General Awareness

PERSONS IN NEWS - January 2025

Jan 2025

Dec 18, 2025

Pulitzer winner Peter Arnett dies at 91

Peter Arnett, the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist known for frontline reporting from Vietnam to Iraq, has died at age 91 in Newport Beach, California. He received the 1966 Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting for Vietnam War coverage with The Associated Press. Arnett’s career spanned decades and wars, earning recognition for conveying eyewitness accounts from the battlefield. His passing marks the end of an era in conflict journalism, noted by colleagues and readers worldwide. Family statements indicate he had been battling health issues related to old age, with his death mourned by the journalism community.

Peter Arnett dies at age 91 in Newport Beach.
Won 1966 Pulitzer for Vietnam War reporting with AP.
Career covered Vietnam and Gulf/Iraq wars.
Described as a pioneering conflict journalist.

Dec 16, 2025

Sai Jadhav Becomes First Woman Officer to Pass Out from IMA

Sai Jadhav, 23, has become the first woman officer to pass out from the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, ending a 93-year wait for female cadets. Her commissioning as a Lieutenant in the Territorial Army marks a historic milestone in gender inclusion within India’s defence services. The achievement aligns with broader reforms to diversify leadership in the armed forces. Jadhav’s success is celebrated as a breakthrough that could influence future training and recruitment policies across defence institutions.

Sai Jadhav becomes first woman to graduate from IMA (Dehradun).
Commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Territorial Army.
Ends 93-year gap for female IMA cadets.
Signals broader gender integration in defence services.

Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty Elected First Woman President of Press Club of India

Senior journalist Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty has been elected as the first woman president of the Press Club of India. Afzal Imam was chosen as secretary general, and Jatin Gandhi as vice-president. Aditi Rajput (Treasurer) and P R Sunil (Joint Secretary) were elected unopposed. The new managing committee includes prominent journalists from across the country. The election marks a historic milestone for gender representation in Indian media leadership and aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen industry standards and professional collaboration in journalism.

Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty elected first female president.
Afzal Imam named secretary general; Jatin Gandhi as VP.
Aditi Rajput and P R Sunil elected treasurer and joint secretary.
Board includes diverse senior journalists.

Dec 15, 2025

BJP appoints Nitin Nabin as National Executive President

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) appointed senior Bihar leader Nitin Nabin as its National Executive President. The move follows his role in expanding BJP influence in Chhattisgarh, where the party regained power in 2023 after defeating Congress. Nabin previously served as state in‑charge for the 2023 Assembly elections and has held leadership roles across several states. The appointment is expected to bolster organizational strength and strategic planning ahead of elections, with Nabin reporting to the party’s central leadership and coordinating election campaigns.

Nitin Nabin named BJP National Executive President
Background: Bihar leadership; key role in Chhattisgarh 2023

Meta India appoints Aman Jain as head of Public Policy

Meta India announced the appointment of Aman Jain as the new head of Public Policy. He will join in early 2026 and report to Simon Milner, Vice President of Policy, Asia Pacific. Jain will be a member of Meta’s India leadership team. He brings over twenty years of public policy and strategy experience, including senior roles at Google India and Amazon. He previously served as Director of Public Policy at Amazon and has worked with the Government of India and international organisations. The appointment signals Meta’s emphasis on policy engagement and regulatory issues in India.

Aman Jain to join Meta India in early 2026
Reports to Simon Milner, VP Policy, APAC
Background: Google India, Amazon, Government of India
Role includes policy strategy and engagement in India
Part of India leadership team

Dec 13, 2025

Dinkar Gupta joins IIT Ropar as Professor of Practice

IIT Ropar announced the appointment of Dinkar Gupta, former Director General of the National Investigation Agency and former Director General of Police in Punjab, as Professor of Practice. Gupta brings extensive expertise in national security, defence policy, counterterrorism, and intelligence. In this role, he will mentor students, share practical insights, and help bridge classroom learning with real-world security challenges. IIT Ropar states that his experience will energize the institute and expand opportunities for students to engage with practitioners. The appointment highlights ongoing efforts to connect research with policy and practice in security studies.

Dinkar Gupta appointed as Professor of Practice at IIT Ropar.
Former DG of NIA and former Punjab DGP; deep security expertise.
Role includes mentoring students and practical insights.
Aims to bridge academic learning with real-world security work.
Shows emphasis on connecting research with policy and practice.

Dec 12, 2025

Former Lok Sabha Speaker Shivraj Patil passes away at 90

Shivraj Patil, a veteran Congress leader who served as Union Home Minister from 2004 to 2008 and as the 10th Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 1991 to 1996, died at his home in Latur, Maharashtra, at the age of 90. Patil also served as Governor of Punjab and Administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh from 2010 to 2015. His long public career included leadership roles in national security and legislative proceedings, leaving a lasting imprint on Indian politics. Tributes from Party colleagues highlighted his administrative discipline and public service.

Shivraj Patil (1936–2025) dies at age 90 in Latur, Maharashtra.
served as Union Home Minister (2004–2008).
Was the 10th Lok Sabha Speaker (1991–1996).
Governor of Punjab; Administrator of Chandigarh (2010–2015).
Known for career in public administration and security service.

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