General Awareness

PERSONS IN NEWS - June 2025

Jun 2025

May 13, 2026

Prashant Pise Appointed India's Ambassador to Oman

Additional Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, Prashant Pise, was announced as India's next Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman. A 1995 batch Indian Foreign Service officer, Mr. Pise will succeed Godavarthi Venkata Srinivas, of the 1993 batch, in Muscat. His overseas postings include Cairo (1997–2000) and Tripoli (until 2004). He has also served in the Eurasia and United Nations divisions as Deputy Secretary (2004–2006). Currently the Additional Secretary (Emigration Policy and Welfare), he led India’s delegation to the Abu Dhabi Dialogue ministerial consultations in February 2026 in Dubai.

Prashant Pise appointed as Ambassador to Oman
1995 batch IFS officer; will succeed 1993 batch officer
Past postings: Cairo, Tripoli; Eurasia and UN divisions
Currently Additional Secretary (Emigration Policy and Welfare)
Led delegation to Abu Dhabi Dialogue in February 2026

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

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