General Awareness

PERSONS IN NEWS - December 2023

Dec 2023

May 11, 2026

Non‑Binary Indian Elected to Scottish Parliament

Manivannan, a non‑binary transgender Indian from Tamil Nadu, was elected on 8 May 2026 as a Member of the Scottish Parliament for Edinburgh & Lothians East. Contesting for the Scottish Greens, they became one of the first two transgender MSPs elected to Holyrood. Legislation passed in 2025 allows non‑UK citizens with various types of leave to stand for Parliament. Manivannan arrived in Scotland in September 2021 to study at the University of St Andrews after earlier studies in Delhi. They use they/them pronouns and emphasize inclusive representation in the devolved legislature.

Election date: 8 May 2026
MP election: Manivannan, Scottish Greens
First transgender MSPs in Holyrood
Policy change: non‑UK citizens allowed to stand (2025 law)
Background: studies in Scotland and Delhi
Pronouns: they/them

May 06, 2026

Kiran Mazumdar‑Shaw Names Biocon Successor

Kiran Mazumdar‑Shaw, founder‑chairperson of Biocon, has named a successor to lead the Bengaluru‑based biopharmaceutical company. Biocon, established in 1978, operates in biopharmaceuticals, biosimilars and contract research services with a presence in regulated markets abroad as well as in India. The leadership transition, part of corporate governance and succession planning, reflects how founder‑led Indian firms often retain promoter influence in advisory or strategic roles while enabling professional management. The announcement comes as Biocon faces market pressures and a shifting regulatory environment in global biotech sectors.

Company: Biocon, Bengaluru; founded 1978
Leader to be named successor by founder
Succession linked to governance practices
Biocon’s global presence and focus areas
Founder-led transitions common in India

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.

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