Current Affairs - Persons

Justice Surya Kant has been recommended to take over as the 53rd Chief Justice of India after the retirement of Chief Justice Bhushan R Gavai. He was elevated to the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019, and will serve as CJI for about 14 months, until February 9, 2027. Notably, Justice Surya Kant will be the first Chief Justice of India hailing from the state of Haryana, marking an important milestone in the history of the Indian judiciary.

Hansika Lamba and Sarika Malik secured silver medals for India at the U-23 World Wrestling Championships held in Serbia. Hansika competed in the 53kg category, where she lost 0–4 to Japan’s Haruna Morikawa in the final, while Sarika Malik, in the 55kg category, narrowly lost 1–2 to Ruka Natami. Their achievements significantly contributed to India’s overall success, as the country ended the tournament with an impressive total of seven medals, including five bronze medals in the women’s competition, marking a proud moment for Indian wrestling.

Veer Bhadu created history by winning India’s first-ever Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) medal at the Asian Youth Games held in Bahrain. Competing in the Men’s 80 kg category, Bhadu secured the bronze medal after a remarkable victory over Thailand’s Dechachot Barisri by unanimous decision. This achievement not only highlights Bhadu’s dedication and skill but also marks a major milestone for India in the field of combat sports. Alongside his success, Palash Mandal added another bronze in the 5000m walk race, bringing India’s total medal tally to twelve at the event.

Neeraj Chopra, India’s celebrated javelin thrower and two-time Olympic medallist, has been conferred the honourary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army. Having joined the Indian Army as a Naib Subedar in 2016, he rose through the ranks to become Subedar and later Subedar Major. Neeraj’s outstanding achievements include prestigious honours such as the Arjuna Award (2018), Khel Ratna (2021), Padma Shri (2022), and Param Vishisht Seva Medal (2022). This recognition highlights his exemplary contributions to Indian sports and his embodiment of discipline, patriotism, and excellence both on and off the field.

Dr. Sonali Ghosh, Field Director of Kaziranga National Park, became the first Indian recipient of the WCPA-Kenton Miller Award at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The award, established in 2006, is presented biennially by the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) to recognise innovative contributions to the sustainability and management of national parks and protected areas. Dr. Ghosh’s leadership and initiatives at Kaziranga National Park have enhanced biodiversity conservation, park management, and community engagement, reflecting global standards in environmental stewardship and making India proud on the international conservation stage.