Former J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik Passes Away at 79
Former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik passed away at the age of 79 after a prolonged illness. Malik, a veteran politician, played a key role during one of the most crucial phases in Jammu and Kashmir's history, including the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
Satya Pal Malik began his political journey in the 1970s as a socialist leader. He initially represented the Bharatiya Kranti Dal under Charan Singh's leadership and was elected as a member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly in 1974 from Baghpat. His career later saw him holding senior positions, including General Secretary of the Lok Dal. Malik also served two terms in the Rajya Sabha, first in 1980 and then in 1989, with his second tenure as a Congress MP.
Malik was appointed as the last Governor of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir in August 2018. His tenure became historically significant when, on August 5, 2019, the Indian government abrogated Article 370, ending the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. The move, considered one of the most decisive steps in India's political landscape, took place during Malik's governorship.
Former Romanian President Ion Iliescu Dies
Former Romanian President Ion Iliescu, who presided over the country's chaotic transition from communism to democracy, died aged 95.
Iliescu was Romania's first freely elected President, and served twice, between 1990-1996 and 2000-2004. He was accused of crimes against humanity over the violent revolt that toppled Romania's communist regime in 1989, but always denied wrongdoing.
Shibu Soren, Rajya Sabha MP, former Union Minister, Jharkhand Chief Minister and one of the founders of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, died. He was 81.
He founded the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) in 1972 and led the decades-long movement for a separate Jharkhand state, representing the aspirations of the Santhal tribal community.
Soren served as Chief Minister of Jharkhand three times -- briefly in 2005, and again in 2008–09 and 2009–10. He was also a multiple-term MP from Dumka, served in the Rajya Sabha, and held the position of Union Coal Minister in the early 2000s.
Aug 03, 2025
Dr. V. Vasanthi Devi Passes Away
Distinguished academic and social reformer Dr. V. Vasanthi Devi, former Vice-Chancellor of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, passed away. She was 86 years old. Her demise is being seen as a major loss to the fields of education, gender equality, human rights, and progressive movements.
Dr. Vasanthi Devi served as the second Vice-Chancellor of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University from 1992 to 1998, where she focused on expanding access to higher education. Later, she held the position of Chairperson of the Tamil Nadu State Commission for Women between 2002 and 2005, addressing key issues related to women's rights and safety.
Aug 02, 2025
T. N. Manoharan, IDBI Chairman and Padma Shri Awardee, Passes Away
T. N. Manoharan, the Chairman of IDBI Bank and a renowned chartered accountant passed away. A Padma Shri awardee and former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), Manoharan leaves behind a remarkable legacy in banking, finance, and corporate governance.
T. N. Manoharan's illustrious career spanned several decades, during which he made invaluable contributions to India's financial sector. He served as the non-executive Chairman of Canara Bank from 2015 to 2020 and later took charge as the Chairman of IDBI Bank, steering key reforms and strengthening governance.
Aug 01, 2025
Double Olympic Champion Laura Dahlmeier Dies
Laura Dahlmeier, the German double Olympic champion and seven-time world champion in biathlon, passed away at the age of 31 following a mountaineering accident in Pakistan's Karakoram range. Known both for her historic achievements on the biathlon track and her passion for mountaineering, Dahlmeier's untimely death has left fans and fellow athletes devastated.
Pramilatai Medhe Passes Away
Pramilatai Medhe, former Pramukh Sanchalika of the Rashtra Sevika Samiti, passed away at the age of 97 in Nagpur. A stalwart of the women's wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), she was known for her tireless dedication to nation-building and service. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat expressed sorrow over her demise, describing her as a "living example of unwavering commitment, tireless work, and deep affection in conduct."
She was the fourth sanchalika of the organisation.