Current Affairs - Persons

The Reserve Bank of India will issue a ₹100 commemorative coin on September 13, 2025, to celebrate the birth centenary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. Known as a legendary Assamese singer, poet, composer, and social reformer, Hazarika’s contributions went far beyond music—he became a cultural icon who championed harmony, social justice, and human dignity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unveil the coin in Guwahati, alongside the release of a comprehensive biography. Year-long centenary celebrations will include renaming of memorials, creation of a museum, and cultural programs across India, honouring Hazarika’s enduring legacy and influence on society.

Anantjeet Singh Naruka secured the gold medal in the Men’s Skeet event at the Asian Shooting Championships held in Shymkent, Kazakhstan. He outperformed Kuwait’s Mansour Al Rashidi in the final to claim the top podium position, showcasing exceptional skill and composure under pressure. This victory highlights India’s growing presence in the shooting sport on the international stage. Alongside his triumph, Saurabh Chaudhary and Suruchi Inder Singh contributed to India’s medal tally by winning bronze in the 10 meter air pistol mixed team event, reflecting the country’s strength across multiple shooting disciplines.

Kapil Bainsla from Palwal, Haryana secured India’s first gold medal at the 16th Asian Shooting Championship held in Shymkent, Kazakhstan. He triumphed in the 10m air pistol men junior final with a total score of 243.0, narrowly defeating Uzbekistan’s Ilkhombek Obidjonov by 0.6 points. His victory was significant as it set the momentum for India on the opening day of the tournament, where the country bagged one gold, two silvers, and one bronze overall. Kapil’s achievement highlights the rising talent in India’s shooting sport, showcasing determination and precision on the international stage.

Venus Williams, a 7-time Grand Slam singles champion and 2-time U.S. Open champion, was granted a wild card entry into the U.S. Open 2025 at the age of 45. This achievement makes her the oldest singles player at the U.S. Open in more than 40 years. Earlier in the summer, she also became the oldest woman to win a tour-level singles match since 2004. Her inclusion is both historic and inspiring, showcasing her enduring talent, resilience, and the respect she continues to command in the world of professional tennis.

Devika Sihag, a 20-year-old Indian badminton player, clinched her first International Challenge title at the Malaysia International Challenge 2025 held in Ipoh. She secured this achievement by defeating her compatriot and fifth seed Isharani Baruah in the women’s singles final. This victory adds to her growing list of accomplishments, which include titles at the Swedish Open and Portugal International in 2024. More recently, she also captured the senior National Badminton Championships crown in Bengaluru. Devika’s consistent performance highlights her rising stature in Indian badminton and signals a promising future on the international stage.