Current Affairs - Persons

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.

Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister for Science and Technology, launched the Battery Aadhaar Initiative aimed at tracking the entire life cycle of batteries. This includes details from the manufacturing stage to end-of-life recycling. The initiative assigns a unique digital identity to each battery, allowing for efficient monitoring of its manufacturing origin, chemistry, certifications, and performance throughout its lifecycle. This step is significant for enhancing battery traceability, safety, and sustainable recycling practices in India.

Raja Kumari, an Indian-origin rapper and singer-songwriter, made history by becoming the first musician of Indian descent to win an American Music Award (AMA). She received the award at the 51st AMA ceremony held in Los Angeles. Her nomination was for the track featured in ‘Arcane League of Legends: Season 2’, which gained global recognition. The song’s immense popularity also landed it in the top 10 of Spotify’s ‘Viral 50’ global chart, highlighting her growing influence in the international music scene. This milestone is a significant achievement for both Raja Kumari and Indian representation in global music.

Anil Kumble, the former Indian cricket captain, was appointed as the brand ambassador of the Karnataka Forest Department and Wildlife Conservation Programme to promote environmental awareness and conservation in the state. Known for his dedication to environmental causes, Kumble accepted the role voluntarily without any honorarium. His appointment aims to enhance public engagement in protecting Karnataka’s rich biodiversity, supporting efforts like afforestation, forest reclamation, and wildlife protection. This initiative reflects a collaboration between sports icons and environmental stewardship to inspire citizens, especially the youth, toward sustainable development.