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PERSONS IN NEWS - January 2025

Jan 2025

Oct 08, 2026

Nana Patekar Padma Shri receipt; death claim unverified

Nana Patekar, a veteran Indian actor, was born Vishwanath Patekar and is known for films such as Parinda, Krantiveer and Ab Tak Chhappan. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2013 for his contributions to Indian cinema. Some reports dated 8 October 2026 claim the actor has died, but this information is unverified. Independent confirmation from family or official sources is required before publication. Patekar remains a noted figure in Indian cinema and has been involved in social welfare through the Naam Foundation. Readers should await official statements to confirm any obituary.

Notable works: Parinda, Krantiveer, Ab Tak Chhappan
Padma Shri: 2013
Death claim: unverified as of now
Need: official confirmation from reliable sources
Public profile: prominent Indian actor and philanthropist

Sep 30, 2026

11-year-old Bodhana Sivanandan becomes youngest Woman Grandmaster

Bodhana Sivanandan, an 11-year-old chess prodigy of Indian origin representing England, created history by becoming the youngest-ever Woman Grandmaster (WGM) in chess. She achieved her third and final WGM norm during the 46th Chess Olympiad held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Playing on the top board for England’s women’s team, she scored eight points from eleven games. Her achievement surpassed the previous age record for earning the prestigious WGM title and marks a major milestone in international chess. Her success is celebrated in both India and the United Kingdom as an example of talent rising through youth.

11-year-old Bodhana Sivanandan represents England
Achieved final WGM norm at the 46th Chess Olympiad, Samarkand
Scored 8/11 on the top board for England women
Becomes youngest-ever Woman Grandmaster
Celebrated as a milestone for Indian-origin players

Sep 25, 2026

IIT Bombay Student Sahil Wakode’s Death: Family Protests for Action

The death of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode has prompted his family to begin a hunger strike, demanding accountability and a thorough, transparent investigation. Support has grown from political figures and student groups who call for prompt action and clear communication about the case. Police and investigators are reviewing evidence and interviewing witnesses as part of the ongoing inquiry. Campus safety and student welfare have come under renewed scrutiny, with calls for reforms in campus policing, mental health resources, and incident reporting procedures. Authorities have pledged a careful, independent review to address public concern.

Subject: Sahil Wakode's death
Reaction: Family hunger strike; public statements of concern
Investigation: Ongoing, with evidence review
Issues: Campus safety, student welfare
Public interest: Calls for transparency and reforms

Sep 19, 2026

Zhang Yiming becomes Asia’s richest person, led by ByteDance growth

Chinese tech entrepreneur Zhang Yiming, founder of ByteDance, has become Asia’s richest person as ByteDance expands TikTok and other platforms, alongside AI initiatives. Bloomberg’s wealth metrics place his net worth around 105 billion dollars, buoyed by the company’s diversified digital businesses and AI ventures. Born in Fujian, China, Zhang remains a major shareholder and a pivotal figure in Asia’s technology sector. His ascent highlights the growing influence of AI-enabled platforms in wealth rankings and the shifting landscape of Asia’s tech wealth leaders.

Subject: Zhang Yiming, founder of ByteDance
Rank: Asia’s richest person (Bloomberg index)
Estimated net worth: about $105 billion
Main driver: TikTok/ByteDance growth and AI initiatives
Background: born in Fujian, China
Significance: AI-enabled platforms shaping wealth rankings

Sep 08, 2026

Padma Shri awardee S. R. Janakiraman passes away

Noted Carnatic classical vocalist, musician, and musicologist S. R. Janakiraman passed away in September 2026. A respected exponent and educator, he championed Carnatic music through performances, teaching, and scholarly research. He received the Padma Shri for his contributions to Indian classical music and was honoured with the title Sangita Kala Acharya by The Music Academy, Madras, for his pedagogy and scholarship. Janakiraman's work included archival contributions, upcoming publications, and mentoring generations of musicians. His death is seen as a significant loss to the Indian music world. Tributes from artists and institutions highlighted his dedication to tradition, pedagogy, and cross-cultural collaboration.

Noted Carnatic vocalist and musicologist.
Padma Shri recipient; Sangita Kala Acharya honouree.
Contributed through performance, teaching, and research.
Archival work and mentoring generations of musicians.
Seen as a significant loss to Indian classical music.

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