Current Affairs - Persons

Lieutenant General Sadhna Saxena Nair has made history by becoming the first woman to be appointed as the Director General of Medical Services in the Indian Armed Forces. Her distinguished career includes being the first woman to serve as the Director of General Hospital Services (Armed Forces) and as the Principal Medical Officer of the Western Air Command. With a robust academic and professional background, including training in Medical Informatics and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Warfare, she has significantly contributed to military medicine and armed forces' healthcare services.

Jia Rai, a 16-year-old para-swimmer with Autism Spectrum Disorder from Mumbai, set a world record by crossing the English Channel in 17 hours and 25 minutes. This remarkable feat was accomplished on July 28-29, 2024, making her the youngest and fastest para-swimmer to achieve this milestone. Jia Rai also holds the record for being the youngest and fastest swimmer to cross the Palk Strait. Her achievements highlight her exceptional swimming capabilities and determination despite her condition.

The book "Breaking Rocks and Barriers" focuses on the life and achievements of Sudipta Sengupta, a renowned geologist and mountaineer. Set to be released on July 24 by HarperCollins India, the book details her pioneering contributions to geology and her adventurous spirit in mountaineering. Notably, she was one of the first Indian women to set foot in Antarctica in 1983 and has been mentored by legendary mountaineer Tenzing Norgay. Her life is marked by numerous firsts, including participation in the first all-women expedition to Ronti Peak in 1967 and climbing an unexplored Himalayan peak.

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has been honoured with customised gold coins by the Grevin Museum in Paris, making him the first Indian actor to receive such an accolade at the museum. This recognition highlights his significant impact and popularity in the global entertainment industry. Shah Rukh Khan's achievements, including major blockbusters like "Jawan" and "Pathaan," have further solidified his status as a prominent figure in cinema. The Grevin Museum, known for its wax statues, has now expanded its tribute to include personalised gold coins for the actor.

Sanjay Kapoor, the former chief of the All India Chess Federation (AICF), has been unanimously elected as the president of the FIDE India Zone for a four-year term. This election was announced during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the AICF in Ahmedabad, with FIDE president Arkady Dvorkovich congratulating Kapoor on his new role.