Current Affairs - Persons

Dr. Kanad Das made history by becoming the first mycologist to assume the role of Director of the Botanical Survey of India (BSI), taking charge as its 13th Director. The BSI, functioning under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), has been a premier institution since 1890 for cataloguing, documenting, and conserving India’s vast plant biodiversity. Headquartered in Kolkata with 11 regional centres across the country, the BSI plays a crucial role in protecting floral resources. Dr. Das’s appointment highlights the growing recognition of mycology in India’s biodiversity conservation framework.

The debut book "Why the Constitution Matters" is authored by former Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and will be released in 2025 by Penguin Random House. Justice Chandrachud is recognised for his progressive and landmark rulings in areas such as privacy, gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and freedom of expression. With more than 25 years of judicial experience, his book aims to highlight the Constitution’s role as a living document shaping democracy, justice, and individual rights. This makes him an influential voice in the legal and constitutional discourse of India.

Justice Pavankumar Bhimappa Bajanthri was recently sworn in as the Chief Justice of Patna High Court at Raj Bhavan, Patna. The oath was administered by Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan in the presence of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary. The Patna High Court, established in 1916, has been pivotal in delivering landmark rulings across constitutional, criminal, and socio-economic matters. This appointment strengthens the leadership at the court, ensuring continuity in judicial excellence and upholding constitutional values in the state of Bihar.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone achieved a historic feat by winning the gold medal in the 400m at the World Athletics Championships 2025 in Tokyo. She clocked 47.78 seconds, which is the fastest time recorded by a woman in the event since 1985. This performance not only earned her the gold medal but also placed her as the second-fastest woman in history, just behind Marita Koch’s longstanding 47.60s record. Marileidy Paulino secured the silver medal, while Salwa Eid Naser took the bronze. McLaughlin-Levrone’s achievement underscores her dominance in athletics and her place among the sport’s greatest performers.

Anish Raj achieved a historic milestone for India by securing a bronze medal in the Junior Men’s One-Lap Road Sprint at the 73rd Inline Speed World Championships held in Beidaihe, China. With a time of 39.714 seconds, he became the first Indian ever to win a medal in this category at the global level. His victory not only highlighted his personal talent and dedication but also marked a breakthrough for India in international roller sports. In addition to this, Anish has also proven his consistency by winning a gold medal at the 20th Asian Roller-Skating Championships in South Korea.