Current Affairs - Persons

Rani Rampal, renowned as the "Queen of Indian Hockey," has brought an end to her remarkable 15-year international hockey career. With 254 international matches and 120 goals under her belt, Rani leaves behind a legacy of outstanding achievements. Her leadership and scoring prowess guided India to numerous milestones, including a fourth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Rani's accolades include the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna and the Padma Shri, solidifying her status as one of India's greatest female hockey players. Her retirement marks the end of an era in Indian women's hockey.

Glasgow, Scotland, has been selected to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, marking the city's return as host after a 12-year hiatus. The 2026 Games will feature a streamlined sports program, focusing on 10 disciplines, including athletics, swimming, and gymnastics. Notably, popular sports like hockey, badminton, wrestling, and shooting will not be included. Glasgow's experience in hosting major international events, including the 2014 Commonwealth Games, makes it an ideal location for this prestigious sporting event. The city's infrastructure and expertise will ensure a successful and memorable Games.

M.K. Ranjitsinh, a renowned conservationist from India, authored the book "Mountain Mammals of the World," published by Penguin Random House. With a career spanning decades, Ranjitsinh has been instrumental in shaping India’s wildlife conservation efforts, including his role in Project Tiger and protecting endangered species like the barasingha. His book offers a comprehensive guide to 62 species and 78 subspecies of large mammals found in some of the world's most remote mountain ranges. Through his literary work, he shares scientific insights, personal stories, and stunning visuals from his conservation journey.

Rithvik Choudhary Bollipalli and Arjun Khade made history by capturing their first ATP 250 title at the Almaty Open men's doubles. The Indian duo displayed remarkable resilience, overcoming Colombia's Nicolas Barrientos and Tunisia's Skander Mansouri 3-6, 7-6, 14-12 in a thrilling final. This victory marks a significant milestone for Indian tennis, highlighting the emerging talent in the country's doubles circuit. Bollipalli and Khade's triumph is expected to inspire a new generation of Indian tennis players, paving the way for future successes on the international stage.

Bala Devi made history by becoming the first Indian woman to score 50 international goals during the 2024 SAFF Women's Championship match against Pakistan. Bala Devi, often referred to as India's "goal machine," has been a pivotal figure in Indian women's football. This accomplishment places her among the elite players in international football, highlighting her incredible goal-scoring ability and contribution to the sport. The SAFF Women's Championship, currently in its 7th edition, is being held in Kathmandu, Nepal, where Bangladesh is the reigning champion.