Current Affairs - Persons

British author Samantha Harvey has been awarded the prestigious Booker Prize for Fiction for her thought-provoking novel "Orbital". Set on the International Space Station, "Orbital" explores humanity's connection to Earth through the perspectives of six astronauts. Harvey's unique blend of science, philosophy, and literary fiction earned her this esteemed recognition. Written during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, "Orbital" reflects on Earth's fragility, isolation, and the interconnectedness of life. Harvey's victory highlights her contribution to contemporary British literature and her ability to craft compelling narratives.

Kunal Dalal, Managing Director of JBCN Education, received the prestigious Education Leader of the Year award at the Education World India School Ranking Awards 2024-2025. This recognition acknowledges his visionary leadership in the education sector. Under his guidance, JBCN Education also secured the title of India’s Most Respected Education Brand for the second consecutive year, highlighting the institution's dedication to innovative and holistic education. Dalal's leadership has been instrumental in shaping the educational landscape, earning him this esteemed honour.

Justice Sanjiv Khanna took oath as the 51st Chief Justice of India on November 11, 2024, succeeding Justice D.Y. Chandrachud. His six-month tenure will conclude on May 13, 2025. Justice Khanna has a notable legacy of landmark judgments, including striking down the electoral bonds scheme, upholding the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir, and validating the use of Electronic Voting Machines in elections. His appointment was recommended by Justice Chandrachud and officially notified by the Centre on October 24, 2024. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath to Justice Khanna at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Arjun Erigaisi achieved a remarkable milestone by securing the world's No. 2 spot in live chess ratings on November 7th. His victory over Alexey Sarana in Round 3 of the Chennai Grand Masters tournament propelled him to a live rating of 2805.8, surpassing renowned players Fabiano Caruana and Hikaru Nakamura. Currently, only Magnus Carlsen ranks above Erigaisi, with a rating of 2831.0 points. This accomplishment underscores Erigaisi's exceptional skill and positions him among the global chess elite. Notably, he also became the 16th player in history to reach 2800 rating points, demonstrating his rapid rise in the chess world.

Shiv Nadar, founder of HCL Technologies, retained his position as India's top philanthropist for the third time in five years. In FY 2024, he donated Rs 2,153 crore, significantly contributing to various causes. The EdelGive-Hurun India Philanthropy List 2024 reported a substantial increase in total donations, reaching Rs 8,783 crore from 203 philanthropists. Nadar's philanthropic efforts have made a lasting impact on Indian society, cementing his status as a leading philanthropist. His contributions have inspired others to follow in his footsteps.