CAG Rajiv Mehrishi IAS Explains Current Affairs

CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) Rajiv Mehrishi was sworn in as the 23rd CAG of India on September 3, 2014, at Rashtrapati Bhavan by President Pranab Mukherjee. 

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) released an advertisement regarding the CAG’s examination in May 2016. This article gives you brief information about CAG, its significance and importance, steps to prepare for it, important current affairs sections, some useful tips etc…

He explains the ‘Mandate on Cadre Restructuring’ and how it has helped many IAS officers transition to another cadre or state from their earlier posting. He used his case as an example where he was transferred from Haryana to Kerala after serving three years at one place to reduce regional imbalances in Haryana. Also, there was no vacancy available in Haryana at that time.

National Current Affairs

• (Political and Economic) India is currently enjoying its highest ever foreign exchange reserves at $400 billion. It is estimated that India will touch $1 trillion in five years. 
• The International Cricket Council (ICC) has banned South Africa, fast bowler, Kagiso Rabada from two tests against Australia over his shoulder-barging incident during last month’s second Test against Sri Lanka at Port Elizabeth. 
• World number one Rafael Nadal won his 10th French Open title, beating Stan Wawrinka 6-2 6-3 6-1 on Sunday to win a record 11th Grand Slam title overall at Roland Garros stadium. 
• Brazilians have voted overwhelmingly in favour of President Michel Temer staying in power until 2018, according to official results released Monday after a nationwide referendum marred by low turnout and allegations of fraud. 
• Voters were asked whether they wanted Temer — who replaced impeached leftist leader Dilma Rousseff — to stay until December 2018 or if they wanted new elections held immediately.
• A meeting between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to occur on May 22. Both leaders are expected to be in Jerusalem for an event marking Israel’s founding anniversary, Channel 10 News said without citing sources. 
• World number one Rafael Nadal won his 10th French Open title, beating Stan Wawrinka 6-2 6-3 6-1 on Sunday to win a record 11th Grand Slam title overall at Roland Garros stadium.

International Current Affairs

• The political crisis in Nepal, which has resulted in clashes between the protesters and police, has now taken a new turn. On June 28, 2015, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a successful stopover in Nepal. 
• PM Modi’s first trip abroad after assuming office on May 26, 2014. It is also significant that PM Modi chose to make Nepal his first foreign destination after taking over as Prime Minister. His choice shows that India attaches utmost importance to its relations with Nepal.

Miscellaneous News Topics

Modi government’s Demonetisation and petrol price hike; Statue of Unity in Gujarat is worth  ₹3,000 crores. Narendra Modi will inaugurate it on October 31 (today).

All news related to politics, social matters and the economy. Questions may be asked about these topics. Questions may also be asked from previous year’s papers and other sources. Basic current Affairs sections should be considered while practising besides getting into depth.

Also, questions may be asked about general awareness like history, geography, sports, culture etc. There are no negative marks for wrong answers, and the time duration is 1 hour 30 minutes.

Interview Highlights

Mr Rajiv Mehrishi was appointed CAG in February 2014, completing his term as Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance. Before joining the Ministry of Finance, he served as Financial Services Secretary in the Ministry of Finance. He has also explained which current affairs section aspirants should focus on. He also guides in preparing for top government jobs.

Earlier Mr Mehrishi was Chairman and Managing Director of IDBI Bank Ltd from August 2009 till January 2013. He has also worked with the Bank of Baroda and Punjab National Bank. He is a graduate of Delhi University and holds an MBA degree from XLRI, Jamshedpur. In addition to being a Chartered Accountant, he is also a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).

Conclusion

The importance of current affairs has proportionally increased with the analytical trend of questions and the enhanced weightage of environment and science. Current affairs will help in getting into top government jobs. Mr Rajiv Mehrishi explained to students the importance of various current affairs sections. He also shared different events happening around him in an intellectual way with students. He guided students, especially in practice and concentration, to achieve goals faster. Previous year question papers can help students study smart and earn good marks easily and quickly.