♦ Former Karnataka Chief Minister S.M. Krishna passed away in Bengaluru on 10 December 2024). He was 92 years old. Krishna was born on 1 May 1932 in Somanahalli, Mandya district. 

♦ He held several key positions, including Speaker of the Karnataka assembly, Chief Minister of Karnataka (1999–2004), and Governor of Maharashtra (2004–2008).

♦ From 2009 to 2012, he served as India’s External Affairs Minister under the Congress-led UPA II government. 

♦ In 2017, Krishna joined the BJP.

♦ Krishna was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, in 2023.