Current Affairs - Persons

Sudarsan Pattnaik, an acclaimed Indian sand artist from Puri, Odisha, clinched the prestigious Golden Sand Master award at the International Sand Sculpture Championship held in St Petersburg, Russia. Renowned for his intricate sand sculptures depicting cultural and social themes, Pattnaik has earned global recognition and accolades, including India's Padma Shri award in 2014. His win in Russia further underscores his artistic prowess and contribution to the art of sand sculpting on the international stage.

PV Sindhu, renowned for her achievements in badminton, has been selected as India's female flag-bearer for the Paris Olympics. She has distinguished herself by winning medals at prestigious events like the Olympics and the BWF World Championships, including a historic gold in 2019. Sindhu's accolades also include being the first Indian badminton world champion and achieving consecutive Olympic medals, marking her as a pivotal figure in Indian sports and global badminton.

Piyush Pandey, a journalist, authored the book "Manoj Bajpayee: The Definitive Biography". The biography provides readers with an insightful portrayal of Manoj Bajpayee's journey in Bollywood, focusing on his determination, artistic choices, and contributions to Hindi cinema. It explores Bajpayee's career from his origins in Bihar to his ascent as a respected actor known for his commitment to meaningful roles, making it a compelling read for fans of Indian cinema and aspiring actors alike.

Sujata Saunik, an IAS officer of the 1987 batch, recently assumed office as Maharashtra's first woman Chief Secretary on July 1. Her appointment marks a significant departure from the traditional pattern, breaking a 64-year-old precedent in the state's administrative history. Saunik's extensive career includes roles as assistant collector in Aurangabad, collector of Jalgaon, and municipal commissioner of Nashik. She has also served in various capacities in the central government and held international assignments. Her appointment underscores the state government's commitment to gender empowerment and administrative leadership, particularly in the lead-up to the upcoming Assembly elections.

K T Parnaik, the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh and a retired Lieutenant General launched the book 'Kargil War: The Turning Point'. Authored by Colonel M B Ravindranath, a Vir Chakra awardee, the book offers insights into the operations of the 2nd Battalion of Rajputana Rifles during Operation Vijay in 1999. The launch event occurred at the Rajendra Singhji Army Officers Institute in Bengaluru, commemorating the bravery and strategic manoeuvres of Indian forces during the Kargil War. Governor Parnaik's involvement highlights the book's significance in documenting India's military history and honouring its heroes.