General Awareness

PERSONS IN NEWS - February 2023

Feb 2023

Mar 03, 2026

K. P. Unnikrishnan, former Union Minister, dies at 89

K. P. Unnikrishnan, former Union Minister and six-time Member of Parliament from Vadakara, died in Kozhikode, Kerala, in the early hours of Tuesday, 3 March 2026. He was 89 and had been treated for age-related ailments at a private hospital. Unnikrishnan entered Lok Sabha in 1971 and represented Vadakara six times: 1971, 1977, 1980, 1984, 1989, and 1991. He served on the Public Accounts Committee from 1980 to 1982 and led Congress (Secular) in Parliament from 1981 to 1984. His long career reflected strong grassroots support in northern Kerala and underscored his influence in national politics during the 1980s and 1990s.

K. P. Unnikrishnan dies at age 89 on 3 March 2026.
Six-time MP from Vadakara; first elected in 1971.
Served on Public Accounts Committee (1980–1982).
Led Congress (Secular) in Parliament (1981–1984).
Noted for strong grassroots support in northern Kerala.

Feb 27, 2026

Narendra Modi becomes first world leader to reach 100 million Instagram followers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first world leader and politician to surpass 100 million followers on Instagram, highlighting his growing global digital presence. Modi joined Instagram in 2014, and over the last decade has developed one of the world’s most followed political profiles. The milestone emphasizes the role of social media in contemporary diplomacy and public communication, with Modi using the platform to share government initiatives, international visits and policy messages. The achievement reflects India’s emphasis on digital outreach and public engagement with citizens abroad and at home.

Modi becomes the first world leader to exceed 100 million Instagram followers.
He joined Instagram in 2014 and maintains a high‑impact political profile.
The milestone emphasizes social media in modern diplomacy and governance.
India’s focus on digital outreach is reinforced by this achievement.

Feb 26, 2026

Hollywood actor Robert Carradine dies at 71

Robert Carradine, a noted American actor, passed away at the age of 71 on 23 February 2026. Born 24 March 1954, Carradine built a diverse career spanning comedy, Westerns, and television. He is best known internationally for Revenge of the Nerds (1984) as Lewis Skolnick, and later appeared in family‑oriented productions and theatre work. Reports indicate he had battled bipolar disorder for several years. Carradine’s decades‑long filmography includes a mix of cult classics and mainstream roles. His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues worldwide, reflecting his influence across multiple genres. (Source: Times of India obituary coverage)

Robert Carradine died on 23 February 2026
Born 24 March 1954; notable for Revenge of the Nerds (1984)
Had a broad acting career across film and television
Reportedly lived with bipolar disorder for years

Feb 25, 2026

Sachin Tendulkar featured again as UN road safety champion in latest campaign

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar is highlighted again in a United Nations road safety campaign, titled to promote safer road use and reduce fatalities. Tendulkar, who previously announced as a UN Global Champion, appears in public service messages urging adherence to safety norms such as seat belt use, helmet wear, and avoiding distractions while driving. The initiative aligns with global efforts to meet road-safety targets by 2030 and leverages Tendulkar’s public stature to motivate citizens toward safer mobility practices. The campaign also showcases collaborations with national and international partners to improve road safety infrastructure and enforcement.

Tendulkar featured in ongoing UN road safety campaign.
Reiterates need for seat belts, helmets, alert driving.
Part of UN targets under the 2030 road-safety agenda.
Uses Tendulkar’s public profile to promote safer mobility.
Supports broader national and international road-safety efforts.

Sachin Tendulkar named UN Global Road Safety Champion

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has been designated a Global Champion for Road Safety by the United Nations. He released a video urging safer driving and emphasized habits such as wearing seat belts, using helmets, staying alert, and obeying traffic rules. Tendulkar’s selection aligns with UN road-safety efforts under the Decade of Action to reduce fatalities. In his message, he linked discipline in sports to road safety and highlighted the role of ordinary citizens in preventing deaths. The announcement elevates Tendulkar's public profile in global safety campaigns and underscores India’s engagement with international road-safety goals.

Tendulkar named UN Global Champion for Road Safety.
He released a safety-focused video message.
Campaign highlights seat belts, helmets, alert driving, and rule-following.
Part of UN Decade of Action to cut road fatalities.
Connects sports discipline with road safety advocacy.

Feb 24, 2026

Shashi Tharoor conferred honorary D.Litt by St Xavier’s University

Lok Sabha MP Shashi Tharoor was conferred an honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) by St Xavier’s University, Kolkata, during its seventh convocation on 21 February 2026. Tharoor described the honour as deeply meaningful since it is his first honorary doctorate in India, despite multiple international recognitions. The ceremony was held at the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre, New Town, where over 1,000 students received degrees. Tharoor recalled his earlier role as convocation speaker for the university and noted that this distinction holds special significance as a former Xaverian.

Award: Honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) to Shashi Tharoor.
Event date: 21 February 2026; venue: Biswa Bangla Convention Centre, Kolkata.
Context: Tharoor’s first honorary doctorate in India.
Background: previously invited as convocation speaker for St Xavier’s University.
Significance: recognition of contributions to public life and literature.

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