General Awareness

PERSONS IN NEWS - January 2022

Jan 2022

Jun 04, 2026

Maria Montserrat Alvarado named head of Vatican communications

Maria Montserrat Alvarado has been appointed head of the Vatican's Dicastery for Communications by Pope Leo XIV. She becomes the first laywoman to lead a Vatican dicastery in the Roman Curia. Alvarado, a Mexico-born media executive, has served as president and chief operating officer of EWTN News. She will take charge of the Vatican's communications department in November. The appointment is viewed as a move to increase women's representation in senior leadership within the Vatican. The Dicastery oversees Vatican media operations, including its news portal, radio, newspaper, and press office. Her appointment follows a Vatican effort to diversify leadership and broaden global communications, aligning with calls for greater gender parity in church governance.

Maria Montserrat Alvarado appointed head of Vatican Communications
First laywoman to lead a Vatican dicastery
Former president and COO of EWTN News
Takes charge in November
Significant step for gender representation in Vatican leadership

Jun 03, 2026

Bhavitha Mandava Featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia

Indian model Bhavitha Mandava has been featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia, in the Arts category. The annual list recognises young talents making notable contributions across fields. Mandava has gained attention for her collaboration with luxury fashion brand Chanel and her growing presence in the global fashion scene. The recognition places India among leading Asian creators in contemporary arts and design. The Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list underscores the rise of young Indian innovators in global creative industries and highlights cross-border opportunities for Indian talents in fashion, media and entrepreneurship.

Bhavitha Mandava named in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia
Category: Arts
Noted for collaboration with Chanel
Showcases India's rising influence in arts
Highlights young Indian innovators internationally

May 28, 2026

Raja Randhir Singh passes away at 79

Raja Randhir Singh, a five‑time Olympian and Asian Games gold medallist, passed away at 79. A veteran shooter and Arjuna Awardee, he hailed from Patiala and belonged to a prominent sporting family. His Olympic appearances spanned Mexico 1968, Munich 1972, Montreal 1976, Moscow 1980 and Los Angeles 1984, and he was a reserve shooter for Tokyo 1964. Known for his blunt administrative style, Singh contributed to shooting sports governance and national sports development, leaving a lasting impact on Indian sports administration.

Date of death not specified in article; age 79
Five Olympic appearances: 1968–1984 range
Asian Games gold medallist and Arjuna Awardee
From Patiala; part of a storied sporting family
Renowned for blunt administrative style

May 20, 2026

UK’s youngest Indian-origin mayor elected at 23

Tushar Kumar, a 23-year-old Labour Party councillor, was elected and sworn in as the Mayor of Elstree and Borehamwood on 13 May 2026, becoming the youngest Indian-origin mayor in the United Kingdom. The Mayor Making Ceremony was held at Fairway Hall in Borehamwood. Kumar studied Political Science at King’s College London. His mother, Parveen Rani, previously served as Deputy Mayor of the same council. The election highlights the rising involvement of people of Indian origin in UK local government. Kumar’s youth and academic background are noted as factors in his rapid rise within local politics.

Tushar Kumar elected Mayor of Elstree and Borehamwood at 23.
13 May 2026 ceremony; youngest Indian-origin UK mayor.
Studied Political Science at King’s College London.
Mother Parveen Rani previously Deputy Mayor.
Signals growing Indian-origin representation in UK local government.

May 19, 2026

Olympian Jennifer Paes, Leander's Mother, Passes Away

Former India basketball captain and Olympian Jennifer Paes, mother of tennis great Leander Paes, died on 17 May 2026 after a long battle with cancer. She was 72. Born Jennifer Dutton, she represented India at the 1972 Munich Olympics and later captained the national women’s basketball team. She belonged to a prominent sporting family; her husband Vece Paes was a member of the Indian hockey team that won bronze in 1972, and Leander Paes achieved Olympic bronze in 1996. Her contributions to women’s sports and her role in Indian athletics are widely remembered by peers and fans.

Death date: 17 May 2026
Age: 72
Olympic history: 1972 Munich, basketball
Family: Leander Paes (son), Vece Paes (husband)

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