APPOINTMENTS

Sanjog Gupta Named New CEO of International Cricket Council

• Renowned Indian broadcaster Sanjog Gupta has been appointed as the new CEO of the ICC.

• He takes over from Geoff Allardice, who stepped down earlier this year after a four-year tenure.

• Gupta brings over 20 years of experience in media, sports, and entertainment leadership.

• He began his journey with Star India in 2010 and rose to head the sports division at Disney-Star.

• In November 2024, he was named CEO of JioStar Sports, further cementing his leadership in the industry.

• His ICC appointment followed a unanimous recommendation by the nominations panel, led by Jay Shah.

• The ICC, formed in 1909 as the Imperial Cricket Conference, governs global cricket operations.

• The council's headquarters are located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Jennifer Simons Becomes Suriname’s First Female President

• Jennifer Simons has made history as the first woman elected president of Suriname.

• Her victory came after coalition talks following a closely contested parliamentary election.

• A medical professional and former parliamentary speaker, Simons brings strong leadership experience.

• She assumes office during a crucial period, with Suriname anticipating a major oil-driven economic shift.

• In the May 25 elections, her National Democratic Party won 18 seats, narrowly ahead of the opposition.

• The Progressive Reform Party secured 17 seats, while smaller parties claimed 16.

• Suriname's president is chosen by the National Assembly, not through direct public voting.

• Simons was elected six weeks post-election, following a two-thirds majority achieved through alliances.

RANKING AND INDEX

NITI Aayog Releases 2nd Edition of North Eastern Region District SDG Index (2023-24)

• The latest SDG Index shows that 85% of districts across the Northeast have improved their overall scores.

• All districts in Mizoram, Sikkim, and Tripura reached the 'Front Runner' category in SDG performance.

• Mizoram's Hnahthial district topped the region with the highest composite score of 81.43.

• Sikkim emerged as the most balanced performer, with only a 5.5-point difference between its districts.

• Tripura showed strong consistency, with its district scores varying by just 6.5 points.

• The health and well-being goal saw improved outcomes in 93 districts across the region.

• Assam showed notable progress in key SDG areas such as hunger, education, sanitation, and employment.

• Despite strong scores, Nagaland and Mizoram displayed wider disparities among districts.

• No district qualified as an 'Achiever' or fell into the 'Aspirant' category, keeping scores between 58.71 and 81.43.

• Developed by NITI Aayog with MoDoNER and UNDP support, the index aims to guide sustainable and inclusive planning in all eight northeastern states.

SPORTS

Vaibhav Suryavanshi Creates History with Fastest Century in Youth ODI

• Vaibhav Suryavanshi rewrote the record books by hitting a stunning hundred in just 52 balls against England U-19, setting a new fastest century milestone in youth ODIs.

• This remarkable feat broke the 12-year-old record of 53 balls previously held by Pakistan’s Kamran Ghulam.

• Playing at Worcester, the young left-hander hammered 10 fours and 7 sixes on his way to the fastest youth ODI ton ever recorded.

• He went on to score 143 off only 78 deliveries, finishing with a total of 13 boundaries and 10 sixes.

• In 2024, Suryavanshi also notched a quickfire 56-ball century in a youth Test against Australia U-19, ranking just behind Moeen Ali’s 2005 record.

• During the 2025 IPL season, he became the youngest player—just 14 years and 32 days—to score a century, achieving the feat in 35 balls.

• With this latest ODI record, he surpasses the likes of Tamim Iqbal and Raj Angad Bawa in the list of fastest youth centuries.

• At such a young age, Suryavanshi continues to make headlines as a breakout star with immense potential in the world of cricket.

India Delivers Strong Performances in Para Archery and World Boxing Cup

• Harvinder Singh triumphed in the men’s recurve open category at the Asian Para-Archery Championships in Beijing, defeating Thailand’s Hanreuchai Netsiri with a commanding 7-1 win.

• This gold medal marks his first individual title at the tournament in six years.

• He also earned top honours in the mixed recurve category, teaming up successfully with Bhawna.

• In the men’s team event, Harvinder and Vivek Chikara added a silver medal to India’s tally.

• Meanwhile, Sakshi Chaudhary clinched gold in the women’s 54kg event at the 2025 World Boxing Cup in Astana, dominating American boxer Yoseline Perez with a unanimous 5-0 verdict.

• Indian boxers Jaismine Lamboria (57kg) and Nupur (80+kg) also claimed gold in their respective categories.

• India concluded the tournament with an impressive haul of 11 medals, including 3 gold, 5 silver, and 3 bronze.

• These victories reflect India’s growing strength in both para archery and international boxing on the global stage.

MISCELLANEOUS

Asia's Oldest Elephant 'Vatsala' Passes Away at Panna Tiger Reserve

• Vatsala, Asia’s oldest known elephant, died on July 8, 2025, in Panna Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh.

• Forest officials confirmed her age to be over 100 years at the time of her passing.

• She was originally brought from Kerala and later relocated to Panna via Narmadapuram.

• Vatsala played a leading role among the camp elephants for many years.

• She was a cherished presence and held great significance within the reserve.

• In her final days, she struggled with an injury to her front leg nails.

• She collapsed near the Khairaiyaan drain in the Hinauta range of the reserve.

• Despite intensive care by forest staff, efforts to revive her were unsuccessful.