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PERSONS IN NEWS - October 2024

Oct 2024

Feb 17, 2026

Odia Playback Singer Geeta Patnaik Passes Away at 73

Geeta Patnaik, a renowned Odia playback singer, died on 15 February 2026 in Cuttack at the age of 73 after suffering a brain stroke. She had been undergoing treatment at a private hospital following initial care at Capital Hospital. Patnaik’s extensive career spanned Odia cinema, devotional songs and contemporary music, earning admiration for a melodious voice and classical training. Her death prompted tributes from fans, fellow singers and cultural figures who highlighted her significant contribution to Odia music and cinema. The loss is widely mourned across Odisha’s cultural community and recording industry.

Date of death: 15 February 2026; age 73.
Cause: brain stroke; treatments at multiple facilities.
Prominent Odia playback singer with a long career.
Contributions to Odia cinema, devotional songs, and albums.
Tributes reflect her impact on regional music and culture.

David J. Farber, Internet Pioneer, Dies at 91

David J. Farber, renowned as the ’grandfather of the Internet,’ passed away on 7 February 2026 in Tokyo at the age of 91. Farber spent decades at Bell Labs and later taught at Keio University in Japan, shaping early networking concepts and mentoring leaders who helped build today’s Internet. His work bridged computing and telecommunications, advocating for interconnected systems that evolved into global data networks. Farber’s influence extended into academia and industry as he guided researchers who contributed to foundational protocols and architectures for networked communications. His death marks the loss of a pivotal figure in the history of information technology.

Date of death: 7 February 2026; age 91.
Pioneer nicknamed 'grandfather of the Internet'.
Affiliations: Bell Labs; Keio University, Tokyo.
Contributions: early networking concepts and mentorship.
Legacy: foundational impact on Internet infrastructure.

Feb 16, 2026

Joe Simon Dies After Cardiac Arrest at KFCC Meeting

Veteran Kannada filmmaker Joe Simon died after a sudden cardiac arrest during a Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) meeting. He was 80 years old. Reports say he collapsed around 4:30 p.m. on Friday as he participated in discussions and proposed ideas for a celebratory program. With a prolific career spanning decades, Simon directed and produced more than 100 films. His death is a significant loss to the Kannada film industry, where he contributed as a filmmaker, producer and promoter of cinema.

Death due to cardiac arrest during KFCC meeting
Age 80; occurred around 4:30 p.m.
Prolific career with 100+ films
Active participant in the meeting at KFCC
Impact on Kannada cinema community

Feb 12, 2026

James Van Der Beek Passes Away at 48

Hollywood actor James Van Der Beek, best known for his role in Dawson’s Creek, has died at the age of 48 after a prolonged battle with colorectal cancer. Family statements confirmed the death and highlighted his advocacy for early cancer detection and screening. Van Der Beek rose to global fame in 1998 as Dawson Leery, a central character in the popular teen drama. His passing is being mourned by fans and colleagues worldwide, with tributes emphasizing his contributions to entertainment and public health awareness.

James Van Der Beek dies at 48
Known for Dawson’s Creek
Died after battling colorectal cancer
Advocated for cancer screening
Global tributes from fans and colleagues

Feb 08, 2026

Rohit Rishi appointed as MD of IIFCL; takes charge on 5 February 2026

Rohit Rishi has become the Managing Director of the India Infrastructure Finance Company Ltd (IIFCL), a government-owned entity providing long-term financial support for infrastructure projects. He took over on 5 February 2026, following a career spanning more than three decades in banking. Previously, Rishi served as Executive Director at the Bank of Maharashtra. IIFCL plays a crucial role in funding infrastructure schemes and project execution nationwide. His appointment is part of leadership transitions aimed at strengthening financial support for critical infrastructure and aligning lending strategies with national development goals.

New MD: Rohit Rishi; date of assuming charge: 5 February 2026.
Previous role: Executive Director, Bank of Maharashtra.
Organisation: India Infrastructure Finance Company Ltd (IIFCL).
Focus: long-term infrastructure financing and project execution.
Experience: over 30 years in banking.

Feb 03, 2026

Kiara Advani named India brand ambassador for Maybelline New York

Maybelline New York announced actress Kiara Advani as its India brand ambassador, signaling a strategic shift toward celebrating individuality and self-expression. The collaboration will drive upcoming campaigns, digital storytelling, and product-led narratives targeted at India’s urban and youthful consumer segments. Advani’s public profile and appeal across film and social media will be leveraged to strengthen the cosmetics brand’s Indian market presence. The appointment aligns with global marketing strategies that emphasize authentic storytelling and cultural resonance in local markets.

Kiara Advani appointed India brand ambassador for Maybelline NY.
Campaigns will focus on individuality and self-expression.
Digital storytelling and product-led narratives planned.
Leverages Advani’s regional and national appeal.

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