4.5/5
Current Affairs 02 June 2025
1. Asheesh Pandey appointed as MD & CEO for Union Bank of India
Asheesh Pandey has been recommended by the Financial Services Institutions Bureau
(FSIB) for the role of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Union Bank of India. Currently serving as Executive Director at Bank of Maharashtra, Pandey brings extensive experience in the banking sector. His appointment is set to succeed A Manimekhalai, whose tenure concludes next month. The FSIB's recommendation follows interviews with 23 candidates conducted between May 27 and May 30, 2025. Final confirmation of his appointment awaits approval from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
(FSIB) for the role of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Union Bank of India. Currently serving as Executive Director at Bank of Maharashtra, Pandey brings extensive experience in the banking sector. His appointment is set to succeed A Manimekhalai, whose tenure concludes next month. The FSIB's recommendation follows interviews with 23 candidates conducted between May 27 and May 30, 2025. Final confirmation of his appointment awaits approval from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Foot notes:
-
Appointment: The Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) has recommended Asheesh Pandey as the new Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Union Bank of India.
-
Current Role: Pandey currently serves as Executive Director at Bank of Maharashtra and will succeed A Manimekhalai, whose tenure as MD & CEO of Union Bank of India ends in June 2025.
-
Selection Process: The FSIB conducted interviews with 23 candidates from May 27 to May 30, 2025, and selected Pandey based on his performance, experience, and suitability for the role.
-
Background: Pandey has held critical roles in retail and corporate banking, digital banking initiatives, and institutional restructuring, with a proven track record in driving innovation and inclusive banking.
2. Luís Montenegro Reappointed as Portugal’s Prime Minister
Luís Montenegro has been reappointed as the Prime Minister of Portugal following the
country's general elections held on May 18, 2025. His center-right Democratic Alliance (AD) secured 91 seats in the 230-seat parliament, emerging as the largest party but still short of an outright majority . The far-right Chega party made significant gains, becoming the main opposition with 60 seats, while the Socialist Party (PS) fell to third place with 58 seats. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa formally invited Montenegro to form a government on May 29, 2025 .
country's general elections held on May 18, 2025. His center-right Democratic Alliance (AD) secured 91 seats in the 230-seat parliament, emerging as the largest party but still short of an outright majority . The far-right Chega party made significant gains, becoming the main opposition with 60 seats, while the Socialist Party (PS) fell to third place with 58 seats. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa formally invited Montenegro to form a government on May 29, 2025 . Foot notes:
-
Election Results: Montenegro's Democratic Alliance (AD) secured 91 seats, while the far-right Chega party emerged as the second-largest force with 60 seats, and the Socialist Party (PS) secured 58 seats.
-
Minority Government: Montenegro will lead a minority government under the 25th Portuguese administration, focusing on economic growth, reforming public services, and transforming the national health system.
-
Rejection of Constitutional Reform: Montenegro has ruled out immediate constitutional reforms, despite demands from Chega, opting for a pragmatic approach to governance under the minority setup.
-
Political Cooperation: Both the Socialist Party (PS) and Chega have assured that they will not oppose the government's program, with Ventura from Chega stating they won't support a motion to reject the program.
3. Thailand’s Opal Suchata Won 72nd Miss World Title
Opal Suchata Chuangsri from Thailand has been crowned Miss World 2025, making history
as the first Thai woman to win the prestigious title. The 72nd edition of the Miss World pageant took place on May 31, 2025, at the HITEX Convention Centre in Hyderabad, India, where Opal was crowned by the outgoing titleholder, Krystyna Pyszková of the Czech Republic . The pageant featured contestants from 108 countries, with Hasset Dereje Admassu of Ethiopia named first runner-up, followed by Maja Klajda of Poland and Aurélie Joachim of Martinique .
as the first Thai woman to win the prestigious title. The 72nd edition of the Miss World pageant took place on May 31, 2025, at the HITEX Convention Centre in Hyderabad, India, where Opal was crowned by the outgoing titleholder, Krystyna Pyszková of the Czech Republic . The pageant featured contestants from 108 countries, with Hasset Dereje Admassu of Ethiopia named first runner-up, followed by Maja Klajda of Poland and Aurélie Joachim of Martinique .Foot notes:
-
First Thai Winner: Opal Suchata from Thailand has made history by becoming the first representative of her country to win the Miss World title, crowned on May 31, 2025, in Hyderabad, India.
-
Multimedia Achievement: Opal not only won the main title but also excelled in the contest's multimedia component, topping the contestant app leaderboard with over 2.3 million views.
-
Background and Interests: Opal is a student of International Relations with interests in Psychology and Anthropology. She's passionate about supporting breast cancer awareness and has volunteered for related organizations.
-
Global Platform: As Miss World, Opal aims to use her platform for creating positive change, inspired by her personal motto, "To know that one life has breathed easier because you have lived, this is to have succeeded."
4. Lt Gen Dinesh Singh Rana Appointed as New CINCAN
Lieutenant General Dinesh Singh Rana has been appointed as the 18th Commander-in-
Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN), India's sole integrated tri-service command. He assumed command on June 1, 2025, succeeding Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan . Lt Gen Rana is the first Chief of Defence Intelligence to be elevated to the rank of Commander-in-Chief, highlighting the growing importance of military intelligence in India's strategic framework . Commissioned into the 10th Battalion of The Garhwal Rifles in 1987, he has held various operational, instructional, and staff appointments across diverse terrains and theatres, including commanding the Gajraj Corps along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) .
Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN), India's sole integrated tri-service command. He assumed command on June 1, 2025, succeeding Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan . Lt Gen Rana is the first Chief of Defence Intelligence to be elevated to the rank of Commander-in-Chief, highlighting the growing importance of military intelligence in India's strategic framework . Commissioned into the 10th Battalion of The Garhwal Rifles in 1987, he has held various operational, instructional, and staff appointments across diverse terrains and theatres, including commanding the Gajraj Corps along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) .Foot notes:
-
Historic Milestone: He made history by becoming the first Chief of Defence Intelligence to be elevated to the rank of Commander-in-Chief, highlighting the growing importance of defence intelligence and jointmanship in India's military leadership.
-
Extensive Experience: With over 37 years of service, Lt Gen Rana has held diverse operational, instructional, and staff appointments across various terrains and theatres, including tenures with the Indian Military Training Team and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.
-
Academic Background: He is a graduate of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, and a postgraduate of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, with additional qualifications from the National Defence College, New Delhi, Centre for National Defence Studies, Madrid, Spain, and the National Defence University, USA.
5. Deepak & Naman clinched two golds in Thailand Open International Boxing Tournament
Indian boxers Deepak and Naman Tanwar delivered stellar performances at the 4th
Thailand Open International Boxing Tournament 2025, each clinching gold in their respective weight categories. Deepak secured the 75kg title with a dominant 5:0 victory over Uzbekistan’s Abdurakhimov Javokhir, while Naman triumphed in the 90kg final, defeating China’s Han Xuezhen 4:1. Their victories contributed to India's impressive haul of eight medals at the tournament, which included one silver and five bronze medals. In the women's 80+kg final, Kiran narrowly missed gold, settling for silver after a close 2:3 loss to Kazakhstan’s Yeldana Talipova.
Thailand Open International Boxing Tournament 2025, each clinching gold in their respective weight categories. Deepak secured the 75kg title with a dominant 5:0 victory over Uzbekistan’s Abdurakhimov Javokhir, while Naman triumphed in the 90kg final, defeating China’s Han Xuezhen 4:1. Their victories contributed to India's impressive haul of eight medals at the tournament, which included one silver and five bronze medals. In the women's 80+kg final, Kiran narrowly missed gold, settling for silver after a close 2:3 loss to Kazakhstan’s Yeldana Talipova.Foot notes:
-
Double Gold for India: Deepak and Naman Tanwar secured two gold medals for India in the men's 75kg and 90kg categories, respectively, at the 4th Thailand Open International Boxing Tournament.
-
Impressive Wins: Deepak dominated Uzbekistan's Abdurakhimov Javokhir 5:0 in the 75kg final, while Naman Tanwar outboxed China's Han Xuezhen 4:1 in the 90kg final, showcasing their skill and strategy.
-
Strong Performance by Indian Women: Indian women boxers also had a notable performance, with five bronze medals won by Tamanna (51kg), Priya (57kg), Sanju (60kg), Saneh (70kg), and Lalfakmawii Ralte (80kg), and a silver medal won by Kiran in the women's 80+kg category.
-
Controversy Over Disqualification: Indian boxer Anshul Gill faced disqualification in the 90+kg category despite winning his semifinal bout, due to a complaint by the Uzbekistan coach over a post-bout gesture, denying him a medal.
6. D Gukesh Defeats Magnus Carlsen in Norway Chess 2025
In a dramatic Round 6 of the Norway Chess 2025 tournament, 19-year-old Indian
Grandmaster and reigning World Champion D Gukesh achieved his first classical victory over former World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen. Despite being in a challenging position for much of the game, Gukesh capitalized on a critical blunder by Carlsen during a time scramble, turning the tables to secure a remarkable win. This victory not only marked a personal milestone for Gukesh but also made him the second Indian player, after R Praggnanandhaa, to defeat Carlsen in this prestigious tournament.
Grandmaster and reigning World Champion D Gukesh achieved his first classical victory over former World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen. Despite being in a challenging position for much of the game, Gukesh capitalized on a critical blunder by Carlsen during a time scramble, turning the tables to secure a remarkable win. This victory not only marked a personal milestone for Gukesh but also made him the second Indian player, after R Praggnanandhaa, to defeat Carlsen in this prestigious tournament.Foot notes:
-
Rematch Victory: Gukesh bounced back from a loss to Carlsen in the first round, where Carlsen had declared himself the "king of chess" on social media. In the rematch, Gukesh displayed exceptional resilience and sharp calculative powers to turn the tables in the endgame.
-
Game Highlights: Gukesh started with the move 1.e4, and Carlsen responded with the Berlin Defense. Despite Carlsen's impressive 98.7% accuracy at one point, Gukesh made accurate moves to extend the game and increase pressure. Carlsen's critical mistakes, including 44…f6 and 52…Ne2+, allowed Gukesh to seize the advantage.
-
Tournament Standings: After this game, Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana are tied for the lead with 9.5 points each, while Gukesh sits just behind them with 8.5 points, establishing himself as a top contender in the event.
-
Significance: This victory is not only a personal triumph for Gukesh but also a moment of pride for Indian chess, showcasing the emergence of a new generation of Indian players ready to challenge the world's elite.
7. Rajiv Memani Takes Charge as CII President for FY26
Rajiv Memani, Chairman and CEO of EY India, has been appointed as the President of the
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) for the fiscal year 2025–26. He succeeds Sanjiv Puri, Chairman and Managing Director of ITC Ltd. Memani's appointment was confirmed during the first meeting of the newly constituted CII National Council. Joining him in the leadership team are R Mukundan, Managing Director and CEO of Tata Chemicals, as President-Designate, and Dr. Suchitra K Ella, Co-founder and Managing Director of Bharat Biotech, as Vice President. Memani brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having served on various government committees, including the Ministry of Finance's taskforce that drafted a new Direct Tax Code in 2019.
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) for the fiscal year 2025–26. He succeeds Sanjiv Puri, Chairman and Managing Director of ITC Ltd. Memani's appointment was confirmed during the first meeting of the newly constituted CII National Council. Joining him in the leadership team are R Mukundan, Managing Director and CEO of Tata Chemicals, as President-Designate, and Dr. Suchitra K Ella, Co-founder and Managing Director of Bharat Biotech, as Vice President. Memani brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having served on various government committees, including the Ministry of Finance's taskforce that drafted a new Direct Tax Code in 2019.Foot notes:
-
Key Appointments: Alongside Memani, R Mukundan, MD & CEO of Tata Chemicals, has taken charge as CII's President-Designate for 2025-26, and Suchitra K Ella, Co-founder and MD of Bharat Biotech, has become CII's Vice President.
-
Expertise and Experience: Memani brings decades of experience from the consulting and finance sector, with a strong background in advising large Indian companies and multinational organizations on strategic matters. He's also a member of EY's Global Executive Board as Chair of its Growth Markets Council.
-
Objectives: As CII, Memani is expected to drive innovation, regulatory reforms, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship support, leveraging his global network and insights to enhance India's global competitiveness.
-
Strategic Significance: Memani's appointment signals a strategic move aimed at strengthening industry-government collaboration and driving inclusive economic growth amid dynamic economic conditions.
8. India Finish Second with 24 Medals at Asian Athletics Championship 2025
India concluded the 26th Asian Athletics Championships 2025 in Gumi, South Korea, with a
remarkable performance, securing a total of 24 medals—8 gold, 10 silver, and 6 bronze—and finishing second overall behind China . This marks India's best finish at the championships since their victory on home soil in Bhubaneswar in 2017 .Long-distance runner Gulveer Singh emerged as a standout performer, clinching gold medals in both the 5000m and 10,000m events, setting a competition record in the 5000m .
remarkable performance, securing a total of 24 medals—8 gold, 10 silver, and 6 bronze—and finishing second overall behind China . This marks India's best finish at the championships since their victory on home soil in Bhubaneswar in 2017 .Long-distance runner Gulveer Singh emerged as a standout performer, clinching gold medals in both the 5000m and 10,000m events, setting a competition record in the 5000m . Foot notes:
-
Second Place Finish: India secured the second position in the overall medal tally, winning a total of 24 medals, including 8 gold, 10 silver, and 6 bronze medals.
-
Best Finish Since 2017: This achievement marks India's best finish at the Asian Athletics Championships since 2017, when they won the championship on home turf in Bhubaneshwar.
-
Dominant Performances: Indian athletes shone in various events, with Gulveer Singh winning double gold in the men's 5000m and 10000m races, setting a championship record in the 5000m event. Avinash Sable also claimed gold in the men's 3000m steeplechase.
-
Future Prospects: This performance is seen as a significant boost for Indian athletics ahead of the Paris Olympics, showcasing the country's growing depth in athletics and improved grassroots programs, training facilities, and sports science support.
9. Faizan Zaki won Scripps National Spelling Bee 2025
Faizan Zaki, a 13-year-old from Allen, Texas, emerged as the champion of the 2025 Scripps
National Spelling Bee, held on May 29 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. He clinched the title by correctly spelling the French-derived word "éclaircissement," meaning "enlightenment" or "clarification," in the 21st round of the competition . The 2025 competition featured 243 spellers from across the United States and several other countries, including Canada, Puerto Rico, Nigeria, and Kuwait . Zaki's win continued the trend of Indian-American excellence in the Bee, with the top three positions being dominated by Indian-American participants .
National Spelling Bee, held on May 29 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. He clinched the title by correctly spelling the French-derived word "éclaircissement," meaning "enlightenment" or "clarification," in the 21st round of the competition . The 2025 competition featured 243 spellers from across the United States and several other countries, including Canada, Puerto Rico, Nigeria, and Kuwait . Zaki's win continued the trend of Indian-American excellence in the Bee, with the top three positions being dominated by Indian-American participants .Foot notes:
-
Champion Spelled 'éclaircissement': Faizan Zaki, a 13-year-old seventh-grader from Allen, Texas, won the championship title by correctly spelling "éclaircissement," which means "the clearing up of something obscure: enlightenment".
-
Fourth-Time Participant: This was Faizan's fourth time participating in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. He finished second in 2024, tied for 21st place in 2023, and 370th place in 2019, making him the fifth speller in Bee history to win after coming in second place the year before.
-
Roots in Hyderabad: Faizan has roots in Hyderabad, India, and his parents, Zaki Anwar and Arshia Quadri, say he developed a love for words at a young age, reading by the age of 2.
-
Prize and Recognition: Faizan received a $50,000 cash prize, a commemorative medal, and the Scripps Cup. He also gets a $2,500 cash prize and reference library from Merriam-Webster, $400 of reference works from Encyclopædia Britannica, and $1,000 Scholastic Dollars for his school.
10. Telangana Formation Day observed on 02nd June
Telangana celebrated its 11th Formation Day, marking over a decade since its creation as
India's 29th state on June 2, 2014. The day was commemorated with grand festivities across the state, reflecting on the region's rich cultural heritage and the resilience of its people in achieving statehood. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy led the main ceremony at Parade Grounds in Secunderabad, paying floral tributes to Telangana martyrs at Gun Park and unveiling the Telangana Talli statue in Palakurti . The celebrations included cultural programs showcasing Telangana's traditions, language, and history. A significant highlight was the launch of the Rajiv Yuva Vikasam scheme, aimed at promoting self-employment among youth from SC, ST, BC, and minority communities, with an initial allocation of 1,000 crore .
India's 29th state on June 2, 2014. The day was commemorated with grand festivities across the state, reflecting on the region's rich cultural heritage and the resilience of its people in achieving statehood. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy led the main ceremony at Parade Grounds in Secunderabad, paying floral tributes to Telangana martyrs at Gun Park and unveiling the Telangana Talli statue in Palakurti . The celebrations included cultural programs showcasing Telangana's traditions, language, and history. A significant highlight was the launch of the Rajiv Yuva Vikasam scheme, aimed at promoting self-employment among youth from SC, ST, BC, and minority communities, with an initial allocation of 1,000 crore .Foot notes:
-
History: The state was formed after a prolonged movement advocating for statehood due to historical, cultural, and socio-economic disparities with Andhra Pradesh.
-
Key Factors: The bifurcation was driven by distinct identities, socio-economic imbalances, demand for local governance, and water resource conflicts between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
-
Celebrations: The day is marked with formal events, parades, and ceremonies across the state's 33 districts, highlighting Telangana's history, traditions, and achievements.
-
Significance: Telangana Formation Day honors the struggle and sacrifices made by the people in their pursuit of a separate state, celebrating the victory of carving out a distinct identity apart from Andhra Pradesh.
1 like |
0 comment
