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Veteran Doordarshan News Anchor Sarla Maheshwari Passes Away at 71

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Veteran Doordarshan news anchor Sarla Maheshwari, a familiar and trusted face for generations of Indian television viewers, has passed away at the age of 71. Her demise marks the end of an era that defined the golden years of public broadcasting in India.

Maheshwari joined Doordarshan in 1976 and rose to prominence as a full-time newsreader by 1982. Over the years, she became synonymous with credibility and composure, delivering news with clarity and dignity during some of the country’s most significant moments. She played a key role during the historic 1982 Asian Games, when India witnessed the transition from monochrome to colour television broadcasts — a turning point in the nation’s media history.

Throughout her career, Maheshwari covered major national events, including the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991 and the turbulent years marked by Punjab militancy. Her steady on-screen presence offered reassurance to viewers during challenging times, earning her immense respect across audiences.

Known for her impeccable Hindi diction, understated style, and simple saris, she represented the grace and professionalism of classic Doordarshan journalism. She continued her distinguished career until her resignation in 2005, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire aspiring broadcasters.

Tributes have poured in from colleagues, including fellow newsreader Shammi Narang, who remembered her as a symbol of elegance and dedication to truthful journalism. Fans across social media have also shared nostalgic memories, recalling how her voice became a part of their childhood evenings.

Sarla Maheshwari is survived by her husband, a gastroenterologist, and their two sons. Her contribution to Indian broadcasting remains a timeless chapter in the evolution of television news.

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V Srinivasan, Husband of PT Usha, Passes Away at 67; Athletes Remember His Guiding Role

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Written by Alisha Fernandes || Allycaral

India mourns the loss of V Srinivasan, the husband of legendary sprinter PT Usha, who passed away at the age of 67. Known not only for his support of PT Usha’s illustrious career but also for his nurturing role at the Usha School of Athletics, Srinivasan was remembered as a father figure and mentor by many budding athletes.

Tintu Luka, the Asian Games medallist and one of the school’s most celebrated students, described Srinivasan as “Usha chechi’s backbone” and a guiding light for young women athletes. “If we needed anything he was there for us. I would tell him about anything that was worrying me, and he always listened patiently and guided us,” said Tintu, highlighting his deep commitment to fostering talent and instilling confidence in the athletes.

Beyond his familial support, Srinivasan played an instrumental role behind the scenes, ensuring that the athletes at the Usha School of Athletics had access to resources, encouragement, and moral support. His loss has left a profound void not only in PT Usha’s personal life but also in the larger Indian athletics community, where his quiet, steadfast presence helped shape the careers of countless women athletes.

Tributes have poured in from the athletics fraternity, celebrating his generosity, dedication, and mentorship. His legacy continues in the athletes whose lives he touched and the impact he made on Indian sports.

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Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar Dies in Plane Crash

Tanisha Cardozo

Ajit Anantrao Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and one of the state’s most seasoned political leaders, died on January 28, 2026, following a tragic plane crash in Baramati, Pune district. The chartered aircraft carrying Pawar attempted an emergency landing at Baramati airport when it crash-landed under circumstances that are currently under investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Multiple credible reports confirm that there were no survivors among the key passengers, including Pawar and several others aboard the aircraft.

Pawar, aged 66, had a long and distinguished political career spanning more than three decades, during which he held pivotal roles in the governance of Maharashtra. At the time of his death, he was serving as the state’s Deputy Chief Minister as well as the Minister for Finance and Planning — positions in which he played a central role in shaping policy and economic strategy for one of India’s most populous and economically significant states. Widely respected for his administrative acumen, Pawar was recognized both within his party, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and among political peers for his deep understanding of fiscal matters.

Born on July 22, 1959, in Deolali Pravara in Ahmednagar district, Pawar’s political journey was rooted in grassroots engagement and cooperative movement involvement, which later propelled him into mainstream legislative and executive roles. Over the years, he served multiple terms in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and held ministerial portfolios across successive governments, earning a reputation as a pragmatic and seasoned leader.

The crash has triggered an outpouring of grief across Maharashtra and the national political landscape, with leaders from various parties expressing condolences and highlighting Pawar’s contributions to public service. As investigations into the cause of the plane incident continue, his death leaves a significant void in the state’s leadership and governance framework.

Ajit Pawar’s legacy will be remembered for his extensive public service, his role in economic governance, and his influence on state politics, marking the end of a prominent chapter in Maharashtra’s political history.

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Cricket Pioneer Inderjit Singh Bindra Passes Away at 84

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Indian cricket has lost one of its most influential architects with the passing of Inderjit Singh Bindra, former President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and a towering figure in cricket administration. Bindra passed away on Sunday evening at his New Delhi residence following a prolonged illness. He was 84.

Widely regarded as a visionary administrator, Bindra played a pivotal role in shaping the modern era of Indian cricket. Working closely with former BCCI President Jagmohan Dalmiya, he was instrumental in bringing the 1987 and 1996 ICC Cricket World Cups to the Indian subcontinent—milestones that firmly established India as a global cricketing powerhouse.

Bindra was also a key force behind breaking long-standing broadcasting monopolies, a move that significantly enhanced the commercial value of Indian cricket and expanded its global reach. His progressive outlook helped lay the foundation for the financial and administrative strength that Indian cricket enjoys today.

As President of the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA), Bindra oversaw the construction of the iconic Mohali cricket stadium, now officially named the Inderjit Singh Bindra Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in his honour. The venue remains one of India’s most prominent cricket grounds and a lasting symbol of his contribution to the sport.

Tributes poured in from across the cricketing fraternity. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh, veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle, and several current and former administrators remembered Bindra as a father figure whose integrity, foresight, and administrative acumen helped fuel Indian cricket’s meteoric rise. The BCCI, Punjab Cricket Association, and Punjab Kings franchise also expressed their condolences, acknowledging his enduring impact on the game.

Inderjit Singh Bindra’s legacy extends beyond titles and infrastructure—he is remembered as a man who believed in cricket as a force for unity, professionalism, and national pride. His contributions will continue to shape Indian cricket for generations to come.

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Anil Agarwal’s Son Agnivesh Agarwal Passes Away at 49 After Cardiac Arrest; Tributes Pour In

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Agnivesh Agarwal, the eldest son of Vedanta Chairman and mining billionaire Anil Agarwal, passed away in the United States following a sudden cardiac arrest. He was 49.

According to reports, Agnivesh Agarwal had earlier sustained injuries in a skiing accident in the US and was undergoing treatment at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. While doctors had initially indicated encouraging signs of recovery, he suffered a sudden cardiac arrest that proved fatal, despite medical efforts.

Agnivesh served on the board of Talwandi Sabo Power Limited (TSPL), a Vedanta Group firm, and was actively involved in the group’s operations. Known for his low-profile presence, he was respected within corporate circles for his professionalism and commitment.

In a deeply emotional message shared on X, Anil Agarwal described the tragedy as “the darkest day” of his life.
“We believed the worst was behind us. But fate had other plans, and a sudden cardiac arrest snatched our son away from us,” he wrote. Expressing the depth of his grief, the Vedanta Chairman added that no parent is ever prepared for such a loss and that the family is struggling to comprehend the magnitude of the tragedy.

Tributes have poured in from across the business community, industry leaders, and well-wishers, many expressing shock and offering condolences to the Agarwal family during this difficult time.

The passing of Agnivesh Agarwal marks a profound personal loss for one of India’s most prominent industrial families and has cast a pall of grief across corporate India.