Category: Obituary

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-Top News Fashion Obituary

The Golden Thread: Remembering Rohit Bal

Rohit Bal forays into home linens.(photo;IANSLIFE)

Bal was never just a designer; he was a storyteller who wrote his tales in fabric and thread, writes Soniya Kirpalani 

In the vibrant tapestry of Indian fashion, some threads shimmer more brilliantly than others. I’ll never forget my first encounter with one such golden thread – a young man with dancing eyes and an infectious smile who simply said, “Hi, I am Rohit Bal, but you can call me Gudda.” Fresh from his triumphant debut show at Ensemble Mumbai, he stood before me, his talent radiating like sunshine through monsoon clouds, yet somehow unaware of his own brilliance.

Soniya Kirpalani

That day, I fell in love with his black jacket adorned with copper-gold paisley motifs – a piece that spoke of Kashmir’s soul in every stitch. He couldn’t even calculate the cost of the outfit. Few days later, he reluctantly and shyly quoted 36,000 INR. I gawked!! It was 1990, and at that time was the price of a suburban Mumbai apartment. He went on to give me a breakdown, patiently explaining the costs, right there I knew I was investing not just in clothing, but in a piece of history in the making. That’s who Gudda was – creating masterpieces before he even knew their worth. And most importantly, he wanted to offer value to his clients.

Bal was never just a designer; he was a storyteller who wrote his tales in fabric and thread. A history graduate who never really studied design, he spoke the language of Indian craftsmanship with native fluency, turning traditional motifs into contemporary poetry. His strength flowed from family – his brother managed his production, his sister standing steadfast beside him with the retail side – while pioneers like Rohit Khosla and Tina Tahiliani helped illuminate his path.

Our friendship was an unlikely harmony – me, a teetotal vegetarian, and him, fashion’s celebrated ‘Bad Boy.’ Behind the flamboyant persona that the world knew, I witnessed the gentle Kashmiri soul, contemplative and passionate, whose every creation was a love letter to his craft. I saw him fall in love and rise out of heartbreak and hold dignified loyalties.  We were bound by something deeper: a fierce devotion to preserving India’s vanishing artistic heritage.

Bollywood actress Ananya Panday with fashion designer Rohit Bal and others during the finale of Lakme Fashion Week x FDCI, at The Imperial, in New Delhi. (ANI Photo/Ritik Jain)

The fashion world often painted Tarun Tahiliani and Rohit Bal as rivals, but reality told a different story. Their competitive spirit was overshadowed by their mutual respect and shared vision. Together with Gitanjali Kashyap and Ritu Kumar, they birthed the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) – not just an organization, but a sanctuary where Indian fashion could spread its wings and soar globally. It transcended its role as a mere industry body. It became a sacred space where ancient craftsmanship met contemporary innovation, where emerging talent and India’s artisans and weavers found their voice.

He understood that for Indian fashion to truly flourish, it needed more than just designers – it needed an ecosystem that nurtured creativity, preserved tradition, and built bridges between India’s artistic heritage and the modern world. This was Bal at his most visionary, creating pathways for future generations of designers, supporting the soul of Indian craftsmanship to emerge. Bal continued weaving a tapestry of cultures and talents that reshaped perceptions and my own life took me to new places. It was a transformative time for me too. Edged on by TT and Bal, I started my own venture: A Style Statement. This was Asia’s first online platform, a dream to unite diverse South Asian talent from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the UAE onto an international stage. This is when I realized how fiercely loyal Bal was. Rohit became my mentor and was one of the first to send his collections, setting a standard of excellence and trust.

Rohit’s work remained a touchstone—a tribute to the enduring beauty of friendship of an unparalleled designer. So, when I walked to pick up my 1st big film award in Cannes, I was wearing Rohit Bal, a fitting tribute to a man who brought India into the heart of global fashion. Then again for my most important moments in life, I wear either Rohit Bal or Tarun Tahiliani, it is my way of holding on to a legacy of artistry and innovation that continues to inspire mw. Sadly post 2020, I haven’t attended any shows, Rohit too took a back seat. Until his final show in October 2024.

 “Kaaynaat: A Bloom in the Universe” this was pure poetry in motion. Roses, peacocks, and horses danced across fabrics, as did a visibly unwell Rohit bal. But it was a finale and fitting goodbye. Today November 1, 2024, as Rohit Bal passed away, it wasn’t just the end of a life, but the closing of a magnificent chapter in Indian fashion. Bal leaves behind not just collections, but constellations – each design a star lighting the way for future generations. In his creations, I see not just clothes, but dreams woven into reality, not just patterns, but passages of India’s artistic soul.

Rest in peace, dear Gudda. You didn’t just design fashion; you designed dreams, preserved heritage, and showed us that true style flows from the heart. Your legacy blooms eternal, like the flowers you so loved to embroider – forever beautiful, forever inspiring, forever changing the landscape of what Indian fashion could be.

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-Top News India News Obituary

BPL Group Chairman T.P.G. Nambiar passes away

Nambiar’s son-in-law and former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar confirmed the news….reports Asian Lite News

Famous BPL Group Founder T.P. Goplan Nambiar, who was suffering from age-related ailments for some time, passed away at his Bengaluru residence on Thursday morning. He was 94.

Nambiar’s son-in-law and former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar confirmed the news.

“It is with great sadness that I inform all abt the passing away of my father-in-law TPG Nambiar, Chairman BPL Group. #OmShanthi He was a true visionary and built one of India’s most trusted consumer brands that remains popular to this day. #BelieveInTheBest”, he said in a post on X.

“I am pausing my Election campaign work and returning to Bengaluru to be with family,” the BJP leader wrote.

Returning to India after working in the US and the UK, Nambiar set up the British Physical Laboratories India Pvt Ltd, as a joint venture with a British company, in Kerala in 1963 to manufacture precision devices for defence forces. It later expanded its medical devices, and in the 1980s, also diversified into televisions, video cassette recorders, and later on refrigerators and other consumer electrical and electronic devices.

Condoling the death of Nambiar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a post on X, said: “Shri TPG Nambiar Ji was a pioneering innovator and industrialist, who was a strong votary of making India economically strong. Pained by his passing away. Condolences to his family and admirers.”

Karnataka’s Commerce & Industries and Infrastructure Minister M.B. Patil wrote on X: “I am deeply saddened to hear the passing of T.P. Gopalan Nambiar, the visionary founder of the BPL Group, whose pioneering contributions to India’s electronics industry have left an indelible mark. His legacy will continue to inspire generations. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. May his soul find eternal peace. #BPL”

Veteran BJP leader and former Karnataka Chief Minister B.S.Yediyurappa, in an X post, said: “Saddened by the passing of Shri TPG Nambiar, founder of the iconic BPL brand, who has been a close acquaintance for a long time. Shri Nambiar’s enormous contributions and legacy will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his loved ones”.

Former Union Minister Shashi Tharoor taking to social media stated, “Sad to learn of the passing of Shri TPG Nambiar, visionary Kerala industrialist who ushered in a new chapter in electronics manufacturing here by setting up a state-of-the-art facility at Palakkad after acquiring British Physical Laboratories in 1961, renamed BPL Limited. A true pioneer who remains an inspiration.”      

Biocon Ltd Executive Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw also expressed her condolences.

“Founder of BPL Group, T P Gopalan Nambiar, passes away at 94; mourned by political leaders and family. A great visionary Business Leader who was a forerunner of our teletech industry. Om Shanthi”, she said on X.

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-Top News Obituary UK News

Scotland’s former First Minister Alex Salmond dies

Salmond, who served as First Minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014 and was a prominent leader of the Scottish National Party…reports Asian Lite News

Public figures from across Scotland and the United Kingdom paid tribute to former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond, who died on Saturday at the age of 69.

Salmond, a key figure in the Scottish independence movement, reportedly collapsed in North Macedonia after delivering a speech. The British Press Association reported Salmond was thought to have suffered a heart attack, but said there would be a post-mortem examination to confirm the cause of death, CNN reported.

Salmond, who served as First Minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014 and was a prominent leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), was hailed by figures across the political spectrum for his tireless work and contributions to Scottish and UK politics.

Leading the tributes, King Charles expressed his grief over Salmond’s passing, saying, “My wife and I are greatly saddened to hear of the sudden death of Alex Salmond,” the king said. “His devotion to Scotland drove his decades of public service.”

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also paid his respects, calling Salmond “a monumental figure of Scottish and UK politics” for over 30 years. Starmer continued, “He leaves behind a lasting legacy. As First Minister of Scotland he cared deeply about Scotland’s heritage, history, and culture, as well as the communities he represented as MP (member of parliament) and MSP (member of the Scottish parliament) over many years of service. My thoughts are with those who knew him, his family, and his loved ones. On behalf of the UK government, I offer them our condolences today.”

Salmond, who played a leading role in the 2014 independence referendum, secured 45 per cent of the vote, a significant result for the cause. Though defeated in the referendum, he continued to advocate for independence, founding the Alba Party in 2021 after stepping down as SNP leader and First Minister.

Chris McEleny, General Secretary of the Alba Party, shared his sorrow, stating, “I will never be able to thank Alex for all his lessons, advice, guidance, mentorship, love and friendship and for everything he did for Scotland. For many years he was the father of the nation and for several years he has been a father-like figure to me,” CNN reported.

Scottish First Minister John Swinney also expressed his deep sadness. “Over many years, Alex made an enormous contribution to political life – not just within Scotland, but across the UK and beyond. Alex worked tirelessly and fought fearlessly for the country that he loved and for her independence. He took the Scottish National Party from the fringes of Scottish politics into government and led Scotland so close to becoming an Independent country,” Swinney said, as reported by CNN.

Despite his political career facing setbacks, including a high-profile trial in 2018 over sexual misconduct accusations, Salmond was cleared of all charges in a 2020 trial. His long-standing influence on Scottish politics remains undeniable.

Scottish Labour Party leader Anas Sarwar also shared his condolences, stating, “The sad news of Alex Salmond’s passing today will come as a shock to all who knew him in Scotland, across the UK and beyond. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time and on behalf of Scottish Labour I offer our sincere condolences to all who will be mourning his loss. Alex was a central figure in politics for over three decades and his contribution to the Scottish political landscape cannot be overstated,” CNN reported. (ANI)

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-Top News India News Obituary

Industry Legend Ratan Tata Dies At 86  

Ratan Tata had became chairman of the $100 billion steel-to-software conglomerate in 1991 and ran the group founded by his great-grandfather more than a hundred years ago until 2012…reports Asian Lite News

Ratan Tata, chairman emeritus of one of India’s biggest conglomerates, Tata Sons, has died at 86. Just on Monday, the industrialist in a social media post had dismissed speculation surrounding his health and had said he was undergoing routine medical investigations due to his age.

N Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons, in a late night statement on Wednesday, announced the death of Mr Tata, hailing the industrialist’s unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation. 

“It is with a profound sense of loss that we bid farewell to Mr. Ratan Naval Tata, a truly uncommon leader whose immeasurable contributions have shaped not only the Tata Group but also the very fabric of our nation,” said Chandrasekaran.

“For the Tata Group, Tata was more than a chairperson. To me, he was a mentor, guide and friend. He inspired by example. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation, the Tata Group under his stewardship expanded its global footprint while always remaining true to its moral compass,” said Chandrasekaran.

Remembering Tata’s contribution to philanthropy, Chandrasekharan said “from education to healthcare, his initiatives have left a deep-rooted mark that will benefit generations to come”.

‘Welcome back, Air India’, says Ratan Tata. Pic credits IANS

As news broke, tributes poured in from the industry and beyond. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes, hailing the industrialist as ” a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being”.

“Shri Ratan Tata Ji was a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being. He provided stable leadership to one of India’s oldest and most prestigious business houses. At the same time, his contribution went far beyond the boardroom. He endeared himself to several people thanks to his humility, kindness and an unwavering commitment to making our society better,” the Prime Minister posted on X in a series of tweets along with pictures.

Rahul Gandhi said: “Ratan Tata was a man with a vision. He has left a lasting mark on both business and philanthropy. My condolences to his family and the Tata community.”

Industrialist Anand Mahindra said he is “unable to accept the absence of Ratan Tata”. “I am unable to accept the absence of  Ratan Tata. India’s economy stands on the cusp of a historic leap forward. And Ratan’s life and work have had much to do with our being in this position. Hence, his mentorship and guidance at this point in time would have been invaluable. With him gone, all we can do is to commit to emulating his example. Because he was a businessman for whom financial wealth and success was most useful when it was put to the service of the global community,” said Mahindra.

Mukesh Ambani hailed Tata as one of India’s most illustrious and kind-hearted sons.

“It is a very sad day for India and India Inc. Ratan Tata’s passing away is a big loss, not just to the Tata Group, but to every Indian,” Ambani said in his condolence message.

“At a personal level, the passing of Ratan Tata has filled me with immense grief as I lost a dear friend,” he said, adding interactions with him “enhanced my respect for the nobility of his character and the fine human values he embodied.

Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, founder of Biocon Limited and Biocon Biologics, tweeted a throwback picture remembering Tata.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai credited the businessman for “mentoring and developing the modern business leadership in India”. “He leaves an extraordinary business and philanthropic legacy and was instrumental in mentoring and developing the modern business leadership in India. He deeply cared about making India better. Deep condolences to his loved ones and Rest in Peace Shri Ratan Tata Ji,” Mr Pichai posted on X.

Ratan Tata became chairman of the $100 billion steel-to-software conglomerate in 1991 and ran the group founded by his great-grandfather more than a hundred years ago until 2012. He founded telecommunications company Tata Teleservices in 1996 and took IT company Tata Consultancy Services public in 2004.

In a role reversal in 2004, Tata Group, an Indian company, having acquired iconic British car brands – Jaguar and Land Rover – found itself cast as reverse colonialists.

In 2009, Ratan Tata fulfilled his promise to make the world’s cheapest car accessible to the middle class. The Tata Nano, priced at Rs 1 lakh, became a symbol of innovation and affordability.

Tata was twice the Chairperson of the Tata Group conglomerate, from 1991 to 2012 and from 2016 to 2017. Although he stepped back from the company’s day-to-day running, he continued to head its charitable trusts.

Cyrus Mistry, who succeeded Ratan Tata as chairman of Tata Sons but was later ousted in India’s most high-profile boardroom coup, died in a car crash in 2022. The bitter feud between the two remained unsolved. 

After stepping down, Ratan Tata became chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, Tata Industries, Tata Motors, Tata Steel and Tata Chemicals.

Long after retirement, Tata remained a popular figure on social media, with heartfelt posts about animal rights (particularly dogs) and appeals to Indian citizens.

Carrying on a tradition dating back to the time of Jamsetji Tata, Ratan Tata ensured that Bombay House, the Tata group’s headquarters, remained a haven for stray dogs.

With over 13 million followers on X and nearly 10 million on Instagram, he was the ‘most followed entrepreneur’ in India, according to the 360 ONE Wealth Hurun India Rich List 2023.

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Dubai Obituary UAE News

Ram Buxani: A Memoir of a Dubai Stalwart

Buxani’s life was a mosaic of hard work, perseverance, and strategic foresight, writes Soniya Kirpalani

In the heart of Dubai, where towering skyscrapers kiss the desert sky and the hum of progress is a constant melody, the story of Ram Buxani unfolds like a timeless saga. Born in the modest town of Hyderabad, Sindh, in pre-partition India, Ram Buxani’s journey to becoming a celebrated figure in Dubai’s bustling metropolis is a testament to resilience, vision, and an indomitable spirit.

Arriving in Dubai in 1959, when it was but a sleepy trading port, Buxani saw potential where others saw sands and a scattering of dhows. The city’s transformation mirrored his own evolution from a young migrant to a business magnate. With unwavering determination, he immersed himself in the burgeoning trade industry, contributing to the foundation of ITL Cosmos Group, helping it evolve into a company that would become synonymous with trust and innovation in the region.

Buxani’s life was a mosaic of hard work, perseverance, and strategic foresight. His early days were spent navigating the intricate web of business in a rapidly changing landscape, often working from dawn till dusk. It was his tenacity and unyielding belief in Dubai’s future that set him apart. He didn’t just witness the city’s metamorphosis; he was a pivotal part of it, playing a crucial role in shaping its commercial identity.

Beyond business, Ram Buxani was a stalwart of the community, known for his philanthropic endeavors and commitment to social causes. He championed education, believing it to be the cornerstone of progress, and supported numerous initiatives to empower the underprivileged. His autobiography, “Taking the High Road,” is not just a recounting of his personal and professional journey but also a chronicle of Dubai’s transformation from a desert outpost to a global powerhouse. I remember him as a good father to two beautiful young girls, but Ram Buxani’s legacy also extends beyond his personal and corporate achievements. He was a mentor to many, an advocate for ethical business practices, and a beacon of hope for those who dared to dream.

Post Covid the Indian Embassy has been hosting Elevate- to support Indian entrepreneurship spirit and educating emerging startups. Ram Buxani would often be found there, quietly watching, cheering and mentoring their talent. His story is interwoven with the narrative of Dubai itself – a tale of ambition, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. I remember meeting him at several policy and strategy meetings, either at the Indian Embassy, the Indian High School and even at Dubai’s Majlis meetings, where only a few foresightful individuals are invited to represent the community. Ram Buxani never faltered, he proudly and insightfully represented the NRI Indian community at every level.

Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to UAE says “In his passing, the community has lost a guide, a role model and a mentor. Mr Buxani has done the Indian community in the UAE proud. He will remain an inspiration for generations of Indians who call the UAE home. He was one of the most prominent Indians in the UAE whose hard work, entrepreneurial spirit and service to the Indian community will always be remembered.”

One thing all of us will remember, is his warm smile, respectful greeting. In remembering Ram Buxani, we celebrate not just a man but an era of boundless possibilities and the realization of dreams against all odds. His life reminds us that true success is not measured by wealth alone but by the positive impact one leaves on the world and the lives touched along the way. As Dubai continues to soar, the spirit of Ram Buxani lives on, inspiring future generations to take the high road and pursue their dreams with courage and conviction.

ALSO READ: Renowned Photographer Prashant Mukundan Dies, Aged 65

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India News Obituary UAE News

Renowned Photographer Prashant Mukundan Dies, Aged 65

Prashant Mukundan (65), a distinguished former photojournalist from the UAE, has passed away. He worked for many years at Gulf Today, an English newspaper published in Sharjah.

Prashant began his career as a photographer at Al Amar Studio, one of the earliest studios in Kannur, located in the old bus stand area. In the late 1980s, he worked for Mathrubhumi Daily.

He later moved to the UAE, where he became one of the prominent photographers. He captured images of world leaders – such as Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Morarji Desai, Charan Singh – and celebrities from the arts, culture, and sports – such as Pele and Maradona. Throughout his career, he received numerous awards for his work.

He was the son of the late footballer KP Mukandan and Usha. He is survived by his wife, Nita Prashant, and children, Vinayak and Anjayaney. He also leaves behind his siblings: Nisha Ramesh, Neena Prakash, the late Latish Mukundan, and Sushant Mukundan.

Prashant was residing in Usha near Kannur Max Nursery.

The body will be brought to Krishna Griha on Chalad Pannenpara Road this evening and will be cremated at Payyambalam on Saturday at 10 AM.

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Lite Blogs Obituary

Ghazal Maestro Who Touched Hearts Across Generations

Born in Gujarat’s Jetpur (Rajkot) in May 1951 in a landed family as the youngest of three brothers, Pankaj Udhas was no stranger to music…reports Asian Lite News

His career is a testament to the pervasive appeal of ghazal, for Pankaj Udhas, among the foremost who brought the perceived elitist genre of music into the popular sphere, hailed well beyond its prime catchment area, but mastered the form with dedication and performed it with panache.

Pankaj Udhas, who passed away on Monday aged 72, is usually – and erroneously – seen as a purveyor of the ghazal’s “maikhana” tradition.

This is chiefly due to his famous renditions of “Mujhko yaaron muaaf karna, main nashe mein hoon”, “Thodi thodi piya karo”,”Sharab cheez hi aisi”, “Ek taraf us ka ghai ek taraf maikada”, “Sabko maloom hai main sharabi nahi” and several other vintage melodies, but there was more range to his velvet-rounded voice.

Recall the ebullient “Chandi jaisa rang hain tera”, the pensive “Kabhi saaya hai kabhi dhoop” or “Aap jinke kareeb hote hai”, the lightly mournful “Deewaron se milkar rona acha lagta hai”, “Niklo na benaqaab”, and “Aaiye baarishon ka mausam hain”.

And there is the especially heart-tugging “Chitthi aai hai” from Mahesh Bhatt’s “Naam” (1986) where he appeared onscreen himself – and made himself one of the most identifiable ghazal singers.

Born in Gujarat’s Jetpur (Rajkot) in May 1951 in a landed family as the youngest of three brothers, Pankaj Udhas was no stranger to music.

Not only had his eldest brother Manhar Udhas become a moderately successful Hindi film playback singer, the second, Nirmal Udhas, was also a well-known ghazal singer, and in fact, was the first of them to start singing in the family. In fact, their father Keshubhai Udhas, a government servant, had once met renowned veena player Abdul Karim Khan, who taught him to play the dilruba.

Seeing his father play the dilruba/esraj – which incidentally was the instrument on which famed Hindi music composer Roshan (the grandfather of Hrithik) had prowess – kindled the interest of Pankaj Udhas in music and it grew so ingrained in all the siblings that the father enrolled them at the Sangeet Academy in Rajkot, in addition to their usual studies.

Pankaj Udhas initially wanted to play the tabla, but then plumped for learning Hindustani classical vocal from Ustaad Ghulam Qadir Khan, and then moved to Mumbai to train under Gwalior Gharana’s Navrang Nagpurkar. Subsequently, he did his B.Sc from the Wilson College in Mumbai.

Like many others, he had his sights set on Bollywood, but confessed later to having a “love-hate relationship” with the industry. He sang the first song for the film “Kamna” (1971), composed by Usha Khanna and written by Naqsh Lyallpur. While the film flopped, the song became very popular.

Pankaj Udhas, in an interview some years back, recalled that there was a lot of competition in Bollywood with Kishore Kumar and Mohammad Rafi still at their prime and as a newcomer, it would not be easy for him to make headway, and as he had already been singing ghazals, he decided to shift his focus entirely to them, especially learning Urdu for the purpose.

However, this realm of music was no easier to stand out, with several stalwarts already ensconced, and it took several years for him to make his mark. His first album “Aahat” (1980) brought him to notice, as did “Mukarrar” and “Nayaab” and as his style of singing matured, his popularity began to rise.

While he had been doing concerts and had become famous among the cognoscenti, “Naam” made him a household figure.

While continuing with ghazals, he also kept his tryst with popular music, of the Bollywood variety, with some famous outings, including the softly sensuous duet (with Anuradha Paudwal) “Aaj phir tumpe pyaar aaya hai” (“Dayavan”, 1988), “Mohabbat inayat karam dekhte hain” (“Bahaar Aane Tak”, 1990), “Jiye to jiye kaise” (“Saajan”, 1991), and “Na kajre ki dhaar”, (“Mohra”, 1994), among many others.

He had over 60 albums – including the first-ever released on a CD in India – and hundreds of compilation albums to his credit and was still active in concerts until the last moment.

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-Top News Obituary USA

Indian Investigative Journalist Dies in New York City

Khan, according to the department, was one of five people seriously injured and taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead…reports Asian Lite News

An Indian investigative journalist has died in a building fire in New York City despite firefighters’ heroic efforts to save the people trapped in the apartment building.

The death of Fazil Khan, 27, a reporter for Hechinger Report, in Friday’s fire in the Harlem section of the city, was confirmed by the education-focused news media and India’s Consulate-General in posts on X.

According to the New York Fire Department, a lithium-ion battery caused the fire that injured 17 other people.

Khan, according to the department, was one of five people seriously injured and taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Hechinger Report, a non-profit media outlet focused on education, said in an X post: “We are devastated by the loss of such a great colleague and wonderful person, and our hearts go out to his family. He will be dearly missed.”

The journalist organisation, Investigative Reporters and Editors, posted on X: “He was a wonderful, talented member of the IRE community. He will be missed.”

In an X post, India’s Consulate General said it was saddened by his death and gave the assurance, “We continue to extend all possible assistance in repatriation of his mortal remains to India”.

Khan was a graduate of Columbia University’s Journalism school, the Indian Institute of Mass Communications in New Delhi, and the Delhi University.

Hechinger Report’s website said he worked as “a data reporter who is responsible for gathering and analyzing education data and collaborating with other reporters to expose inequality and examine innovation in education”.

The fire in the six-storey building trapped residents, three of whom hung out of windows and were rescued in a dramatic operation by firefighters who dangled on ropes outside the building to reach them and bring them down to safety. Meanwhile, other firefighters rushed into the building to help those trapped inside, some of them unconscious, escape the fire, Fire Department’s Chief of Operations John Hodgens said.

According to Khan’s LinkedIn profile, he had worked for Business Standard as a sub-editor and for CNN-News18 as a correspondent before coming to the US in 2020 to study at Columbia. After his graduation, he had worked at the university’s Graduate School of Journalism as an investigative fellow.

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Asia News Obituary World News

Sindh Protests Against Army’s Land Grab Mission

General Asim Munir Chief of Army Staff Pakistan

Sindh is rising in protest over Pakistan Army’s corporate farming land grab. The Sindh government has recently issued a notification to hand over 52000 acres to a private company MS Green Corporate Initiative. But this firm is not an ordinary private firm, it is owned by the Pakistan Army

People in Sindh are rising up to protest against the Pakistan Army’s calculated plan to grab over 52000 acres of arable land under the guise of corporate farming. The land is being granted under the umbrella of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), a civil-military body that was set up by General Asim Munir in June to attract foreign investments in the country.

Political parties in the province are organising marches and conferences to highlight how the army’s move threatens the existence of Sindh. The most recent conference was held at Thatta Press Club under the banner of Awami Tehreek. A large number of writers, intellectuals, poets, lawyers, writers, political and social leaders of Sindh participated in the conference called out the land grab attempt by the army and its proxy companies.

General Asim Munir Chief of Army Staff Pakistan

The Sindh government has recently issued a notification to hand over 52000 acres to a private company MS Green Corporate Initiative. But this firm is not an ordinary private firm, it is owned by the Pakistan Army. The firm was registered in August this year with the Security Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and around 99% of shares in the firm are held by the Pakistan army through its nominee, Major General (retd). Shahid Nazir. Nazir heads the Land Information and Management System – Center of Excellence, set up in July this year. The Centre already has collaboration with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and China on various agriculture projects.

In November this year, the firm got Rs 20 billion from the government, approved by the Economic Coordination Committee. The committee is headed by the Interim Prime Minister Anwal ul Kakhar, appointed by the Army. The army had briefed the committee that the Green Corporate Initiative had earlier got Rs 100 billion from the Punjab government along with 45000 acres of land. The total land expected to go to the army is about one million acres.

The army has already entered into partnership with another company, Unity Plantations Private Ltd, a subsidiary of Sunridge Foods Private Ltd., headed by another retired General, Lt. General Omar Mahmood Hayat. This firm, early this year, had released an app to help contain malnutrition in Pakistan.

A former Pakistan Foreign Service officer, M Alam Brohi, wrote (Daily Times December 12, 2023) how devastating the corporate farming would be on the already heavily contested water supply in the province. He argued that the corporate farming on huge tracts of land would claim a big share of the meagre irrigation water resources of Sindh. He pointed out that the province has chronically faced an acute shortage of irrigation waters for the “Rabi” season. The new corporate farming would take away a significant part of this water supply, causing serious depletion of supply to existing farmers. He dismissed the claim that water flowing into the sea downstream of Kotri Barrage would be desalinated for use as irrigation water in corporate farming. He said it was a given scientific view that a certain amount of sweet water should be allow to flow into the sea to preserve the ecosystem, mangrove forests, animal life and delta from extinction. Sindh has one of the biggest deltas in the world with mangrove forests with rare breeds of fish and other sea animals.

Without naming the Pakistan Army, the former Ambassador questioned the latest move by the army to take over a huge tract of cultivable land for corporate farming after it has already appropriated vast spaces of urban and rural lands of Sindh for Cantonments and housing schemes. He said the forcible takeover of the lands will only deepen “the sense of deprivation among the people of Sindh; lower the esteem of this great institution in the second-largest federal unit and strengthen centrifugal forces to the peril of the federation.”

The army has already occupied vast tracts of land in the name of defence housing societies, plots for the families of martyrs and retired Generals, and now under the name of farming, at least a million acres in Sindh is on the anvil.

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George Bush Remembers Henry Kissinger

Former President Richard Nixon’s children also paid tribute to his former national security adviser who served their father and ended the Vietnam War…reports TN Ashok

 Former US President George Bush led the Republicans in mourning the death of former Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger, as he described him as a “distinctive voice” on foreign affairs.

He recalled that Kissinger was “one of the most dependable and distinctive voices” on foreign affairs.

“America has lost one of the most dependable and distinctive voices on foreign affairs with the passing of Henry Kissinger. I have long admired the man who fled the Nazis as a young boy from a Jewish family, then fought them in the US Army,” he was quoted in multiple reports quoted as saying.

“When he later became Secretary of State, his appointment as a former refugee said as much about his greatness as it did America’s greatness,” Bush said, adding: “He worked in the Administrations of two Presidents and counselled many more. I am grateful for that service and advice, but I am most grateful for his friendship. Laura and I will miss his wisdom, his charm, and his humor. And we will always be thankful for the contributions of Henry Kissinger.”

Former President Richard Nixon’s children also paid tribute to his former national security adviser who served their father and ended the Vietnam War.

“Kissinger played an important role in the historic opening to the People’s Republic of China and in advancing detente with the Soviet Union, bold initiatives which initiated the beginning of the end of the Cold War,” the Nixon daughters said in a statement.

“His ‘shuttle diplomacy’ to the Middle East helped to advance the relaxation of tensions in that troubled region of the world.”

Kissinger became Nixon’s National Security Advisor in 1968 and led the US’ withdrawal from Vietnam.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Kissinger’s death signalled the ‘end of an era’.

“It is with a heavy heart that I mourn the passing of a great statesman, scholar, and friend, Dr. Henry Kissinger, who left us at the age of 100,” Netanyahu said in a statement.

“Kissinger’s departure marks the end of an era, one in which his formidable intellect and diplomatic prowess shaped not only the course of American foreign policy but also had a profound impact on the global stage,” he said.

“Henry Kissinger was not just a diplomat; he was a thinker who believed in the power of ideas and the importance of intellectual capital in public life. His contributions to the field of international relations and his efforts in navigating some of the most challenging diplomatic terrains are a testament to his extraordinary capabilities,” media reports from Tel Aviv said.

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