General Awareness

PERSONS IN NEWS - December 2025

Dec 2025

Oct 12, 2026

Sunil Bharti Mittal Named Knight of France's Legion of Honour

Sunil Bharti Mittal, founder and chairman of Bharti Enterprises, has been named a Knight of France's Legion of Honour, the nation’s highest civilian distinction, in recognition of contributions to strengthening India–France economic relations, particularly in telecommunications and satellite communications. The award ceremony is scheduled for 28 October 2026 at the French Embassy in New Delhi. Mittal's leadership helped expand cross-border technology exchange and investment between the two nations. The honour reflects longstanding ties in the telecom and space sectors and is expected to reinforce India's strategic and commercial links with France as both countries pursue greater collaboration in digital infrastructure and innovation.

Award: Knight of France's Legion of Honour.
Ceremony: 28 October 2026, French Embassy, New Delhi.
Reason: contributions to India–France telecom and satellite ties.
Impact: strengthens bilateral economic and technological collaboration.
Context: elevated profile of Indian business leadership in global diplomacy.

Smriti Mandhana Appointed UNICEF India Celebrity Advocate

Cricketer Smriti Mandhana was named UNICEF India's Celebrity Advocate in October 2026, with an announcement on 12 October 2026 in connection with the International Day of the Girl Child, observed on 11 October. Mandhana will promote equal opportunities, education, health, well-being, and sports participation for adolescent girls across the country. The role supports girls' empowerment through UNICEF India's campaigns and leverages Mandhana's public profile to inspire young women to pursue education, sport, and leadership. The appointment aligns with India's broader goals on gender equality and girls' empowerment, highlighting sport as a vehicle for social change.

Announcement date: 12 October 2026.
Occasion: International Day of the Girl Child (11 October).
Role: UNICEF India Celebrity Advocate for adolescent girls.
Focus areas: education, health, well-being, sports.
Strategic aim: empower girls and leaders through visibility.

Oct 11, 2026

Padma Shri-winning Kathak dancer Roshan Kumari passes away

Padma Shri Awardee and Kathak dancer Roshan Kumari passed away on 5 October 2026 in Mumbai, aged 82, following age-related ailments. A leading exponent of the Jaipur gharana, she was celebrated for precise footwork, intricate rhythm and expressive storytelling in performance. Over a long career, Kumari trained generations of dancers and performed both nationally and internationally, helping popularise Indian classical dance. She received the Padma Shri in 1984 and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in recognition of her artistic mastery. In 1971, she founded Nritya Kala Kendra in Bandra, Mumbai, to promote Kathak and nurture new talent. Her contributions cemented her status in India's cultural heritage.

Renowned Kathak dancer from Jaipur gharana.
Died on 5 October 2026 in Mumbai at 82.
Padma Shri awarded in 1984; Sangeet Natak Akademi Award holder.
Founded Nritya Kala Kendra, Bandra, in 1971 to promote Kathak.
Legacy includes training generations of dancers.

Oct 09, 2026

Palle Rama Rao, noted Indian metallurgist, passes away at 89

Distinguished Indian scientist and metallurgist Professor Palle Rama Rao died on 4 October 2026 at the age of 89. He was widely recognised for contributions to physical and mechanical metallurgy. Rao served as Director of the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, and Chairman of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). He also held the role of Vice-Chancellor at the University of Hyderabad. In 2011, Rao was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan for his outstanding work in science and engineering. His passing is mourned by academia and policy institutes across India.

Professor Palle Rama Rao died on 4 October 2026 at age 89.
Renowned for contributions in physical and mechanical metallurgy.
Led DMRL as Director and chaired AERB as Chairman.
Served as Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology.
VP of University of Hyderabad; Padma Vibhushan recipient in 2011.

Oct 08, 2026

Nana Patekar Padma Shri receipt; death claim unverified

Nana Patekar, a veteran Indian actor, was born Vishwanath Patekar and is known for films such as Parinda, Krantiveer and Ab Tak Chhappan. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2013 for his contributions to Indian cinema. Some reports dated 8 October 2026 claim the actor has died, but this information is unverified. Independent confirmation from family or official sources is required before publication. Patekar remains a noted figure in Indian cinema and has been involved in social welfare through the Naam Foundation. Readers should await official statements to confirm any obituary.

Notable works: Parinda, Krantiveer, Ab Tak Chhappan
Padma Shri: 2013
Death claim: unverified as of now
Need: official confirmation from reliable sources
Public profile: prominent Indian actor and philanthropist

Sep 30, 2026

11-year-old Bodhana Sivanandan becomes youngest Woman Grandmaster

Bodhana Sivanandan, an 11-year-old chess prodigy of Indian origin representing England, created history by becoming the youngest-ever Woman Grandmaster (WGM) in chess. She achieved her third and final WGM norm during the 46th Chess Olympiad held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Playing on the top board for England’s women’s team, she scored eight points from eleven games. Her achievement surpassed the previous age record for earning the prestigious WGM title and marks a major milestone in international chess. Her success is celebrated in both India and the United Kingdom as an example of talent rising through youth.

11-year-old Bodhana Sivanandan represents England
Achieved final WGM norm at the 46th Chess Olympiad, Samarkand
Scored 8/11 on the top board for England women
Becomes youngest-ever Woman Grandmaster
Celebrated as a milestone for Indian-origin players

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