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PERSONS IN NEWS - July 2024

Jul 2024

Aug 11, 2026

Eleven-year-old Bodhana Sivanandan becomes Britain's youngest women's chess champion

Eleven-year-old Bodhana Sivanandan became Britain's youngest-ever women's chess champion at the 2026 British Chess Championships held in Coventry. She clinched the title after defeating Irish Woman Grandmaster Trisha Kanyamarala in a rapid playoff. The final stage showcased Bodhana's strong endgame skills and steady strategic planning under pressure. Her achievement adds to a rapid rise in her chess career, with earlier rapid victories at youth events and a growing presence of young players in the British circuit. The championship also featured 17-year-old Shreyas Royal, who became the youngest-ever overall British champion, underscoring a record-setting year for new talents in British chess.

Bodhana Sivanandan wins British Women's title at age 11
Defeated Trisha Kanyamarala in a rapid playoff
Event held in Coventry, 2026 edition
Shreyas Royal becomes youngest-ever British champion
Highlights growing participation of young players in Britain

Aug 05, 2026

D. Y. Patil passes away; former Governor of Bihar, West Bengal and Tripura

Padma Shri awardee and educationist Dnyandeo Yashwantrao Patil, commonly known as D. Y. Patil, passed away in August 2026. A veteran Congress leader from Maharashtra, Patil served as the Governor of Bihar, West Bengal, and Tripura during his political career. He was recognized for his contributions to social work and education, receiving the Padma Shri in 1991. Patil was a prominent figure in Maharashtra’s political and educational landscape, known for his focus on reform and public service. His death marks the passing of a long-serving public figure whose work spanned governance and education.

Death: August 2026.
Governor roles: Bihar, West Bengal, Tripura.
Political affiliation: Indian National Congress (Maharashtra).
Awards: Padma Shri, 1991, for social work and education.
Legacy: long-time advocate for education and public service.

Aug 04, 2026

18-Year-Old Nathan Thomas Becomes World’s Youngest Male Professor at Miami Dade College

Nathan Thomas became the world’s youngest male professor after joining Miami Dade College in August 2023 at the age of 18 years and 346 days. He shattered a 306-year-old Guinness World Record previously held by Scottish mathematician Colin Maclaurin. Thomas began college at the age of 10 and completed bachelor's and master's degrees in electrical engineering with honours. He has used the early admission path to pursue an accelerated academic career, blending research and teaching responsibilities. Networked with mentors across engineering and computer science, his achievement highlights early talent and the global mobility of students in higher education. His record underscores evolving standards for academic leadership.

Thomas became the youngest male professor globally in August 2023 at age 18 years 346 days.
Joined Miami Dade College, marking a historic academic milestone.
Broke a 306-year Guinness World Record previously held by Colin Maclaurin.
Began college at age 10 and earned Bachelors and Masters in Electrical Engineering with honours.
Demonstrates accelerated education pathways and global mobility of students in higher education.

Jul 31, 2026

Ngulkham Jathom Gangte appointed Ambassador to Mexico

Ngulkham Jathom Gangte, a 1994-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, was appointed India’s ambassador to Mexico in July 2026. He previously served as Special Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs and has held postings as India’s ambassador to Tunisia and high commissioner to Zambia. The appointment continues a trend of experienced diplomats taking key postings to strengthen bilateral ties, trade, and cultural exchanges. Gangte will oversee consular matters for Indian citizens in Mexico and regional offices, and will engage with Mexican authorities on regional diplomacy and trade initiatives.

Individual: Ngulkham Jathom Gangte, 1994-batch IFS.
Post: Ambassador to Mexico, July 2026.
Previous roles: Special Secretary, MEA; Ambassador to Tunisia; High Commissioner to Zambia.
Role includes bilateral, trade and cultural engagement.
Strengthens India–Mexico diplomatic ties.
Adds senior experience to the Indian diplomatic corps.

Jul 30, 2026

Ajinkya Rahane announces international retirement

Ajinkya Rahane announced his retirement from international cricket in July 2026. The experienced batsman appeared in 85 Test matches for India, compiling 5,077 runs including 12 centuries. He captained India to a historic 2–1 Test series victory in Australia during the 2020–21 tour. Rahane played his final international match in July 2023. His decision marks the end of a long and varied career at the highest level, during which he was known for resilience and leadership in challenging times. The cricketing world will remember his contributions to Indian cricket across formats.

Rahane retires from international cricket in July 2026.
85 Test matches, 5,077 runs, 12 centuries.
Led India to 2–1 series win in Australia (2020–21).
Final international match in July 2023.
Career marked by leadership and resilience.

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