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Current Affairs 23 June 2025
1. Maaya Rajeshwaran Wins ITF J200 Title in Germany
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Tournament Performance: Maaya dominated the tournament, winning all her matches convincingly, including a 6-2, 6-1 win over third seed Daphnee Mpetshi Perricard of France in the semifinals.
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Ranking and Recognition: Currently ranked No. 79 in the ITF Junior Rankings and No. 646 in WTA, Maaya's win is expected to boost her rankings and strengthen her case for direct entries into top-tier junior events.
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Future Prospects: This win demonstrates Maaya's potential to compete in higher-grade tournaments, including J300 and Junior Grand Slams, and may lead to more consistent participation in the ITF Women's Circuit.
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Versatility: Maaya has shown adaptability across different surfaces, and this win on European clay adds another dimension to her junior résumé, which already includes victories at J100 and J300 events.
2. Gold Becomes World’s Second-Largest Reserve Asset After U.S. Dollar
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Gold's Share in Global Reserves: Gold now makes up
20% of global official reserves by market value, compared to the euro's 16%. This marks the highest prominence for gold in global reserves since the Bretton Woods era. -
Central Bank Buying Spree: Central banks have been on a gold-buying spree since 2022, accumulating over 1,000 tonnes per year—twice the average annual purchase rate of the previous decade. China, India, and Turkey have collectively added over 600 tonnes of gold since the end of 2021.
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Price Surge: Gold prices soared by 30% in 2024, followed by another 30% in early 2025, boosting the market value of gold held by central banks.
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Desire for Diversification: Central banks are looking to shield themselves from the weaponization and depreciation of the dollar, as well as US fiscal irresponsibility and the use of tariffs as a negotiating tool.
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Impact on Dollar's Dominance: The percentage of dollars held as a global reserve asset tumbled from 48.4% to 46.5% in 2024, while gold's share leapt from 18.1% to 19.6%.
3. India scripts historic finish at U23 Asian Wrestling Championships with double team titles
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Double Team Champions: India achieved an
unprecedented success by winning the overall team championships in both Men's Freestyle and Women's Freestyle categories, showcasing a strong, all-around performance across different wrestling disciplines. -
Men's Freestyle Dominance: The men's freestyle team was particularly impressive, securing six gold medals and one silver. This dominant display ensured they clinched the team title in their category.
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Women's Freestyle Excellence: Indian women wrestlers also excelled, winning the team title by securing medals in all 10 categories. Their medal haul included four gold, five silver, and one bronze, demonstrating remarkable consistency and depth in talent.
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Significant Medal Tally: The combined performance across men's freestyle, women's freestyle, and even a gold and two bronzes in Greco- highlights India's growing prowess in wrestling.
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Indicator of Future Talent: This outstanding performance at the U23 level is a strong indicator of the emerging talent and a robust pipeline for Indian wrestling.
4. Jasprit Bumrah Becomes First Asian to Claim 150 Test Wickets in SENA Countries
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First Asian to 150 SENA Wickets: This is the headline
achievement. Traditionally, these pace-friendly conditions have been challenging for Asian bowlers. Bumrah's consistency and effectiveness across these nations mark a historic shift, surpassing legendary bowlers like Wasim Akram (146 wickets). -
Dominance in Toughest Conditions: SENA countries are considered the ultimate test for fast bowlers due to their seaming conditions, swing, and strong home batting line-ups.
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Record-Breaking Five-Wicket Hauls: Along with the 150 wickets, Bumrah also recorded his 10th five-wicket haul in SENA countries, becoming the first Indian bowler to achieve this feat.
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Exceptional Average and Strike Rate: Bumrah's wickets in SENA countries have come at an exceptional average of around 20.88. Among all bowlers with at least 150 SENA wickets in the 21st century, only Vernon Philander (20.84) has a better average.
5. Kangana Ranaut named brand ambassador for World Para Athletics
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Appointment: Kangana Ranaut, a renowned Bollywood
actress and politician, has been appointed as the brand ambassador for the New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championships by the Paralympic Committee of India. -
Role: As brand ambassador, Ranaut will champion the values of resilience, inclusion, and excellence, promoting para-athletics in India and inspiring the next generation of athletes and fans across the country.
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Event Details: The New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championships will take place from September 26 to October 5, featuring athletes from over 100 countries and more than 1,000 athletes competing in various events.
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PCI President's Endorsement: Devendra Jhajharia, President of the Paralympic Committee of India and a two-time Paralympic gold medalist, praised Ranaut's passion, influence, and commitment to India's athletes, making her a perfect ambassador for the championships.
6. Sivasubramanian Ramann Takes Charge as New PFRDA Chairperson
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Appointment and Tenure: Ramann was appointed by
the Government of India on April 8, 2025, and assumed charge on June 20, 2025. His tenure will last for five years or until he attains the age of 65, whichever is earlier. -
Background and Experience: Ramann is an officer of the Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IA&AS) and has held various leadership positions, including Chairman and MD of SIDBI, MD & Chief Executive Officer of National E-Governance Services Ltd (NeSL), and Principal Accountant General of Jharkhand.
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Qualifications: Ramann holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics and an MBA from the University of Delhi, as well as multiple professional and academic qualifications, including an MSc in Financial Regulation from the London School of Economics, an LLB, and a Certified Internal Auditor credential.
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Role and Responsibilities: He will oversee the transition of central government staff from the National Pension System (NPS) to the Unified Pension System.
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Remuneration and Significance: Ramann will receive a consolidated monthly pay and allowances of ₹5,62,500 without the facility of house or car.
Foot notes:
About PFRDA-
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Founded: 2003
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Headquarters: New Delhi
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Chairman: Sivasubramanian Ramann
7. The Hindu has won ‘The Champion of Digital Media Awards South Asia 2025
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Multiple Award Wins: The Hindu won a total of
10 awards, showcasing its excellence in digital publishing across various categories. -
Champion Publisher: Although the exact criteria for "The Champion of Digital Media Awards South Asia 2025" aren't specified, The Hindu's multiple wins indicate its strong performance.
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Recognition: These awards recognize excellence in digital publishing, highlighting The Hindu's innovative approaches to storytelling, audience engagement, and technology-driven news experiences.
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Global Competition: The gold winners, including The Hindu, will automatically qualify for WAN-IFRA's World Digital Media Awards, competing with top digital projects globally.
Foot notes:
About The Hindu-
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CEO: L.V. Navaneeth
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Founded: 1878
8. BEML receives National Recognition for Export Excellence at EEPC India 2025
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Award Details: BEML Limited, a leading multi-technology
enterprise under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, was honored with the National Award for Outstanding Export Performance at the 55th EEPC India National Awards 2025, held in Mumbai on June 21, 2025. -
Export Performance: The award recognizes BEML's significant contribution to India's engineering exports during FY 2022–23, where the company exported 71 advanced machines to multiple African nations, solidifying its role in international infrastructure and industrial development.
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Global Presence: BEML's global footprint now spans over 1,400 units across 72 countries, including strategic markets in Africa, the Middle East, ASEAN, and SAARC regions, showcasing its ability to deliver cutting-edge engineering solutions worldwide.
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Commitment to 'Make in India': This national recognition underscores BEML's alignment with the 'Make in India' initiative, reflecting its dedication to indigenous R&D, global partnerships, and world-class manufacturing in the mobility, mining, and defence sectors.
Foot notes:
About BEML-
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Chairman & MD: Shantanu Roy
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Headquarters: Bengaluru
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Founded: 1964
9. International Olympic Day observed on 23rd June
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History: The day commemorates the founding of the
International Olympic Committee (IOC) on June 23, 1894, by Pierre de Coubertin, who revived the ancient Olympic Games to promote international peace and physical fitness. The first Olympic Day was celebrated in 1948. -
Significance: Olympic Day promotes physical activity, sportsmanship, and inclusion, encouraging people of all ages and backgrounds to lead active, healthy lifestyles. It emphasizes the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect.
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Theme: The theme for International Olympic Day 2025 is "Let's Move?" which embodies the spirit of cooperation and solidarity, inspiring people to move more, connect more, and inspire more
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Celebrations: People participate in various activities such as Olympic Day runs, virtual workouts, local sports festivals, and community service. Many countries also provide free admission to sporting facilities to promote community cohesion and play.
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Global Impact: Olympic Day has evolved into a global phenomenon, involving millions of people worldwide. It serves as a reminder of the power of sports to unite people, promote peace, and inspire excellence.
10. Veteran actor-director Vivek Lagoo passed away
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Career: Lagoo was a prominent figure in Marathi theatre
and cinema, with notable contributions to television and films like "Ugly" (2013), "What About Savarkar" (2015), and "31 Divas" (2018). He was known for his versatility and depth in his performances. -
Personal Life: Vivek was married to actress Reema Lagoo, with whom he shared a passion for theatre. Although they parted ways, they maintained mutual respect and understanding until Reema's passing in 2017. Their daughter, Mrunmayee Lagoo Waikul, is a writer and director who has worked on projects like "Thappad" and "Scoop".
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Legacy: Lagoo's demise has been met with condolences from the film industry, with Maharashtra's Cultural Affairs Minister, Ashish Shelar, praising his contributions to Marathi theatre and cinema. His legacy continues through his daughter Mrunmayee, who has carved a niche for herself in the industry.
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