General Awareness

PERSONS IN NEWS - July 2022

Jul 2022

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

Oct 12, 2026

Sunil Bharti Mittal Named Knight of France's Legion of Honour

Sunil Bharti Mittal, founder and chairman of Bharti Enterprises, has been named a Knight of France's Legion of Honour, the nation’s highest civilian distinction, in recognition of contributions to strengthening India–France economic relations, particularly in telecommunications and satellite communications. The award ceremony is scheduled for 28 October 2026 at the French Embassy in New Delhi. Mittal's leadership helped expand cross-border technology exchange and investment between the two nations. The honour reflects longstanding ties in the telecom and space sectors and is expected to reinforce India's strategic and commercial links with France as both countries pursue greater collaboration in digital infrastructure and innovation.

Award: Knight of France's Legion of Honour.
Ceremony: 28 October 2026, French Embassy, New Delhi.
Reason: contributions to India–France telecom and satellite ties.
Impact: strengthens bilateral economic and technological collaboration.
Context: elevated profile of Indian business leadership in global diplomacy.

Smriti Mandhana Appointed UNICEF India Celebrity Advocate

Cricketer Smriti Mandhana was named UNICEF India's Celebrity Advocate in October 2026, with an announcement on 12 October 2026 in connection with the International Day of the Girl Child, observed on 11 October. Mandhana will promote equal opportunities, education, health, well-being, and sports participation for adolescent girls across the country. The role supports girls' empowerment through UNICEF India's campaigns and leverages Mandhana's public profile to inspire young women to pursue education, sport, and leadership. The appointment aligns with India's broader goals on gender equality and girls' empowerment, highlighting sport as a vehicle for social change.

Announcement date: 12 October 2026.
Occasion: International Day of the Girl Child (11 October).
Role: UNICEF India Celebrity Advocate for adolescent girls.
Focus areas: education, health, well-being, sports.
Strategic aim: empower girls and leaders through visibility.

Oct 11, 2026

Padma Shri-winning Kathak dancer Roshan Kumari passes away

Padma Shri Awardee and Kathak dancer Roshan Kumari passed away on 5 October 2026 in Mumbai, aged 82, following age-related ailments. A leading exponent of the Jaipur gharana, she was celebrated for precise footwork, intricate rhythm and expressive storytelling in performance. Over a long career, Kumari trained generations of dancers and performed both nationally and internationally, helping popularise Indian classical dance. She received the Padma Shri in 1984 and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in recognition of her artistic mastery. In 1971, she founded Nritya Kala Kendra in Bandra, Mumbai, to promote Kathak and nurture new talent. Her contributions cemented her status in India's cultural heritage.

Renowned Kathak dancer from Jaipur gharana.
Died on 5 October 2026 in Mumbai at 82.
Padma Shri awarded in 1984; Sangeet Natak Akademi Award holder.
Founded Nritya Kala Kendra, Bandra, in 1971 to promote Kathak.
Legacy includes training generations of dancers.

Oct 09, 2026

Palle Rama Rao, noted Indian metallurgist, passes away at 89

Distinguished Indian scientist and metallurgist Professor Palle Rama Rao died on 4 October 2026 at the age of 89. He was widely recognised for contributions to physical and mechanical metallurgy. Rao served as Director of the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, and Chairman of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). He also held the role of Vice-Chancellor at the University of Hyderabad. In 2011, Rao was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan for his outstanding work in science and engineering. His passing is mourned by academia and policy institutes across India.

Professor Palle Rama Rao died on 4 October 2026 at age 89.
Renowned for contributions in physical and mechanical metallurgy.
Led DMRL as Director and chaired AERB as Chairman.
Served as Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology.
VP of University of Hyderabad; Padma Vibhushan recipient in 2011.

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