ITV News
H K Dua, veteran journalist and ex-Rajya Sabha MP, dies at 88
From newsroom to diplomacy, a life of sharp insight and service
NEW DELHI: Veteran journalist, diplomat and former Rajya Sabha member H K Dua passed away in Delhi on Wednesday after a prolonged illness. He was 88. Admitted to a private hospital three weeks ago, he breathed his last surrounded by family.
His funeral will be held at noon on Thursday at the Lodhi Road crematorium.
Born on 1 July 1937, Dua built a career that travelled from bustling newsrooms to the corridors of power. He combined a reporter’s curiosity with a statesman’s restraint, leaving his mark on journalism, public life and diplomacy.
Over several decades, he steered some of India’s most influential newspapers. He served as Editor of The Hindustan Times from 1987 to 1994, Editor-in-Chief of The Indian Express between 1994 and 1996, and later led The Tribune from 2003 to 2009. He also held the role of Editorial Advisor at The Times of India.
Colleagues remember him for his sharp political insight and unwavering belief in editorial independence. His columns and television appearances reflected a mind that preferred nuance over noise.
Dua’s counsel was sought beyond the newsroom. He served as media adviser to former prime ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and H D Deve Gowda, navigating the delicate space between government communication and media scrutiny. From 2001 to 2003, he represented India as Ambassador to Denmark.
In 2009, he was nominated to the Rajya Sabha, where he spoke frequently on foreign affairs, national security and the importance of a free press. He also served on the National Security Advisory Board and several parliamentary committees.
For his contribution to journalism, Dua was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2008. He was also conferred honorary doctorates by Punjab University and Kurukshetra University, and served on academic bodies including the Senate of Punjab University and the Court of Jawaharlal Nehru University.
Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum, with leaders such as Shashi Tharoor and Manish Tewari recalling his intellect, integrity and measured voice.
In an era often defined by raised volumes, H K Dua stood out for his calm clarity. He did not just report on history. At crucial moments, he helped shape the conversation around it.
ITV News
Marico hands Pawan Agrawal charge of international business alongside CFO role
The consumer goods company restructures its global operations, with two regional heads now reporting to Agrawal and losing senior management personnel status from April 1st
MUMBAI: Marico Limited has given its group chief financial officer a bigger brief. The consumer goods company has elevated Pawan Agrawal to the dual role of group CFO and chief executive officer of its international business, effective April 1st, 2026, the company disclosed in an exchange filing on Wednesday.
The expanded mandate puts Agrawal in charge of Marico’s global operations across all markets, adding to his existing oversight of the company’s international business in Southeast Asia and Bangladesh. Two regional heads will now report directly to him: Binjit Kadakapcedlikayal, executive vice president for the Middle East and North Africa, and Ryan Bartram, managing director of Marico South Africa. As a result of the restructuring, both executives will cease to be classified as senior management personnel from April 1st, 2026.
Agrawal is no newcomer to the Marico story. He joined the company in 2004 and has spent over 25 years building expertise across financial planning and analysis, corporate finance, treasury, investor relations, taxation and governance. He has been a central figure in Marico’s push into digital-first brands, with acquisitions including Beardo, Just Herbs, True Elements, Plix, 4700BC and Cosmix all bearing his fingerprints.
Before Marico, Agrawal spent four years at Eveready Industries. A chartered accountant, he holds a B.Com (Hons) degree from St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, and was named CFO of the Year in the consumer sector at the CII CFO Excellence Awards 2023-24.
Twenty-five years in the making. Marico has clearly decided Agrawal has earned the keys to the world.
