Current Affairs - Persons

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.

Chandrika Krishnamoorthy Tandon, an Indian-American musician and business leader, won the Grammy Award for Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album for her project ‘Triveni’ at the 67th Grammy Awards on February 2, 2025. The album, created in collaboration with Wouter Kellerman and Eru Matsumoto, blends South Asian vocal traditions, South African flute melodies, and Japanese-American cello harmonies to create a unique meditative experience. Tandon, known for her philanthropic efforts and contributions to education, expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the album’s focus on peace and healing through music.

Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams has set a new record for the longest spacewalking time by a woman, surpassing the previous record held by Peggy Whitson. Williams has accumulated a total of 62 hours and 6 minutes of spacewalking time across nine extravehicular activities (EVAs). She achieved this milestone during a spacewalk with fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore on the International Space Station (ISS). The record-breaking spacewalk lasted 5 hours and 26 minutes, contributing to her ranking as the fourth-highest spacewalker in NASA’s history.