National Current Affairs

On 28 August 2024, senior IPS officer Rajwinder Singh Bhatti was appointed as the Director General of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) until September 30, 2025.

Senior IPS officer Daljit Singh Chaudhary was appointed as the Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF) until November 30, 2025.

Rajwinder Singh Bhatti and Daljit Singh Chaudhary’s appointments were approved by the Department of Personnel and Training.

The CISF, established in 1969, has grown into a premier organization with 1,71,635 personnel, providing security to 358 establishments across India. The CISF also protects 67 airports, Delhi Metro, government buildings, heritage monuments, and offers VIP security services.

Q.: Who was appointed as the Director General of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) on August 28, 2024?

a) Daljit Singh Chaudhary
b) Rajwinder Singh Bhatti
c) Suresh Yadav
d) Ajay Kumar

Answer: b) Rajwinder Singh Bhatti
Rajwinder Singh Bhatti, IPS was appointed as the Director General of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) until September 30, 2025.

Q.: Who has been appointed as the Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF) on August 28, 2024?

a) Rajwinder Singh Bhatti
b) Daljit Singh Chaudhary
c) Ajit Doval
d) Anil Kumar Sharma

Answer: b) Daljit Singh Chaudhary
Daljit Singh Chaudhary, IPS was appointed as the Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF) until November 30, 2025.

Satish Kumar, an officer of the Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS), has been appointed as the Chairman and CEO of the Railway Board. He is the first individual from the Scheduled Caste (Dalit) community to hold this position.

His tenure will begin on September 1, 2024, succeeding Jaya Varma Sinha, who retires on August 31, 2024. The appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).

Q.: Who has been appointed as the new Chairman and CEO of the Railway Board?

a) Jaya Varma Sinha
b) Satish Kumar
c) Suresh Prabhu
d) Vinod Kumar Yadav

Answer: b) Satish Kumar
Satish Kumar, an officer of the Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS), has been appointed as the Chairman and CEO of the Railway Board. His tenure will begin on September 1, 2024, succeeding Jaya Varma Sinha, who retires on August 31, 2024.

On 28 August 2024, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the 3rd batch of ascending e-auctions for 730 FM channels in 234 new cities under the Private FM Radio Phase III Policy.

The estimated reserve price for the auctions is Rs. 784.87 crore. An Annual License Fee (ALF) of 4% of Gross Revenue (excluding GST) will apply to the FM channels in the 234 cities.

The rollout of Private FM Radio in these new cities will address unmet demand, promote local content, and enhance employment opportunities. The initiative will support local dialects, culture, and the “vocal for local” movement.

Q.: How many FM channels will be auctioned in the 3rd batch of e-auctions?

a) 500 channels
b) 1000 channels
c) 730 channels
d) 200 channels

Answer: c) 730 channels
On 28 August 2024, the Union Cabinet, approved the 3rd batch of ascending e-auctions for 730 FM channels in 234 new cities under the Private FM Radio Phase III Policy.

Senior IPS officer B. Srinivasan appointed as Director General (DG) of the National Security Guard (NSG). He is a 1992 batch IPS officer from the Bihar cadre. His appointment approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.

B. Srinivasan is currently the director of Bihar Police Academy, Rajgir. Tenure will be from the date of joining until his superannuation on August 31, 2027.

National Security Guard (NSG)

The National Security Guard (NSG), also known as the “Black Cats,” is a special forces unit in India established in 1984. It is tasked with counter-terrorism operations, hostage rescue, and protection of high-risk individuals. The NSG operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs and draws personnel from the Indian Army and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).

Q.: Who was recently appointed as the Director General (DG) of the National Security Guard (NSG)?

a) Rakesh Asthana
b) B. Srinivasan
c) Alok Verma
d) Y.C. Modi

Answer: b) B. Srinivasan
Senior IPS officer B. Srinivasan appointed as Director General (DG) of the National Security Guard (NSG) in August 2024.

Here is an MCQ based on the brief about NSG:

Q.: What is the primary role of the National Security Guard (NSG) in India?

a) Disaster relief operations
b) Border security
c) Counter-terrorism and hostage rescue
d) Cybersecurity management

Answer: c) Counter-terrorism and hostage rescue
NSG is tasked with counter-terrorism operations, hostage rescue, and protection of high-risk individuals.

The Central government on 26 August 2024, announced the formation of five new districts in the Union Territory of Ladakh: Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra, and Changthang. Ladakh is a very large Union Territory in terms of area. At present, Ladakh has two districts; Leh and Kargil. It is one of the least populated areas of India.

Background of Article 370: The announcement follows the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019, which ended the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and split the region into two Union Territories—Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

Q.: How many new districts have been created in the Union Territory of Ladakh by the Central Government?

A) 3
B) 4
C) 5
D) 6

Answer: C) 5
The Central government announced the formation of five new districts in the Union Territory of Ladakh: Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra, and Changthang. At present, Ladakh has two districts; Leh and Kargil.

Govind Mohan, IAS assumed the charge of the new Union Home Secretary on 23 August 2024. He has succeeded Ajay Kumar Bhalla whose tenure ended on 22 August 2024. A 1989 batch IAS Officer, Mr. Mohan was earlier holding charge of Secretary in the Culture Ministry.  

Q.: Who assumed the charge as the new Union Home Secretary on 23 August 2024?

a) Ajay Kumar Bhalla
b) Rajiv Gauba
c) Govind Mohan
d) P.K. Mishra

Answer: c) Govind Mohan

The 10th edition of the India-Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise MITRA SHAKTI took place at the Army Training School in Maduru Oya, Sri Lanka. MITRA SHAKTI is an annual event, alternating between India and Sri Lanka, with the 14-day exercise concluding on August 25, 2024.

High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, and Sri Lanka’s State Minister of Defence, Premitha Bandara Tennakoon, witnessed the final exercise.

The Indian contingent, comprising 106 personnel from the Rajputana Rifles and other services, trained alongside the Sri Lankan Gajaba Regiment. The exercise, focused on tactical drills in sub-conventional scenarios, aims to enhance interoperability and strengthen ties between the two forces.

Q.: Where was the 10th edition of the India-Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise MITRA SHAKTI, which concluded on August 25, 2024, held?

a) Pune, India
b) Colombo, Sri Lanka
c) Army Training School, Maduru Oya, Sri Lanka
d) New Delhi, India

Answer: c) Army Training School, Maduru Oya, Sri Lanka
The 10th edition of the India-Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise MITRA SHAKTI took place at the Army Training School in Maduru Oya, Sri Lanka. MITRA SHAKTI is an annual event, alternating between India and Sri Lanka, with the 14-day exercise concluding on August 25, 2024.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Warsaw on 21 August 2024 as part of a two-nation visit to Poland and Ukraine.

Modi received a warm welcome at the Warsaw Military Airport and laid wreaths at the Jam Saheb Nawanagar Memorial, Monte Cassino monument, and the Kolhapur Memorial in Poland.

The visit marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Poland and is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Poland in 45 years. Modi will meet with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President Andrzej Duda during his two-day official visit.

Modi’s visit to Ukraine is at the invitation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and is the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister since bilateral relations began in 1992.

Modi expressed hope for the return of peace and stability in Ukraine and aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation with a focus on a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict.

Q.: Which countries did Prime Minister Narendra Modi visit in August 2024?

a) Poland and Germany
b) Ukraine and Russia
c) Poland and Ukraine
d) France and Ukraine

Answer: c) Poland and Ukraine
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Warsaw on 21 August 2024 as part of a two-nation visit to Poland and Ukraine.

Q.: What is the capital of Poland?

a) Kraków
b) Gdańsk
c) Warsaw
d) Wrocław

Answer: c) Warsaw
Warsaw, the capital of Poland, is famous in history for its role in World War II.

On 20 August 2024, the Supreme Court of India set up a national task force to ensure the safety of medical professionals, particularly women. This decision came after the rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata. The task force, consisting of prominent doctors, is asked to provide an interim report within three weeks and a final report in two months.

The Court also ordered the removal of any social media content related to the victim and directed the deployment of CISF to protect doctors at RG Kar Hospital. The Court criticized the West Bengal government and hospital authorities for mishandling the case and expressed concern over the lack of laws ensuring the safety of medical professionals. Several states have laws against violence on doctors, but these do not address institutional safety properly.

Q.: What did the Supreme Court set up on 20 August 2024 to ensure the safety of medical professionals?

a) A national advisory council
b) A national task force
c) A government committee
d) A special police force

Answer: b) A national task force
On 20 August 2024, the Supreme Court of India set up a national task force to ensure the safety of medical professionals, particularly women. This decision came after the rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has cancelled the advertisement related to lateral entry in the bureaucracy following the directions from the Department of Personnel and Training on 20 August 2024.

The UPSC had issued an advertisement for 45 positions of Joint Secretaries, Directors, and Deputy Secretaries in Central Ministries. The advertisement was questioned by opposition parties, who claim it undermines the reservation rights of OBCs, SCs, and STs.

Q.: Which positions were included in the UPSC’s advertisement for lateral entry before it was cancelled?

a) Joint Secretaries, Directors, and Deputy Secretaries
b) Cabinet Ministers and Secretaries
c) Under Secretaries and Assistant Directors
d) Chief Ministers and Governors

Answer: a) Joint Secretaries, Directors, and Deputy Secretaries
The UPSC had issued an advertisement for 45 positions of Joint Secretaries, Directors, and Deputy Secretaries in Central Ministries.

Shri Ashok Kumar Singh, an IAS officer of the 1999 Kerala cadre, took over as the Director General of the Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) on August 19, 2024. He has extensive experience in governance and management at both district and state levels, having previously served as Principal Secretary of the Water Resources Department in Kerala.

Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC):

The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India. It was established in 1952 to provide social security and health insurance to Indian workers. ESIC offers a range of benefits, including medical care, cash benefits during sickness, maternity, and employment injury, as well as pension for dependents. The organization operates through a network of hospitals, dispensaries, and branch offices across India, ensuring comprehensive coverage and support for insured workers and their families.

Q.: Who took over as the Director General of Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) in Aug 2024?

A) Shri Rajesh Kumar
B) Shri Ashok Kumar Singh
C) Shri Anil Kumar
D) Shri Suresh Chandra

Ans : B) Shri Ashok Kumar Singh
Shri Ashok Kumar Singh, an IAS officer of the 1999 Kerala cadre, took over as the Director General of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) on August 19, 2024.

On August 15, 2024, during his Independence Day speech at the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined India’s ambitious vision for the future. He emphasized the country’s goal to become a global leader in semiconductor production, reducing dependency on imports and enhancing technological self-sufficiency. Modi also focused on making India a hub for manufacturing, gaming, and design, with an aim to achieve ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) by 2047.

The Prime Minister revived the spirit of Nalanda University, advocating for India to become a global education center by promoting higher learning and research. He highlighted initiatives to train India’s youth and transform the country into a skill capital. Additionally, Modi stressed the importance of green jobs, combating climate change, and inducting new talent into the political system to fight nepotism and casteism.

Modi’s speech touched on various sectors, including banking, space, and defense, where India is making significant progress. He underscored the need for modern infrastructure, ease of living, and reducing government interference in people’s lives. The Prime Minister also addressed issues of women’s empowerment, violence against women, and the importance of a Uniform Civil Code.

In his address, Modi expressed concern over the situation in Bangladesh and reiterated India’s commitment to peaceful and prosperous relations with its neighbors. He announced plans to increase medical seats and emphasized the importance of skill development under the new education policy. Modi concluded his speech by expressing the nation’s gratitude to freedom fighters and highlighting India’s aspirations to host the 2036 Olympics.

Q.: Which ancient institution’s spirit did Prime Minister Modi seek to revive during his Independence Day speech at the Red Fort on August 15, 2024.

a) Takshashila University
b) Nalanda University
c) Vikramshila University
d) Aligarh University

Answer: b) Nalanda University
The Prime Minister revived the spirit of Nalanda University, advocating for India to become a global education center by promoting higher learning and research.

Q.: Which future event did Prime Minister Modi express India’s dream of hosting, during his Independence Day speech at the Red Fort on August 15, 2024. ?

a) FIFA World Cup 2030
b) Commonwealth Games 2026
c) Olympics 2036
d) Asian Games 2034

Answer: c) Olympics 2036
During his Independence Day speech at the Red Fort on August 15, 2024, PM Modi highlighting India’s aspirations to host the 2036 Olympics.

Govind Mohan, IAS appointed as the new Union Home Secretary on 14 August 2024. He will succeed Ajay Kumar Bhalla whose tenure is going to end on 22nd August. A 1989 batch IAS Officer, Mr Mohan is currently Secretary in Culture Ministry. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved his name.

Question: Who has been appointed as the new Union Home Secretary of India in August 2024, succeeding Ajay Kumar Bhalla?

a) Anil Kumar
b) Govind Mohan
c) Rajiv Kumar
d) Sanjay Verma

Answer: b) Govind Mohan
Govind Mohan, IAS appointed as the new Union Home Secretary on 14 August 2024. He will succeed Ajay Kumar Bhalla whose tenure is going to end on 22nd August.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been tasked with investigating the rape and murder of a female post-graduate trainee (PGT) doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, following an order from the Calcutta High Court on 13 August 2024.

A 31-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata was tragically raped and murdered on August 9, 2024. The victim’s semi-nude body was found in a seminar hall on the hospital premises. The accused, Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer, was arrested after being identified through CCTV footage.

The incident has led to widespread protests among the medical community, with demands for justice and enhanced security measures. The Calcutta High Court has ordered a CBI investigation due to concerns about potential evidence tampering. The court directed the Kolkata Police to promptly transfer all case documents to the CBI.

Q.: A female trainee doctor was tragically raped and murdered on August 9, 2024, at which institution?

A) AIIMS Delhi
B) RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata
C) Safdarjung Hospital, Delhi
D) King Edward Memorial Hospital, Mumbai

Answer: B) RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata
A 31-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata was tragically raped and murdered on August 9, 2024.

IIT Madras has been ranked first in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024 for Higher Education Institutes in the overall category, with IISc Bengaluru and IIT Bombay taking second and third places, respectively. The rankings, released on August 12, 2024, by Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, also highlighted top institutions in specific categories:

• Overall Category: IIT Madras – first, IISc Bengaluru – second and IIT Bombay- third place
• University Category: IISc Bengaluru, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), and Jamia Millia Islamia ranked first, second, and third, respectively.
• Engineering Category: IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, and IIT Bombay were the top three.
• Management Category: IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, and IIM Kozhikode led the rankings.
• Medical Category: AIIMS Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh, and Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore were the top three.

The 2024 rankings introduced three new categories: State Public Universities, Open Universities, and Skill Universities. Anna University, Chennai, ranked first among State Public Universities. IGNOU topped the Open University category. In the top 100 College list, Hindu College, Miranda College, and St. Stephen’s College, all from Delhi, secured the top three ranks. Over 6,500 institutions participated in the rankings, with more than 10,000 applications submitted across different categories.

Q.: Which institution was ranked first in the Overall category of the NIRF 2024 rankings?

A) IIT Bombay
B) IISc Bengaluru
C) IIT Madras
D) IIT Delhi

Answer: C) IIT Madras
IIT Madras has been ranked first in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024 for Higher Education Institutes in the overall category

Q.: Which institution topped the Management category in the NIRF 2024 rankings?

A) IIM Bangalore
B) IIM Kozhikode
C) IIM Ahmedabad
D) IIM Lucknow

Answer: C) IIM Ahmedabad
Management Category: IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, and IIM Kozhikode are in top 3 rankings.

Q,: In the Medical category of NIRF 2024, which institution ranked first?

A) AIIMS Delhi
B) PGIMER Chandigarh
C) CMC Vellore
D) JIPMER Puducherry

Answer: A) AIIMS Delhi
Medical Category: AIIMS Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh, and Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore were the top three.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of T.V. Somanathan as Cabinet Secretary for two years, starting from August 30th, 2024. T.V. Somanathan is an officer from the 1987 batch of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Tamil Nadu cadre.

The Committee also approved his appointment as Officer on Special Duty in the Cabinet Secretariat.This appointment as Officer on Special Duty will begin from the date he joins and continue until he takes over as Cabinet Secretary.

Q.: Who has been appointed as the new Cabinet Secretary?

a) Rajiv Gauba
b) T.V. Somanathan
c) Ajay Kumar Bhalla
d) P.K. Mishra

Answer: b) T.V. Somanathan
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of T.V. Somanathan as Cabinet Secretary for two years, starting from August 30th, 2024.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent returned to India after participating in Exercise Udara Shakti 2024. The exercise took place in Kuantan, Malaysia, from August 5th to 9th, 2024. It was a joint air exercise conducted with the Royal Malaysian Air Force.

IAF’s Su-30MKI fighter jets participated in air combat missions alongside the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s Su-30MKM fighters. The exercise aimed to bolster operational efficiency and enhance technical expertise of both air forces.

Q.: Where did the Indian Air Force (IAF) participate in Exercise Udara Shakti 2024 from August 5th to 9th, 2024?

a) Singapore
b) Kuantan, Malaysia
c) Jakarta, Indonesia
d) Bangkok, Thailand

Answer: b) Kuantan, Malaysia
The Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent participated in Exercise Udara Shakti 2024 in Kuantan, Malaysia, from August 5th to 9th, 2024. It was a joint air exercise conducted with the Royal Malaysian Air Force.

On 2 August 2024, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the development of 8 National High-Speed Corridor projects.

• Total length: 936 km.
• Total cost: Rs. 50,655 crore.
• Employment generation: Estimated 4.42 crore mandays (direct and indirect).

Project Details:

1. 6-Lane Agra – Gwalior Corridor: Length: 88 km, Cost: Rs. 4,613 crore, Mode: Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT),
2. 4-Lane Kharagpur – Moregram Corridor: Length: 231 km, Cost: Rs. 10,247 crore, Mode: Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM),
3. 6-Lane Tharad – Ahmedabad Corridor: Length: 214 km, Cost: Rs. 10,534 crore, Mode: BOT, Reduces travel time by 60%.
4. 4-lane Ayodhya Ring Road: Length: 68 km, Cost: Rs. 3,935 crore, Mode: HAM.
5. 4-Lane Pathalgaon – Gumla Corridor: Length: 137 km, Cost: Rs. 4,473 crore, Mode: HAM.
6. 6-Lane Kanpur Ring Road: Length: 47 km, Cost: Rs. 3,298 crore, Mode: Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC).
7. 4-Lane Northern Guwahati Bypass: Length: 121 km, Cost: Rs. 5,729 crore, Mode: Build Operate Toll (BOT).
8. 8-Lane Elevated Nashik Phata – Khed Corridor: Length: 30 km, Cost: Rs. 7,827 crore, Mode: BOT.

Q.: Who chaired the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs that approved the development of 8 National High-Speed Corridor projects on 2 August 2024?

A) Rajnath Singh
B) Amit Shah
C) Narendra Modi
D) Nitin Gadkari

Answer: C) Narendra Modi
On 2 August 2024, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the development of 8 National High-Speed Corridor projects.

India will host its first multinational air exercise, ‘Tarang Shakti 2024’, in two phases starting on the 6th August 2024 in Sular, Tamil Nadu. In this exercise, nearly 30 countries will participate, and out of 30, ten countries will join the exercise with their fighter aircraft. The exercise will showcase India’s defence prowess and provide a platform for participating militaries to foster interoperability.

The first phase is to be held in Sular, Tamil Nadu, from 6th to 14th August, and the second phase in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, from 29th August to 14th September. 10 countries, including Australia, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Greece, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the USA, and Singapore, will join the exercise with their aircraft, and 18 countries will attend as observers.

India’s fighter aircraft, including Tejas, Rafale, Mirage 2000, Jaguar, MIG 29 aircraft, and more, will take part in the exercise.

Q.: What is the name of India’s first multinational air exercise, which will be held in August 2024?

a) Vijay Shakti 2024
b) Yudh Abhyas 2024
c) Tarang Shakti 2024
d) Garuda Shakti 2024

Answer: c) Tarang Shakti 2024
India will host its first multinational air exercise, ‘Tarang Shakti 2024’, in two phases starting on the 6th August 2024 in Sular, Tamil Nadu. In this exercise, nearly 30 countries will participate, and out of 30, ten countries will join the exercise with their fighter aircraft.

Former Union Health Secretary Preeti Sudan has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), effective from 1st August 2024. She succeeds Dr. Manoj Soni, who resigned earlier this month.

About Preeti Sudan

• She is an IAS officer from the Andhra Pradesh cadre, 1983 batch, with nearly 37 years of experience in government administration.
• Education: Degrees in Economics and Social Policy and Planning from the London School of Economics, trained in public finance management in Washington.

Career Highlights:

• Union Health Secretary for three years until July 2020, key strategist during the Covid-19 pandemic.
• Secretary of Department of Food and Public Distribution, roles in Women and Child Development, Defence Ministry, Finance and Planning, Disaster Management, Tourism, and Agriculture.
• Consultant with the World Bank.
• Chair of COP-8 of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, Vice Chair of the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, Chair of Global Digital Health Partnership, member of WHO’s Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response.

Contributions:

• Key initiatives: Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Ayushman Bharat.
• Actions: Ban on E-cigarettes, legislation on the National Medical Commission.

Q.: Who has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) from 1st August 2024?

a) Dr. Manoj Soni
b) Preeti Sudan
c) Amitabh Kant
d) Sunita Sharma

Answer: b) Preeti Sudan
Former Union Health Secretary Preeti Sudan has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), effective from 1st August 2024. She is an IAS officer from the Andhra Pradesh cadre, 1983 batch. She succeeds Dr. Manoj Soni, who resigned earlier this month.