Current Affairs 30 May 2025

1. Cristiano Ronaldo Breaks Barriers with 800 Goals in Club Football
Cristiano Ronaldo has achieved a historic milestone by scoring 800 goals in
club football, becoming the first player ever to reach this remarkable feat. His consistent performance across top clubs like Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al-Nassr highlights his incredible longevity and skill. Ronaldo’s achievement is a testament to his dedication, discipline, and ability to adapt to different leagues and playing styles. This record not only cements his legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time but also inspires millions of aspiring athletes around the world.

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Achievement: Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score 800 club goals, achieving this milestone at the age of 40. He scored one goal in Al-Nassr's 3-2 loss to Al-Fateh in the Saudi Pro League on May 26, 2025.
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Comparison to Lionel Messi: Ronaldo is ahead of Lionel Messi in terms of club goals, with Messi having scored 753 goals.
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Awards and Recognition: Despite Al-Nassr finishing third in the league, Ronaldo won the Saudi League top scorer award again with 25 goals in the 2024-2025 season, following 35 goals in the previous season.
2. IIT Kharagpur & Singapore’s IME Sign MoU to Boost Semiconductor Innovation
IIT Kharagpur has entered into a strategic partnership with Singapore's
Institute of Microelectronics (IME), a part of A*STAR, to advance semiconductor innovation. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed during SEMICON Southeast Asia 2025, focuses on collaborative research in areas such as advanced CMOS technologies, AI hardware accelerators, quantum devices, and chip packaging . This alliance also includes exchange programs, specialized training, and joint workshops aimed at nurturing talent in the semiconductor sector . This partnership positions both institutions at the forefront of global semiconductor research and development.

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Strategic Importance: This partnership is seen as a transformative step in expanding IIT Kharagpur's global engagement in semiconductor research, contributing to India's ambitions in the semiconductor domain, and building a resilient and competitive technology ecosystem.
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Global Implications: The collaboration is expected to accelerate innovation, build skilled talent pipelines, and address common industry challenges, ultimately strengthening the positions of India and Singapore in the global semiconductor landscape.
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IIT Kharagpur and IME, a core research entity under Singapore's Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster collaborative research and human capital development in semiconductor technologies.
3. India’s Jyothi Yarraji &Avinash Sable won gold at the 26th Asian Athletics Championships
At the 26th Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, South Korea, Indian
athletes Jyothi Yarraji and Avinash Sable delivered outstanding performances, each clinching gold medals in their respective events. Jyothi Yarraji secured her second consecutive gold in the women's 100m hurdles, setting a new championship record with a time of 12.96 seconds, surpassing the previous record of 13.04 seconds . Avinash Sable triumphed in the men's 3000m steeplechase, clocking a season-best 8:20.92, and became the first Indian man in 36 years to win gold in this event at the Asian Championships .

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Jyothi Yarraji's Achievement: Jyothi Yarraji won the gold medal in the women's 100m hurdles event with a new championship record time of 12.96 seconds, successfully defending her title from the 2023 edition.
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Avinash Sable's Achievement: Avinash Sable claimed the gold medal in the men's 3000m steeplechase event with a season's best time of 8:20.29 seconds, ending India's 36-year wait for a gold medal in this event.
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Championship Records: Yarraji's winning time broke the previous championship record of 12.99 seconds set by China's Su Yiping in 2000. Sable's win marked his second Asian medal after a silver in 2019.
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Indian Relay Team Success: The Indian women's 4x400m relay team, comprising Jisna Mathew, Rupal Chaudhary, Kunja Rajitha, and Subha Venkatesan, also won gold with a season-best time of 3:34.18 seconds.
4. India’s Mahendra Gurjar Sets World Record in World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Switzerland
Indian para-athlete Mahendra Gurjar made history at the Nottwil World Para
Athletics Grand Prix in Switzerland by setting a new world record in the men's F42 javelin throw. He achieved a remarkable distance of 61.17 meters on his third attempt, surpassing the previous record of 59.19 meters set by Brazil’s Roberto Floriani Edenilson in 2022 . The F42 category is designated for athletes with moderate movement impairment in one leg. Despite competing in a combined event with athletes from other classifications, Gurjar secured the gold medal in the F42 category and set the world record. Additionally, he clinched another gold in the long jump T42 event with a leap of 5.59 meters, marking his debut in that discipline .

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World Record Achievement: Mahendra Gurjar set a new world record in the men's javelin F42 category with a throw of 61.17 meters at the Nottwil World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Switzerland.
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Competition Details: Gurjar competed in a combined event with athletes from different categories, including F40, F57, F63, and F64.
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Previous Performance: Before setting the world record, Gurjar threw 56.11 meters in his first attempt and 55.51 meters in his second attempt.
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Double Gold Medalist: This was Gurjar's second gold medal at the Grand Prix. Earlier, on May 23, he won the long jump T42 event with a jump of 5.59 meters, which was his debut in long jump.
5. Hitachi India appoints N Venu as Its Managing Director
Hitachi India has announced the appointment of N Venu as its new Managing
Director, effective June 2, 2025. He will assume this role in addition to his current positions as Managing Director & CEO of Hitachi Energy India and Region Head for South Asia at Hitachi Energy. This leadership transition follows the elevation of Bharat Kaushal, the first Indian Managing Director of Hitachi India, to Executive Chairman, effective April 1, 2025 .Hitachi's expansion in India encompasses diverse sectors such as rail, digital, energy, financial inclusion, e-education, and healthcare.

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Background and Experience: Venu has nearly four decades of work experience and has led Hitachi Energy in India since its formation in 2019. He is also the Chairman of the Karnataka chapter of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) for 2024-25.
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Education and Accreditation: Venu holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from NIT Warangal and has been accredited by the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad, and the International Institute of Management Development, Switzerland.
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Role and Responsibilities: He will strengthen the cohesion of around 28 Hitachi group companies in India, create value for customers, and drive digital-centric growth.
6. Manoj C appointed as Director in Election Commission of India
Manoj C, a 2011-batch IPS officer from the AGMUT cadre, has been appointed
as the Director in the Election Commission of India. His appointment comes under the Central Staffing Scheme and is for a tenure of five years or until further orders. Before this role, Manoj C served as Deputy Commissioner of Police in the Special Cell of Delhi Police. The Ministry of Home Affairs recommended his central deputation for this significant position. His expertise in law enforcement is expected to strengthen the administrative and operational efficiency of the Election Commission.

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Recommendation: Manoj C's central deputation was recommended by the Ministry of Home Affairs, and his appointment was approved by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).
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Term of Appointment: He will hold the position for five years from the date of assuming charge or until further orders, whichever is earlier, and has been instructed to join his new assignment in Delhi without delay.
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Simultaneous Appointment: Manoj C was appointed alongside Bidyarani Konthoujam, a 2009-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, as part of the government's effort to strengthen the administrative capacity of the ECI.
7. Vogue Eyewear Welcomes Shahid Kapoor as a New Brand Ambassador in India
Vogue Eyewear has announced Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor as its new
brand ambassador in India, joining longtime collaborator Taapsee Pannu. The duo stars in a visually striking campaign film set in a contemporary, gallery-inspired space, promoting the brand's "No Rules Club" ethos that celebrates individuality and self-expression.

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Partnership Details: Shahid Kapoor has joined Vogue Eyewear as its new brand ambassador, partnering with existing ambassador Taapsee Pannu to promote the brand's message of individuality and self-expression.
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Campaign Film: The two stars feature in a campaign film set in a modern, gallery-inspired space, showcasing Vogue Eyewear's range and promoting a message of living life without conforming to societal expectations.
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Eyewear Collection: The campaign showcases Vogue Eyewear's new collection, featuring bold silhouettes and elegant classics that reflect individuality, charisma, and inner confidence.
8. Sadhguru Conferred with ‘Global Indian of the Year’ Award by Canada India Foundation
Sadhguru, the founder of Isha Foundation, has been honored with the 'Global
Indian of the Year' award by the Canada India Foundation (CIF) for his significant contributions to elevating human consciousness and promoting ecological sustainability. The award ceremony took place on May 22, 2025, in Toronto, where CIF Chair Ritesh Malik and National Convenor Sunita Vyas presented the award in the presence of Indo-Canadian leaders and community members. Alongside the award, Sadhguru received a cash prize of CAD 50,000, which he dedicated to the 'Cauvery Calling' project aimed at revitalizing the Cauvery River by planting trees and supporting farmers in the river basin.

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Recognition: The award recognizes individuals of Indian origin who have made a significant global impact, and Sadhguru was chosen for his tireless work over four decades towards raising human consciousness and launching impactful global initiatives for the environment and human wellbeing.
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Award Ceremony: The award ceremony was held on May 22, 2025, in Toronto, Canada, where CIF Chair Ritesh Malik and National Convenor Sunita Vyas presented the award to Sadhguru in the presence of Indo-Canadian leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members.
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Prize and Purpose: Along with the award, Sadhguru received a cash prize of CAD 50,000, which he dedicated to the ‘Cauvery Calling’ project, aiming to revive River Cauvery and transform the lives of 84 million people.
9. Hindi Journalism Day observed on 30th May
Hindi Journalism Day is observed every year on 30th May to honor the history
and contributions of Hindi journalism. The day commemorates the publication of India’s first Hindi newspaper, Udant Martand, which was launched on 30th May 1826 by Pandit Jugal Kishore Shukla from Kolkata. Although Udant Martand was published for only 19 months, it laid the foundation for Hindi journalism and played a vital role in spreading awareness among Hindi-speaking people. Hindi journalism has been an important medium for social change, independence movements, and raising public awareness. Today, it continues to serve as a crucial pillar of democracy by informing and empowering the masses.

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Significance: This day honors the contributions of Hindi journalists and the role of journalism in shaping public discourse. It also acknowledges the challenges faced by journalists, including threats to their safety, biased reporting, and censorship.
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Pioneers: Notable figures like Mahavir Prasad Dwivedi, Pt. Rambhuj Dutt Chaudhary, and Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi are celebrated for their contributions to Hindi journalism, empowering the public, and promoting Hindi as a communication language.
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Challenges Faced: The first Hindi newspaper, 'Udant Martand', faced financial difficulties due to high mailing expenses and limited readership, leading to its closure after six months. Despite this, it paved the way for Hindi journalism.
10. Veteran Actor Rajesh passed away
Veteran Kannada actor Rajesh, known as 'Kala Thapasvi,' passed away on
February 19, 2022, at the age of 89 in Bengaluru. Born as Vidyasagar on April 15, 1932, he made his mark in Kannada cinema with over 150 films, earning accolades for his versatile performances. Rajesh's career spanned several decades, during which he portrayed a wide range of characters, from lead roles to strong supporting parts. He was also recognized for his contributions to theater and literature. In 2014, he was honored with the Dr. Rajkumar Cultural Endowment Award by the Kannada Sahitya Parishat. Rajesh is survived by his daughter Aasha Rani, who is married to actor Arjun Sarja. His passing was mourned by fans and the film industry alike, marking the end of an era in Kannada cinema.

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Career Highlights: Rajesh acted in over 150 films across South Indian cinema and began his career as a schoolteacher before making his cinematic debut in K. Balachander's 1974 classic "Aval Oru Thodarkathai".
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Breakthrough Role: He gained prominence with his breakthrough role in "Kanni Paruvathile" (1979) and went on to establish himself as a respected figure in the Tamil film industry.
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Tributes: Superstar Rajinikanth and actress Radikaa Sarathkumar paid heartfelt tributes to Rajesh, with Rajinikanth saying, "The news of the untimely death of my close friend, actor Rajesh, shocks me and causes me great heartache".
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Final Film Appearance: Rajesh's final film appearance was in the Hindi thriller "Merry Christmas", starring Vijay Sethupathi and Katrina Kaif.
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