General Awareness

PERSONS IN NEWS - July 2019

Jul 2019

Aug 18, 2026

Filmmaker Raja Sen passes away at 71

National Award-winning Bengali filmmaker Raja Sen died at 71 in Kolkata. He was known for films such as Damu, Desh and Laboratory, and for his documentary work. His debut Damu won the National Film Award for Best Children’s Film. Sen contributed to Bengali cinema with a range of features and documentaries that explored social themes and cultural identities. Film industry colleagues expressed condolences and noted his influence on younger generations of filmmakers. The death marks a somber moment for Indian cinema, as tributes highlighted his storytelling and commitment to regional cinema that found national and international audiences.

Raja Sen, renowned Bengali filmmaker, passed away in Kolkata aged 71.
Known for films Damu, Desh, Laboratory; Damu won National Award for Best Children’s Film.
Contributed significantly to Bengali cinema and documentaries.
Colleagues offered condolences; praised his storytelling and regional impact.

Hindi biography of Venkaiah Naidu released

A Hindi biography of former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu was released in New Delhi on 17 August 2026. The volume, written by former Rajya Sabha MP Y. Lakshmi Prasad, charts Naidu’s public service career, from organisation of youth movements to leadership in parliament. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other dignitaries attended the launch event, praising Naidu’s contributions to governance and public life. The biography highlights his role in advancing urban development, planning, and constitutional processes during his tenure as Union minister and as Vice President. Critics say the work offers insights into the political landscape of contemporary India and the workings of the central government.

Biography released in New Delhi on 17 August 2026.
Authored by Y. Lakshmi Prasad; focuses on Naidu’s public service.
Event attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Highlights roles in urban planning and constitutional processes.

Aug 11, 2026

Eleven-year-old Bodhana Sivanandan becomes Britain's youngest women's chess champion

Eleven-year-old Bodhana Sivanandan became Britain's youngest-ever women's chess champion at the 2026 British Chess Championships held in Coventry. She clinched the title after defeating Irish Woman Grandmaster Trisha Kanyamarala in a rapid playoff. The final stage showcased Bodhana's strong endgame skills and steady strategic planning under pressure. Her achievement adds to a rapid rise in her chess career, with earlier rapid victories at youth events and a growing presence of young players in the British circuit. The championship also featured 17-year-old Shreyas Royal, who became the youngest-ever overall British champion, underscoring a record-setting year for new talents in British chess.

Bodhana Sivanandan wins British Women's title at age 11
Defeated Trisha Kanyamarala in a rapid playoff
Event held in Coventry, 2026 edition
Shreyas Royal becomes youngest-ever British champion
Highlights growing participation of young players in Britain

Aug 05, 2026

D. Y. Patil passes away; former Governor of Bihar, West Bengal and Tripura

Padma Shri awardee and educationist Dnyandeo Yashwantrao Patil, commonly known as D. Y. Patil, passed away in August 2026. A veteran Congress leader from Maharashtra, Patil served as the Governor of Bihar, West Bengal, and Tripura during his political career. He was recognized for his contributions to social work and education, receiving the Padma Shri in 1991. Patil was a prominent figure in Maharashtra’s political and educational landscape, known for his focus on reform and public service. His death marks the passing of a long-serving public figure whose work spanned governance and education.

Death: August 2026.
Governor roles: Bihar, West Bengal, Tripura.
Political affiliation: Indian National Congress (Maharashtra).
Awards: Padma Shri, 1991, for social work and education.
Legacy: long-time advocate for education and public service.

Aug 04, 2026

18-Year-Old Nathan Thomas Becomes World’s Youngest Male Professor at Miami Dade College

Nathan Thomas became the world’s youngest male professor after joining Miami Dade College in August 2023 at the age of 18 years and 346 days. He shattered a 306-year-old Guinness World Record previously held by Scottish mathematician Colin Maclaurin. Thomas began college at the age of 10 and completed bachelor's and master's degrees in electrical engineering with honours. He has used the early admission path to pursue an accelerated academic career, blending research and teaching responsibilities. Networked with mentors across engineering and computer science, his achievement highlights early talent and the global mobility of students in higher education. His record underscores evolving standards for academic leadership.

Thomas became the youngest male professor globally in August 2023 at age 18 years 346 days.
Joined Miami Dade College, marking a historic academic milestone.
Broke a 306-year Guinness World Record previously held by Colin Maclaurin.
Began college at age 10 and earned Bachelors and Masters in Electrical Engineering with honours.
Demonstrates accelerated education pathways and global mobility of students in higher education.

Jul 31, 2026

Ngulkham Jathom Gangte appointed Ambassador to Mexico

Ngulkham Jathom Gangte, a 1994-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, was appointed India’s ambassador to Mexico in July 2026. He previously served as Special Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs and has held postings as India’s ambassador to Tunisia and high commissioner to Zambia. The appointment continues a trend of experienced diplomats taking key postings to strengthen bilateral ties, trade, and cultural exchanges. Gangte will oversee consular matters for Indian citizens in Mexico and regional offices, and will engage with Mexican authorities on regional diplomacy and trade initiatives.

Individual: Ngulkham Jathom Gangte, 1994-batch IFS.
Post: Ambassador to Mexico, July 2026.
Previous roles: Special Secretary, MEA; Ambassador to Tunisia; High Commissioner to Zambia.
Role includes bilateral, trade and cultural engagement.
Strengthens India–Mexico diplomatic ties.
Adds senior experience to the Indian diplomatic corps.

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