General Awareness

PERSONS IN NEWS - June 2023

Jun 2023

May 04, 2026

Veteran actor Sudesh Kumar of Dosti fame passes away

Veteran actor Sudesh Kumar, best known for his role in the 1964 Hindi film Dosti, has passed away, marking the end of an era in Indian cinema. Kumar gained recognition for emotionally rich performances during the 1960s and 1970s, especially in films focused on friendship and social themes. Dosti, which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi, is remembered for its music by Laxmikant–Pyarelal and its portrayal of hardship and hope. Kumar’s subsequent roles in Bollywood’s golden era kept him in public memory as a sincere supporting actor whose work reflected the period’s cinematic style.

Sudesh Kumar is remembered for Dosti (1964).
Dosti won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi.
Active in Hindi cinema during the 1960s and 1970s.
Known for emotionally rich supporting roles.
Must-know last 48 hours: no new official updates on his career reported.

Apr 30, 2026

Rithika Sri Becomes India’s First Transgender Umpire

Rithika Sri from Tamil Nadu has become India’s first transgender cricket umpire, marking a milestone in sports administration. The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association introduced an 'Other' category in its State Panel Umpire examination to allow transgender candidates. Born as R. Muthuraj in Salem, she holds a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering and once worked at a Mohali call centre. Her interest in umpiring grew while watching the Indian Premier League, leading her to pursue officiating. Her achievement signals greater inclusion in Indian sports and may inspire more diverse officials to enter cricket administration.

Rithika Sri named India’s first transgender umpire
TNCA adds 'Other' category for umpire exams
Born R. Muthuraj; Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
Worked at a call centre in Mohali
Inspiration for greater inclusion in sports administration

Apr 27, 2026

Gurbax Singh Grewal, 1968 Olympic hockey bronze medalist, dies at 84

Gurbax Singh Grewal, a member of India's 1968 Olympic bronze‑medal hockey team, died at the age of 84 following a heart attack. A noted player of his era, Grewal also contributed to hockey beyond his playing days by nurturing young talent and serving as a Senior Sports Officer with Western Railways. His passing marks the end of an influential chapter in Indian hockey history, a period when the sport enjoyed strong international stature. Grewal’s career on the field and his mentorship off it left a lasting impact on the sport’s development in India.

Grewal was part of India’s 1968 Olympic bronze team in Mexico City.
Died at age 84 after a heart attack.
Served as Senior Sports Officer with Western Railways.
Active in identifying and nurturing hockey talent post‑retirement.
His demise signals the passing of a pivotal hockey era.

Raghu Rai passes away at 83; landmark Indian photographer leaves enduring legacy

Renowned Indian photographer Raghu Rai died after a prolonged illness at the age of 83. Rai’s career spanned decades, during which his lens documented India’s social, political, and cultural journey, capturing both beauty and hardship. He earned widespread recognition for work on war and refugee crises, including the Padma Shri in 1972, and international honours such as Photographer of the Year in 1992 (USA) and France’s Officier des Arts et des Lettres in 2009. Rai’s family stated the illness began with prostate cancer and later spread to the brain. His passing marks the loss of a defining voice in Indian photojournalism and a shift in the country’s visual history.

Raghu Rai died at age 83 after a prolonged illness including cancer progression.
Padma Shri awarded in 1972 for war and refugee crisis photography.
Named Photographer of the Year in 1992 (USA).
Officier des Arts et des Lettres conferred by France in 2009.
His work chronicled India’s social, political, and cultural evolution.
His death is described as the end of an era in Indian photography.

Apr 26, 2026

Prime Minister Modi shares Sanskrit Shloka emphasising selfless giving

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a Sanskrit verse on social media on 23 April 2026, highlighting the virtue of selfless giving. The post quoted a traditional shloka praising generosity and public service. The message drew wide attention in political and cultural circles and reinforced the government’s emphasis on service and moral values. The post appeared on official channels and was part of broader efforts to connect with citizens through language and heritage. The Prime Minister’s message was lauded by supporters and criticised by some critics, reflecting ongoing debates over publicity and authenticity in public messaging. The discussion highlighted cultural diplomacy.

PM Modi shared a Sanskrit shloka on 23 April 2026
Shloka praises generosity and public service
Appeared on official channels; cultural diplomacy angle
Triggered supportive and critical responses
Part of ongoing public messaging debates
Highlights cultural heritage in governance

Apr 24, 2026

Shiv Ratan Agarwal, Bikaji Foods founder and promoter, dies at 74

Shiv Ratan Agarwal, promoter, chairman and whole-time director of Bikaji Foods International, died on 24 April 2026 at the age of 74 after a heart attack. He steered Bikaji from a regional snacks business in Bikaner into one of India's best-known ethnic snack brands with a growing global footprint. A grandson of the founder of Haldiram’s, Agarwal left the family business in 1986 and started Shivdeep Products, later rebranded as Bikaji in 1993. Under his leadership, Bikaji modernised Bikaneri bhujia production with advanced machinery while preserving its traditional taste and texture. Today the company exports to the UAE, Australia and other markets, strengthening India’s food exports. He is survived by his family.

Died on 24 April 2026 at age 74 after a heart attack
Promoter, chairman and whole-time director of Bikaji Foods International
Transformed Bikaji from a regional brand to a global ethnic snacks company
Grandson of Haldiram’s founder; left family business in 1986 to start Shivdeep Products (Bikaji 1993)
Modernised Bikaneri bhujia production with advanced machinery while preserving taste
Bikaji exports to UAE, Australia and other markets

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