Current Affairs - Persons

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.

Kami Rita Sherpa, a veteran mountaineer from Nepal, has made history by summiting Mount Everest for an unprecedented 31st time on May 27, 2025. Leading an expedition that included a 22-member Indian Army team, he extended his own world record of Everest climbs, previously set at 30 in 2023. His remarkable achievement highlights the essential role Sherpas play in high-altitude mountaineering and strengthens Nepal’s prominence in mountain tourism. Kami Rita’s legacy inspires climbers worldwide and underscores decades of endurance and leadership in Himalayan expeditions.