- His political experience includes serving as Rajya Sabha MP (2020–2024), Union MoS for Civil Aviation (2012–2014), MoS for Power (2011–2012), and as a Kerala MLA (1996–2009).

Main Point :-   (i) The Public Accounts Committee was established in 1921 (pre-independence) and reconstituted in 1950. It plays a vital role in ensuring accountability in public expenditure through audit reports by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).

      (ii) The PAC comprises 22 members — 15 from Lok Sabha and 7 from Rajya Sabha — and is responsible for reviewing government expenditures, ensuring they align with Parliament’s approvals.

      - Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which won the February 2025 election in alliance with the Social Democrats, formed a coalition with a combined strength of 328 seats in the Bundestag. Notably, Merz became the first Chancellor in Germany’s history to initially lose a Bundestag vote before securing the position in a subsequent round. He also holds the distinction of being the oldest individual to assume the office of Chancellor since Konrad Adenauer, Germany’s first post-war head of government.

Main Point :-   (i) Friedrich Merz, born on 11 November 1955 in Brilon, North-Rhine Westphalia, West Germany, served in the German Army before entering politics.

      (ii) He was a Member of Parliament from 1989 to 1994 and then served in the Bundestag from 1994 to 2009, after which he took a break to pursue a legal career, becoming senior counsel at Mayer Brown and serving on various corporate boards.

(iii). Merz returned to active politics in 2018 and became the leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in 2021.

Main Point :-   (i) Before this appointment, Prakash Magdum served as the Additional Director General (ADG) at the Press Information Bureau (PIB) and the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. He brings extensive experience in the field of media and film communication.

      (ii) He previously served as the Director of the National Film Archive of India (NFAI), located in Pune, Maharashtra. During his tenure at NFAI, he led the National Film Heritage Mission, a major initiative aimed at preserving India's cinematic legacy.

(iii) In addition to his contributions at NFAI, Prakash Magdum also worked as the Registrar of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, further strengthening his involvement in India’s film education and archival sectors.

      - K.V. Subramanian previously served as the 17th Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) to the Government of India from 2018 to 2021, becoming the youngest person to hold the post. During his tenure, he contributed significantly to economic policymaking and structural reforms.

Main Point :-   (i) Additionally, Subramanian held directorial roles on the boards of key financial institutions, including B(i) Bank Limited, the National Institute of Bank Management (NIBM), Pune, and the RBI Academy, bringing academic and policy experience into practice.

      (ii) The interim appointment of Parameswaran Iyer as India’s Executive Director at the IMF comes just days before a crucial IMF Board meeting on May 9, 2025. The meeting will assess a USD 1.3 billion climate resilience loan for Pakistan and conduct the first review of Pakistan's USD 7 billion bailout program.

      - K.V. Subramanian previously served as the 17th Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) to the Government of India from 2018 to 2021, becoming the youngest person to hold the post. During his tenure, he contributed significantly to economic policymaking and structural reforms.

Main Point :-   (i) Additionally, Subramanian held directorial roles on the boards of key financial institutions, including B(i) Bank Limited, the National Institute of Bank Management (NIBM), Pune, and the RBI Academy, bringing academic and policy experience into practice.

      (ii) The interim appointment of Parameswaran Iyer as India’s Executive Director at the IMF comes just days before a crucial IMF Board meeting on May 9, 2025. The meeting will assess a USD 1.3 billion climate resilience loan for Pakistan and conduct the first review of Pakistan's USD 7 billion bailout program.

      - Jean-Lucien Savi de Tové has had a long and influential political career. His public service began in 1967 when he was appointed Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following a military coup. This marked his entry into national politics.

Main Point :-   (i) With the legalization of multiparty democracy in Togo, Savi de Tové went on to found the Party of Democrats for Unity (PDU). In 1999, the PDU merged into the Pan-African Patriotic Convergence (CPP), where he served as first vice-president, continuing his commitment to democratic governance.

      (ii) From 2005 to 2007, he served as Minister of Trade, Industry, and Handicrafts, under the leadership of Prime Ministers Edem Kodjo and Vawovi Agboyibo. Later, in 2009, he was appointed as President of the Permanent Framework for Dialogue and Consultation (CPDC), further contributing to national policy dialogue and political reform.

(iii) Under the new parliamentary system, the President of the Republic holds a ceremonial role and is elected by Parliament for a renewable four-year term, while executive power rests with the Chairman of the Council of Ministers, who is chosen from the majority party or coalition. The Chairman serves a six-year term, overseeing both domestic and international affairs. A 12-month transition period allowed the outgoing president to retain executive powers until the new system came into full effect.

Main Point :-   (i) Sanjay Joshi is currently serving as General Manager (GM) at United India Insurance Company Limited (UIICL), based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN).

      (ii) He brings over 30 years of experience in the general insurance sector, having held roles such as Branch and Divisional Head in various regional offices, and a key role in the Large Corporate Cell (LCC) in Delhi.

(iii) At the Head Office of UIICL, he has served as Deputy General Manager (DGM) and Chief Grievance Officer (CGO), contributing significantly to product development and regulatory compliance.

      - The CoE plays a critical role in parliamentary oversight by identifying potential savings in government spending and suggesting alternative policy approaches. It serves as a key mechanism to ensure transparency and accountability in budget utilization.

Main Point :-   (i) In the same announcement, Baijayant 'Jay' Panda, BJP MP from Kendrapara, Odisha, was reappointed as the Chairperson of the Committee on Public Undertakings (CoPU) for FY26. This marks the continuation of his leadership role in overseeing public sector enterprise performance.

      (ii) The CoPU consists of 22 members — 15 from the Lok Sabha and 7 from the Rajya Sabha — with its tenure also set from May 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026. This committee scrutinizes the reports and accounts of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and evaluates whether they are being run in alignment with sound business and commercial practices.

(iii) Through these appointments, both committees are expected to further strengthen parliamentary oversight and contribute to better governance, financial discipline, and improved public sector management in India.

      - He has since been re-elected to the House of Representatives 9 times: 1998, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2022.

Main Point :-   (i) Anthony Norman Albanese served as the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia from June 2013 to September 2013, and later held the position of Leader of the Opposition from May 2019 to May 2022; he has also been serving as the Leader of the Labor Party since 2019.

      (ii) As Infrastructure and Communications Minister (July–September 2013), he implemented key nation-building projects, including the rollout of the high-speed fibre National Broadband Network (NBN).

(iii) In May 2022, he became the 31st Prime Minister of Australia, leading the first Labor government since 2013.

Main Point :-   (i) In 2005, Salem Saleh Bin Braik was appointed as the Director-General (DG) of Customs at the al-Tuwal/Haradh crossing in Hajjah Governorate. He later held the DG role at the Hodeidah port on the Red Sea and, in mid-2013, became the DG of Aden Free Zone Customs.

      (ii) From 2014 to 2018, he headed the Customs Authority. In 2019, he became a member of the Supreme Economic Committee of Yemen's internationally recognized government, later joining the Board of Directors (BoD) of the Central Bank of Yemen and serving as Deputy FM.

(iii) He was appointed as Yemen’s Finance Minister in 2019, holding this position until his elevation to Prime Minister in May 2025.

Main Point :-   (i) Han Duck-soo is a seasoned South Korean economist, diplomat, and politician, with a public service career spanning more than four decades.

      (ii) He previously served as Prime Minister from 2007 to 2008 under President Roh Moo-hyun, and again from 2022 to 2025 under President Yoon Suk Yeol. He also held the role of acting president during transitional periods.

(iii) In the upcoming election, he is expected to represent the People Power Party (PPP), South Korea’s main conservative political party, and will likely face strong competition from Lee Jae-myung, the current frontrunner and a prominent leader of the liberal Democratic Party (DP).

Main Point :-   (i) Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh has also been a Member of the Governing Body of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) and served as Member Secretary of the Insolvency Law Committee from 2018 to 2021, contributing to key legal and structural reforms.

      (ii) He is credited with developing the National Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Awards and playing a critical role in reforming CSR rules to promote greater transparency and corporate accountability in India.

Main Point :-   (i) As the Executive Director of Kochi Refinery, he was instrumental in commissioning BPCL's first niche petrochemical project – the Propylene Derivative Petrochemical Project (PDPP).

      (ii) Sanjay Khanna is a Director on the Boards of Bharat Petro Resources Limited (BPRL) and Ratnagiri Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (RRPL).

(iii) He also serves as the Chairperson of the Technical Committee for Petroleum Refineries under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG).

Main Point :-   (i) A 1996-batch officer of the Indian Information Service (IIS), Ashish Goyal took charge as Director General (DG), Media, at the ECI. Before this role, he served as the DG of the National Museum under the Ministry of Culture (MoC) and also held additional charge as Director of the Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad.

      (ii) IIIDEM is an ECI-affiliated institute that trains election officials and promotes democratic practices globally.

      - Alok Joshi, a 1976-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the Haryana cadre, served as the Chief of R&AW from December 30, 2012, to December 31, 2014.

Main Point :-   (i) The newly formed seven-member NSAB includes eminent retired officials from India’s military, police, and diplomatic sectors.

      (ii) The NSAB, established in 1998, serves as a key advisory body to the National Security Council (NSC) of India, which is chaired by the Prime Minister of India.

      - The operations of the interim executive committee will be monitored by an Oversight Committee of the Board. This committee is chaired by Sunil Mehta, Chairman of the Board of IndusInd Bank, and comprises the heads of the Audit Committee, the Compensation and Nomination & Remuneration Committee, and the Risk Management Committee.

Main Point :-   (i) The Oversight Committee is tasked with ensuring continued stability and sound governance within the bank. Its role became especially critical after internal audits revealed accounting mistakes, including a major discrepancy of Rs. 1,959.98 crore in the profit and loss statement due to mismanagement of internal derivative transactions.

      (ii) Leadership changes began on April 28, 2025, when IndusInd Bank's Deputy CEO and Whole-time Director, Arun Khurana, resigned. His resignation came in direct response to the findings surrounding the accounting irregularities.

(iii) Following this, CEO Sumant Kathpalia also stepped down, accepting moral responsibility for the lapses. The discrepancies were brought to light through an external agency's investigation, which reported a cumulative negative impact of Rs. 1,959.98 crore on the bank’s Profit and Loss (P&L) account as of March 31, 2025.

Main Point :-   (i) Kamla Susheila Persad-Bissessar, born to Indian descendants, is a distinguished lawyer and politician from Trinidad and Tobago. She made history by becoming the first woman to hold the roles of Prime Minister, Attorney General, and Opposition Leader in the country. Additionally, she served as the first female Chairperson-in-Office of the Commonwealth of Nations, further solidifying her prominence on the global stage.

      (ii) Her political career includes serving as Attorney General in 1995 and 2001, and as Leader of the Opposition starting in 2006. In 2010, she became the political leader of the United National Congress (UNC), leading the party to victory and becoming the 6th Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago. She held the position from May 26, 2010, to September 9, 2015, making her the nation's first and only female Prime Minister.

(iii) In 2011, Time magazine recognized her as the 13th most influential female leader globally. Furthermore, in 2012, the Government of India awarded her the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman (Overseas Indian Award), the highest honor for Overseas Indians, in recognition of her significant contributions to public service.

Main Point :-   (i) Mark Carney held several key roles in Canada’s financial governance, serving as Deputy Governor of the Bank of Canada from 2003 to 2004 and later as the Senior Associate Deputy Minister of Finance. He was appointed Governor of the Bank of Canada in 2008, a position he held until 2013, where he played a critical role in stabilizing the Canadian economy during the global financial crisis.

      (ii) In a historic move, Mark Carney became the first non-British Governor of the Bank of England, serving from 2013 to 2020. This achievement made him the first person to head the central banks of two G7 nations—Canada and the United Kingdom.

(iii) In 2019, he was appointed as the United Nations Special Envoy for Climate Action and Finance, further enhancing his global stature as a respected economist and climate finance leader.

      - Air Marshal Tiwari has been honored with several prestigious awards, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (2025)—the highest peacetime military decoration of the Indian Armed Forces. He was also awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2022 and the Vayu Sena Medal in 2008.

Main Point :-   (i) Over at the Integrated Defence Staff (IDS), Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit was appointed as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC) on 1st May 2025. He succeeded Lieutenant General Johnson P Matthew, who retired a day earlier.

      (ii) Air Marshal Dixit previously served as the AOC-in-C of Central Air Command in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. His decorated career includes the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2023), Vayu Sena Medal (2006), and Vishisht Seva Medal (2011), recognizing his strategic and operational contributions.

(iii) In the Indian Army, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma was named the new General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Northern Command, headquartered in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir. He succeeded Lt Gen MV Suchendra Kumar, who also retired on 30th April 2025. Lt Gen Sharma had previously served as the Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy) and Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), and was recently honored with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (2025).

Main Point :-   (i) Under Tejpaul Bhatia leadership, Axiom Space plans to intensify investments in advanced space technologies, including spacesuits, orbital infrastructure, and microgravity research and manufacturing.

      (ii) The upcoming Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station (ISS) is scheduled for launch in May 2025, with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force (IAF) serving as the mission pilot.

      - He previously served as Joint Secretary in MeitY, where he played a pivotal role in formulating and executing Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes for mobile phones, IT hardware, and semiconductors under the Semicon India Programme.

Main Point :-   (i) India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) Launched in 2022, ISM aims to transform India into a global hub for semiconductor and display manufacturing.

      (ii) It functions under the Semicon India Programme, which was launched with a financial outlay of ₹76,000 crore to support the development of semiconductor fabs, display fabs, and compound semiconductors.

(iii) According to S. Krishnan, Secretary of MeitY, India’s semiconductor demand is expected to rise from USD 45–50 billion in 2024 to USD 100–110 billion by 2030, aligning with the government's efforts under Phase II of ISM.

Main Point :-   (i) Gunjan Soni previously served as Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Singapore-based ZALORA Group for 6 years, driving category expansion and improving user experience.

      (ii) Prior to ZALORA, she held key roles in India, including Executive Vice President (VP) at Star India and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at Myntra.

(iii) She also serves on the board of Texas-based CBRE Group, Inc., a Fortune 500 company.

      - Anant Ambani becomes the first among the Ambani siblings to assume an Executive Director (ED) role at Reliance Industries Limited (RIL); he has also been serving as a Board Member of Jio Platforms Limited (since March 2020), Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (since May 2022), and both Reliance New Energy Limited and Reliance New Solar Energy Limited (since June 2021).

Main Point :-   (i) Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has achieved a major milestone by becoming the first Indian company to surpass ₹10 lakh crore in total equity. This landmark follows RIL’s earlier achievement in 2024, when it became the first Indian firm to cross ₹20 lakh crore in market capitalization. The company’s consistent growth reflects its strong market leadership and strategic expansions.

      (ii) The surge in RIL’s equity value has been driven by robust performances in its consumer businesses and its oil-to-chemicals (O2C) segment. Demonstrating its financial strength, RIL reported a 2.9% year-on-year (YoY) increase in its annual consolidated Profit After Tax (PAT) and share of profit/(loss) from associates and joint ventures, reaching ₹81,309 crore (approximately USD 9.5 billion).

(iii) Additionally, RIL announced a significant capital expenditure of ₹131,107 crore (around USD 15.3 billion) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025. This investment highlights RIL’s commitment to future growth, focusing on strengthening its businesses across energy, digital services, and retail sectors.

Main Point :-   (i) Launched in June 2023, the PSIL is a collaborative initiative between the WBG and global private sector leaders.

      (ii) It is chaired by Shriti Vadera, Chair of Prudential pic based in London, the United Kingdom (UK).

Main Point :-   (i) Jitendra Srivastava is a 2000 batch IAS officer from the Bihar cadre. His career spans significant roles across key sectors, including finance, power, education, public health, and infrastructure.

      (ii) Prior to joining REC, he was serving as Joint Secretary in the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) since January 2023.

(iii) He has earlier served as Secretary in the Home Department and the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) in the Government of Bihar.

Main Point :-   (i) Senior IAS officer Abhishek Singh, a 1995 batch officer from Nagaland cadre, has been appointed as the Director General of the National Informatics Centre (NIC) and will also hold the additional charge as Additional Secretary of MeitY.

      (ii) Keshav Kumar Pathak, a senior IAS officer from the Bihar cadre, has been appointed as the Additional Secretary (AS) in the Cabinet Secretariat (CS).

Main Point :-   (i) Nipun Aggarwal is a seasoned professional with over 28 years of experience spanning aviation, finance, and energy sectors.

      (ii) He has previously held key roles at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Standard Chartered Bank, and BP PLC, bringing a rich background in banking and energy.

(iii) Before joining Air India, Aggarwal served as Senior Vice President at Tata Sons, where he was instrumental in driving transformation across several Tata Group companies.

      - Before his appointment as Deputy Governor in May 2021, T. Rabi Sankar served as an Executive Director (ED) at the RBI. Additionally, between 2005 and 2011, he worked as a consultant with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), where he contributed to the development of government bond markets and debt management systems in emerging economies.

Main Point :-   (i) Beyond T Rabi Sankar core responsibilities at the RBI, Rabi Sankar also holds several leadership positions in affiliated institutions. He serves as the Chairman of Indian Financial Technology and Allied Services (IFTAS), is a Board Member of Reserve Bank Information Technology Pvt Ltd (ReBIT), and sits on the Governing Council of the Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT).

      (ii) As of April 2025, the Reserve Bank of India is led by four Deputy Governors: T. Rabi Sankar, M. Rajeshwar Rao, Swaminathan Janakiraman, and Poonam Gupta. Each plays a pivotal role in shaping the monetary policy and operational strategy of India's central banking system.

Main Point :-   (i) Captain Jagmohan was serving as the Director (Corporate Planning, Projects and Business Development) at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) prior to this appointment, and brings with him over 25 years of experience in the Indian Navy (IN) and shipbuilding industry.

      (ii) Earlier, as Head of Design at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE), Kolkata (West Bengal), he successfully led key defence projects such as the Advanced Stealth Frigate, P28 Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Corvette, and Fast Patrol Vessels (FPV) for both the Indian Navy (IN) and Indian Coast Guard (ICG).

      - He brings over 16 years of cross-industry experience in digital lending, insurance, and enterprise software, with strong expertise in product development, customer service, and distribution.

Main Point :-   (i) TrillionLoans Fintech offers a diverse range of financial products, including merchant loans, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) finance, revenue-based lending, consumer credit, and vehicle loans.

      (ii) BharatPe, backed by Tiger Global, acquired a 51% stake in TFPL in May 2023, and later increased its shareholding to nearly 60%.

      - Klaus Schwab, a German engineer and economist, founded the WEF in 1971, aiming to foster dialogue between political, business, and academic leaders to address global challenges.

Main Point :-   (i) Under his leadership, the WEF gained recognition for its annual meetings in Davos, Switzerland, where global leaders from various sectors convene to discuss critical international issues.

      (ii) Schwab founded the Forum of Young Global Leaders (YGL) and co-founded the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship.

(iii) He has received several accolades for his leadership and humanitarian contributions, including the Guggenheim Humanitarian Award, the Dan David Prize, and the Global Economy Prize.

      - He is set to take charge on April 21, 2025, succeeding Dr. Himanshu Pathak, who voluntarily retired from ICAR and joined ICRISAT as DG in March 2025.

Main Point :-   (i) Additionally, the ACC has approved the appointment of four officers from the 1989 batch of the Indian Revenue Service (IRS), Income Tax cadre, as new members of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), headquartered in New Delhi.

      (ii) The newly appointed members of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) are Pankaj Kumar Mishra, Sanjay Bahadur, L. Rajasekhar Reddy, and G. Aparna. These appointments were recently approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) to strengthen the leadership within the Income Tax cadre.

      - From 1987 to 1990, he practiced independently at the Bombay High Court in Mumbai, before shifting to its Nagpur Bench. There, he specialized in Constitutional and Administrative Law, gaining prominence for his legal expertise in public law matters.

Main Point :-   (i) Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai served as Standing Counsel for multiple civic and educational bodies, including the Nagpur Municipal Corporation, Amravati Municipal Corporation, and Amravati University, contributing to governance and public interest litigation.

      (ii) He was appointed as a Permanent Judge of the Bombay High Court on 12th November 2005, and was later elevated to the Supreme Court of India on 24th May 2019, marking a significant rise in his judicial career.

(iii) Justice Gavai was part of several landmark constitutional benches, including the 2023 ruling that upheld the abrogation of Article 370, converting Jammu and Kashmir into a Union Territory. He also contributed to the 2024 verdict striking down the Electoral Bonds Scheme and the 2023 ruling against unlawful demolitions, widely known as the "bulldozer culture" judgment.

Main Point :-   (i) Additionally, the ICC Women's Cricket Committee was reconstituted, with Catherine Campbell (New Zealand) reappointed as Chair.

      (ii) Other newly included members are Avril Fahey (Australia) and Pholetsi Moseki (Cricket South Africa).

Main Point :-   (i) The 23rd Law Commission of India was formally constituted with effect from 1st September 2024, for a three-year term, following the completion of the 22nd Commission's tenure on 31st August 2024.

      (ii) The primary objectives of the Commission include reviewing obsolete and outdated laws to recommend suitable repeals or amendments, and evaluating the feasibility of implementing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) across the country.

Main Point :-   (i) Prior to his role at ONDC, T Koshy held the position of Executive Director (ED) at the National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL). He also served for over a decade as a Partner at Ernst & Young (EY).

      (ii) ONDC, established in 2021, is a Section 8 (not-for-profit) entity initiated by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I).

(iii) It is not a conventional application or software platform, but rather a set of open specifications designed to facilitate interoperable and inclusive digital commerce across India.

Main Point :-   (i) Daniel Noboa is an Ecuadorian politician and businessman representing the National Democratic Action (ADN) alliance. He is the son of Alvaro Noboa, Ecuador’s wealthiest man and a prominent banana industry tycoon who ran unsuccessfully for the presidency multiple times.

      (ii) Noboa began his political journey in 2021, when he was elected to the National Assembly of Ecuador from the Santa Elena province as a member of the United Ecuadorian Movement. He gained national recognition for his firm stance on crime, notably through measures such as deploying the military to tackle drug trafficking and constructing high-security prisons to isolate gang leaders.

(iii) With his re-election in April 2025, Daniel Noboa now holds a full 4-year term to carry forward his political vision. His administration is expected to prioritize crime reduction, anti-drug campaigns, and national security reforms as key elements of his governance agenda.

      - This was Gabon’s first presidential election since the 2023 military coup, which ended the Bongo political dynasty that ruled Gabon for over 56 years.

Main Point :-   (i) Brice Oligui Nguema is a Gabonese politician and military leader who assumed interim presidency in August 2023 after removing President Ali Bongo Ondimba, who served from 2009 to 2023.

      (ii) He led the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI), the military junta that ruled Gabon post-coup.

(iii) Since 2020, he has also served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Gabonese Republican Guard.

Main Point :-   (i) Naqvi’s first major assignment as ACC Chairman will be overseeing the Asia Cup 2025, scheduled for September 2025.

      (ii) In addition to his cricketing role, he currently serves as Pakistan's Interior Minister and has been heading the PCB since February 2024.

      - Prior to joining IESA, he served as India Lead – Advanced Energy Solutions at the World Economic Forum (WEF) from June 2023 to March 2025.

Main Point :-   (i) The India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) was founded by the United States of America (USA)-based Customized Energy Solutions (CES). It aims to establish India as a global leader in clean energy technologies by promoting advancements in energy storage, green hydrogen, and related sectors.

      (ii) IESA has a strong network of members comprising over 180 companies, including those involved in Electric Vehicle (EV) manufacturing, microgrids, cleantech startups, and research institutes.

(iii) Its core mission is to accelerate India’s net-zero emissions target by 2070 through innovation in battery storage, grid modernization, and green hydrogen technologies.

Main Point :-   (i) Ravneet Kaur served as Joint Secretary in the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I).

      (ii) She has served as Chairperson and Managing Director (CMD) of India Tourism Development Corporation Limited (ITDC), Exim Bank (Export-Import Bank of India), and India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL).

(iii) She was a consultant at the International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington D.C., United States of America (USA), and a Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow at Cornell University, USA.

      - The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) is the apex body for export promotion councils, commodity boards, and export development authorities in India. It is ISO 9001:2015 certified and works to promote Indian exports, facilitate international trade, provide services, advocate for favorable policies, and address challenges faced by exporters.

Main Point :-   (i) SC Ralhan is a veteran in the export sector with over 50 years of experience, particularly in the engineering and hand tools industry.

      (ii) He is also the Managing Director (MD) of Sri Tools Industries Private Limited, based in Ludhiana (Punjab).

(iii) As President of FIEO, he addresses tariff barriers, promotes export diversification, and advocates for technology-driven exports.

      - Sivasubramanian Ramann is a 1991 batch Indian Audit & Accounts Service (IA&AS) officer. He previously served as Chief General Manager (CGM) and Executive Director (ED) of SEBI between 2007 and 2013. In 2015-16, he was appointed as the Principal Accountant General (Audit) in Ranchi, Jharkhand.

Main Point :-   (i) From 2016 to 2021, Sivasubramanian Ramann was the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of National E-Governance Services Limited (NeSL), India’s first information utility. In April 2021, he joined as Chairman & MD (CMD) of Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI).

      (ii) He has held key positions under the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India in various states and also worked as Executive Secretary to the CAG of India.

(iii) PFRDA was initially established as a regulatory body to promote, develop, and regulate the pension sector in India. It gained statutory status through the PFRDA Act, 2013, which was passed in September 2013 and officially notified on February 1, 2014. PFRDA operates under the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance (MoF).

      - Poonam Gupta is an accomplished economist with nearly two decades of experience at the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). She has also served as a government adviser in India, providing key insights on economic policies.

Main Point :-   (i) Poonam Gupta has held prestigious academic positions, including RBI Chair Professor at the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) and Professor at the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER).

      (ii) Currently, she is the Director General (DG) of the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), New Delhi, India’s leading economic policy think tank. She joined NCAER in 2021 after serving in senior positions at the IMF and the World Bank for nearly two decades.

(iii) Poonam Gupta is a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) and serves as the Convener of the Advisory Council to the 16th Finance Commission (FC). In recognition of her academic excellence, she received the 1998 Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) Award for her PhD thesis on international economics.

      - She was recently appointed by the Commonwealth Heads of Government during their biennial meeting in Apia, Samoa, in 2024.

Main Point :-   (i) The Secretary-General is nominated by Commonwealth leaders and can serve up to two terms, each lasting four years.

      (ii) The position involves promoting and protecting the Commonwealth's values, representing the Commonwealth in public, and overseeing the management of the Commonwealth Secretariat.

      - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) established the Advisory Council on Entrepreneurship and Growth in March 2025 to address global economic challenges, particularly declining productivity and sluggish growth. The council plays a vital role in developing strategies for economic growth.

Main Point :-   (i) The council is led by IMF Managing Director (MD) Kristalina Georgieva and focuses on shaping macroeconomic and financial policies that foster productivity, innovation, and sustainable economic growth worldwide.

      (ii) This advisory council comprises experts from business, finance, academia, and policymaking who collaborate to support innovation, entrepreneurship, and productivity globally, ensuring sustainable economic development.

(iii) The IMF's Advisory Council on Entrepreneurship and Growth includes prominent global leaders such as Professor Ufuk Akcigit (University of Chicago), HRH Ambassador Reema Bandar Al-Saud (Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to the USA), Marc Benioff (CEO of Salesforce), Ana Botin (Executive Chair of Banco Santander), Natarajan Chandrasekaran (Chairman of Tata Group), Margherita Della Valle (CEO of Vodafone Group), Tony O. Elumelu (Founder of Heirs Holdings), Robert Smith (CEO of Vista Equity Partners), and Federico Sturzenegger (Argentina’s Minister of Deregulation and State Transformation).

      - In March 2025, L&T Finance (LTF) appointed Jasprit Bumrah as its brand ambassador to boost its presence and promote financial products. He will feature in ATL and BTL campaigns, with the partnership facilitated by RISE Worldwide. Bumrah also endorses JK Super Cement and Skechers Cricket footwear.

Main Point :-   (i) Under Rohit Sharma's captaincy, India secured victories in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men's Champions Trophy 2025, Asia Cup 2023, and ICC Men's Twenty20 (T20) World Cup 2024, while finishing as runners-up in the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023.

      (ii) Apart from SRMB Steel, Rohit Sharma is the brand ambassador for several leading companies, including Adidas (Sportswear), CEAT Tyres (Tyre manufacturer), Dream11 (Fantasy sports platform), Max Life Insurance, Oppo (Smartphone), and Hublot (Swiss watches), among others.

      - Ambuj Chandna previously served as President and Head of Consumer Bank (Products) at Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based Kotak Mahindra Bank (KMB) Limited.

Main Point :-   (i) During his 16-year tenure at KMB, Ambuj Chandna held several key leadership roles, including President - Consumer Assets, Head Consumer Assets, and Senior Executive Vice President (EVP) & Head Retail Liabilities, Investments, and Payments Products.

      (ii) Before joining KMB, he was associated with ING Vysya Bank (now merged with KMB), where he held key roles such as Chief Distribution Officer (CDO) - Retail Liabilities, Group Head Branch Banking, and Group Head Marketing, Liabilities, and Direct Channels.

(iii) His prior experience includes senior leadership roles at Fullerton Financial Holdings (FFH) Private Limited in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Citibank N.A. India, Deutsche Bank, Standard Chartered Bank (SCB), and GE TFS Limited (now known as GE Vernova T&D India Limited).

Main Point :-   (i) Rajiv Gauba, a 1982-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, has played a key role in shaping important government policies and reforms.

      (ii) He served as Cabinet Secretary for a record five years (2019-2024), making him the longest-serving person in this role, surpassing Pradeep Kumar Sinha's tenure.

(iii) During his time as Union Home Secretary, he played a crucial role in major governance reforms, including the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.

Main Point :-   (i) Dr. Bhattacharya serves as a professor of health policy at Stanford University and holds multiple affiliations, including research associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) and senior fellow at Stanford's Institute for Economic Policy Research (SIEPR), Freeman Spogli Institute, and the Hoover Institution.

      (ii) He directs Stanford's Centre for Demography and the Economics of Health and Ageing (CDEHA), focusing on critical areas such as government health programs, biomedical innovation, and economic policies.

(iii) Notably, Dr. Bhattacharya co-authored the 'Great Barrington Declaration' in October 2020, advocating for targeted protections as an alternative to widespread lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic.

      - He served as ED Director from 19 November 2018 to 18 November 2023, with multiple extensions.

Main Point :-   (i) During his tenure, Sanjay Kumar Mishra intensified the scrutiny of several former ministers and influential leaders, with the probe agency registering approximately 4,000 cases and carrying out over 3,000 searches.

      (ii) The EAC-PM, an independent advisory body, addresses critical economic issues and advises the Prime Minister (PM).

(iii) The council is chaired by Suman Berry, with Sanjeev Sanyal and Dr. Shamika Ravi as full-time members. Part-time members include Rakesh Mohan, Dr. Sajjid Chinoy, Dr. Neelkanth Mishra, Nilesh Shah, Prof. T.T. Ram Mohan, and Dr. Poonam Gupta.

Main Point :-   (i) Dilma Vana Rousseff is a Brazilian economist and politician who began her political career in the 1970s as a member of left-wing and Marxist urban guerrilla groups opposing Brazil’s military dictatorship.

      (ii) She joined the Workers' Party (PT) in 2001, served as Minister of Mines and Energy (2003) under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and later became Brazil’s first female Chief of Staff. She was the 36th President of Brazil (2011-2016) and the only woman to hold the presidency, before being impeached on August 31, 2016.

(iii) In March 2023, she became the Chair of the New Development Bank (NDB), succeeding Marcos Troyjo.

Main Point :-   (i) Established in 1984, INTACH is India’s foremost heritage conservation organization, registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.

      (ii) The organization operates nationwide, collaborating with government bodies and civil society to protect historical monuments, artifacts, and ecosystems.

(iii) The INTACH Charter, adopted in 2004, serves as a foundation document guiding heritage conservation in India.

Main Point :-   (i) In December 2023, Sanjay Kumar Singh was elected as President of WFI. Later, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) suspended WFI, and an ad-hoc committee of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) was formed to administer the federation.

      (ii) In March 2025, MYAS lifted the ban on WFI and restored its recognition as a National Sports Federation (NSF).

      - She also played a pivotal role in securing the Rs 1.12 trillion Liquidity Infusion Scheme (LIS) for the power distribution sector under the Atmanirbhar Bharat program.

Main Point :-   (i) In 2023, Parminder Chopra was awarded the 'Icon of the Year' award by the Institute of Cost Accountants of India.

      (ii) Parminder Chopra has extensive experience of over 35 years in the power and financial sectors.

(iii) She has worked with leading companies in India, including NHPC Limited and Power Grid Corporation of India (POWERGRID).

Main Point :-   (i) Justice Tandon has been serving as a judge in the Calcutta High Court since his appointment on April 13, 2010.

      (ii) He is currently ranked 7th in the All-India Seniority List of HC judges and is a senior puisne judge in the Calcutta HC.

      - Prior to this role, he was the Deputy Managing Director (DMD) of IFCI from November 2023 and served as Executive Director (ED) at the National Housing Bank (NHB) from August 2020 to November 2023.

Main Point :-   (i) Rahul Bhave serves on the boards of several institutions, including IFCI Ltd. and Stock Holding Corporation of India Ltd., and is the Chairman of the IFCI Social Foundation's Board of Trustees.

      (ii) IFCI Limited, a Systemically Important Non-Deposit taking Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC-ND-SI), supports industrial and infrastructure development and provides advisory services. It also manages various Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes under the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiative.

(iii) Additionally, IFCI promotes entrepreneurship among Scheduled Castes through the "Credit Enhancement Guarantee Scheme" and is consolidating with StockHolding Corporation of India Ltd. and other group companies, as approved by the Ministry of Finance in November 2024.

      - Sarra Zenzri's political career spans over 30 years in public administration. She began her career in 1989 as an engineer in the Ministry of Equipment, Housing, and Infrastructure, specifically in the Bridges and Roads Department.

Main Point :-   (i) Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri’s political career in the cabinet began in 2018 when she was appointed Minister of Public Works and Housing. She later served as the Minister of Equipment and Housing from 2021 to 2024, overseeing crucial infrastructure projects.

      (ii) In addition to her previous roles, Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri served as the Interim Minister of Transport from March 12 to August 25, 2024, further expanding her experience in managing critical sectors.

(iii) Tunisia is currently grappling with significant economic challenges. The country’s Debt-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio is approximately 80% in 2024, with a growth rate of just 0.4% and an unemployment rate of 16%.

      - In the 2024 elections, she became the first woman to be elected president of a Southern African country. She was the only woman among the 15 presidential candidates in the 2024 election.

Main Point :-   (i) Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, born on 29 October 1952 in Onamutai, Oshana Region, is a prominent African leader and the first female president of Namibia.

      (ii) She has served as a Member of Parliament since 1990 and held several key positions, including Minister of Women Affairs (2000-2005), Minister of Information and Broadcasting (2005-2008), and Deputy Prime Minister (2015).

(iii) Nandi-Ndaitwah is the second African woman to be directly elected president, following Liberia’s Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and joins Tanzania's Samia Suluhu Hassan as one of the continent's few female presidents.

Main Point :-   (i) The Fit India Movement promotes various physical activities to spread fitness awareness and encourages fitness as a core aspect of daily life in India.

      (ii) The event also saw the launch of the book, "Benefits of Cycling," curated by experts from the Sports Authority of India's (SAI) National Centre of Sports Sciences and Research (NCSSR) team.

(iii) In 2019, Ayushmann Khurrana was awarded the National Award for Best Actor of the Year for his performance in Andhadhun. He shared the award with Bollywood actor Vicky Kaushal for URI: The Surgical Strike.

      - Olympic Achievements: Kirsty Coventry won three medals at the 2004 Athens Olympics (Greece)—gold in the 200m backstroke, silver in the 100m backstroke, and bronze in the 200m medley. At the 2008 Beijing Olympics (China), she defended her gold medal in the 200m backstroke and secured silver medals in the 200m individual medley, 400m freestyle relay, and 400m medley relay.

Main Point :-   (i) World Championship Success: At the 2005 World Championships (Montreal, Canada), Kirsty Coventry won gold in the 100m and 200m backstroke and silver in the 200m and 400m medley. In the 2007 World Championships (Melbourne, Australia), she secured silver medals in the 200m backstroke and 200m medley.

      (ii) In 2008, Coventry broke her first world record in the 200m backstroke at the Missouri (United States) Grand Prix, surpassing the long-standing record set by Hungary's Krisztina Egerszegi in 1991. Her new record was 2:06.39. She competed in five Olympic Games, with her final appearance at the 2016 Rio Olympics before retiring as one of the most accomplished female swimmers in history.

(iii) After retiring from competitive swimming, Coventry was elected as the Chairperson of the IOC Athletes' Commission in 2018, representing Olympic athletes worldwide. In 2023, she was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame for her contributions to the sport, further cementing her legacy in the world of athletics.

      - VISION 2020 India addresses the significant public health issue of blindness in India, with around 5 million blind individuals, 80% of whom have avoidable cases. The initiative provides free eye check-ups, surgeries, and vision correction services to underserved communities.

Main Point :-   (i) On March 18, 2025, Goibibo, an online travel platform based in Gurugram, appointed Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant as its new brand ambassador

      (ii) Rishabh Pant will feature alongside cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar in Goibibo’s latest campaign, highlighting the joy and adventure of travel.

      - From 2016 to 2018, he served as the Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, followed by his role as Minister of Communications from 2018 to 2019. Additionally, he held the post of Minister of National Security from 2018 to 2021, playing a crucial role in overseeing national security policies.

Main Point :-   (i) Stuart Richard Young has been widely recognized as the "Minister of Everything" due to his extensive experience in handling multiple key portfolios and serving on various influential committees. His leadership and contributions have solidified his reputation within Trinidad and Tobago’s political landscape.

      (ii) In 2022, he was elected as Chairman of the PNM, further strengthening his leadership position within the party. His legal expertise was also acknowledged when he was appointed as Senior Counsel in June 2024. His growing influence led to his nomination as Prime Minister Designate by the PNM Parliamentary caucus in January 2025.

(iii) Beyond politics, Young is a member of the Honourable Society of Gray's Inn in the United Kingdom (UK). He is also a founding member of Synergy Television (TV) and WI Sports TV stations, highlighting his contributions to the media industry.

Main Point :-   (i) Skechers’ roster of elite athletes includes Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri, global football stars like Harry Kane and Mohammed Kudus, basketball icons such as Joel Embiid, and Major League Baseball (MLB) players like Clayton Kershaw.

      (ii) Jasprit Bumrah was honored with the Sir Garfield Sobers Award for the 2024 International Cricket Council (ICC) Men's Cricketer of the Year.

      - His early career included a 13-year tenure at Goldman Sachs, where he held senior positions across multiple international offices. He was also involved in South Africa’s reentry into global bond markets and the 1998 Russian financial crisis resolution.

Main Point :-   (i) From 2011 to 2018, Mark Joseph Carney served as the Chair of the Financial Stability Board (FSB), overseeing global financial regulations. Between 2020 and 2025, he acted as the United Nations (UN) Special Envoy for Climate Action & Finance and co-chaired the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ).

      (ii) Mark Joseph Carney received several prestigious honors, including the Officer of the Order of Canada (2014) for his contributions to financial policy, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012) for public service, and Euromoney’s Central Bank Governor of the Year (2012).

(iii) His leadership as a central banker and policymaker has been widely recognized for shaping global financial stability and climate finance, making his transition to political leadership a historic milestone for Canada.

      - He began his career as a Chartered Accountant (CA) at Allahabad Bank (now Indian Bank) in 1992 and progressed to various leadership roles in several banks, including UCO Bank and Union Bank of India.

Main Point :-   (i) Atul Kumar Goel has served as the Chairman of IBA for two terms (2021-22 and 2022-23) and has extensive experience in the banking sector.

      (ii) He was appointed MD and CEO of PNB in 2022 and successfully led the bank until his appointment as CE of IBA in March 2025.

(iii) He is also a member of the Governing Council & Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Indian Institute of Banking & Finance (IIBF) and a member of the Governing Board of the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS).

Main Point :-   (i) Mohsin Naqvi, a Pakistani politician, is set to lead the ACC in the next term.

      (ii) The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was established in 1928 and is the principal governing body for cricket in India.

Main Point :-   (i) Takashi Nakajima has been with Honda since 1994, accumulating over 30 years of experience. Throughout his career, he has held various roles in business planning, product planning, marketing, and sales promotion across countries like Japan, China, Spain, the Czech Republic, and Russia.

      (ii) Since 2021, he has served as the President of Honda Motor Russia and has also been responsible for corporate communication, marketing, and product planning for Honda’s car business in Japan.

Main Point :-   (i) Vikas Kaushal has been the MD and Country Head for Kearney India, based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, for five years.

      (ii) He has also served as an advisor and consultant to the leadership of several domestic firms, including HPCL, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL), and many others.

(iii) Prior to this, he was twice elected to Kearney's Global Board of Directors, serving two full terms. He also chaired the finance, audit, and governance committees.

Main Point :-   (i) Sumant Kathpalia has 37 years of experience in the banking sector and has been with IndusInd Bank for 17 years.

      (ii) He also has working experience with international banks such as Algemene Bank Nederland (ABN AMRO) Bank, Bank of America, and Citibank.

      - He also served as the DG of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), based in New Delhi.

Main Point :-   (i) Dr. Himanshu Pathak has held various positions, including the Director of ICAR-National Institute of Abiotic Stress Management, based in Pune, Maharashtra, and the Director of ICAR-National Rice Research Institute, based in Cuttack, Odisha.

      (ii) Dr. Pathak has also been a visiting scientist at the University of Essex in the United Kingdom (UK) and the Institute of Meteorology and Climate Research (IMK) in Germany.

Main Point :-   (i) Vidya Balan is a renowned actress known for her impactful performances in Indian cinema. She has received numerous accolades, including the National Film Award for Best Actress, for her roles in films such as Paa (2009), The Dirty Picture (2011), and Kahaani (2012).

      (ii) She was honored with India's fourth-highest civilian award in the field of Arts for her contributions to Indian cinema.

Main Point :-   (i) With over 30 years of experience, Joshi has worked extensively in areas like statistics, information technology, and cyber risk management.

      (ii) He has also been a faculty member at the Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT) in Hyderabad.

(iii) Joshi holds a certification as an associate from the Indian Institute of Banking and Finance (CAIIB).

Main Point :-   (i) Shubman Gill was recently ranked as the No. 1 One Day International (ODI) batter in the ICC Men's Player Rankings 2025.

      (ii) This partnership will cover all of Shubman Gill's future cricket tournaments. It comes alongside MRF's ongoing relationship with another Indian cricket star, Virat Kohli.

(iii) With this, Shubman Gill joins an exclusive group of cricket legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and Brian Lara, all of whom have been associated with the iconic MRF bat.

      - He previously served as Deputy Election Commissioner at the Election Commission of India and has held various important roles, including Joint Secretary to former President Ram Nath Kovind, CEO of the Gujarat Maritime Board, and Commissioner for the Rajkot and Vadodara Municipal Corporations.

Main Point :-   (i) GeM is India's largest online marketplace for government procurement. The platform is undergoing a major transformation and will soon become a next-generation digital platform powered by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).

      (ii) GeM has already achieved significant success, with a Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of Rs. 4.58 lakh crore, showing a 28.65% year-on-year growth.

Main Point :-   (i) Vivek Audichya’s tenure as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Paisabazaar ended on 28 February 2025 following his resignation. He will take over as CFO of Policybazaar from 1 April 2025, replacing Ashutosh Mishra, who will step down on 31 March 2025.

      (ii) Neeraj Tripathi has been appointed as the CFO and Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) of Paisabazaar, effective 1 March 2025, succeeding Vivek Audichya.

Main Point :-   (i) Vivek Audichya’s tenure as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Paisabazaar ended on 28 February 2025 following his resignation. He will take over as CFO of Policybazaar from 1 April 2025, replacing Ashutosh Mishra, who will step down on 31 March 2025.

      (ii) Neeraj Tripathi has been appointed as the CFO and Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) of Paisabazaar, effective 1 March 2025, succeeding Vivek Audichya.

      - Tuhin Kanta Pandey is a 1987-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Odisha cadre. He has worked in both state and central governments, handling key responsibilities across various departments.

Main Point :-   (i) Tuhin Kanta Pandey was the longest-serving secretary in the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), Ministry of Finance (MoF). He also held charge of the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), MoF, as well as the Department of Personnel and Training, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (MoPP&P).

      (ii) Tuhin Kanta Pandey also worked at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization's (UNIDO) Regional Office for a while. He served as Joint Secretary in the Planning Commission (now NITI Aayog), Joint Secretary in the Cabinet Secretariat, and Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce (MoC).

(iii) On 9 January 2025, he took over as the Secretary of the Department of Revenue (DoR), succeeding Sanjay Malhotra, who moved to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as its governor. He drafted the Union Budget 2025-26, which included Rs 1 lakh crore in tax reliefs for the middle class, and was involved in drafting the new Income Tax Bill aimed at replacing the Income Tax Act of 1961.

      - Tuhin Kanta Pandey is a 1987-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Odisha cadre. He has worked in both state and central governments, handling key responsibilities across various departments.

Main Point :-   (i) Tuhin Kanta Pandey was the longest-serving secretary in the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), Ministry of Finance (MoF). He also held charge of the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), MoF, as well as the Department of Personnel and Training, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (MoPP&P).

      (ii) Tuhin Kanta Pandey also worked at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization's (UNIDO) Regional Office for a while. He served as Joint Secretary in the Planning Commission (now NITI Aayog), Joint Secretary in the Cabinet Secretariat, and Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce (MoC).

(iii) On 9 January 2025, he took over as the Secretary of the Department of Revenue (DoR), succeeding Sanjay Malhotra, who moved to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as its governor. He drafted the Union Budget 2025-26, which included Rs 1 lakh crore in tax reliefs for the middle class, and was involved in drafting the new Income Tax Bill aimed at replacing the Income Tax Act of 1961.

      - However, it may take up to six months for Ratan Tata's will to go through all formalities and be approved by the Bombay High Court before his wealth is distributed.

Main Point :-   (i) The Foundation is focused on philanthropy and technological research aimed at benefiting Indian society.

      (ii) Notably, Noel Tata, Chairman of Tata Trusts, will not be a part of the RTEF board.

Main Point :-   (i) Fernandez, who was appointed CFO in January 2024, previously served as President of Unilever’s Beauty & Wellbeing division. He also held various leadership positions, including President of Latin America, CEO of Brazil, and CEO of the Philippines.

      (ii) Srinivas Phatak, who is currently serving as Deputy CFO, will assume the role of CFO.

      - Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi , who has been serving as DCGI since February 2023, was originally set to retire on February 28, 2025.

Main Point :-   (i) Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi also holds the additional charge of secretary-cum-scientific director at the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), MoH&FW.

      (ii) Previously, he worked with reputed multinational companies, including Gurugram (Haryana)-based Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited and Hyderabad (Telangana)-based Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Limited (DRL).

(iii) New Delhi (Delhi)-based CDSCO, under MoH&FW, is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing the manufacturing, sales, export, and import of medicines, vaccines, cosmetics, and medical devices in India.

      - He is a 1987-batch retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Chhattisgarh cadre.

Main Point :-   (i) B.V.R. Subrahmanyam served in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) under Prime Ministers Manmohan Singh (2004–2008) and Narendra Modi (March 2012–March 2015).

      (ii) In 2015, he was appointed as the Additional Chief Secretary (CS) of Chhattisgarh and in 2018, as the CS of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).

(iii) In 2021, he was appointed as Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoC&I) to the Government of India (GoI).

Main Point :-   (i) He has served as Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) and District Collector (DC) of Panipat and Hisar in Haryana.

      (ii) Over the years, he has held key positions as Director and Principal Secretary in multiple departments, and in 2021, he was promoted to Additional Chief Secretary (ACS).

(iii) The office of the Chief Secretary (CS) is excluded from the tenure system, meaning there is no fixed tenure for this position.

Main Point :-   (i) He has served as Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) and District Collector (DC) of Panipat and Hisar in Haryana.

      (ii) Over the years, he has held key positions as Director and Principal Secretary in multiple departments, and in 2021, he was promoted to Additional Chief Secretary (ACS).

(iii) The office of the Chief Secretary (CS) is excluded from the tenure system, meaning there is no fixed tenure for this position.

Main Point :-   (i) He has served as Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) and District Collector (DC) of Panipat and Hisar in Haryana.

      (ii) Over the years, he has held key positions as Director and Principal Secretary in multiple departments, and in 2021, he was promoted to Additional Chief Secretary (ACS).

(iii) The office of the Chief Secretary (CS) is excluded from the tenure system, meaning there is no fixed tenure for this position.

Main Point :-   (i) He has served as Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) and District Collector (DC) of Panipat and Hisar in Haryana.

      (ii) Over the years, he has held key positions as Director and Principal Secretary in multiple departments, and in 2021, he was promoted to Additional Chief Secretary (ACS).

(iii) The office of the Chief Secretary (CS) is excluded from the tenure system, meaning there is no fixed tenure for this position.

Main Point :-   (i) Nageswaran played a significant role in India’s annual Economic Survey 2024-25, which projected India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth at 6.3% to 6.8% for Financial Year 2025-26.

      (ii) Nageswaran assumed the position of the 18th Chief Economic Adviser on January 28, 2022, succeeding Krishnamurthy Venkata (KV) Subramanian, the 17th CEA, who served from 2018 to 2021.

      - Lieutenant Governor (L-G) of Delhi, Vinai Kumar Saxena, administered the oath of office and secrecy to the CM and the ministers at the ceremony.

Main Point :-   (i) This event marks the end of the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)'s 10-year rule in Delhi.

      (ii) The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Prime Minister (PM) of India Narendra Modi, Union Minister Amit Shah (Ministry of Home Affairs), BJP President Jagat Prakash (JP) Nadda, and several BJP-led state CMs, including those from Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh (AP).

(iii) In the 2025 Delhi assembly elections, the BJP won 48 out of the 70 seats, while AAP secured 22 seats. After being selected as the CM by BJP legislators, Rekha Gupta met Lieutenant Governor (L-G) VK Saxena to stake her claim to form the government.

Main Point :-   (i) Salila Pande began her banking career as a Probationary Officer (PO) with SBI in 1995.

      (ii) Salila has accumulated extensive experience through various positions across the bank in several locations.

(iii) She has held significant roles, including President and CEO of SBI California (USA), Vice President - Mid Office at SBI Singapore, and Deputy General Manager (DGM) (Business and Operations) in Delhi.

Main Point :-   (i) P.D. Singh holds two Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) degrees and an engineering qualification. He is well-known for his contributions to the banking sector.

      (ii) P.D. Singh has over ten years of experience at Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC) based in London, United Kingdom (UK).

(iii) Before joining Standard Chartered, Singh was the CEO of JPMorgan Chase and Co in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

      - N Biren Singh served as the 12th Chief Minister of Manipur from March 15, 2017, to February 8, 2025.

Main Point :-   (i) Due to the growing political instability, the Manipur Assembly, which had a tenure lasting until 2027, was placed under suspended animation. The Assembly was required to reconvene by February 12, 2025, as per Article 174(1) of the Indian Constitution, but failed to meet the deadline.

      (ii) Under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, President's Rule suspends the state government, and the Governor assumes executive powers on behalf of the President of India. The elected government is dissolved, and the Governor becomes the executive head, managing the administration under the guidance of the Union Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister.

(iii) President's Rule can remain in effect for up to 6 months, with the possibility of extension for a maximum of 3 years. Extensions require parliamentary approval every six months, and special conditions must be met after the first year. Since 1950, President's Rule has been imposed 134 times across 29 states and Union Territories, with Manipur and Uttar Pradesh seeing the most frequent impositions. Jammu & Kashmir holds the record for the longest duration of President's Rule, lasting over 12 years.

Main Point :-   (i) Konstantinos Tasoulas is a lawyer and former Speaker of the Hellenic Parliament. He was elected as Member of Parliament (MP) for Ioannina, Greece, in 2000.

      (ii) In 2006, Konstantinos Tasoulas was appointed as the parliamentary representative of the ND party, and in 2010, he became its General Secretary. In 2007, he also served as the Defense Deputy Minister of Greece.

(iii) From 2014 to 2015, Konstantinos Tasoulas served as the Minister of Culture and Sports in Greece, and from 2019 to 2025, he served as the President of the Hellenic Parliament.

      - Charanjot Singh Nanda is a Fellow Member who has been practicing as a Chartered Accountant since 1991. He was elected as the Chairman of the Northern India Regional Council (NIRC) of ICAI during 2002-03. In 2004, he was elected to the Central Council of ICAI and has since served six terms. He is currently serving his seventh term as a council member for 2025-26.

Main Point :-   (i) In the year 2024-25, Charanjot Singh Nanda was elected as the Vice President of ICAI. Throughout his extensive career, he has chaired various committees of ICAI, including the Internal Audit Standards Board (IASB), the Committee for Members in Industry and Business, and the Women Members Empowerment Committee.

      (ii) He has represented ICAI in central government and regulatory committees, including the Quality Review Board and SEBI's Advisory Committees (2007-10). He has also represented ICAI on international platforms like SAFA and ACFE.

(iii) CA Prasanna Kumar D was elected to the Central Council of ICAI for three consecutive terms (24th, 25th, and 26th Council). He served as the Chairman of the Visakhapatnam Branch of ICAI during 2001-02 and was a member of the Southern India Regional Council from 2007 to 2016, where he also held the position of Chairman in 2013-14.

Main Point :-   (i) Jotham Napat was Member of Parliament (MP) for Tanna since 2016; re-elected in 2020, 2022, and 2025.

      (ii) He was also the President of the Leaders Party.

(iii) He headed the National Disaster Committee post-Cyclone Pam (2015).

Main Point :-   (i) Senate Speaker Ilie Bolojan will serve as interim president until May's rerun election.

      (ii) Ilie Bolojan is a respected Romanian politician known for his efficient administration and governance reforms. He has previously served as the Mayor of Oradea.

Main Point :-   K. Balasubramanian will succeed Ashu Khullar as the CEO of Citibank India, subject to approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). He will report to Amol Gupte, Head of Asia South and Banking Head.