Current Affairs - Persons

Koneru Humpy clinched her second Women’s World Rapid and Blitz Chess title, reaffirming her position as one of the top players in the chess world. She first won the championship in 2019 in Georgia and now joins China’s Ju Wenjun as the only woman to secure this prestigious title multiple times. Her victory against Indonesia's Irene Sukander highlights her remarkable skill and determination in the competitive field of chess. This achievement further cements her legacy in the history of the sport.

Kaamya Karthikeyan, a 17-year-old from Mumbai, achieved the extraordinary feat of becoming the youngest female to complete the Seven Summits Challenge, conquering the highest peaks on all seven continents. These include iconic mountains like Mt Everest (Asia), Mt Kilimanjaro (Africa), and Mt Vinson (Antarctica). This accomplishment highlights her remarkable endurance and determination in mountaineering. Additionally, she was honoured with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Shakti Puraskar in 2021, further recognizing her inspiring achievements and contributions to sports and adventure.

Vijayveer Sidhu from Punjab clinched his first national title in the men's 25m rapid-fire pistol event at the 67th National Shooting Championship. He triumphed over Rio Olympian Gurpreet Singh with a score of 28-25 in the final. Despite qualifying second behind Ankur Goel, who led the qualifications with 585 points, Vijayveer showcased exceptional skill and composure in the finals to claim the championship.

Former Supreme Court judge Justice Madan B Lokur has been appointed as the Chairperson of the United Nations Internal Justice Council (IJC) for a 4-year term ending in November 2028. The IJC plays a crucial role in ensuring independence, professionalism, and accountability within the UN's justice system. Justice Lokur, who retired from the Supreme Court in December 2018, brings over six years of judicial experience at the apex court to this prestigious international position.

Caitlin Sandra Neil, a 19-year-old Indian-American born in Chennai, was crowned Miss India USA 2024 at the annual pageant held in New Jersey. Currently a second-year student at the University of California, Davis, Caitlin is passionate about women's empowerment and literacy. She aspires to make a positive impact in her community while pursuing a career in web design, modelling, and acting. Her win highlights her commitment to both social causes and personal growth, reflecting her vision for the future.