Brian Mulroney, Former Canadian Prime Minister, Passes Away
Brian Mulroney, the former Canadian Prime Minister who struck a free trade deal with the U.S. but whose legacy was marred by revelations of improper business dealings with an arms dealer, died at the age of 84.
His nine-year stewardship was marked by negotiations for the Canada-United States Free Trade Agreement in 1988, which helped boost Canadian exports, and the introduction of a goods and services tax in 1991. The tax was enormously unpopular politically but helped fix the government's finances.
Eminent Archaeologist and Padma Shri Awardee Arun Kumar Sharma Dies
Renowned archaeologist and Padma Shri awardee, Arun Kumar Sharma, who had served as the archaeological advisor to the Chhattisgarh government and was one of the key witnesses in the Ram Janmabhoomi case, died at the age of 91.
Sharma had collected archaeological evidence in support of the existence of Lord Ram's temple at the disputed site of Ayodhya. The evidence collected by him was accepted by first the Allahabad High Court and then by the Supreme Court during hearings on the disputed site in Ayodhya.
A native of Chhattisgarh's Rajnandgaon district, Sharma had joined service with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in 1959 and served in various capacities.
Feb 29, 2024
Miss India Tripura 2017 Rinky Chakma Passes Away
Miss India Tripura 2017 Rinky Chakma has died at the age of 28. The former Miss India Tripura winner was battling cancer for the last two years.
Rinky Chakma won the Miss India Tripura crown in 2017. As a Miss India finalist, Rinky won two sub-titles, Miss Congeniality and Beauty with a Purpose. Manushi Chhillar won the Miss World pageant and the Miss India World pageant in the same year.
Feb 28, 2024
Shafiqur Rahman Barq, India's Oldest MP and Samajwadi Party Leader, Dies
India's oldest MP in Parliament, senior Samajwadi Party leader, and MP from Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal, Shafiqur Rahman Barq, died.
Born on July 11, 1930, Shafiqur Rehman Barq began his political career with former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh. He also served as the coordinator of the Babri Masjid Action Committee and was known for amplifying the voice of the Muslim community across the country.
He also worked closely with Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav at the time of the party's formation.
Barq, who has been a four-time MLA, was elected MP from Sambhal for the fifth time in 2019. Barq won the Muradabad Lok Sabha seat three times (1996, 1998, and 2004) and the Sambhal Lok Sabha seat twice (2009 and 2019) from SP.
Feb 27, 2024
Renowned Filmmaker Kumar Shahani Passes Away
Acclaimed director Kumar Shahani passed away at the age of 83 in Kolkata.
Shahani, born in Larkana, Sindh (present-day Pakistan) in 1940, was a pioneering figure in Indian parallel cinema. He carved a distinct path with his thought-provoking and socially conscious films, earning him recognition as a leading voice in independent cinema.
Shahani's cinematic journey began at the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), where he honed his craft alongside notable filmmakers like Mani Kaul. His directorial debut, "Maya Darpan" (1972), based on a story by Nirmal Verma, established him as a filmmaker with a distinct vision.
Shahani's films were not just mere entertainment; they served as powerful commentaries on social realities, prompting introspection and challenging societal norms. His dedication to artistic expression and unwavering commitment to independent filmmaking earned him national and international recognition.
Music Maestro Pankaj Udhas Passes Away
Ghazal maestro Pankaj Udhas passed away in Mumbai after a prolonged illness at the age of 72.
Born in a musically inclined family in Gujarat, he initially wanted to learn tabla, his interest gradually moved to ghazals.
Feb 24, 2024
Germany's Andreas Brehme, 1990 World Cup Winning Goal Scorer, Passes Away
The world of football mourned the loss of one of its most celebrated figures, Andreas Brehme, who passed away at the age of 63. He is fondly remembered as Germany's World Cup hero of 1990.
Brehme etched his name into football history during the 1990 World Cup final, where his late penalty secured a 1-0 victory for West Germany over Argentina, led by the legendary Diego Maradona. It was a moment of triumph that united a nation, amidst the backdrop of Germany's reunification following the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Throughout his career, Brehme exemplified the values of teamwork, loyalty, and dedication. His infectious love for the game endeared him to fans and earned the respect of teammates and opponents alike. His contributions to German football, both as a player and a coach, will be remembered for generations to come.