Current Affairs - Persons

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force has been selected to pilot the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2025, marking a historic achievement as the first Indian astronaut to embark on this journey. The Ax-4 mission, a collaborative effort between India and the United States, will also see renowned astronaut Peggy Whitson commanding the mission. During his time aboard the ISS, Shubhanshu will conduct five experiments, contributing to scientific research and the growing presence of India in space exploration.

John Marshall played a pivotal role in unveiling the mysteries of the Indus Valley Civilisation. As the then-Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), he made the historic announcement of the discovery on September 20, 1924. This revelation sparked widespread interest and paved the way for further excavations and research. Marshall's contribution remains significant in understanding the Harappan civilisation, which spans across India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. His announcement marked the beginning of a century-long exploration into this ancient civilization's secrets and significance.

Santosh Kashyap has been appointed as the head coach of the Indian Women's Football Team by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), taking over from former player Chaoba Devi. His first major responsibility will be to lead the team in the upcoming SAFF Women's Championships in Kathmandu, beginning on October 17. Kashyap brings valuable experience from his previous roles, including serving as an assistant coach for NorthEast United FC and Odisha FC in the Indian Super League, making him a well-suited candidate for this leadership role.

Saleema Imtiaz has made history by becoming the first Pakistani woman to be nominated to the ICC International Panel of Development Umpires, allowing her to officiate in international women's cricket matches. Her first assignment will be officiating in the T20 series between Pakistan and South Africa. Imtiaz, who has been part of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s women’s umpires panel since 2008, has also officiated in multiple Asian Cricket Council tournaments in recent years. Her nomination is a significant milestone in the advancement of women in cricket umpiring.

Jared Isaacman, a billionaire entrepreneur and space enthusiast, completed the first private spacewalk as part of the "Polaris Dawn" mission. His crew orbited at nearly 460 miles above Earth, setting a record for the highest private spacewalk. This mission marked a significant achievement for SpaceX, emphasizing the growing role of private ventures in space exploration. Isaacman’s success represents a new era in commercial space travel and underscores the future potential for non-governmental missions.