Current Affairs - Persons

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.

Salman Khan: The Sultan of Bollywood is authored by Mohar Basu, an award-winning journalist and writer known for her work in entertainment journalism. The book offers an in-depth exploration of Salman Khan’s cinematic journey, cultural influence, and mass appeal over nearly three decades. It goes beyond a conventional biography by weaving together fan experiences, industry perspectives, and rare archival photographs. Through detailed analysis of iconic roles and the phenomenon surrounding his stardom, the author captures why Salman Khan remains one of the most enduring and celebrated figures in Hindi cinema.

PV Sindhu’s election as Chair of the BWF Athletes’ Commission marks an important milestone in her career beyond competitive badminton. As a two-time Olympic medallist and former world champion, she brings immense experience and credibility to global sports governance. In her new role, she will represent the voices and concerns of badminton players worldwide and serve as a member of the BWF Council, directly influencing policy and decision-making. Her long association with the commission since 2017 and work as a BWF Integrity Ambassador underline her commitment to athlete welfare, fairness, and integrity in the sport.