General Awareness

PERSONS IN NEWS - October 2023

Oct 2023

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)

Jan 08, 2026

Renowned Ecologist, Champions of Earth Recipient Madhav Gadgil Dies

Noted ecologist Madhav Gadgil, renowned for his work on the Western Ghats, passed away in January 2026 at the age of 83.
In 2024, the United Nations honoured him with the Champions of the Earth award, the organisation's highest environmental accolade, recognising his seminal contributions to the conservation of the Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot.
He had also chaired the government-appointed Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel, which studied the effects of population pressure, climate change, and development activities on the ecologically sensitive region.

BJP’s Northeast patriarch Kabindra Purkayastha passes away at 94

Assam BJP leader and former Union Minister Kabindra Purkayastha passed away in January 2026 at the age of 94. Known as the patriarch of the Assam BJP, Purkayastha was respected for his simple, disciplined public life. Before entering politics, he worked as a teacher. He later served as the Minister of Communications in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, among other roles, contributing to party organization and policy debates in the northeast. His demise is likely to prompt reflections on the party’s regional leadership and its long‑running presence in Assam politics.

Purkayastha died in January 2026 at age 94.
Widely regarded as Assam BJP's patriarch.
Former Minister of Communications in NDA government.
Had a background in teaching before politics.
Decades of service shaped party organization in the region.

Jan 07, 2026

Malayalam cinema loses veteran actor Punnapra Appachan

Veteran Malayalam actor Punnapra Appachan died at age 77, leaving behind a long career noted for versatility and prolific work. Beginning with the 1965 film Othenante Makan, Appachan appeared in more than a thousand films. A defining role came in Anubhavangal Paalichakal, where he played a trade union leader. Across decades, he became a familiar face in regional cinema, contributing to stage and screen. His passing is mourned by fans and colleagues, highlighting a career that spanned several generations and underscoring Malayalam cinema’s rich acting tradition.

Punnapra Appachan died aged 77
Acted since 1965; first film Othenante Makan
Featured in Anubhavangal Paalichakal as a trade union leader
Acted in over a thousand films
Significant figure in Malayalam cinema history

Share on

TCY Analytics (View Subscription Plans)

Subscribe to GK Updates

I want to receive

GK Tags

June GK, May GK, April GK, INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, ENVIRONMENT, BUSINESS AND ECONOMY, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, SPORTS, NATIONAL AFFAIRS, DEFENCE, PERSONS IN NEWS, DAYS AND EVENTS, AWARDS AND HONOURS, GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES, GENDER/ HEALTH/ EDUCATION, ART AND CULTURE, BOOKS AND AUTHORS, TOURISM AND HOTEL INDUSTRY AWARENESS, ART AND CULTURE, LAW AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

Start Discussion

On any topic

Take Tests

Compiled from GK updates

Login

Sign Up

Forgot Password

Download TCY App

Unlock All Services And Enjoy The Premium Benefits

US$ 10

US$ 13

US$ 15

US$ 17

US$ 19

US$ 20

US$ 21

US$ 22

US$ 23

US$ 24

US$ 25

US$ 26