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PERSONS IN NEWS - January 2021

Jan 2021

Jul 30, 2026

Ajinkya Rahane announces international retirement

Ajinkya Rahane announced his retirement from international cricket in July 2026. The experienced batsman appeared in 85 Test matches for India, compiling 5,077 runs including 12 centuries. He captained India to a historic 2–1 Test series victory in Australia during the 2020–21 tour. Rahane played his final international match in July 2023. His decision marks the end of a long and varied career at the highest level, during which he was known for resilience and leadership in challenging times. The cricketing world will remember his contributions to Indian cricket across formats.

Rahane retires from international cricket in July 2026.
85 Test matches, 5,077 runs, 12 centuries.
Led India to 2–1 series win in Australia (2020–21).
Final international match in July 2023.
Career marked by leadership and resilience.

Jul 21, 2026

Andy Burnham named UK Prime Minister after Starmer resignation

Andy Burnham officially became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on 20 July 2026, succeeding Keir Starmer. Burnham, who previously served as Mayor of Greater Manchester, met King Charles III at Buckingham Palace to form a new government. His ascent marks a rapid leadership transition amid domestic and international pressures. The new administration is expected to prioritise public services, economic recovery, and strengthened regional cooperation, while maintaining alliances in Europe and the Atlantic bloc. The swift change in leadership drew global attention as UK political dynamics shifted with a prominent regional figure at the helm, signaling potential new policy directions.

Burnham became UK Prime Minister on 20 July 2026.
Former Mayor of Greater Manchester; met King Charles III to form government.
Priorities include public services, economy, and regional cooperation.
Transition drew significant international attention.

Jul 19, 2026

Cricket Legend Sir Garfield Sobers Dies at 89

Sir Garfield Sobers, Barbados-born West Indian cricket legend, died in July 2026 at age 89. Sobers represented the West Indies in 93 Test matches between 1954 and 1974, amassing 8,032 runs and taking 235 wickets. Widely regarded as cricket's greatest all-rounder, he shaped the modern game with his versatility in batting, bowling and fielding. Sobers captained West Indies and held numerous world records for many years, influencing generations of players. His achievements extended beyond statistics, contributing to global cricket's growth and popularising the sport in the Caribbean, India, and beyond. Tributes poured in from former teammates, fans, and cricket boards worldwide.

Test career: 93 matches (1954–1974).
Runs: 8,032; Wickets: 235.
Regarded as cricket's greatest all-rounder.
Captaincy and leadership for West Indies.
Legacy: global influence on cricket.

Jul 16, 2026

Tamil writer Poomani passes away in July 2026

Poomani, the renowned Tamil writer also known as Pulithurai Manickavasagam, died in July 2026. He was celebrated for his depictions of rural life, marginalised communities, and social realities in Tamil literature. Poomani received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2014 for his novel Agnyaadi, and his work Vekkai was adapted into the 2019 Tamil film Asuran. The author held a prominent place in contemporary Tamil letters and influenced generations of readers with his portrayals of everyday struggles. Tributes poured in from literary circles and readers across India, recognizing his contributions to regional language writing. His works have been studied in universities and translated into several languages, reflecting his impact on Indian literature.

Poomani, renowned Tamil writer, passed away in July 2026.
Also known as Pulithurai Manickavasagam.
Sahitya Akademi Award 2014 for Agnyaadi.
Vekkai was adapted into the 2019 film Asuran.
Tributes from literary circles across India.

Jul 13, 2026

Legendary playback singer S. Janaki dies; honoured artist of South India

Legendary playback singer S. Janaki, popularly known as the Nightingale of South India, passed away in July 2026. Her prolific career spanned from 1957 to 2017, during which she recorded more than 48,000 songs across nearly 20 Indian languages. Janaki received four National Film Awards and 33 State Film Awards for her work in cinema. Her contributions shaped Indian music and inspired generations of singers. Tributes poured in from the music industry and fans who celebrated her versatility and expressive voice that transcended linguistic boundaries.

S. Janaki, celebrated playback singer, passed away in July 2026
Often called the Nightingale of South India
Career spanned from 1957 to 2017; over 48,000 songs in ~20 languages
Received four National Film Awards and 33 State Film Awards
Widely celebrated for versatility and expressive voice
Tributes from across the Indian music community

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