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Current Affairs 23 May 2025
1. Assam Introduces India’s First AI News Anchor ‘Ankita’ in Regional Language
Assam has made a significant stride in integrating artificial
intelligence into regional media by introducing 'Ankita', India's first AI news anchor proficient in the Assamese language. This innovative development aims to enhance news delivery by providing real-time updates in the local dialect, thereby strengthening the connection with the Assamese-speaking audience. 'Ankita' is designed to present news with human-like expressions and voice modulation, offering a seamless and engaging viewer experience.
intelligence into regional media by introducing 'Ankita', India's first AI news anchor proficient in the Assamese language. This innovative development aims to enhance news delivery by providing real-time updates in the local dialect, thereby strengthening the connection with the Assamese-speaking audience. 'Ankita' is designed to present news with human-like expressions and voice modulation, offering a seamless and engaging viewer experience.Foot notes:
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Debut: Ankita made her debut by delivering a detailed report on the latest Cabinet meeting, showcasing her ability to present updates in fluent Assamese.
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Features: Ankita is a lifelike digital persona who can report on key developments with clarity and poise, similar to human news presenters.
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Reaction: The introduction of Ankita has sparked mixed reactions online, with some praising the innovation as a testament to Assam's digital transformation, while others have expressed concerns over potential job losses due to automation.
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Impact: This move marks a growing trend of AI integration in Indian media and may prompt other states and organizations to follow suit, sparking wider discussions on the role of technology in news broadcasting.
About Assam:
Capital: Dispur
Largest city: Guwahati
CM: Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma
2. Denver Nuggets’ president appointed David Adelman as head coach
The Denver Nuggets have officially appointed David
Adelman as their full-time head coach, removing the interim tag after a commendable postseason performance. Adelman stepped in as interim coach in April following the dismissal of Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth, leading the team to three consecutive regular-season wins and a first-round playoff victory over the LA Clippers. Under his guidance, the Nuggets pushed the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder to a seven-game series in the Western Conference semifinals, earning praise from players like Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon for his leadership and communication style.
Adelman as their full-time head coach, removing the interim tag after a commendable postseason performance. Adelman stepped in as interim coach in April following the dismissal of Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth, leading the team to three consecutive regular-season wins and a first-round playoff victory over the LA Clippers. Under his guidance, the Nuggets pushed the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder to a seven-game series in the Western Conference semifinals, earning praise from players like Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon for his leadership and communication style.Foot notes:
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Background: Adelman has been with the Nuggets' coaching staff since 2017, serving as the lead assistant coach under Michael Malone.
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Previous Experience: Before joining the Nuggets, Adelman worked as an assistant coach with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Orlando Magic.
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Interim to Permanent: Initially appointed as the interim head coach, Adelman has been promoted to the permanent head coach position, showcasing the team's confidence in his leadership abilities.
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Coaching Style: Adelman is known for his positivity, attention to detail, and strong work ethic, which have already made a positive impact on the team.
3. President Murmu Honours 39 Bravehearts with Gallantry Awards
On the eve of the 78th Independence Day, President
Droupadi Murmu approved 103 gallantry awards for Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces personnel, including 39 Mention-in-Despatches. These honors recognize acts of exceptional bravery and distinguished service in various military operations. Among the recipients, four Kirti Chakras were awarded, three of them posthumously, and 18 Shaurya Chakras, including four posthumous awards .These awards underscore the nation's gratitude towards its bravehearts who have demonstrated unparalleled courage and dedication.
Droupadi Murmu approved 103 gallantry awards for Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces personnel, including 39 Mention-in-Despatches. These honors recognize acts of exceptional bravery and distinguished service in various military operations. Among the recipients, four Kirti Chakras were awarded, three of them posthumously, and 18 Shaurya Chakras, including four posthumous awards .These awards underscore the nation's gratitude towards its bravehearts who have demonstrated unparalleled courage and dedication.Foot notes:
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Number of Awards: President Murmu approved 103 Gallantry awards to Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces personnel on Independence Day 2024.
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Types of Awards: The awards include four Kirti Chakras (three posthumous), 18 Shaurya Chakras (four posthumous), one Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry), 63 Sena Medals (Gallantry) including two posthumous, 11 Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry), and six Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry).
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Mention-in-Despatches: In addition to the gallantry awards, 39 personnel, including Army Dog Kent (posthumous), received Mention-in-Despatches for their significant contributions in various military operations.
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Operations Recognized: The personnel were recognized for their bravery in operations such as Operation Rakshak, Operation Snow Leopard, Operation Sahayata, Operation Hifazat, Operation Orchid, and Operation Katchal.
4. Craig Kessler Appointed as LPGA's New Commissioner
The LPGA has appointed Craig Kessler as its new
commissioner, marking a significant leadership transition for the organization. Kessler, who previously served as the Chief Operating Officer of the PGA of America, brings a wealth of experience from his tenure at Topgolf and Buff City Soap, as well as an MBA from Harvard Business School . The LPGA's board, in collaboration with executive search firm Elevate Talent, conducted a comprehensive selection process to identify the right candidate to lead the organization into its next chapter . Kessler's leadership is anticipated to drive growth and innovation within the LPGA, leveraging his diverse background to enhance the tour's global presence and commercial success.
commissioner, marking a significant leadership transition for the organization. Kessler, who previously served as the Chief Operating Officer of the PGA of America, brings a wealth of experience from his tenure at Topgolf and Buff City Soap, as well as an MBA from Harvard Business School . The LPGA's board, in collaboration with executive search firm Elevate Talent, conducted a comprehensive selection process to identify the right candidate to lead the organization into its next chapter . Kessler's leadership is anticipated to drive growth and innovation within the LPGA, leveraging his diverse background to enhance the tour's global presence and commercial success.Foot notes:
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Background: Kessler brings experience from his years as COO of Dallas-based Topgolf, where he oversaw explosive growth from 25 venues to 70 and managed over 25,000 employees.
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Previous Role: Before joining PGA of America, Kessler served as CEO of Buff City Soap, a fast-growing experiential retail company with stores in 32 states.
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Education: Kessler earned an MBA from Harvard Business School and an undergraduate degree from Georgetown University.
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Experience: He has a passion for golf and extensive operating and financial background, having worked with global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company and private equity firms KKR and Providence Equity Partners.
5. India's Raiza Dhillon secured a silver medal in the ISSF Junior World Cup 2025
Indian skeet shooter Raiza Dhillon clinched a silver medal at
the 2025 ISSF Junior World Cup in Suhl, Germany, marking a significant milestone in her shooting career. In the women's skeet final, Dhillon hit 51 out of 60 targets, finishing just behind Great Britain's Phoebe Bodley-Scott, who secured gold with 53 hits . This achievement is particularly noteworthy as it represents Dhillon's first individual ISSF World Cup medal at any level, achieved during her final year as a junior competitor . Earlier in the competition, she advanced to the final after a tense three-way shoot-off in the qualifiers, where she posted a score of 116 .
the 2025 ISSF Junior World Cup in Suhl, Germany, marking a significant milestone in her shooting career. In the women's skeet final, Dhillon hit 51 out of 60 targets, finishing just behind Great Britain's Phoebe Bodley-Scott, who secured gold with 53 hits . This achievement is particularly noteworthy as it represents Dhillon's first individual ISSF World Cup medal at any level, achieved during her final year as a junior competitor . Earlier in the competition, she advanced to the final after a tense three-way shoot-off in the qualifiers, where she posted a score of 116 .Foot notes:
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Event and Location: Raiza Dhillon won a silver medal in the women's skeet event at the ISSF Junior World Cup in Suhl, Germany.
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Score: She scored 51 targets in the 60-shot final, finishing behind Phoebe Bodley-Scott of Great Britain, who scored 53.
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Qualification: Raiza began the day in fourth place with a score of 71 after three qualifying rounds and then shot rounds of 22 and 23 to eventually qualify second.
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Medal Significance: This silver medal is Raiza's first individual ISSF World Cup medal at any level, showcasing her emerging talent in shooting sports.
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India's Medal Tally: The silver medal is India's third medal in the tournament, complementing Kanak's gold in the women's air pistol event.
6. Joe Root becomes Fastest to 13,000 Test Runs in Cricket
England's Joe Root has etched his name in cricket history
by becoming the fastest player to reach 13,000 Test runs. He achieved this milestone during the one-off Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, reaching the mark in his 153rd match, surpassing the previous record held by Jacques Kallis, who took 159 matches to achieve the same feat. Root became the first English cricketer and the fifth overall to surpass 13,000 Test runs, joining the elite company of Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis, and Rahul Dravid.
by becoming the fastest player to reach 13,000 Test runs. He achieved this milestone during the one-off Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, reaching the mark in his 153rd match, surpassing the previous record held by Jacques Kallis, who took 159 matches to achieve the same feat. Root became the first English cricketer and the fifth overall to surpass 13,000 Test runs, joining the elite company of Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis, and Rahul Dravid.Foot notes:
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Record-Breaking Achievement: Joe Root has become the fastest player to score 13,000 Test runs in cricket history, achieving the feat in 153 matches.
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Matches vs. Innings: While Root is the fastest to reach 13,000 runs in terms of matches, Sachin Tendulkar remains the quickest in terms of innings, achieving the milestone in 266 innings. Root took 279 innings to reach the landmark.
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England's First: Root is the first English player to score 13,000 Test runs, solidifying his position as one of England's finest batsmen of all time.
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Ranking Among Greats: Root joins an elite group of cricketers who have crossed the 13,000-run mark, including Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis, and Rahul Dravid.
7. Anwesh Kumar Aileni appointed as Deputy Secretary in the Department of Commerce
Anwesh Kumar Aileni has been appointed as the Deputy
Secretary in the Department of Commerce, Government of India. This appointment comes as part of a recent administrative reshuffle aimed at strengthening key departments. Aileni, a 2013 batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, brings with him a wealth of experience in economic and trade policy. His new role will involve formulating and implementing policies related to foreign trade and commerce. The appointment reflects the government's continued focus on enhancing administrative efficiency in vital sectors of the economy.
Secretary in the Department of Commerce, Government of India. This appointment comes as part of a recent administrative reshuffle aimed at strengthening key departments. Aileni, a 2013 batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, brings with him a wealth of experience in economic and trade policy. His new role will involve formulating and implementing policies related to foreign trade and commerce. The appointment reflects the government's continued focus on enhancing administrative efficiency in vital sectors of the economy.Foot notes:
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Appointment Details: Anwesh Kumar Aileni, an IRSME officer from the 2013 batch, has been appointed as Deputy Secretary in the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) under the Department of Commerce.
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Tenure: His appointment is for a period of four years, starting from the date he assumes charge.
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Post Creation: This position was created by downgrading a vacant post of Additional Director General of Foreign Trade (ADGFT) in the DGTR.
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Clearance: The appointment was cleared by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet under the Central Staffing Scheme.
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Role Significance: As Deputy Secretary, Anwesh Kumar Aileni will play a key role in the DGTR, which is responsible for handling trade remedies and protecting domestic industries from unfair trade practices.
8. Actor Tamannaah Bhatia appointed as the brand ambassador for Mysore Sandal Soap
Tamannaah Bhatia has been appointed as the brand
ambassador for Mysore Sandal Soap, a move by Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL) aimed at enhancing the brand's visibility and expanding its market reach. The two-year contract, valued at 6.2 crore, was formalized on May 22, 2025. However, the decision has sparked controversy, with critics questioning the choice of a non-Kannada-speaking actress to represent a product deeply rooted in Karnataka's cultural heritage. Pro-Kannada groups and social media users have expressed disappointment, suggesting that local talents like Rashmika Mandanna or Rukmini Vasanth would have been more appropriate choices.
ambassador for Mysore Sandal Soap, a move by Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL) aimed at enhancing the brand's visibility and expanding its market reach. The two-year contract, valued at 6.2 crore, was formalized on May 22, 2025. However, the decision has sparked controversy, with critics questioning the choice of a non-Kannada-speaking actress to represent a product deeply rooted in Karnataka's cultural heritage. Pro-Kannada groups and social media users have expressed disappointment, suggesting that local talents like Rashmika Mandanna or Rukmini Vasanth would have been more appropriate choices.Foot notes:
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Purpose: The day aims to promote action towards treating and preventing obstetric fistula, a condition that affects many girls and women in developing countries, causing physical and social suffering.
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Theme: This year's theme is "Her health, her right: Shaping a future without fistula," emphasizing the fundamental right to health and well-being, particularly sexual and reproductive health, for all women and girls.
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Causes and Consequences: Obstetric fistula is caused by prolonged labor without medical intervention, often resulting in chronic health problems, depression, social isolation, and deepening poverty. In 90% of cases, the baby dies.
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Prevention and Treatment: The condition is preventable and treatable with access to quality medical care, emergency obstetric services, and comprehensive rehabilitation. UNFPA has supported nearly 150,000 surgical repairs for fistula between 2003 and 2024.
9. International Day to End Obstetric Fistula 2025
The International Day to End Obstetric Fistula is observed
annually on May 23, and in 2025, it falls on a Friday. This day aims to raise awareness and mobilize support to eliminate obstetric fistula—a severe childbirth injury resulting from prolonged, obstructed labor without timely medical intervention. The condition leads to chronic incontinence, social isolation, and often deepens poverty among affected women. The theme for 2025 is “Breaking the Cycle: Preventing Fistula Worldwide”, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies to prevent obstetric fistula through equitable access to quality maternal health services, social reintegration, and sustained investment in healthcare systems.
annually on May 23, and in 2025, it falls on a Friday. This day aims to raise awareness and mobilize support to eliminate obstetric fistula—a severe childbirth injury resulting from prolonged, obstructed labor without timely medical intervention. The condition leads to chronic incontinence, social isolation, and often deepens poverty among affected women. The theme for 2025 is “Breaking the Cycle: Preventing Fistula Worldwide”, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies to prevent obstetric fistula through equitable access to quality maternal health services, social reintegration, and sustained investment in healthcare systems.Foot notes:
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Rebranding Initiative: The company plans to unveil a rebranding initiative at the Invest Karnataka Global Investors Meet to increase the brand's presence, especially in North India, where it currently holds only a 6% market share.
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Global Expansion: Mysore Sandal Soap aims to expand its market reach to 80 countries by March 2026, from its current presence in 23 countries. The brand has already gained international attention, with celebrity chef Vikas Khanna gifting the soap to Hollywood star Anne Hathaway.
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Previous Ambassador: Tamannaah Bhatia follows MS Dhoni, the former Indian cricket captain, who was the brand ambassador from 2006 to 2007.
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Marketing Strategy: The company plans to boost revenue through aggressive marketing strategies, including e-commerce and quick commerce sites, targeting younger consumers and increasing online sales to 100 crore this financial year.
10. Geoff Selig honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award at National Print Awards
Geoff Selig, the late Executive Chairman of IVE Group, was
posthumously honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 National Print Awards in Sydney. The award was accepted by his brother, Paul Selig, who delivered a heartfelt tribute reflecting on Geoff's enduring legacy in the Australian print industry. Under Geoff's leadership, IVE Group evolved into Australia's largest printing and marketing communications company, employing over 2,000 people and generating $1 billion in annual revenue. His strategic vision led to more than two dozen acquisitions, including significant deals such as Franklin Web, Salmat, Active Display Group, and JacPak, shaping the modern Australian print landscape.
posthumously honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 National Print Awards in Sydney. The award was accepted by his brother, Paul Selig, who delivered a heartfelt tribute reflecting on Geoff's enduring legacy in the Australian print industry. Under Geoff's leadership, IVE Group evolved into Australia's largest printing and marketing communications company, employing over 2,000 people and generating $1 billion in annual revenue. His strategic vision led to more than two dozen acquisitions, including significant deals such as Franklin Web, Salmat, Active Display Group, and JacPak, shaping the modern Australian print landscape.Foot notes:
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Award and Year: Geoff Selig received the Industry Achievement Award in 2023, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the print industry.
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Industry Impact: As the former executive chairman of IVE Group, Selig had a significant impact on the Australian print industry, growing the business into a $1 billion company with diverse services.
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Legacy: After his passing, a scholarship was established in his name to support emerging talent in the print industry, providing up to $10,000 for personal and professional development.
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Industry Recognition: Selig was a pioneer and innovator in the industry for over 40 years, and his contributions went beyond his own business, earning him recognition as an industry legend.
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