Mark Tully, veteran journalist, dies at 90 in Delhi
William Mark Tully, renowned BBC correspondent and recipient of India’s Padma Bhushan, died at a private hospital in Delhi on January 25, 2026, aged 90. Born in 1935, he became a trusted voice on Indian affairs and later wrote extensively on India’s social and political evolution. Tributes poured in from leaders and peers, noting his contributions to journalism and public discourse. His legacy includes books on Indian life and politics, and a career that bridged British and Indian perspectives. The journalism community mourns the loss of a communicator who shaped contemporary understanding of India.
Mark Tully died on January 25, 2026, aged 90
Former BBC New Delhi bureau chief and Padma Bhushan recipient
Widely regarded as a chronicler of India’s modern era
Tributes from PM Modi and peers highlighted his influence
Jan 26, 2026
Kirtida Mekani, Singapore’s 'Tree Lady', passes away at 66
Kirtida Mekani, a Karnataka-born environmental advocate and long-time champion of Singapore’s green spaces, died at age 66. Known as Singapore’s 'Tree Lady', she contributed to environmental sustainability, community service and cultural heritage. Her work included promoting urban greening, community gardens and civic initiatives. Mekani received the President’s Award for environmental work and was inducted into the Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame in 2024. Her passing on January 19 leaves a lasting legacy in Singapore’s environmental and civic circles.
Age at death: 66
Known for: environmental sustainability
Honors: President’s Award (environment), Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame (2024)
Residence: Singapore; origin: Karnataka, India
Jan 23, 2026
Saina Nehwal Announces Retirement from Competitive Badminton
India’s Olympic medallist Saina Nehwal confirmed her retirement from competitive badminton during a podcast, stating she had stopped playing two years earlier and chose to leave on her own terms. The 2012 Olympic bronze medalist had not played since the Singapore Open in 2023 due to a chronic knee condition. She emphasized that there was no formal retirement announcement needed, given her personal decision to exit the sport. Nehwal’s retirement marks the end of an era for Indian badminton, which has seen rising stars in recent years and a growing women's doubles and singles program.
Saina Nehwal confirms retirement from competition.
Last played at the 2023 Singapore Open.
Cites knee condition and personal exit terms.
No formal retirement announcement was made earlier.
Legacy includes Olympic bronze and trailblazing achievements.
Delhi‑based chess talent Aaryan Varshney earned the title of Grandmaster, becoming India’s 92nd GM. He secured the final norm at the Andranik Margaryan Memorial Tournament in Armenia, finishing with his third GM norm after drawing with FM Tyhran Ambartsumian in the eighth round. Varshney, 21, joins India’s elite group of grandmasters and marks continued growth in Indian chess. The achievement adds to the youth wave in the sport, reflecting a robust junior development pipeline through national and international events.
Person: Aaryan Varshney
Age: 21
Achievement: 92nd Indian GM
Event: Andranik Margaryan Memorial, Armenia
Norms: final GM norm secured in final rounds
Significance: growth of Indian chess talent
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
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