Current Affairs - Persons

Niraj Kumar, representing Services, secured the gold medal in the 50m Rifle 3 Positions (Men) event at the 38th National Games in Uttarakhand. Aishwarya Pratap Singh Tomar from Madhya Pradesh won the silver, while Swapnil Suresh Kusale from Maharashtra claimed the bronze. The event saw strong competition among top marksmen. Meanwhile, Haryana's Suruchi and Pramod won gold in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event. Karnataka led the medal tally with 29 golds, followed closely by Services with 28 golds.

Tshego Gaelae made history by becoming the first Black woman to win the Mrs World title in 2025. She is an attorney, entrepreneur, and advocate for women’s empowerment, using her platform to drive sustainable change, particularly for children. Gaelae is passionate about authenticity and aims to represent South Africa’s rich cultural heritage on a global stage. Her victory is a significant milestone for Black women worldwide, inspiring many through her achievements and advocacy efforts.

Mehak Sharma from Punjab set three national records in women’s weightlifting (87+ kg) at the 38th National Games. The event showcased remarkable performances across various disciplines, including weightlifting, shooting, and boxing. Her achievement highlights the growing dominance of Indian athletes in weightlifting, reflecting their rigorous training and dedication. Setting multiple national records in a single event is a significant milestone, emphasizing Mehak Sharma’s strength, technique, and consistency in the sport.

R Praggnanandhaa secured his first-ever Tata Steel Masters Chess title by defeating D Gukesh 2-1 in a dramatic tie-breaker held in the Netherlands. Both players had finished the tournament with 8.5 points, leading to a tie-breaker match. The intense final featured surprising upsets, including a crucial early victory by Arjun Erigaisi over Gukesh, which helped set up the tie. Praggnanandhaa’s win marks a significant milestone in his career, further establishing him as one of India’s rising chess stars on the global stage.

Vyacheslav Volodin, the Chairman of Russia's State Duma, arrived in India on February 3, 2025, for an official visit aimed at strengthening the bilateral ties between Russia and India. His visit focuses on enhancing cooperation in key areas such as trade, education, technology, and cultural exchanges. Volodin’s meetings with Indian leaders will also emphasize deepening inter-parliamentary cooperation, a critical aspect of fostering long-term diplomatic relations between the two nations. This visit serves as a significant step in the continued evolution of the Russia-India strategic relationship in the global context.