Current Affairs 06 February 2025

1. Monika Rani (IDAS) Appointed Director in Dept of Justice
Monika Rani, an Indian Defence Accounts Service
(IDAS) officer, has been appointed as a Director in the Department of Justice under the Ministry of Law and Justice. Her appointment is part of a central deputation aimed at strengthening judicial administration and governance. With extensive experience in financial management and public administration, she is expected to contribute significantly to legal and policy reforms. Her role will focus on enhancing judicial infrastructure, digital initiatives, and legal accessibility. Monika Rani’s expertise will support key government initiatives to improve efficiency in the justice delivery system.

Foot notes:
-
Appointment: Monika Rani, an Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS) officer, has been appointed as Director in the Department of Justice.
-
Department of Justice: The Department of Justice is a department under the Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India. It deals with matters related to the administration of justice in India.
-
IDAS Officer: Monika Rani is an officer of the Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS), which is a Group 'A' Central Civil Service responsible for managing the financial matters of the Ministry of Defence.
-
Key Responsibilities: As Director in the Department of Justice, Monika Rani will be responsible for overseeing various aspects of justice administration, including policy-making, planning, and implementation of justice-related schemes and programs.
-
Tenure: The appointment is likely to be for a specific tenure, although the exact duration is not specified. During this period, Monika Rani will work closely with other officials in the Department of Justice to achieve its objectives.
2. Justice Venkatachari Lakshminarayanan & Justice Periyasamy Vadamalai appointed in Madras HC
Justice Venkatachari Lakshminarayanan and Justice
Periyasamy Vadamalai have been appointed as judges of the Madras High Court. Their elevation comes as part of efforts to strengthen the judiciary and expedite pending cases. Justice Lakshminarayanan has a distinguished background in constitutional and civil law, while Justice Vadamalai is known for his expertise in criminal and administrative law. Their appointments are expected to enhance the efficiency and judicial capacity of the Madras High Court. Both judges will play a crucial role in delivering justice and upholding legal principles in Tamil Nadu.

Foot notes:
-
Appointment Recommendation: The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the appointment of Justice Venkatachari Lakshminarayanan and Justice Periyasamy Vadamalai as permanent judges of the Madras High Court.
-
Current Status: Both judges were serving as Additional Judges of the Madras High Court. Justice Lakshminarayanan was appointed as an Additional Judge on February 23, 2023, while Justice Vadamalai was appointed on March 27, 2023.
-
Madras High Court Strength: The Madras High Court is currently functioning with 65 judges, against its sanctioned strength of 75, leaving a vacancy of 10 judges.
-
Collegium Decision: The Supreme Court Collegium, headed by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, approved the proposal for the appointment of the two judges as permanent judges in its meeting held on February 5, 2025.
-
Appointment Process: The appointment of judges to the High Court is made by the President under Article 217 of the Constitution, based on the recommendation of the Supreme Court Collegium.
3. Uttar Pradesh Won Men’s Kabaddi Gold at 38th National Games
Uttar Pradesh won the men’s kabaddi gold at the 38th
National Games, showcasing a dominant performance in the tournament. They defeated Maharashtra in a thrilling final to secure the top spot on the podium. The team displayed exceptional teamwork, agility, and strategic gameplay throughout the competition. This victory marks a significant achievement for Uttar Pradesh kabaddi, highlighting the state’s growing prominence in the sport. Their triumph adds to the state’s medal tally and reinforces its strength in India’s traditional sport.

Foot notes:
-
Gold Medal Win: Uttar Pradesh won the gold medal in the men's kabaddi event, defeating Chandigarh 57-43 in the final.
-
Led by Arjun Deshwal: Uttar Pradesh's captain, Arjun Deshwal, led the team to victory with an impressive 19-point performance.
-
Comeback Victory: Uttar Pradesh trailed 12-18 in the first half but made a strong comeback to take a 25-22 lead at halftime.
-
Key Players: Besides Arjun Deshwal, other key players in Uttar Pradesh's squad included raider Vinay, right corner Sahul Kumar, all-rounder Nitin Panwar, and talented Mohd Amaan.
-
Second Gold in Three Years: Uttar Pradesh's win marked their second gold medal in the men's kabaddi event in three years.
4. Rashid Khan became the highest T20 wicket-taker, surpassing Dwayne Bravo's record
Afghanistan’s star leg-spinner Rashid Khan has become the
highest wicket-taker in T20 cricket, surpassing Dwayne Bravo’s record. He achieved this milestone while playing in a franchise league, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest T20 bowlers. Rashid’s consistency, sharp googlies, and deceptive variations have made him a dominant force in the shortest format. His achievement reflects his impact across international and franchise cricket, where he has been a match-winner for multiple teams. With this record, Rashid Khan further strengthens his reputation as a modern T20 legend.

Foot notes:
-
New Record: Rashid Khan now holds the record for the most T20 wickets with 633 scalps in 461 matches, boasting an impressive bowling average of 18.07 and an economy rate of 6.49.
-
Surpassing Bravo: Dwayne Bravo, the previous record holder, had taken 631 wickets in 582 matches during his 18-year T20 career.
-
Achievement Details: Rashid achieved this milestone while playing for MI Cape Town in the SA20 2025, specifically during the Qualifier 1 match against Paarl Royals.
-
Rashid's Reaction: The Afghan spinner expressed his pride and surprise at achieving this feat, stating it's a great honor to be from Afghanistan and top the table.
-
T20I Record: Rashid is also close to breaking the record for most wickets in T20 Internationals, currently held by Tim Southee with 164 wickets.
5. Tshego Gaelae, first Black woman to be crowned as Mrs World 2025
Tshego Gaelae has made history by becoming the first
Black woman to be crowned Mrs. World 2025. Representing Botswana, she won the prestigious title, marking a significant milestone in the pageant’s history. Her victory highlights the growing recognition of diversity and empowerment in global beauty competitions. Tshego, known for her advocacy work and leadership, aims to use her platform to inspire women worldwide. Her win is a proud moment for Botswana and a step forward in representation on the international stage.

Foot notes:
-
Historic Win: Gaelae's victory marks a significant milestone in the 40-year history of the Mrs. World pageant, which celebrates married women from around the world.
-
Representing South Africa: As Mrs. South Africa 2024, Gaelae represented her country on the global stage, making South Africans proud with her win.
-
Advocacy Work: Gaelae is dedicated to women's empowerment and uplifting underprivileged women, using her platform to inspire women everywhere to embrace their power and purpose.
-
Competition Details: Gaelae was crowned Mrs. World 2025 at the grand finale in Las Vegas, beating contenders from Sri Lanka and Thailand.
-
Personal Life: Gaelae is a 34-year-old attorney, wife, and mother from Soweto, South Africa, who balances her family life with her advocacy work and modeling career.
6. Wriddhiman Saha Retires from Cricket
Veteran Indian wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha has
announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. Known for his exceptional glovework and resilience, Saha played a crucial role in India's Test team for over a decade. He was the first Indian wicketkeeper to score a century in the IPL and contributed significantly in domestic and international cricket. His retirement marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of skill, dedication, and sportsmanship. Saha now looks forward to mentoring young cricketers and exploring new opportunities in the sport.

Foot notes:
-
Last Match: Saha played his final match for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 Elite Group C encounter against Punjab, where he was dismissed for a seven-ball duck.
-
Career Highlights: Saha represented India in 40 Test matches, scoring 1353 runs, including three centuries, and took 92 catches and 12 stumpings.
-
Emotional Farewell: Saha penned an emotional note on social media, thanking cricket for the journey and the lessons learned, and expressing gratitude to his family, friends, and mentors.
-
Tributes: Indian cricket stars, including Rishabh Pant and Cheteshwar Pujara, have paid tribute to Saha, praising his dedication and contributions to Indian cricket.
-
New Chapter: Saha plans to dedicate himself to his family and friends, cherishing the moments he may have missed, and embracing life beyond the field.
7. IICA, CMAI Sign MoU to Boost Decarbonisation Efforts
The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) and the
Cement Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance decarbonization initiatives. This collaboration aims to promote sustainable practices in the cement industry by enhancing research, policy advocacy, and capacity-building efforts. The MoU focuses on reducing carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency, and adopting green technologies. Both organizations will work together to support India's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions. This partnership is expected to drive innovation and sustainability in one of the country’s most critical industries.

Foot notes:
-
Partnership Aims: The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) and the Carbon Market Association of India (CMAI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen India's carbon markets and advance decarbonisation initiatives.
-
Key Areas of Collaboration: The partnership will focus on training programs, joint research, conferences, and policy advocacy regarding carbon markets, low-carbon industrial solutions, and sustainable finance.
-
Capacity Building: The MoU aims to equip industry professionals, policymakers, and academicians with the necessary knowledge and expertise to navigate India's evolving carbon markets.
-
Government Support: Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Road, Transport & Highways, emphasized the importance of biofuels and green hydrogen in shaping India's economic and environmental future.
-
Decarbonisation Strategies: The partnership will facilitate dialogue among industry stakeholders, policymakers, and academics to support regulatory and policy frameworks that drive India's net-zero ambitions.
8. IPS Sagar Singh Kalsi Appointed Director in MoPNG
IPS officer Sagar Singh Kalsi has been appointed as a
Director in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG). A 2010-batch AGMUT cadre officer, Kalsi has served in key positions, including as DCP in the Delhi Police. His appointment comes as part of a central deputation aimed at strengthening administrative efficiency in the petroleum sector. Known for his expertise in law enforcement and policy implementation, he is expected to contribute to strategic initiatives within MoPNG. Kalsi’s tenure will focus on governance, security, and regulatory frameworks in the energy sector.

Foot notes:
-
Central Deputation: Kalsi, a 2010-batch IPS officer of the AGMUT cadre, was recommended for central deputation by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
-
Five-Year Tenure: He will serve as Director in MoPNG for five years from the date of assuming charge or until further orders.
-
Previous Posting: Prior to his appointment, Kalsi was posted as Additional CP Eastern Range, Delhi Police.
-
Ministry Role: As Director in MoPNG, Kalsi will be responsible for overseeing various aspects of the ministry's work, including policy-making and implementation.
-
Significance: Kalsi's appointment is significant, given the importance of the petroleum and natural gas sector in India's economy.
9. International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation observed on 6th February
The International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital
Mutilation (FGM) is observed annually on February 6 to raise awareness and accelerate global efforts to end the practice. Established by the United Nations, the day highlights the severe physical and psychological consequences of FGM on women and girls. Governments, activists, and organizations worldwide use this occasion to advocate for stronger laws, education, and support systems to eliminate FGM. The theme for each year focuses on empowering communities and promoting gender equality. This observance plays a crucial role in advancing human rights and protecting millions from this harmful practice.

Foot notes:
-
UN Observance: The International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation is observed annually on February 6, as designated by the United Nations.
-
Eliminating FGM: The day aims to raise awareness and promote efforts to eliminate female genital mutilation (FGM), a human rights violation that affects millions of girls and women worldwide.
-
Global Prevalence: FGM is practiced in over 90 countries, with more than 200 million girls and women having undergone the procedure, according to UN estimates.
-
Health Consequences: FGM can have severe physical and emotional health consequences, including chronic pain, infection, and psychological trauma.
-
UN Sustainable Development Goals: Eliminating FGM is a key target under the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
10. Veteran British Actor Brian Murphy passed away
Veteran British actor Brian Murphy has passed away,
leaving behind a remarkable legacy in the world of television and film. Best known for his roles in classic British sitcoms like Minder and George and Mildred, Murphy's charm and versatile acting made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. His career spanned several decades, with memorable performances in both comedic and dramatic roles. Fans and colleagues alike mourn the loss of a talented actor who brought warmth and humor to the screen. Brian Murphy’s contributions to British television will continue to be cherished by audiences for years to come.

Foot notes:
-
Iconic Roles: Murphy was best known for his iconic roles in the 1970s British sitcoms "Man About the House" and "George and Mildred".
-
Long Career: He had a long and distinguished career in television, spanning over five decades, with numerous credits in popular British sitcoms.
-
Tributes: His wife, actress Linda Regan, paid tribute to him on social media, saying "My love for you will never die. RIP sweetheart".
-
Legacy: Brian Murphy's legacy as a beloved British actor will be remembered for generations to come, with his iconic characters remaining a part of British television history.
2 likes |
0 comment