Current Affairs - Persons

Armand Duplantis, the Swedish-American pole vault superstar, made history once again by setting a new world record of 6.28 meters at the Stockholm Diamond League on June 15, 2025. This remarkable achievement marked the 12th time he had broken the world record in his event. Notably, it was the first time he set a world record on Swedish soil, making the moment especially emotional for him and the local crowd at the historic 1912 Olympic Stadium. The jump was completed on his very first attempt, further highlighting his extraordinary consistency and dominance in pole vaulting.

Blaise Metreweli has been appointed as the first female chief of MI6, the United Kingdom’s foreign intelligence agency, marking a historic milestone since the agency’s founding in 1909. Announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the G7 Summit in Canada on June 15, 2025, her appointment reflects a progressive shift in the leadership of British intelligence services. Metreweli brings over 25 years of experience in cyber operations and intelligence, having served as MI6’s Director of Technology and Innovation. Her leadership is expected to bolster the agency’s response to modern challenges such as cyber threats, disinformation campaigns, and geopolitical tensions.

Pranati Nayak secured the bronze medal in the vault final at the 12th Senior Women’s Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championships held in Jecheon, South Korea. Competing against top talent from Asia, Nayak delivered a strong performance, adding to her growing international reputation. This medal follows her earlier bronze at the FIG World Cup in Antalya, Turkey, showcasing her consistency and competitiveness in global gymnastics events. With this achievement, the 30-year-old gymnast continues to raise the profile of Indian gymnastics on the continental stage, inspiring future athletes in the sport.

Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the most iconic footballers globally and a five-time Ballon d'Or winner has been named the Global Ambassador for the Esports World Cup 2025. His involvement represents a significant crossover between traditional sports and esports, enhancing the global appeal and legitimacy of competitive gaming. As an ambassador, Ronaldo is expected to inspire the younger generation and promote esports as a mainstream competitive field. The tournament, scheduled to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will feature a massive international presence, and Ronaldo’s role is central to its global outreach and success.

Alexander Payne, a distinguished American filmmaker, will be honoured with the prestigious Honorary Leopard Award at the 78th Locarno Film Festival, held from August 6 to 16, 2025. Known for his emotionally rich and character-driven narratives, Payne has directed critically acclaimed films such as Sideways, The Descendants, and Nebraska. The award celebrates his significant impact on contemporary cinema and storytelling. Beyond the award ceremony, Payne will participate in film screenings and discussions with audiences, further enriching the festival experience. This recognition places him among the most influential voices in global filmmaking today.