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Current Affairs 28 April 2025
1. 14-Year-Old Vaibhav Suryavanshi Becomes Youngest Player to Hit the IPL’s 2nd Fastest Century
At just 14 years old, Vaibhav Suryavanshi has made
history by becoming the youngest player to hit the IPL’s second-fastest century. His explosive innings captured the attention of cricket fans and experts across the globe. Displaying incredible composure and power, Vaibhav reached his hundred in record time for someone so young. His performance not only broke age barriers but also showcased the bright future of Indian cricket. Many hailed his innings as one of the most thrilling moments of the season. With this remarkable achievement, Vaibhav Suryavanshi has firmly established himself as a rising star in the cricketing world.
history by becoming the youngest player to hit the IPL’s second-fastest century. His explosive innings captured the attention of cricket fans and experts across the globe. Displaying incredible composure and power, Vaibhav reached his hundred in record time for someone so young. His performance not only broke age barriers but also showcased the bright future of Indian cricket. Many hailed his innings as one of the most thrilling moments of the season. With this remarkable achievement, Vaibhav Suryavanshi has firmly established himself as a rising star in the cricketing world.Foot notes:
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Youngest Centurion : Vaibhav Suryavanshi became the youngest player to score a century in the IPL and T20 cricket, achieving this feat at 14 years and 32 days old.
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Second-Fastest Century : His 101 runs off 38 balls is the second-fastest century in IPL history, just five balls slower than Chris Gayle's record.
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Fastest Indian Century : Vaibhav's 35-ball ton is the fastest century scored by an Indian player in the IPL, breaking Yusuf Pathan's 15-year record.
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IPL Debut : Vaibhav was making only his third appearance in the IPL, having debuted for Rajasthan Royals less than a fortnight ago.
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Record-Breaking Achievement : He is the first IPL cricketer born after the tournament began in 2008 and became the youngest player bought in an IPL auction, signed by Rajasthan Royals for £105,000.
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Impressive Batting : Vaibhav smashed 11 sixes and seven fours against a strong Gujarat Titans bowling attack, which included Rashid Khan, Mohammed Siraj, and Ishant Sharma.
2. James Taylor appointed as MD of Nissan GB
James Taylor has been appointed as the new
Managing Director of Nissan Great Britain. With extensive experience in the automotive industry, Taylor is expected to bring strong leadership and strategic vision to the role. He takes over at a crucial time as Nissan continues to expand its electric vehicle offerings and strengthen its market position. Prior to this appointment, Taylor held several senior roles within the company, showcasing his expertise in sales, marketing, and operations. His leadership is anticipated to drive growth and innovation for Nissan GB in the coming years. Taylor’s appointment reflects the company's commitment to nurturing talent from within and pushing forward its ambitious plans for the future.
Managing Director of Nissan Great Britain. With extensive experience in the automotive industry, Taylor is expected to bring strong leadership and strategic vision to the role. He takes over at a crucial time as Nissan continues to expand its electric vehicle offerings and strengthen its market position. Prior to this appointment, Taylor held several senior roles within the company, showcasing his expertise in sales, marketing, and operations. His leadership is anticipated to drive growth and innovation for Nissan GB in the coming years. Taylor’s appointment reflects the company's commitment to nurturing talent from within and pushing forward its ambitious plans for the future.Foot notes:
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Background: Torres has over 10 years of experience at Nissan, holding various global, regional, and market roles, including positions in North America and Latin America.
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Previous Roles: Before joining Nissan, Torres worked in the aviation and banking industries across Europe. Her first role with Nissan was as a senior finance controller at the Sunderland assembly plant.
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Replacing Andrew Humberstone: Torres succeeded Andrew Humberstone, who became the Managing Director of Nissan's Oceania region after serving as UK MD since 2020.
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Key Focus Areas: Torres aims to build a culture of collaboration, partnership, and innovation to drive growth and success in the UK market, focusing on design, electrification, and connectivity.
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Leadership: Torres reports to Mayra Gonzáles, Divisional Vice President of Marketing and Sales in Europe, and is leading a highly capable team with valued dealer partners who have delivered fantastic results in recent years.
About Nissan:
CEO: Ivan Espinosa
Founded: 2005
Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
3. Dr Manoj Kumar Jhawar Appointed as Chairman and Managing Director of PTC India Limited
Dr. Manoj Kumar Jhawar has been appointed as the
new Chairman and Managing Director of PTC India Limited. With a distinguished career spanning several decades in the power and energy sector, Dr. Jhawar brings deep industry expertise to his new role. His appointment comes at a critical time as PTC India focuses on strengthening its position in energy trading and expanding its renewable energy initiatives. Prior to this, Dr. Jhawar held key leadership positions, where he played a pivotal role in driving operational excellence and strategic growth. His vision and leadership are expected to steer PTC India towards greater innovation and sustainability. The company believes that under Dr. Jhawar’s guidance, it will achieve new milestones in the evolving energy landscape.
new Chairman and Managing Director of PTC India Limited. With a distinguished career spanning several decades in the power and energy sector, Dr. Jhawar brings deep industry expertise to his new role. His appointment comes at a critical time as PTC India focuses on strengthening its position in energy trading and expanding its renewable energy initiatives. Prior to this, Dr. Jhawar held key leadership positions, where he played a pivotal role in driving operational excellence and strategic growth. His vision and leadership are expected to steer PTC India towards greater innovation and sustainability. The company believes that under Dr. Jhawar’s guidance, it will achieve new milestones in the evolving energy landscape.Foot notes:
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Background: Dr. Manoj Kumar Jhawar is a Ph.D. in Management Sciences from Devi Ahilya University, Indore, with a strong background in mechanical engineering and industrial engineering and management.
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Appointment: He has taken additional charge as Chairman and Managing Director of PTC India Limited, following Rajib Kumar Mishra's cessation as CMD due to a SEBI bar.
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Experience: Dr. Jhawar has over three decades of work experience in commercial, IT management, finance, and engineering domains, including senior leadership roles in the power distribution sector.
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Previous Roles: Before joining PTC India Limited, he served as Director (Finance) in KIOCL Ltd. and held various positions in Madhya Pradesh Paschim Kshetra Vidyut Vitaran Company Ltd., including Director (Finance) and Director (Commercial).
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Responsibilities: As Chairman and Managing Director, Dr. Jhawar will exercise powers delegated by the Board, overseeing the company's operations and strategic direction.
About PTC India Limited:
CEO: Neil Barua
Founded: 1985
Headquarters: U.S.
4. Manush Shah, Diya Chitale Clinch Mixed Doubles Title At WTT Contender Tunis 2025
Indian table tennis duo Manush Shah and Diya
Chitale clinched the mixed doubles title at the WTT Contender Tunis 2025, held from April 22 to 27 at the Salle Omnisport de Rades in Tunis, Tunisia. In a thrilling final, they defeated Japan’s Sora Matsushima and Miwa Harimoto with a scoreline of 11-9, 5-11, 14-12, 3-11, 11-6. This victory marks them as only the second Indian pair to win a WTT Contender mixed doubles title, following in the footsteps of Manika Batra and Sathiyan Gnanasekaran. Their triumph not only adds to India's growing stature in international table tennis but also highlights the rising talent within the nation's ranks. The duo's performance throughout the tournament showcased their synergy and resilience against top-tier international competition. Their success in Tunis is a promising sign for Indian table tennis on the global stage.
Chitale clinched the mixed doubles title at the WTT Contender Tunis 2025, held from April 22 to 27 at the Salle Omnisport de Rades in Tunis, Tunisia. In a thrilling final, they defeated Japan’s Sora Matsushima and Miwa Harimoto with a scoreline of 11-9, 5-11, 14-12, 3-11, 11-6. This victory marks them as only the second Indian pair to win a WTT Contender mixed doubles title, following in the footsteps of Manika Batra and Sathiyan Gnanasekaran. Their triumph not only adds to India's growing stature in international table tennis but also highlights the rising talent within the nation's ranks. The duo's performance throughout the tournament showcased their synergy and resilience against top-tier international competition. Their success in Tunis is a promising sign for Indian table tennis on the global stage.Foot notes:
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Mixed Doubles Champions: Manush Shah and Diya Chitale won the mixed doubles title at the WTT Contender Tunis 2025, defeating the Japanese pair Sora Matsushima and Miwa Harimoto 3-2 in the final.
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Historic Win: This victory makes them the second Indian mixed doubles team to win a WTT Contender event, following Manika Batra and Sathiyan Gnanasekaran's win in 2021.
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Comeback Victory: Manush and Diya avenged their loss to the same Japanese pair in the final of the 2025 WTT Star Contender Doha event, where they were blanked 3-0.
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Strong Performance: In the semifinals, Manush and Diya defeated Tunisia's Wassim Essid and Egypt's Hana Goda 3-0, showcasing their skills and teamwork.
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Prize Money: The WTT Contender Tunis 2025 had a prize money of $1 lakh, and winning this title will help Manush and Diya earn valuable ranking points.
5. Barcelona Clinch 32nd Copa Del Rey Title
FC Barcelona secured their record-extending 32nd
Copa del Rey title with a dramatic 3–2 victory over arch-rivals Real Madrid in the 2025 final at Seville's Estadio La Cartuja. The match saw Pedri open the scoring for Barcelona in the 28th minute, but Real Madrid responded with goals from Kylian Mbappé and Aurélien Tchouaméni to take a 2–1 lead. Ferran Torres equalized in the 84th minute, pushing the game into extra time. In the 116th minute, Jules Koundé delivered the decisive goal, securing the win for Barcelona. The intense match was marred by disciplinary issues, with three Real Madrid players—Lucas Vázquez, Antonio Rüdiger, and Jude Bellingham—receiving red cards for dissent and unsportsmanlike conduct.
Copa del Rey title with a dramatic 3–2 victory over arch-rivals Real Madrid in the 2025 final at Seville's Estadio La Cartuja. The match saw Pedri open the scoring for Barcelona in the 28th minute, but Real Madrid responded with goals from Kylian Mbappé and Aurélien Tchouaméni to take a 2–1 lead. Ferran Torres equalized in the 84th minute, pushing the game into extra time. In the 116th minute, Jules Koundé delivered the decisive goal, securing the win for Barcelona. The intense match was marred by disciplinary issues, with three Real Madrid players—Lucas Vázquez, Antonio Rüdiger, and Jude Bellingham—receiving red cards for dissent and unsportsmanlike conduct. Foot notes:
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Record-Extending 32nd Title: Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 3-2 in extra time to claim their record-extending 32nd Copa del Rey title, showcasing their dominance in the competition.
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Dramatic Comeback: The Catalan giants trailed twice before Ferran Torres equalized in the 84th minute to force extra time, where Jules Kounde scored the decisive goal in the 116th minute.
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Early Spark from Pedri: Pedri González opened the scoring in the 28th minute with a brilliant long-range strike, giving Barcelona an early lead.
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Kylian Mbappe's Impact: Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe, introduced off the bench, made an immediate impact, equalizing with a stunning free kick in the 70th minute before Aurelien Tchouameni gave Madrid a brief lead.
6. Keshav Kumar Pathak appointed as Special Secretary, Cabinet Secretariat
Keshav Kumar Pathak, a 1990-batch IAS officer
from the Bihar cadre, has been appointed as Special Secretary in the Cabinet Secretariat by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. This appointment involves the temporary upgradation of a vacant Joint Secretary post to the rank and pay of Secretary, a measure personal to the officer. Prior to this, Mr. Pathak served as the Chairman of the Bihar Revenue Board, where he was recognized for his administrative acumen and commitment to reform. His central deputation marks a significant transition from state to national service, bringing his extensive experience to the Union government. Mr. Pathak's career has been characterized by a strong focus on discipline and accountability, notably during his tenure as Principal Secretary of the Education Department in Bihar.
from the Bihar cadre, has been appointed as Special Secretary in the Cabinet Secretariat by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. This appointment involves the temporary upgradation of a vacant Joint Secretary post to the rank and pay of Secretary, a measure personal to the officer. Prior to this, Mr. Pathak served as the Chairman of the Bihar Revenue Board, where he was recognized for his administrative acumen and commitment to reform. His central deputation marks a significant transition from state to national service, bringing his extensive experience to the Union government. Mr. Pathak's career has been characterized by a strong focus on discipline and accountability, notably during his tenure as Principal Secretary of the Education Department in Bihar. Foot notes:
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Rank and Pay: Pathak will hold the rank and pay of Secretary to the Government of India, following the temporary upgrade of a vacant Joint Secretary post in the Cabinet Secretariat.
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Background: Before this appointment, Pathak was appointed as Additional Secretary in the Cabinet Secretariat on April 18, 2025, and later empaneled for Secretary-level posts on April 21, 2025.
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Previous Role: Pathak is presently the Chairman of the Bihar Revenue Board and has been appointed to this new role as part of major bureaucratic changes aimed at reinforcing administrative efficiency.
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Empanelment: The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) modified an earlier posting order to reflect Pathak's empanelment for Secretary-level posts, allowing him to take on the Special Secretary role.
7. NICDC Honored with Udyog Vikas Award
The National Industrial Corridor Development
Corporation (NICDC) has been honored with the Udyog Vikas Award at the Udyog Vikas 2025 event organized by Janmabhumi Daily in Palakkad, Kerala. This prestigious recognition highlights NICDC's pivotal role in transforming India's industrial landscape, particularly through the development of the Palakkad Industrial Smart City. The project spans 1,710 acres across Pudussery Central, Pudussery West, and Kannambra, and is strategically located 21 km from Palakkad city, 120 km from Cochin, and 50 km from Coimbatore, offering excellent connectivity via road, rail, and air.
Corporation (NICDC) has been honored with the Udyog Vikas Award at the Udyog Vikas 2025 event organized by Janmabhumi Daily in Palakkad, Kerala. This prestigious recognition highlights NICDC's pivotal role in transforming India's industrial landscape, particularly through the development of the Palakkad Industrial Smart City. The project spans 1,710 acres across Pudussery Central, Pudussery West, and Kannambra, and is strategically located 21 km from Palakkad city, 120 km from Cochin, and 50 km from Coimbatore, offering excellent connectivity via road, rail, and air. Foot notes:
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NICDC's Achievement: The National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC) was honored with the Udyog Vikas Award for its outstanding contributions to industrial development, particularly in creating Greenfield Industrial Smart Cities.
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Award Event: The award was presented at a prestigious event organized by Janmabhumi Daily, a leading newspaper in Kerala, highlighting NICDC's pivotal role in India's industrial transformation.
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Palakkad Industrial Smart City: NICDC's development of the Palakkad Industrial Smart City was specifically recognized, showcasing its potential to become a key industrial hub in South India, driving regional innovation and employment.
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Government Commitment: Minister of State for Heavy Industries, Public Enterprises, and Steel, Shri Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma, emphasized the Union Government's commitment to developing state-of-the-art Greenfield Industrial Smart Cities across India.
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NICDC's Objectives: As a premier government body, NICDC aims to develop futuristic industrial cities integrated with smart technologies, create globally competitive manufacturing hubs, and foster industrial investments and innovation.
8. VOC Automotive onboards Ravichandran Ashwin as brand ambassador and investor
VOC Automotive, a leading multi-brand two-wheeler
service network in India, has announced the appointment of cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin as its brand ambassador and strategic investor. Founded in 2019 by Venkatesh B M and Lokesh S, the company has expanded to over 150 stores nationwide and aims to reach 300 outlets with a projected revenue of 50 crore by FY26 . This collaboration marks a significant milestone for VOC Automotive as it continues to redefine the two-wheeler service landscape across the country. As the company gears up for its next phase of expansion, Ashwin's endorsement and strategic insight are anticipated to boost the brand's visibility and influence, setting new standards in the two-wheeler service sector.
service network in India, has announced the appointment of cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin as its brand ambassador and strategic investor. Founded in 2019 by Venkatesh B M and Lokesh S, the company has expanded to over 150 stores nationwide and aims to reach 300 outlets with a projected revenue of 50 crore by FY26 . This collaboration marks a significant milestone for VOC Automotive as it continues to redefine the two-wheeler service landscape across the country. As the company gears up for its next phase of expansion, Ashwin's endorsement and strategic insight are anticipated to boost the brand's visibility and influence, setting new standards in the two-wheeler service sector.Foot notes:
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Cricket Career: Ravichandran Ashwin is a renowned Indian cricketer, widely regarded as one of the most prolific spinners of all time, with over 500 wickets in Tests.
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Awards and Recognition: He was awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian honor, in April 2025, for his contributions to Indian sports.
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International Cricket: Ashwin represented the Indian cricket team in various formats, including Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, and was part of the team that won the 2011: IPL Success: Ashwin played for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), winning two IPL titles (2010, 2011) and the 2014 Champions League Twenty20.
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Test Cricket Achievements: He became the fastest bowler to reach 300 Test wickets in terms of innings and holds the record for the second-highest rating points by an Indian bowler in Test cricket.
9. Pondicherry University signs agreement with Central Power Research Institute
Pondicherry University has signed a Memorandum
of Understanding (MoU) with the Central Power Research Institute (CPRI), Bangalore, to foster collaborative research and knowledge exchange in the power sector and renewable energy. The MoU was formalized on April 24, 2025, in the presence of the Honourable Vice-Chancellor of Pondicherry University and the Director-General of CPRI. This partnership aims to enhance academic and technical cooperation between the two institutions, focusing on areas such as power systems, energy efficiency, and sustainable energy solutions. Through this collaboration, both organizations seek to contribute to the advancement of research and development in the energy sector. The MoU signifies a commitment to addressing the challenges of energy demand and sustainability through joint initiatives and expertise sharing. This strategic alliance is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of India's energy landscape.
of Understanding (MoU) with the Central Power Research Institute (CPRI), Bangalore, to foster collaborative research and knowledge exchange in the power sector and renewable energy. The MoU was formalized on April 24, 2025, in the presence of the Honourable Vice-Chancellor of Pondicherry University and the Director-General of CPRI. This partnership aims to enhance academic and technical cooperation between the two institutions, focusing on areas such as power systems, energy efficiency, and sustainable energy solutions. Through this collaboration, both organizations seek to contribute to the advancement of research and development in the energy sector. The MoU signifies a commitment to addressing the challenges of energy demand and sustainability through joint initiatives and expertise sharing. This strategic alliance is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of India's energy landscape.Foot notes:
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Research Collaboration: The agreement likely facilitates collaboration between Pondicherry University and CPRI on research projects related to power and energy, leveraging CPRI's expertise in power sector research and development.
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Knowledge Sharing: The partnership may enable knowledge sharing between the two institutions, with CPRI potentially providing technical guidance and support to Pondicherry University's research initiatives.
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Capacity Building: The agreement could focus on capacity building, including training and development programs for students and faculty members, enhancing their skills in power sector research and development.
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Joint Projects: Pondicherry University and CPRI might work together on joint projects, including research studies, pilot projects, or consultancy assignments, to address industry challenges and develop innovative solutions.
10. Renowned Historian M G S Narayanan passed away
Renowned historian Dr. M.G.S. Narayanan passed
away on April 26, 2025, at the age of 93 due to age-related ailments at his residence in Malaparamba, Kozhikode. Born on August 20, 1932, in Ponnani, Kerala, he earned his Ph.D. from the University of Kerala in 1973. His doctoral thesis, later published as Perumals of Kerala, is considered a seminal work in reconstructing Kerala's political and cultural history during the Chera period. Dr. Narayanan served as the head of the Department of History at the University of Calicut from 1976 to 1990 and was the Chairman of the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) from 2001 to 2003. He was known for his empirical approach to history, emphasizing the use of inscriptions and literature to understand the past. His contributions have left a lasting impact on Indian historiography, and he is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
away on April 26, 2025, at the age of 93 due to age-related ailments at his residence in Malaparamba, Kozhikode. Born on August 20, 1932, in Ponnani, Kerala, he earned his Ph.D. from the University of Kerala in 1973. His doctoral thesis, later published as Perumals of Kerala, is considered a seminal work in reconstructing Kerala's political and cultural history during the Chera period. Dr. Narayanan served as the head of the Department of History at the University of Calicut from 1976 to 1990 and was the Chairman of the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) from 2001 to 2003. He was known for his empirical approach to history, emphasizing the use of inscriptions and literature to understand the past. His contributions have left a lasting impact on Indian historiography, and he is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.Foot notes:
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Academic Contributions: He headed the Department of History at Calicut University from 1976 to 1990 and served as the Chairman of the Indian Council of Historical Research from 2001 to 2003.
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Notable Works: Narayanan's notable works include "Cultural Symbiosis in Kerala" (1972), "Perumals of Kerala" (1972), and "Calicut: The City of Truth Revisited" (2006), showcasing his expertise in ancient history and cultural studies.
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Research Focus: His research focused on interpreting inscriptions and literature from ancient periods, particularly studying ancient scripts like Brahmi, Vattezhuttu, and Grantha, as well as Tamil and Sanskrit languages.
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Legacy: Narayanan was known for his Brahmin Oligarchy model and was a critic of Burton Stein's "segmentary state" model for the Chola Empire, contributing significantly to Indian historiography.
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