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PERSONS IN NEWS - September 2020

Sep 2020

Nov 11, 2026

Sitar Maestro Pandit Manilal Nag Passes Away

Renowned sitar maestro Pandit Manilal Nag died in Kolkata on 9 November 2026 at the age of 87 due to age-related complications. A leading exponent of the Bishnupur Gharana, he helped popularise a Dhrupad-influenced classical style. He received the Padma Shri and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for his contributions to Indian music. His passing is mourned by students and fellow artists who remember his performances that blended tradition with contemporary expression. Memorial tributes and concerts are expected in the coming weeks as a mark of respect for his musical legacy.

Date of death: 9 November 2026
Age: 87; location: Kolkata
Gharana: Bishnupur; style: Dhrupad-influenced
Honours: Padma Shri, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
Legacy: popularised a regional classical tradition

Nov 10, 2026

Anuj Shrivatri becomes India's 100th Chess Grandmaster

Anuj Shrivatri became India's 100th Chess Grandmaster on 8 November 2026, after winning the 7th ASEAN Plus Individual Open Chess Championship in Ozamiz City, Philippines. He also became the first Chess Grandmaster from Madhya Pradesh. His achievement marks a historic milestone in Indian chess, which began its Grandmaster journey with Viswanathan Anand in 1987. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Shrivatri on this accomplishment. Shrivatri's rapid rise through state and national circuits, along with his study of openings and endgames, is celebrated as a milestone for Madhya Pradesh and Indian chess, which continues to grow in youth participation.

Became India's 100th Chess Grandmaster on 8 November 2026.
Won the 7th ASEAN Plus Individual Open Chess Championship.
First GM from Madhya Pradesh.
Prime Minister Modi congratulated Shrivatri.
Symbolic milestone for Indian chess’s growth.

Nov 07, 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo retires from international football

On 5 November 2026, Cristiano Ronaldo, Portuguese football star, announced his retirement from international play after a 23-year international career. Ronaldo debuted for Portugal in August 2003 and played 234 matches, scoring 146 goals, a national record. He led Portugal to victory in UEFA Euro 2016 and won the UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025. He also became the first player to score in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments. Ronaldo stated he will continue his club career with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. The decision ends a long international journey that saw Portugal achieve major success and Ronaldo become a global football icon.

Made international debut in August 2003.
Accumulated 234 caps and 146 goals for Portugal.
Led Portugal to Euro 2016 triumph.
Won Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.
First player to score in six FIFA World Cup tournaments.
Will continue club career with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.

Nov 04, 2026

Keisha Lance Bottoms elected Georgia’s first Black female governor

Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms has been elected governor of Georgia, becoming the first Black woman to hold the office. She defeated Republican businessman Rick Jackson in Tuesday’s election, according to the Associated Press. Bottoms’s victory marks the first time a Democrat has won Georgia’s gubernatorial race since 1998. She succeeds Brian Kemp, who was barred by law from a third term. Jackson spent more than 200 million dollars of his personal fortune on his campaign. A former mayor of Atlanta, Bottoms emphasizes urban development, public safety and inclusive economic growth in a state with strong rural and metro areas.

Keisha Lance Bottoms elected Georgia governor
first Black woman to hold the office in Georgia
Democrat winner; last Democratic win in 1998
successor to Brian Kemp; Kemp term limits
Jackson spent over $200 million on campaign

Sudhakar Dalela appointed India’s Ambassador to Nepal

Sudhakar Dalela arrived in Kathmandu to take up India’s Ambassadorial post to Nepal. A 1993-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, he previously served as Ambassador to Bhutan (2022–2025) and as Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs since September 2025. He has handled India–Nepal and India–Bhutan relations and worked in the Prime Minister’s Office and abroad. Dalela succeeds Naveen Srivastava as India’s Ambassador to Nepal. His appointment signals continuity in New Delhi’s diplomacy with Nepal amid evolving regional ties and shared development interests.

Dalela appointed Ambassador to Nepal
1993 batch IFS officer; former Ambassador to Bhutan
previously Secretary (Economic Relations) in MEA
replaces Naveen Srivastava
role reinforces India–Nepal diplomatic ties

Oct 29, 2026

Arif Mohammed Khan Unveils The Story of Vande Mataram

In October 2026, Dr. Arif Mohammed Khan, former Governor of Bihar and Kerala, unveiled an English translation of The Story of Vande Mataram at the Constitutional Club of India in New Delhi. The Malayalam original was written by veteran RSS leader Ranga Hari and translated into English by Mercy Jill. The publication explores the history and significance of India’s national song, Vande Mataram, and its role in nation-building and constitutional values. The event drew scholars and public figures, who discussed its relevance for education, cultural identity, and public remembrance of India’s constitutional heritage.

English translation of The Story of Vande Mataram released in October 2026
Original Malayalam work by Ranga Hari; translation by Mercy Jill
Event held at the Constitutional Club of India, New Delhi
Highlights history and significance of Vande Mataram
Discussion on education and national identity

Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar Receives UAE Honour

Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and flydubai crew members were honoured with the First Class Order of Zayed II by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for a cockpit emergency response that protected passengers after a medical incident. The award recognises bravery and professionalism in safeguarding an aircraft and its occupants during flight. The incident underscores strong aviation ties between India and the United Arab Emirates and highlights the role Indian aviators play in international safety and cooperation. Details of the event were announced by UAE authorities in October 2026.

Captain Smit Machchhar received UAE’s First Class Order of Zayed II
Awarded for courageous cockpit response during flight
Flydubai crew honored for passenger safety
Reflects strong India-UAE aviation cooperation
Recognition announced in October 2026

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