Current Affairs - Persons

Thanya Nathan topped the Civil Judge (Junior Division) examination merit list among candidates with benchmark disabilities in Kerala, marking a historic moment in the state’s judicial system. A visually impaired lawyer from Kannur district, she excelled academically, topping her LLB programme at Kannur University and preparing for the judicial exam using Braille materials, screen-reading software, and audio resources. Her achievement reflects growing judicial inclusivity, supported by a landmark Supreme Court ruling affirming that disability cannot be grounds for disqualification from judicial service. Her appointment symbolises progress toward a more accessible and representative judiciary in India.

Kabak Yano, a 27-year-old mountaineer from Arunachal Pradesh, achieved a major milestone by successfully summiting Mount Aconcagua in Argentina. Standing at 22,831 feet, Aconcagua is the highest peak in South America and the Western Hemisphere, known for its extreme altitude, harsh winds, and freezing conditions. The ascent forms part of her ambitious Seven Summits expedition, which aims to climb the highest peak on each continent. Her accomplishment highlights exceptional endurance, mental strength, and technical skill, while also bringing national attention to Arunachal Pradesh’s growing presence in global adventure sports.

Yoweri Museveni secured a seventh term as President of Uganda after winning the 2026 elections with 71.65 percent of the total votes cast. His victory extended a rule that began in 1986, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders. The election outcome drew controversy as opposition leader Bobi Wine rejected the results, alleging fraud, internet shutdowns, and irregularities during polling. Despite these claims, the electoral commission declared Museveni the winner. The results have reignited global debates about democratic space, political competition, and electoral transparency in Uganda.

Major Swathi Shantha Kumar from Bengaluru received the UN Secretary General’s Award 2025 for her project “Equal Partners, Lasting Peace” in South Sudan. Her work focused on integrating women into local-level peacekeeping operations and enhancing their participation in decision-making processes. Leading the Indian Engagement Team under the UN Mission in South Sudan, she promoted gender parity and grassroots engagement, ensuring women played a meaningful role in sustaining peace. This recognition highlights her contribution to advancing gender equality in international peace operations and the impact of inclusive approaches in conflict resolution.

Pawan Kalyan, the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, became the first Indian to be formally inducted into Kenjutsu, an ancient Japanese samurai swordsmanship tradition. This rare honour is traditionally reserved for Japanese practitioners and recognises mastery in discipline, precision, and ethical conduct. His induction highlights India’s growing engagement with global martial arts and cultural traditions. Beyond technical skill, it reflects acceptance into a centuries-old lineage, showcasing dedication to martial arts, personal growth, and cross-cultural respect. Kalyan’s achievement also strengthens India-Japan cultural ties and places him among an elite group of non-Japanese practitioners worldwide.