Weekly Current Affairs

Persons in News Current Affairs – 13 to 25 August 2026

1. Divya Deshmukh Selected for Arjuna Award

Indian chess Grandmaster Divya Deshmukh was selected for the Arjuna Award as part of the National Sports Awards 2025 announced in August 2026. The recognition highlighted her achievements and growing stature in Indian chess.

Person: Divya Deshmukh
Field: Chess
Honour: Arjuna Award

2. Vidit Gujrathi Selected for Arjuna Award

Indian Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi was also named among the Arjuna Award recipients.

The All India Chess Federation congratulated both Vidit Gujrathi and Divya Deshmukh on their national recognition.

Person: Vidit Gujrathi
Sport: Chess
Award: Arjuna Award

3. Tejaswin Shankar Among Arjuna Award Winners

Athlete Tejaswin Shankar was another prominent sportsperson selected for an Arjuna Award in the National Sports Awards 2025 list announced during the period.

Person: Tejaswin Shankar
Field: Athletics
Recognition: Arjuna Award

4. Seventeen Sportspersons Selected for Arjuna Awards

The National Sports Awards announcement named 17 sportspersons for the Arjuna Award, making several leading Indian athletes important persons in news during the period.

The awards recognise sustained excellence and outstanding achievement in sports.

5. Five Coaches Selected for Dronacharya Awards

Five coaches were selected for the Dronacharya Award, covering regular and lifetime categories.

The award recognises coaches who have helped athletes achieve excellence at national and international levels.

6. President Droupadi Murmu Approves 78 Gallantry Awards

President Droupadi Murmu approved 78 gallantry awards for personnel of the Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces on the occasion of India's 80th Independence Day.

Of these, 13 were posthumous awards.

Person: Droupadi Murmu
Position: President of India
Gallantry awards approved: 78
Posthumous: 13

7. Narendra Modi Delivers 80th Independence Day Address

Prime Minister Narendra Modi remained one of the major personalities in news on 15 August 2026, when India celebrated its 80th Independence Day.

The 2026 Independence Day observance marked 79 completed years of independence since 1947.

8. Independence Day 2026 Highlights Youth Power

The 2026 Independence Day celebrations highlighted the theme “Yuva Shakti for Viksit Bharat@2047,” placing India's youth and their role in national development at the centre of attention.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day appearance therefore formed part of one of the most important national events of the period.

9. Narendra Modi Highlights Viksit Bharat Vision

The Independence Day celebrations continued to emphasise the national objective of achieving a Viksit Bharat by 2047, the centenary year of India's independence.

Person: Narendra Modi
Position: Prime Minister of India
Key vision: Viksit Bharat@2047

10. Amitabh Bachchan Marks India's 80th Independence Day

Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan was among prominent Indian personalities who publicly marked India's 80th Independence Day.

His participation formed part of a wider response from India's film fraternity celebrating freedom, unity and national progress.

11. Priyanka Chopra Joins Independence Day Celebrations

Actor Priyanka Chopra also marked India's 80th Independence Day, joining prominent personalities from Indian cinema in sharing messages associated with national pride and unity.

12. Major Film Personalities Mark Independence Day

Other notable personalities participating in Independence Day messages included:

R. Madhavan, Anupam Kher, Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, Yash, Ravi Kishan, Ram Charan, Mohanlal, Mammootty and Kamal Haasan.

13. Boris Johnson Participates in ET World Leaders Forum

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was among the major international personalities participating in the Economic Times World Leaders Forum 2026 in New Delhi.

His participation brought attention to international geopolitical issues and cooperation involving India, the UK and the United States.

14. Sergio Gor in News Over India-US Relations

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor was in the news in connection with the Economic Times World Leaders Forum 2026, where India-US strategic relations were a major subject of discussion.

Person: Sergio Gor
Position: US Ambassador to India
Area in news: India-US strategic partnership

15. Rajnath Singh Holds Talks With Japanese Defence Minister

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was in the news following high-level defence discussions with his Japanese counterpart during the period.

The talks focused particularly on stronger defence and maritime-security cooperation between India and Japan.

16. Shinjirō Koizumi Visits India for Defence Talks

Japanese Defence Minister Shinjirō Koizumi became an important international person in news during his defence engagement with India.

Person: Shinjirō Koizumi
Country: Japan
Position: Defence Minister
Engagement: India-Japan defence cooperation

17. Jyotiraditya Scindia Leads BRICS Communications Meeting

Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia was in the news for chairing the 12th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting during India's BRICS Chairship.

The meeting focused on digital transformation, ICT cooperation and resilient communications infrastructure.

18. Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Leads BRICS Sports Engagement

Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya played a prominent role in India's BRICS youth and sports engagements during August 2026.

He chaired the BRICS Sports Ministers' Meeting and advocated stronger cooperation through athlete exchanges, coaching, competitions and sports science.

19. Dr. Jitendra Singh Leads BRICS Science Engagement

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh was in the news in connection with the 14th BRICS Science Ministerial Meeting in Chennai.

The meeting culminated in the adoption of the Chennai Declaration, strengthening cooperation in science, technology and innovation.

20. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Attends National Space Day Event

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat was associated with the main celebration of India's 3rd National Space Day on 23 August 2026.

The event highlighted India's achievements in space exploration and the continuing legacy of Chandrayaan-3.

21. Dr. V. Narayanan Leads National Space Day Celebrations

ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan was one of the key personalities associated with National Space Day 2026.

Person: Dr. V. Narayanan
Position: Chairman, ISRO
Occasion: 3rd National Space Day
Date: 23 August 2026

22. Chandrayaan-3 Team Remains Central to National Space Day

National Space Day commemorates the successful Chandrayaan-3 lunar landing of 23 August 2023, keeping India's scientists and space leadership prominently in the national spotlight.

The achievement made India the first country to land near the Moon's south polar region.

23. N. Chandrasekaran in News Over Tata Sons Succession

N. Chandrasekaran became a major corporate personality in news following reports concerning the future leadership of Tata Sons.

Person: N. Chandrasekaran
Organisation: Tata Sons
Position: Chairman
Reason in news: Tata Group leadership succession

24. Tata Leadership Succession Draws Corporate Attention

The leadership-development story involving N. Chandrasekaran generated wider discussion about succession planning and corporate governance at one of India's largest business groups.

The development is particularly important for Business & Persons in News preparation.

25. Amitabh Chaudhry in News Over Axis Bank Growth Strategy

Amitabh Chaudhry, CEO of Axis Bank, was in the news as the bank outlined plans to grow credit faster than the overall banking industry.

Person: Amitabh Chaudhry
Organisation: Axis Bank
Position: Managing Director & CEO

26. Dheeraj Gupta in News Following New Book

Entrepreneur Dheeraj Gupta, founder of Jumboking, was in the news as co-author of the business book “Loved by a Billion: How Singular Focus Builds Iconic Brands.”

Person: Dheeraj Gupta
Known for: Founder of Jumboking
Book: Loved by a Billion

27. Laura Ries Co-Authors “Loved by a Billion”

Branding expert Laura Ries co-authored Loved by a Billion with Dheeraj Gupta.

The book examines the role of focused positioning in creating successful brands.

Person: Laura Ries
Field: Branding
Book: Loved by a Billion

28. Vaibhav Maloo Announces “The Wisdom Doctrine”

Entrepreneur and author Vaibhav Maloo came into the news with the announcement of his third book, “The Wisdom Doctrine.”

Person: Vaibhav Maloo
Book: The Wisdom Doctrine
Publisher: Pan Macmillan India

29. Kevin Missal in News for “Parshuram”

Indian author Kevin Missal was in the news for his mythological-fiction novel “Parshuram.”

Person: Kevin Missal
Profession: Author
Book: Parshuram
Genre: Mythological fiction

30. Syndrela Das Emerges as Young Table Tennis Star

Indian table-tennis player Syndrela Das came into the spotlight after winning both the Under-19 and women's singles titles at the UTT National Ranking Table Tennis Championships in Kanpur.

At 17, she was also reported as being set to become the youngest Indian in the upcoming Asian Games contingent.

Person: Syndrela Das
Sport: Table Tennis
Achievement: U-19 and Women's Singles champion
Age: 17

31. Shubman Gill Named ICC Men's Player of the Month

Indian cricketer Shubman Gill was named the ICC Men's Player of the Month for July 2026, with the award announced in August. Gill was recognised for his outstanding performances for India.

Person: Shubman Gill
Country: India
Sport: Cricket
Award: ICC Men's Player of the Month – July 2026

32. Shubman Gill Wins Monthly ICC Honour Again

The recognition added another ICC monthly award to Gill's career and reinforced his position among India's leading international batters.

For competitive exams, remember the player + award + month combination:

Shubman Gill – ICC Men's Player of the Month – July 2026

33. Smriti Mandhana Remains Among India's Leading Cricket Personalities

Indian batter Smriti Mandhana continued to be a prominent sporting personality during the period as India's women's cricket preparations and international commitments remained in focus.

Person: Smriti Mandhana
Sport: Cricket
Country: India

34. Syndrela Das Creates History in Indian Table Tennis

Seventeen-year-old Syndrela Das emerged as one of India's most important young sporting personalities after winning both the Under-19 and women's singles titles at the UTT National Ranking Table Tennis Championships in Kanpur.

35. Syndrela Das Set to Become Youngest Indian at Asian Games

Das was also reported to be set to become the youngest Indian member of the upcoming Asian Games contingent, making her an important name for sports current affairs.

Person: Syndrela Das
Age: 17
Sport: Table Tennis

36. Divya Deshmukh Strengthens Position in Indian Chess

Grandmaster Divya Deshmukh's selection for the Arjuna Award brought renewed attention to her rapid rise in international chess.

Person: Divya Deshmukh
Sport: Chess
Recognition: Arjuna Award

37. Vidit Gujrathi Receives National Recognition

Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi was another leading chess personality in the news following his selection for the Arjuna Award.

Person: Vidit Gujrathi
Sport: Chess
Recognition: Arjuna Award

38. Tejaswin Shankar Honoured for Athletics

High jumper and decathlete Tejaswin Shankar was among the prominent Indian athletes selected for the Arjuna Award.

Person: Tejaswin Shankar
Sport: Athletics
Award: Arjuna Award

39. N. Chandrasekaran Becomes Major Corporate Personality in News

N. Chandrasekaran attracted significant corporate attention amid developments surrounding succession at Tata Sons.

The Tata Group began considering its future leadership as Chandrasekaran's tenure became a major corporate-governance topic.

40. Noel Tata Important in Tata Leadership Discussions

Noel Tata, Chairman of Tata Trusts, remained an important figure in discussions surrounding governance and the future leadership structure of the Tata Group.

Person: Noel Tata
Organisation: Tata Trusts
Position: Chairman

41. Amitabh Chaudhry Highlights Axis Bank Growth Plans

Amitabh Chaudhry, MD and CEO of Axis Bank, was in the news as the lender outlined plans to grow credit faster than the overall Indian banking industry.

42. Klaus Zellmer Discusses Volkswagen's India Strategy

Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Škoda Auto, became an important corporate personality after discussing Volkswagen Group's plans to identify an Indian partner by the end of 2026.

Person: Klaus Zellmer
Position: CEO, Škoda Auto
Reason in news: Volkswagen's India partnership strategy

43. Piyush Goyal Promotes Investment Partnership With Japan

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal was in the news for encouraging Japanese businesses to deepen their investment and manufacturing partnerships with India.

His engagements emphasised India's growing role in global supply chains, manufacturing and investment.

44. Piyush Goyal Leads India-Singapore Economic Engagement

Goyal also participated in high-level engagements connected with the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable, making him one of the prominent economic-policy personalities during the period.

Person: Piyush Goyal
Portfolio: Commerce and Industry
Countries involved: India and Singapore

45. Naveen Jindal Unveils Medical Book

Industrialist and Member of Parliament Naveen Jindal was in the news for unveiling Dr. Anoop Bhagat's book “Metabolic Neuropsychiatry: Clinical Principles and Practice” at Longevity Summit India 2026.

Person: Naveen Jindal
Event: Longevity Summit India 2026
Book unveiled: Metabolic Neuropsychiatry

46. Dr. Anoop Bhagat in News for Metabolic Neuropsychiatry

Dr. Anoop Bhagat gained attention as the author of Metabolic Neuropsychiatry: Clinical Principles and Practice.

The book explores connections between metabolism, brain function and psychiatric health.

Person: Dr. Anoop Bhagat
Field: Medicine
Book: Metabolic Neuropsychiatry

47. Sonu Sharma Releases “24 Chapters of Success”

Motivational speaker and business coach Sonu Sharma was in the news for his book “24 Chapters of Success.”

Person: Sonu Sharma
Book: 24 Chapters of Success
Publisher: Disha Publication

48. Dr. Ausaf Sayeed Authors Book on Indian Culture

Former diplomat Dr. Ausaf Sayeed came into the news with his book “Indian Art and Culture: A Journey Through Time and Tradition.”

Person: Dr. Ausaf Sayeed
Profession: Diplomat and author
Subject: Indian art and cultural heritage

49. Adarsh Sudhindra Authors AI-Era Leadership Book

Adarsh Sudhindra, Chief Innovation Officer at Excelsoft Technologies, was in the news for “The Compounding Leader: A Mid-Career Manifesto in the Age of AI.”

Person: Adarsh Sudhindra
Book: The Compounding Leader
Focus: Leadership and artificial intelligence

50. Yugal Joshi Authors “Kaho Kalidas!”

Writer Yugal Joshi was in the news for his book “Kaho Kalidas!”, whose launch and discussion took place at IGNCA in New Delhi on 25 August 2026.

Person: Yugal Joshi
Book: Kaho Kalidas!
Publisher: Manjul Prakashan

51. Shriti Tyagi in News for “notHERE”

Writer and urban chronicler Shriti Tyagi was in the news for “notHERE: The Absent Presence.”

The work explores disappearing spaces and changing cultural identities in Mumbai and Delhi.

Person: Shriti Tyagi
Book: notHERE: The Absent Presence

52. Dr. V. Narayanan Leads ISRO During National Space Day

ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan remained a major science personality during India's third National Space Day celebrations on 23 August 2026.

Person: Dr. V. Narayanan
Position: Chairman, ISRO
Field: Space science

53. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Associated With National Space Day

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat participated prominently in the main National Space Day programme at the Space Applications Centre in Ahmedabad.

Person: Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
Portfolio: Culture and Tourism

54. Jyotiraditya Scindia Leads BRICS Digital Cooperation

Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia chaired the 12th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting in Pune.

Person: Jyotiraditya Scindia
Portfolio: Communications
Event: BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting

55. Mansukh Mandaviya Leads BRICS Sports Meeting

Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya chaired the BRICS Sports Ministers' Meeting in Visakhapatnam.

He advocated cooperation in athlete exchanges, sports technology, sports manufacturing and traditional sports.

56. Jitendra Singh Associated With Chennai Declaration

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh led India's engagement at the BRICS Science Ministerial Meeting in Chennai.

The meeting culminated in the Chennai Declaration on science, technology and innovation cooperation.

57. Rajesh Kumar Singh Leads India-UK Defence Dialogue

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh co-chaired the 25th India-UK Defence Consultative Group Meeting in New Delhi.

Person: Rajesh Kumar Singh
Position: Defence Secretary of India

58. Jeremy Pocklington Represents UK

Jeremy Pocklington, Permanent Under Secretary at the UK's Ministry of Defence, co-chaired the India-UK Defence Consultative Group meeting with Rajesh Kumar Singh.

Person: Jeremy Pocklington
Country: United Kingdom
Area: Defence cooperation

59. Shinjirō Koizumi Strengthens India-Japan Defence Engagement

Japanese Defence Minister Shinjirō Koizumi was among the important foreign personalities visiting India during the period.

His discussions with Rajnath Singh focused on maritime security, defence cooperation and Indo-Pacific security.

60. August 2026 Produces Wide Range of Persons in News

The 13–25 August 2026 period featured prominent personalities from sports, politics, diplomacy, business, science, literature and defence.

For competitive examinations, the most important names are those directly connected with awards, appointments, major achievements, books, international meetings or significant institutional developments.

Quick Revision – Persons in News 13–25 August 2026

Divya Deshmukh — Chess — Arjuna Award

Vidit Gujrathi — Chess — Arjuna Award

Tejaswin Shankar — Athletics — Arjuna Award

Shubman Gill — Cricket — ICC Men's Player of the Month for July 2026

Syndrela Das — Table Tennis — Won U-19 and Women's Singles titles; emerging young Indian star

Droupadi Murmu — President of India — Approved Independence Day gallantry awards

Narendra Modi — Prime Minister — Addressed nation on 80th Independence Day

Dr. V. Narayanan — Chairman, ISRO — National Space Day 2026

N. Chandrasekaran — Tata Sons Chairman — In news over Tata leadership succession

Noel Tata — Chairman, Tata Trusts

Amitabh Chaudhry — MD & CEO, Axis Bank

Klaus Zellmer — CEO, Škoda Auto — Volkswagen India partnership plans

Piyush Goyal — Commerce & Industry Minister — India-Japan and India-Singapore economic engagements

Rajnath Singh — Defence Minister — India-Japan defence dialogue

Shinjirō Koizumi — Japanese Defence Minister — India-Japan defence cooperation

Jyotiraditya Scindia — Chaired BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting

Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya — Chaired BRICS Sports Ministers Meeting

Dr. Jitendra Singh — BRICS Science Ministerial Meeting; Chennai Declaration

Gajendra Singh Shekhawat — National Space Day 2026 celebration

Rajesh Kumar Singh — Indian Defence Secretary — India-UK Defence Consultative Group

Jeremy Pocklington — UK Permanent Under Secretary for Defence

Vaibhav Maloo — Author — The Wisdom Doctrine

Kevin Missal — Author — Parshuram

Yugal Joshi — Author — Kaho Kalidas!

Sonu Sharma — Author — 24 Chapters of Success

Dheeraj Gupta & Laura Ries — Authors — Loved by a Billion

Dr. Ausaf Sayeed — Author — Indian Art and Culture: A Journey Through Time and Tradition

Adarsh Sudhindra — Author — The Compounding Leader

Dr. Anoop Bhagat — Author — Metabolic Neuropsychiatry