions of various artists throughout the world. This day aims to encourage art education as a means of inclusive and equitable education. It is hoped that the organizers of the day will succeed in piquing interest of art among people, and will inspire others to get involved in creating any form of art. The planet is home to a vast number of wonderful humans who have created, and will continue to create, all sorts of incredible works of art. World Art Day is a day to showcase that art and show appreciation for it..

Source : The Quint

Correct Answer :   10

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India ranked number 10 in cybercrime, with frauds involving people to make advance fee payment being the most common type, according to a new research that surveyed cybercrime experts around the world.

* An international team of researchers has compiled the 'World Cybercrime Index' that ranks roughly 100 countries and identifies key hotspots according to various categories of cybercrime, including ransomware, credit card theft and scams.

* Russia topped the list, and was followed by Ukraine, China, the US, Nigeria and Romania. North Korea was at the seventh position, while the UK and Brazil were at the eighth and ninth positions, respectively, according to the research published in the journal PLoS ONE.

* Through the survey, the researchers asked the experts to consider major types of crime in the virtual world and nominate countries that they thought contributed significantly to each of them.

* The major categories that the researchers identified were - technical products and services such as malware and compromising systems; attacks and extortion including ransomware; data and identity theft including hacking, compromising accounts and credit cards; scams such as advance fee fraud; and cashing out or money laundering involving illegitimate virtual currency.

* Invites to respond to the survey were sent out from March to October 2021. The team received 92 complete survey responses.

* The top six countries appeared among the top ten countries under each cybercrime category, the researchers found. They further found that countries that are cybercrime hubs "specialise" in particular categories.

* "Russia and Ukraine are highly technical cybercrime hubs, whereas Nigerian cybercriminals are engaged in less technical forms of cybercrime," the authors wrote in the study.

* Among the top ranking countries, while some may "specialise" in cybercrime types with middling technical complexity - such as those involved in data and identity theft - others may "specialise" in both high-tech and low-tech crimes, they said.

* India was found to "specialise" in scams. Further, while Romania and the US were found to "specialise" in both high-tech and low-tech crimes, India was found to be a "balanced hub", "specialising" in mid-tech crimes..

Source : Business Standard

Correct Answer :   Anurag Kumar

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Senior IPS officer Anurag Kumar was on Friday (12th April 2024) appointed to the post of Joint Director, , according to a Personnel Ministry order.

In a significant development in India’s law enforcement landscape, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved (12th April 2024) the appointment of senior IPS officer Anurag Kumar as the Joint Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This move, which comes into effect immediately, underscores the government’s confidence in Kumar’s leadership and expertise to serve in this crucial role.

Anurag Kumar’s Background :

Anurag Kumar is a 2004 batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the Assam-Meghalaya cadre. Prior to his new appointment, he was serving in the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D), a premier organization under the Ministry of Home Affairs that focuses on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of police forces across the country.

Kumar’s extensive experience in law enforcement and his demonstrated capabilities in various roles within the police force have made him a strong candidate for this prestigious position. His appointment as the Joint Director of the CBI, one of the most influential law enforcement agencies in India, is a testament to his professional accomplishments and the trust placed in him by the government.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) :

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is India’s premier investigating agency, responsible for probing a wide range of criminal cases, including those related to corruption, economic offenses, and high-profile crimes. The CBI plays a pivotal role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability at the highest levels of government and the private sector.

As a Joint Director of the CBI, Anurag Kumar will be responsible for overseeing and directing various aspects of the agency’s operations, including the investigation of complex cases, coordination with other law enforcement agencies, and the implementation of strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the CBI’s effectiveness.

The Significance of the Appointment

Anurag Kumar’s appointment as the Joint Director of the CBI comes at a crucial time, as the agency continues to navigate a complex landscape of high-profile investigations and emerging challenges in the realm of white-collar crimes and cybersecurity.

The selection of a seasoned IPS officer like Kumar to this position underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening the leadership and expertise within the CBI. Kumar’s vast experience in law enforcement, combined with his proven track record of successful investigations and administrative acumen, make him well-suited to take on the responsibilities of this role.

Challenges and Expectations :

As the Joint Director of the CBI, Anurag Kumar will be tasked with addressing a wide range of challenges and expectations. These may include :

* Enhancing Investigative Capabilities : Ensuring that the CBI remains at the forefront of investigative techniques and technologies, allowing it to effectively tackle complex and evolving criminal activities.
* Fostering Inter-Agency Coordination : Strengthening the CBI’s collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, both at the state and national level, to streamline investigative efforts and enhance information-sharing.
* Maintaining Transparency and Accountability : Upholding the CBI’s reputation for impartiality and integrity, while ensuring that investigations are conducted in a fair and transparent manner.
* Capacity Building and Training : Spearheading initiatives to develop the skills and expertise of CBI officers, enabling them to stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing law enforcement landscape.
* Strategic Vision and Leadership : Providing strategic direction and leadership to the CBI, aligning its priorities with the government’s broader goals of combating corruption and protecting the interests of the nation.

Correct Answer :   Justice Aniruddha Bose

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Supreme Court Justice Aniruddha Bose has been named the new director of the National Judicial Academy (NJA) in Bhopal, as announced by Supreme Court Chief Justice DY Chandrachud during a ceremonial bench held on April 10, 2024.

The NJA, established in 1993, operates under the guidance of the Supreme Court and aims to enhance the skills of judges and facilitate court administration.

About National Judicial Academy (NJA)

Establishment and Structure :
Mandate and Programs :

About Justice Aniruddha Bose :

Background and Career Progression :
Character and Attributes :

Correct Answer :   Arjun Mohan

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Byju's CEO Arjun Mohan has resigned from his position just about seven months after he took over, with founder Byju Raveendran resuming daily operational responsibilities, the company said in a statement on 15th April 2024. Mohan will transition to an external advisory role.

“The changes follow an extensive seven-month operational review and cost optimisation exercise led by outgoing BYJU'S India CEO Arjun Mohan. Mohan will now transition to an external advisory role, lending his deep EdTech expertise to the company and its founders during this transformation phase,” the edtech said the statement.

Raveendran, Founder and Group CEO said, the reorganisation marks the start of BYJU'S 3.0. It would be a “leaner and more agile organisation ready to quickly adapt to evolving market dynamics, especially in the realm of hyper-personalized education,” he said.

He praised Arjun for doing an outstanding job to steer BYJU'S through a challenging period and said that the firm looks forward to his contributions as a strategic advisor.

“This new phase will also see Byju Raveendran taking a more hands-on approach in spearheading the daily operations of the company…recognising the need for strong leadership during this challenging hour, he will now be deeply involved in the company's day-to-day functioning, leveraging his expertise to steer BYJU'S towards its next phase of growth and innovation,” the company’s statement added.

The top-deck rejig cones at a time when the company has consolidated its operations into three focused divisions – The Learning App, Online Classes & Tuition Centres, and Test-prep..

Source : Business Today

Correct Answer :   Singapore

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Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced he will step down on May 15 after nearly 20 years as part of a long-planned leadership change.

In his place, his deputy Lawrence Wong will be the next PM of the country. Lee, 72, was sworn in as the third Prime Minister of Singapore on 12 August 2004.

Correct Answer :   10th April 2024

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Former Cricket Australia (CA) chairman Jack Clarke has passed away at the age of 70 in Adelaide, said the governing body on Wednesday (10th April 2024).

Clarke joined the CA Board as a director in 1999 and served as its Chairman from 2008 to 2011. He also spent 21 years as a director at the South Australia Cricket Association (SACA) and was made an Honorary Life Member of the SACA in 2012.

As CA Chairman, Clarke was instrumental in many important initiatives, including commissioning reports into governance and high performance that helped shape and modernise Cricket Australia’s practices in these areas and the launch of the Big Bash League..

Source : Sentinel Assam

Correct Answer :   Pakistan

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Pakistan is often referred to as the "Country of Canals" due to its extensive network of man-made waterways, particularly stemming from the mighty Indus River and its tributaries.

In a world comprising 195 countries, with 193 of them being members of the United Nations, each nation boasts its own natural wonders, including rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and canals. These natural features not only contribute to biodiversity but also play a crucial role in maintaining environmental balance. However, did you know that there is a country known as the land of canals? Let’s delve into which country holds this title and the primary reasons behind it.

What is a Canal?

A canal is a man-made waterway constructed to divert water from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs for various purposes such as irrigation, transportation, or drainage. Canals typically have artificial banks and are often equipped with locks or gates to control water flow. They play a crucial role in facilitating water distribution to agricultural lands and supporting transportation networks in many regions worldwide.

Which Country is Known as “Country of Canals”?

Pakistan is often referred to as the “Country of Canals” due to its extensive network of man-made waterways, particularly stemming from the mighty Indus River and its tributaries. These canals form the backbone of Pakistan’s irrigation system, supplying water to agricultural lands, especially in the Punjab province. With more than 70 major canals, Pakistan’s canal network plays a vital role in supporting the country’s agricultural activities and sustaining livelihoods.

Why is Pakistan known as the Land of Canals?

* Now, let’s uncover why Pakistan is often referred to as the land of canals. Pakistan’s extensive network of canals, particularly those stemming from the Indus River and its tributaries, forms the backbone of its irrigation system. These canals play a vital role in supplying water to agricultural lands, especially in the province of Punjab, known as Western Punjab in Pakistan, which was part of undivided Punjab before partition.

* During the partition of India in 1947, Punjab was divided into two parts, with one portion remaining in India and the other becoming part of Pakistan. Consequently, Pakistan inherited a significant portion of the canal network, particularly in Western Punjab, now known as the Punjab Province of Pakistan.

Prominent Canals in Pakistan

* Some of the major canals in Pakistan include the Great Thal Canal, the Chashma-Jhelum Link Canal, the Lower Bari Doab Canal, the Sidhnai Canal, the Upper Chenab Canal, the Lower Chenab Canal, and the Haveli Main Line Canal, among others. Pakistan is home to more than 70 canals, highlighting the importance of its canal network in the country’s agricultural landscape.