Current Affairs - Persons

Pawan Kalyan, the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, became the first Indian to be formally inducted into Kenjutsu, an ancient Japanese samurai swordsmanship tradition. This rare honour is traditionally reserved for Japanese practitioners and recognises mastery in discipline, precision, and ethical conduct. His induction highlights India’s growing engagement with global martial arts and cultural traditions. Beyond technical skill, it reflects acceptance into a centuries-old lineage, showcasing dedication to martial arts, personal growth, and cross-cultural respect. Kalyan’s achievement also strengthens India-Japan cultural ties and places him among an elite group of non-Japanese practitioners worldwide.

Siddaramaiah achieved a major political milestone by becoming Karnataka’s longest-serving Chief Minister, completing nearly seven years and eight months in office across multiple tenures. By surpassing the record held by Devaraj Urs, his achievement stands out in a state known for coalition politics and frequent government changes. Siddaramaiah’s journey from grassroots politics to the state’s highest executive office reflects resilience, strong public support, and effective political navigation. His leadership is closely associated with social justice initiatives, particularly the AHINDA framework, and he has played significant roles as Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, minister, and Leader of the Opposition.

Urmila Satyanarayanan, a distinguished Bharatanatyam exponent, was honoured with the Nritya Kalanidhi award at the 19th Dance Festival held in Chennai. The festival was inaugurated at the renowned Music Academy, a leading institution for Indian classical music and dance. Bharatanatyam, which originated in Tamil Nadu, is one of the oldest classical dance forms in India. It is characterised by three main components: Nritta, which focuses on pure rhythmic movements; Nritya, which conveys emotions and expressions; and Natya, which incorporates dramatic storytelling. The award recognises her significant contribution to classical dance.

Niraj Verma, a 1994-batch Indian Administrative Service officer, has been entrusted with the additional charge of Secretary in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. The decision was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. Verma is currently serving as Secretary in the Department of Justice under the Ministry of Law and Justice, reflecting his senior administrative experience. He will hold this additional responsibility from January 3 to January 29, 2026, during the leave period of the regular Secretary, Nikunja Bihari Dhal, ensuring continuity in parliamentary coordination and legislative work.

The record-setting Santa Claus sculpture was created by Sudarsan Pattnaik, a renowned sand artist and Padma Shri awardee known for his large-scale and socially themed artworks. The massive sculpture was unveiled at Niladri Beach in Puri, Odisha, and gained global attention for its unique use of materials. Approximately 1.5 tonnes of apples were combined with sand to construct the artwork, which measured 60 feet in length, 45 feet in width, and 22 feet in height. The creative achievement was officially recognised by the World Records Book of India, highlighting Sudarsan Pattnaik’s innovation and artistic excellence.