General Awareness

PERSONS IN NEWS - April 2020

Apr 2020

Jan 14, 2026

Meta appoints Dina Powell McCormick as president and vice chairman

Meta Platforms named Dina Powell McCormick as its president and vice chairman, enhancing the company’s leadership and lobbying capabilities in the US capital. Powell McCormick, a former Trump administration official, was praised by President Donald Trump in a Truth Social post for her performance in public life. The appointment aligns with Meta’s ongoing strategic shifts, including investments in frontier AI and related data-center initiatives. Meta’s board underscored McCormick’s track record in corporate leadership and governance as part of strengthening the firm’s global operational and policy initiatives.

Dina Powell McCormick named Meta president and vice chairman
Former Trump administration official appointed
Relation to increases in lobbying and policy efforts
Company cites governance and leadership strengths
Move coincides with Meta’s AI and data-center investments

Jan 13, 2026

Indian Army officer Major Swathi Shantha Kumar wins UN Secretary‑General’s Award 2025

An Indian Army officer from Bengaluru, Major Swathi Shantha Kumar, has won the United Nations Secretary‑General’s Award 2025 for her project Equal Partners, Lasting Peace. Major Swathi is stationed with UNMISS in South Sudan, where she helped deploy and integrate an Indian Engagement team that strengthened gender parity and grassroots outreach. The recognition underscores India’s contribution to UN peacekeeping missions and gender-inclusive development. The award brings attention to field initiatives that support peace, security, and equality in conflict zones, highlighting leadership from Indian personnel on international platforms.

Major Swathi Shantha Kumar wins UN SG Award 2025.
Service with UNMISS in South Sudan; project: Equal Partners, Lasting Peace.
Acknowledges efforts to advance gender parity at the local level.
Demonstrates India’s role in UN peacekeeping and development.
Highlights Indian leadership in humanitarian missions.

Jan 12, 2026

Former hockey Olympic gold medallist Davinder Singh Garcha dies at 73

Davinder Singh Garcha, a former international hockey player who was part of India’s gold medal team at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, passed away at his home in Jalandhar at the age of 73. He reportedly suffered chest pains and had a brief hospital stay before returning home. Born December 7, 1952, in Amritsar, Garcha made his international debut at the 1979 Moscow pre-Olympic tournament and scored eight goals in six matches at the Moscow Games, where India defeated Spain 4-3 in the final. His cremation is planned for January 14, with tributes expected from former teammates and fans.

Davinder Singh Garcha, 1980 Olympic hockey gold medallist, passed away at 73.
Born December 7, 1952, in Amritsar; international debut in 1979 Moscow pre-Olympic tournament.
Scored eight goals in six matches at the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
India won the 1980 Olympic hockey final 4-3 against Spain.
Cremation set for January 14; tributes anticipated from the hockey community.

Jan 10, 2026

Jemimah Rodrigues joins Tvarra as Investor Partner to empower women riders

Jemimah Rodrigues has joined Tvarra as Investor Partner, creating an equity-led tie-up beyond a typical brand endorsement. The Indian cricketer will participate in strategic decisions that shape product design and safety-focused innovations for women riders. Tvarra, founded by Alpana Parida, aims to address discomfort and misfit caused by helmets designed for men. The partnership aligns with broader efforts to empower women riders and improve safety outcomes. Rodrigues brings visibility and advocacy for women in sport, signaling a long-term commitment to value creation through inclusive product lines and market expansion. The collaboration highlights independence, safety-first design, and sustained growth for the brand.

Rodrigues becomes Investor Partner at Tvarra
Equity-led arrangement beyond standard endorsements
Focus on women-friendly helmet design and safety
Strategic governance and long-term growth planned

Jan 09, 2026

Agnivesh Agarwal, Vedanta Group director, dies at 49

Agnivesh Agarwal, 49, a director at Vedanta Group and son of metals tycoon Anil Agarwal, died after suffering a cardiac arrest following a skiing incident in the United States. Born in Patna on 3 June 1976, Agarwal studied at Mayo College in Ajmer and helped establish Fujairah Gold, a metals refinery in the UAE. He also served as chairman of Hindustan Zinc from November 2005 to February 2019, before taking charge of Talwandi Sabo Power (TSPL) in May 2019. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended condolences, noting Agarwal’s role in expanding Vedanta’s metals and energy ventures in India.

Agnivesh Agarwal died at age 49
Director at Vedanta Group; former TSPL chairman
Died after a skiing incident in the United States
Born 3 June 1976; studied at Mayo College, Ajmer
Linked to Fujairah Gold; Hindustan Zinc leadership (2005–2019)

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