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Current Affairs 03 June 2025
1. Kalyan Kumar appointed as MD & CEO for Central Bank of India
Kalyan Kumar has been appointed as the Managing Director and Chief
Executive Officer of the Central Bank of India. His appointment marks a significant leadership change in one of India's oldest public sector banks. Kalyan Kumar brings with him extensive experience in the banking and financial sector. He is expected to focus on strengthening the bank’s digital capabilities and improving asset quality. The appointment aligns with the government’s broader efforts to enhance the performance of public sector banks.
Executive Officer of the Central Bank of India. His appointment marks a significant leadership change in one of India's oldest public sector banks. Kalyan Kumar brings with him extensive experience in the banking and financial sector. He is expected to focus on strengthening the bank’s digital capabilities and improving asset quality. The appointment aligns with the government’s broader efforts to enhance the performance of public sector banks.Foot notes:
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Appointment: Kalyan Kumar, currently Executive Director at Punjab National Bank, has been recommended as the new MD & CEO of Central Bank of India by the Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB).
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Tenure: He will succeed M V Rao, whose term concludes in July 2025, pending approval from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
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Selection Process: FSIB conducted interviews of 23 candidates from May 27 to May 30, 2025, and selected Kumar based on his performance, experience, and suitability for the role.
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Significance: This appointment aims to ensure leadership continuity and stability in public sector banks, promoting merit-based selections and strengthening governance.
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Impact: Kumar's leadership is expected to drive financial inclusion, credit expansion, and support for MSMEs, influencing policy implementation, customer services, and digitization efforts at Central Bank of India.
About Central Bank of India:
Founded: 1911
Headquarters: Mumbai
2. Deutsche Bank appoints Stefan Schaffer as CEO of India GCC
Deutsche Bank has appointed Stefan Schaffer as the new Chief Executive
Officer of its India Global Capability Centre (GCC). This strategic move underscores the bank's commitment to enhancing its global operations through its Indian workforce. Schaffer brings nearly three decades of experience in IT and banking, having previously led Deutsche Bank’s technology centre in Bucharest and served as Head of the Central CIO for Technology, Data & Innovation at the bank’s Private Bank division.
Officer of its India Global Capability Centre (GCC). This strategic move underscores the bank's commitment to enhancing its global operations through its Indian workforce. Schaffer brings nearly three decades of experience in IT and banking, having previously led Deutsche Bank’s technology centre in Bucharest and served as Head of the Central CIO for Technology, Data & Innovation at the bank’s Private Bank division.Foot notes:
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Dual Roles: Schaffer will also serve as the Global Chief Information Officer (CIO) for Corporate Functions and Head of Global Technology Centres, highlighting Deutsche Bank's focus on innovation and commitment to India.
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Experience: Schaffer joined Deutsche Bank in 2020 and has held senior leadership roles, including Head of Bucharest Technology Center and Shared Applications and Services vertical. He's known for driving reusability, simplification, and standardization.
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India Operations: Deutsche India, established in 2005, operates in four major cities - Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, and Jaipur - with over 20,000 employees supporting the bank's global operations in finance, risk, technology, and operations.
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Significance: This appointment reinforces India's growing importance in Deutsche Bank's global strategy, demonstrating the bank's commitment to technology-driven transformation and leadership localization.
About Deutsche Bank:
Founded:1870
Headquarters: Germany
3. Indian Wrestlers Won 21 Medals at Ulaanbaatar Open 2025
Indian wrestlers delivered a stellar performance at the 2025 Ulaanbaatar Open,
securing a total of 21 medals—comprising 6 golds, 7 silvers, and 8 bronzes. This achievement marked India's best-ever showing at a United World Wrestling Ranking Series event. The competition, held from May 29 to June 1 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, featured over 200 athletes from around the globe. This impressive medal haul underscores India's growing prominence in international wrestling competitions.
securing a total of 21 medals—comprising 6 golds, 7 silvers, and 8 bronzes. This achievement marked India's best-ever showing at a United World Wrestling Ranking Series event. The competition, held from May 29 to June 1 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, featured over 200 athletes from around the globe. This impressive medal haul underscores India's growing prominence in international wrestling competitions.Foot notes:
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Total Medals: Indian wrestlers won a total of 21 medals at the Ulaanbaatar Open 2025, consisting of 6 golds, 7 silvers, and 8 bronzes.
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Notable Gold Medalists: Reetika Hooda won gold in the women's 76kg category, while Antim Panghal secured gold in the women's 53kg division.
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Performance Highlights: Aman Sehrawat, India's youngest individual Olympic medalist, won a bronze medal in the men's 57kg freestyle category after a strong comeback following his historic performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
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Tournament Significance: The Ulaanbaatar Open 2025 was a prestigious event in the United World Wrestling (UWW) Ranking Series, attracting over 200 wrestlers from around the globe.
4. PKL legend Pardeep Narwal retires at 28
Pardeep Narwal, the legendary "Dubki King" of kabaddi, announced his
retirement from professional play on June 2, 2025, at the age of 28. The decision came a day after he went unsold in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 auction, marking a poignant end to an illustrious career. He holds the record for the most raid points in PKL history, amassing a staggering 1,801 points over 190 matches, and is renowned for his unmatched 34-point raid in a single match during Season 5.
retirement from professional play on June 2, 2025, at the age of 28. The decision came a day after he went unsold in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 auction, marking a poignant end to an illustrious career. He holds the record for the most raid points in PKL history, amassing a staggering 1,801 points over 190 matches, and is renowned for his unmatched 34-point raid in a single match during Season 5.Foot notes:
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Legacy: Narwal ended his legendary career with a record 1,801 raid points in 190 matches, averaging 9.47 raid points per match. He guided Patna Pirates to three consecutive PKL titles and holds multiple records in the league.
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Reason for Retirement: Narwal cited his declining form and age as factors contributing to his decision. He felt that defenders had figured him out, and his skills had declined over time.
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Future Plans: Narwal plans to transition into a coaching role, where he can stay connected to kabaddi. He has already started training kids in his village and looks forward to sharing his expertise with the next generation.
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Impact on PKL: Narwal's retirement marks the end of an era in the Pro Kabaddi League. His absence will be felt, but his legacy will continue to inspire future players. The league will begin its new season without one of its biggest stars on the mat.
5. India Launches DHRUVA Policy for Digital Address Infrastructure
The Government of India has introduced the DHRUVA policy (Digital Hub for
Reference and Unique Virtual Address) to establish a standardized digital address infrastructure nationwide. Launched by the Department of Posts in May 2025, DHRUVA aims to create a geo-coded, interoperable, and consent-based system for managing address data, enhancing service delivery across sectors like governance, logistics, and emergency services. DHRUVA introduces the concept of Address-as-a-Service (AaaS), allowing users to securely manage and share their address information, with full control over consent and privacy.
Reference and Unique Virtual Address) to establish a standardized digital address infrastructure nationwide. Launched by the Department of Posts in May 2025, DHRUVA aims to create a geo-coded, interoperable, and consent-based system for managing address data, enhancing service delivery across sectors like governance, logistics, and emergency services. DHRUVA introduces the concept of Address-as-a-Service (AaaS), allowing users to securely manage and share their address information, with full control over consent and privacy.Foot notes:
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Standardized Digital Addresses: DHRUVA aims to create a standardized, geo-coded, and digital address infrastructure, serving as Address-as-a-Service (AaaS) for secure and efficient data sharing.
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Significance: The policy will support better planning, disaster response, and targeted public delivery. It will also streamline KYC, banking, subsidy delivery, and rural service reach, improving last-mile delivery efficiency and transparency in logistics and e-commerce.
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Implementation: The Department of Posts has invited feedback from stakeholders, ministries, and the public to refine the policy framework, with suggestions accepted until July 31, 2025.
6. Ramraj Cotton appoints Dushyanth Sridhar as Brand Ambassador for Acharya Panchakacham Veshti
Ramraj Cotton has appointed renowned Vedic scholar and cultural exponent
Dushyanth Sridhar as the brand ambassador for its Acharya Panchakacham Veshti, a garment deeply rooted in India's spiritual and cultural heritage. This collaboration transcends conventional brand endorsements, uniting two entities committed to preserving and promoting Sanatana Dharma and traditional Indian attire. Ramraj Cotton's founder, K.R. Nagarajan, emphasized that Sridhar's dedication to spreading Indian tradition worldwide makes him an ideal representative for this initiative.
Dushyanth Sridhar as the brand ambassador for its Acharya Panchakacham Veshti, a garment deeply rooted in India's spiritual and cultural heritage. This collaboration transcends conventional brand endorsements, uniting two entities committed to preserving and promoting Sanatana Dharma and traditional Indian attire. Ramraj Cotton's founder, K.R. Nagarajan, emphasized that Sridhar's dedication to spreading Indian tradition worldwide makes him an ideal representative for this initiative.Foot notes:
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Brand Representation: The partnership aims to symbolize and promote traditional Indian values and culture through Ramraj Cotton's clothing line, specifically the Acharya Panchakacham Veshti.
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Dushyanth Sridhar's Expertise: As a renowned Vedic scholar, Sridhar brings depth and authenticity to the brand's message, potentially appealing to customers looking for products rooted in Indian traditions.
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Cultural Significance: This collaboration emphasizes the importance of preserving and promoting India's cultural heritage, with Ramraj Cotton positioning itself as a brand that values and respects traditional Indian attire.
About Ramraj Cotton:
CEO: K. R. Nagarajan
Founded: 1983
Headquarters: Tiruppur
7. Nikhil Pavan Kalyan appointed as Director of Census Operations, Odisha
Nikhil Pavan Kalyan, a 2012-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer,
has been appointed as the Director of Census Operations (DCO) and Director of Citizen Registration (DCR) for Odisha. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India, issued the appointment order on June 2, 2025, directing the Odisha government to relieve Kalyan from his current duties to assume this new role. His tenure is set to continue until December 31, 2025, or until further orders . The appointment comes as Odisha prepares for the upcoming nationwide census, which is anticipated to include caste enumeration.
has been appointed as the Director of Census Operations (DCO) and Director of Citizen Registration (DCR) for Odisha. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India, issued the appointment order on June 2, 2025, directing the Odisha government to relieve Kalyan from his current duties to assume this new role. His tenure is set to continue until December 31, 2025, or until further orders . The appointment comes as Odisha prepares for the upcoming nationwide census, which is anticipated to include caste enumeration.Foot notes:
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Tenure: The appointment is valid until December 31, 2025, or until further orders, whichever comes earlier. Kalyan is expected to join his new role within three weeks of the appointment order.
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Responsibilities: As DCO and DCR, Kalyan will oversee critical demographic and citizenship data management efforts in Odisha, playing a pivotal role in managing data for national policy, welfare schemes, resource allocation, and long-term planning.
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Census Significance: The appointment comes ahead of anticipated updates and preparations for the next census exercise in India, which has seen delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Background: The Department of Personnel & Training, Government of India, made the appointment, and Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja received the official communication regarding Kalyan's appointment.
About Odisha:
CM: Mohan Charan Majhi
Capital: Bhubaneswar
8. ANEI Honors Dr. M. I. Sahadulla with Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr. M. I. Sahadulla, Chairman and Managing Director of KIMSHEALTH, was
honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by the Association of Nurse Executives India (ANEI) during its 5th Annual Flagship Event held in Kochi. The award was presented by ANEI's National President, Capt. Ajitha Nair, recognizing Dr. Sahadulla's exceptional contributions to the healthcare sector in India and the Middle East. With nearly five decades of leadership, he has been instrumental in elevating KIMSHEALTH's reputation as a trusted healthcare provider, championing patient safety, and fostering a culture of empathy and excellence.
honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by the Association of Nurse Executives India (ANEI) during its 5th Annual Flagship Event held in Kochi. The award was presented by ANEI's National President, Capt. Ajitha Nair, recognizing Dr. Sahadulla's exceptional contributions to the healthcare sector in India and the Middle East. With nearly five decades of leadership, he has been instrumental in elevating KIMSHEALTH's reputation as a trusted healthcare provider, championing patient safety, and fostering a culture of empathy and excellence.Foot notes:
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Recognition: The award recognizes Dr. Sahadulla's pivotal role in transforming KIMSHEALTH into a prominent healthcare presence in the Middle East and India, particularly in Kerala.
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Healthcare Contributions: With over 45 years of global healthcare experience, Dr. Sahadulla has shaped KIMSHEALTH into a leading healthcare provider with a significant presence in India and the GCC.
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Academic and Professional Achievements: Dr. Sahadulla holds fellowships from the Royal Colleges of Physicians in Ireland and London and an MBA from Hull, UK. He has also contributed to academia as an MRCP examiner and through published works in medicine.
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Leadership and Impact: Under his vision, KIMSHEALTH became a pioneer in accessible, quality healthcare across Kerala and expanded internationally, earning the ACHSI Gold Medallion in 2015.
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Event Details: The award was presented at the CAHO conference themed "Make Healthcare Efficient, Effective, Economical, and Equitable," highlighting Dr. Sahadulla's contributions to healthcare quality and safety.
9. Peru Shines Bright at the Talía Awards 2025
Peru achieved significant recognition at the 2025 Talía Awards, a prestigious
celebration of Ibero-American theater held at the Teatro Fernán Gómez in Madrid. The country was honored with three nominations in the Best Latin American Performing Arts Production category, highlighting its vibrant theatrical scene. The nominated productions included "Cisnes," directed by Alberto Ísola; "Discurso de Promoción," a collaborative work by the renowned group Yuyachkani under the direction of Miguel Rubio; and "La Mariscala," co-directed by Mateo Chiarella and Lucho Tuesta and award-winning producer Carlos Arana represented Peru at the event, amplifying the visibility of Peruvian theater on the international stage.
celebration of Ibero-American theater held at the Teatro Fernán Gómez in Madrid. The country was honored with three nominations in the Best Latin American Performing Arts Production category, highlighting its vibrant theatrical scene. The nominated productions included "Cisnes," directed by Alberto Ísola; "Discurso de Promoción," a collaborative work by the renowned group Yuyachkani under the direction of Miguel Rubio; and "La Mariscala," co-directed by Mateo Chiarella and Lucho Tuesta and award-winning producer Carlos Arana represented Peru at the event, amplifying the visibility of Peruvian theater on the international stage.Foot notes:
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Strong Presence: Peru took center stage at the 3rd edition of the Talía Awards, held on May 12, 2025, at the Teatro Fernán Gómez Centro Cultural de la Villa in Madrid, showcasing its artistic excellence and cultural presence.
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International Recognition: Peru's strong presence at the awards underscores the growing international recognition of its theater scene, celebrated for its artistic depth and universal resonance grounded in a distinct cultural identity.
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Peruvian Representation: Celebrated Peruvian actress, director, and producer Ana María Estrada, head of Dakini Productions, participated as an official presenter at the ceremony, joined by award-winning Peruvian producer Carlos Arana.
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Cultural Significance: The Talía Awards, organized by the Academy of Performing Arts of Spain, honor excellence in Ibero-American theater, highlighting Peru's talent, stories, and creative vision on an international platform.
10. Etienne-Emile Baulieu, Pioneer of the Abortion Pill, passed away
Dr. Etienne-Emile Baulieu, renowned French biochemist and endocrinologist,
passed away on May 30, 2025, at the age of 98 in Paris. He is celebrated globally as the inventor of RU-486 (mifepristone), the first medical abortion pill, which revolutionized reproductive healthcare by providing a non-surgical option for early pregnancy termination. Born Émile Blum in Strasbourg in 1926, Baulieu joined the French Resistance at 15 during World War II and later adopted the name Étienne-Émile. He pursued medicine and science, earning his doctorate in 1963 and becoming a professor at the University of Paris-Sud. In 1963, he founded a pioneering research unit on hormones at INSERM, leading it until 1997.
passed away on May 30, 2025, at the age of 98 in Paris. He is celebrated globally as the inventor of RU-486 (mifepristone), the first medical abortion pill, which revolutionized reproductive healthcare by providing a non-surgical option for early pregnancy termination. Born Émile Blum in Strasbourg in 1926, Baulieu joined the French Resistance at 15 during World War II and later adopted the name Étienne-Émile. He pursued medicine and science, earning his doctorate in 1963 and becoming a professor at the University of Paris-Sud. In 1963, he founded a pioneering research unit on hormones at INSERM, leading it until 1997.Foot notes:
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Discovery of Mifepristone: Baulieu is best known for his work on the development of mifepristone, also known as RU-486, a medication that enables women to safely terminate pregnancies.
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Career and Recognition: Baulieu had a distinguished career, serving as President of the French Society of Endocrinology, INSERM, and the Foundation for Medical Research.
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Impact on Women's Rights: Baulieu's work had a significant impact on women's rights, providing them with greater control over their reproductive health.
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