Personalities 

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Mr. Masato Kanda 

 (Photo Credit: PTI) 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with Masato Kanda. 

• Masato Kanda, President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), wrapped up his three-day visit to India by unveiling a $10 billion initiative spread over five years.  
• This plan aims to boost India’s urban development through projects such as metro network expansions, regional rapid transit systems, and enhancements in urban infrastructure. 

Lt Gen. Dinesh Singh Rana 

(Photo Credit: PIB) 

Lieutenant General Dinesh Singh Rana has taken over as the 18th Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN). 

• A decorated officer with over 37 years of service, he commanded major formations including the Gajraj Corps along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).  
• He served in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and held instructional roles at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), College of Defence Management (CDM), and Army War College, along with staff roles in Military Intelligence and the Ministry of Defence.  
• As Director General of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), he became the first to be promoted to Commander-in-Chief from this position.  

Shri Santosh Kumar Yadav  

On June 1, 2025, NHAI Chairman Shri Santosh Kumar Yadav visited Kerala to review highway works and chaired a meeting to speed up project execution and address structural and drainage issues. 

• A senior IAS officer known for his leadership in infrastructure and project implementation. 
• Actively involved in monitoring and accelerating national highway development projects across India. 

Mary Earps 

Mary Earps has retired from international football, ahead of the UEFA Women's Nations League and European Championship. 

• She made her international debut in 2017. 
• Key contributor to England’s victory in the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 and their runner-up finish at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. 
• Honoured with two FIFA Best Goalkeeper Awards and the Golden Glove at the 2023 World Cup. 
• Also won the inaugural Women’s Finalissima with England. 

Serena Williams 

Serena Williams has been awarded the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports 2025 

• 43-year-old American tennis legend known for her extraordinary on-court dominance and global impact on modern sports. 

Neeraj Chopra

Neeraj Chopra has been appointed as the brand ambassador for Audi India. 

• Olympic gold medallist and renowned Indian javelin thrower. 
• Winner of golds at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and World Athletics Championships. 
• Silver medallist at the 2024 Paris Olympics. 
• First Indian to throw over 90 meters at the Doha Diamond League.