Current Affairs - Persons

John Furner has been chosen to take over as the President and CEO of Walmart Inc. starting February 1, 2026, marking an important leadership transition for the global retail giant. Furner brings decades of experience within Walmart, having started as an hourly associate in 1993 before rising through various leadership positions, including CEO of Sam’s Club and CEO of Walmart U.S. His appointment reflects Walmart’s strategy of nurturing internal talent and ensuring continuity as the company continues to focus on omnichannel expansion, technological upgrades, and operational resilience. This transition follows Doug McMillon’s highly impactful decade-long tenure, during which Walmart strengthened its global presence and digital capabilities.

Deepti Sharma, who earned the title of Player of the Tournament in the Women’s ODI World Cup, was honoured at the UP Police Headquarters in Gomtinagar Extension. Her recognition reflects her outstanding contributions to Indian cricket as well as her commitment to public service, having recently joined the Uttar Pradesh Police as a Deputy Superintendent of Police under the sports quota. DGP Rajeev Krishna commended her for bringing pride to both the state and the nation. This felicitation highlights the growing support for athletes who excel internationally while also serving in administrative or public roles.

Kunchala Kaivalya Reddy, a 17-year-old from Nidadavole in Andhra Pradesh, has earned a place in an elite four-year astronaut training program conducted by Titans Space Industries in Florida. Selected among 150 candidates from 36 countries, she represents the aspirations of India’s growing scientific spirit. Her training will involve spaceflight simulations, survival modules, technical lessons in orbital mechanics, and zero-gravity adaptation. Upon completion, she is slated to participate in a 2029 mission that will orbit Earth twice at about 300 km. Her achievement highlights both individual excellence and the increasing global presence of young Indian talent in space science.

Hungarian-British writer David Szalay won the 2025 Booker Prize for his novel "Flesh", marking a historic win as the first author of his background to receive the honour. The novel is celebrated for its minimalist prose and powerful exploration of class, ambition, and masculinity. It follows a man’s rise from a modest Hungarian housing estate to the sophisticated world of London’s elite, reflecting themes of identity and power. Alongside the prestigious recognition, Szalay received a £50,000 cash prize, earning global literary acclaim and cementing his place among contemporary literary greats.

Sheetal Devi, an 18-year-old para-archer from Jammu and Kashmir, made history by becoming the first Indian para-athlete to join the able-bodied national archery team. Born with phocomelia, a condition that left her without arms, she adapted her technique to shoot using her legs and shoulders. Her remarkable performances—winning medals at the Asian Para Games, World Championships, and Paralympics—earned her a spot in the compound women’s team for the Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah. Her selection reflects a monumental step toward inclusivity, merit-based recognition, and breaking barriers in Indian sports.