**Which former governor of RBI has been recently conferred with the inaugural Prof CR Rao Centenary Gold Medal?**
VerifiedAnswer: C Rangarajan
Explanation:
C Rangarajan, the former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), was recently honored with the inaugural Prof CR Rao Centenary Gold Medal. This prestigious award recognizes his outstanding contributions to economics, statistics, and public policy throughout his distinguished career.
Chakravarthi Rangarajan served as the 19th Governor of RBI from 1992 to 1997, during a crucial period of India's economic liberalization. His tenure was marked by significant monetary policy reforms and the modernization of India's banking system. He played a pivotal role in steering the Indian economy through challenging times and implementing key financial sector reforms.
The Prof CR Rao Centenary Gold Medal is named after Professor Calyampudi Radhakrishna Rao, one of the world's most renowned statisticians and a Padma Vibhushan recipient. This medal was instituted to honor individuals who have made exceptional contributions to statistics, economics, and related fields. Rangarajan's selection for this inaugural award highlights his significant impact on economic policy and statistical applications in India.
Beyond his role as RBI Governor, Rangarajan has held several other important positions including Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister and Chairman of the 12th Finance Commission. He has been instrumental in shaping India's economic policies and has authored numerous research papers on monetary economics, public finance, and development economics.
