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PERSONS IN NEWS - April 2025

Apr 2025

Jun 08, 2026

Han Seong-sook Nominated as South Korea's Prime Minister

South Korea nominated Han Seong-sook as its next Prime Minister in June 2026. She currently serves as the Minister for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and Startups. The nomination comes as the government focuses on fostering economic innovation and entrepreneurship to drive growth and job creation. If approved by the National Assembly, Han would become the first woman to lead the country’s government in two decades. Her record includes pro-business reforms and support for small businesses, including policies to ease regulatory burdens and promote startups. Analysts expect her leadership to influence Korea's economic strategy, investment climate, and technology-driven development agenda. Her nomination follows a broader reform push to enhance competitiveness.

Han Seong-sook nominated as Prime Minister in June 2026
Currently Minister for SMEs and Startups
Approval pending from National Assembly
Would be first female PM in two decades if approved
Advocates pro-business reforms and startup support
Expected to influence Korea’s economic and tech policy

Jun 05, 2026

Arjuna Awardee Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal Passes Away

Arjuna Awardee Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal died in Chandigarh. He was a noted Indian shot putter and a bronze medalist at the 1982 Asian Games. Dhaliwal’s career highlighted India’s achievements in athletics during the 1980s and his contributions continued to inspire aspiring athletes. His passing is a moment for sports communities to reflect on the country’s track and field history. Dhaliwal’s family, teammates and sports bodies issued condolences, while tributes highlighted his discipline and achievements that helped raise the profile of shot put in Indian athletics.

Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal, Arjuna Award recipient, dies in Chandigarh.
Noted shot putter with 1982 Asian Games bronze medal.
Career contributed to India’s athletics history in the 1980s.
Tributes note discipline and regional athletic impact.
Sports community mourns the loss of a prominent athlete.

Idris Elba Awarded Knighthood for Community Welfare

British actor Idris Elba received a knighthood from King Charles III for services to young people and community welfare. The honour recognizes Elba's charitable work, mentorship and advocacy on a range of social issues. He is known for acting in film and television as well as his earlier public service and philanthropy efforts. The knighthood adds to his long list of recognitions for contributions beyond entertainment, including initiatives that support education, youth empowerment and cultural outreach. The ceremony underscores the role of public figures in promoting social good and community engagement across the United Kingdom and abroad.

Idris Elba knighted by King Charles III.
Award cites services to young people and community welfare.
Recognition reflects public service and philanthropy beyond acting.
Elba’s work includes mentorship and education initiatives.
Knighthood highlights involvement in social impact work.

Jun 04, 2026

Maria Montserrat Alvarado named head of Vatican communications

Maria Montserrat Alvarado has been appointed head of the Vatican's Dicastery for Communications by Pope Leo XIV. She becomes the first laywoman to lead a Vatican dicastery in the Roman Curia. Alvarado, a Mexico-born media executive, has served as president and chief operating officer of EWTN News. She will take charge of the Vatican's communications department in November. The appointment is viewed as a move to increase women's representation in senior leadership within the Vatican. The Dicastery oversees Vatican media operations, including its news portal, radio, newspaper, and press office. Her appointment follows a Vatican effort to diversify leadership and broaden global communications, aligning with calls for greater gender parity in church governance.

Maria Montserrat Alvarado appointed head of Vatican Communications
First laywoman to lead a Vatican dicastery
Former president and COO of EWTN News
Takes charge in November
Significant step for gender representation in Vatican leadership

Jun 03, 2026

Bhavitha Mandava Featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia

Indian model Bhavitha Mandava has been featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia, in the Arts category. The annual list recognises young talents making notable contributions across fields. Mandava has gained attention for her collaboration with luxury fashion brand Chanel and her growing presence in the global fashion scene. The recognition places India among leading Asian creators in contemporary arts and design. The Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list underscores the rise of young Indian innovators in global creative industries and highlights cross-border opportunities for Indian talents in fashion, media and entrepreneurship.

Bhavitha Mandava named in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia
Category: Arts
Noted for collaboration with Chanel
Showcases India's rising influence in arts
Highlights young Indian innovators internationally

May 28, 2026

Raja Randhir Singh passes away at 79

Raja Randhir Singh, a five‑time Olympian and Asian Games gold medallist, passed away at 79. A veteran shooter and Arjuna Awardee, he hailed from Patiala and belonged to a prominent sporting family. His Olympic appearances spanned Mexico 1968, Munich 1972, Montreal 1976, Moscow 1980 and Los Angeles 1984, and he was a reserve shooter for Tokyo 1964. Known for his blunt administrative style, Singh contributed to shooting sports governance and national sports development, leaving a lasting impact on Indian sports administration.

Date of death not specified in article; age 79
Five Olympic appearances: 1968–1984 range
Asian Games gold medallist and Arjuna Awardee
From Patiala; part of a storied sporting family
Renowned for blunt administrative style

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