Current Affairs - Persons

Stefan Schaffer has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Deutsche Bank’s India-based Global Capability Centre (GCC) as of June 2, 2025. In addition to this role, he will serve as the Global CIO for Corporate Functions and Head of Global Technology Centres. With prior experience leading the Bucharest Technology Center and the Shared Applications and Services vertical, Schaffer brings a strategic focus on reusability, simplification, and innovation. His leadership marks Deutsche Bank’s continued emphasis on India’s role in global operations, where over 20,000 employees contribute across cities like Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, and Jaipur.

S. Padmanabhan, a distinguished Tata Group veteran and an alumnus of IIM Bangalore (PGP 1982), has been appointed as the Chairman of Tata Chemicals effective May 30, 2025. His appointment marks a significant moment in Tata Chemicals' leadership journey, highlighting the Tata Group's tradition of nurturing internal talent. Padmanabhan has held key roles at TCS, Tata Power, and Tata Chemicals over a career spanning four decades. Recognized for his operational acumen and strategic leadership, his new role comes at a critical time as Tata Chemicals expands its global presence and focuses on sustainability and speciality chemicals.

Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh achieved a landmark victory by defeating reigning World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen in a classical game at the Norway Chess 2025 tournament. This win is Gukesh’s first classical victory over Carlsen and marks a significant milestone in the 19-year-old’s rapidly rising chess career. Despite being in a tough position earlier in the game, Gukesh showed remarkable patience and tactical sharpness to turn the game in his favour during the endgame. The victory highlights his growing strength on the international stage and showcases the emergence of a new wave of Indian chess prodigies ready to challenge the elite.

Opal Suchata Chuangsri from Thailand was crowned Miss World 2025 during the 72nd edition of the Miss World pageant held at the HITEX Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad, Telangana. This prestigious event marked the conclusion of a month-long celebration that included cultural showcases, heritage tours, and global advocacy efforts. Opal was crowned by the outgoing titleholder, Miss World 2024 Krystyna Pyszkova. Her victory represents Thailand's growing influence in international beauty pageants and highlights the importance of cultural diplomacy and personal empowerment on a global stage.

N Venu has been appointed as the new Managing Director of Hitachi India, effective from June 2, 2025. He succeeds Bharat Kaushal, who has been elevated to the role of Executive Chairman of Hitachi India from April 1, 2025. N Venu currently serves as the MD & CEO of Hitachi Energy India and the Region Head for South Asia. With nearly four decades of experience in the industry, Venu is expected to drive Hitachi's "Inspire 2027" growth strategy in India, focusing on digital innovation and value creation across 28 Hitachi group companies. His leadership is pivotal for strengthening Hitachi’s footprint in India’s rapidly evolving market.