General Awareness

PERSONS IN NEWS - June 2025

Jun 2025

Jan 15, 2026

Swiss snowboarder Ueli Kestenholz dies in Alpine avalanche

Ueli Kestenholz, a prominent Swiss snowboarder who won bronze at Nagano’s 1998 Olympic snowboarding event, died following an avalanche in the Swiss Alps. The avalanche occurred in the Lötschental Valley while Kestenholz was snowboarding with a friend. Police reported the incident without a confirmed cause. Kestenholz was 50 years old and remembered for his competitive achievements and contributions to the sport. His passing is a notable loss for the European winter sports community, prompting tributes from fellow athletes and fans who admired his performance and resilience in challenging mountain conditions.

Ueli Kestenholz died in an avalanche in the Swiss Alps
Bronze medalist at 1998 Nagano Olympics
Avalanche occurred in Lötschental Valley; partner present
Age 50 at time of death
Congregation of tributes from the snow sports community

Dilbert creator Scott Adams dies at 68 after cancer battle

Scott Adams, American cartoonist and creator of the Dilbert comic strip, died at age 68 after a battle with cancer. His death was announced by his ex-wife during a livestream of his podcast. Adams disclosed in May 2025 that he had prostate cancer, which later spread to his bones, and he had been receiving end-of-life care. He also spoke publicly about health complications including heart failure and reduced mobility. Adams’ Dilbert cartoons, known for satirical depictions of corporate culture, left a lasting imprint on popular culture and workplace humor. His passing marks the end of an era for a generation of readers and fans.

Scott Adams died at age 68
Cancer progression reported; prostate cancer diagnosed in 2025
Ex-wife announced the death on a livestream
Dilbert and its satire influenced global popular culture
Public health battles highlighted in late life

Pawan Kalyan named first Samurai from Andhra Pradesh in Japan honours

Andhra Pradesh deputy chief minister and Jana Sena Party president K. Pawan Kalyan has been named the first Samurai from Andhra Pradesh in a set of Japanese martial arts recognitions. He received the fifth dan (5th Dan) from the Sogo Budo Kanri Kai and was inducted into the Takeda Shingen Clan outside Japan, a rare honour for non-Japanese practitioners. The Golden Dragons organisation awarded him the title 'Tiger of Martial Arts' in acknowledgment of his lifelong dedication to martial discipline and philosophy. These recognitions position Kalyan as a unique cultural ambassador from Andhra Pradesh in international martial arts circles.

K. Pawan Kalyan awarded 5th Dan by Sogo Budo Kanri Kai
Inducted into Takeda Shingen Clan (outside Japan)
Honourary title 'Tiger of Martial Arts' by Golden Dragons
First Samurai from Andhra Pradesh in these recognitions
Recognition highlights cross-cultural achievements

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

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