Obituary

Influential German philosopher Jurgen Habermas passes away aged 96

Jurgen Habermas, whose work on communication, rationality and sociology made him one of the world's most influential philosophers and a key intellectual figure in his native Germany, has died. He was 96. Habermas' publisher, Suhrkamp, said he died on Saturday in Starnberg, near Munich. Habermas frequently weighed in on political matters over several decades. His extensive writing crossed the boundaries of academic and philosophical disciplines, providing a vision of modern society and social interaction. His best-known works included the two-volume "Theory of Communicative Action". Habermas, who was 15 at the time of Nazi Germany's defeat, later recalled the dawn of a new era in 1945 and his coming to terms with the reality of Nazi crimes as something without which he wouldn't have found his way into philosophy and social theory. He recalled that "you saw suddenly that it was a politically criminal system in which you had lived". He had an ambivalent relationship with the left-wi

The kingmaker from Maharashtra: Ajit Pawar dies in Baramati plane crash

Ajit Pawar's death will likely cause a tectonic shift in the state's politics

Bob Weir: Guitarist who made Grateful Dead iconic psychedelic jam band

He was diagnosed with cancer in July and "succumbed to underlying lung issues" surrounded by loved ones

'Indian Idol 3' winner and actor Prashant Tamang passes away at 43

Prashant Tamang, who rose to fame as the winner of Indian Idol 3 and was praised for his turn as a cold-blooded assassin in Paatal Lok 2, died here on Sunday following a cardiac arrest. He was 43. Tamang's close friend, singer Mahesh Sewa, told PTI that the singer-actor died at his residence in Janak Puri. "He (Tamang) passed away this morning around 9am due to cardiac arrest at his residence in Delhi. He was taken to the hospital by his family but the doctors declared him dead on arrival. I'm shocked by his untimely demise. I spoke to him a few days ago and he was hale and hearty," he said. "His body is still at the hospital. The family is yet to decide whether to perform the funeral in Delhi or Darjeeling," he added. The news of Tamang's death was first shared by another friend Rajesh Ghatani on social media. My heart is heavy while writing this very sad news!! May you live in Baikuntha !! Heartfelt tribute Prashant brother, Ghatani wrote on Facebook. Tamang was born on January

Madhav Gadgil: Ecologist who played key role in Western Ghats' conservation

Renowned ecologist Madhav Gadgil, whose work reshaped conservation policy and the Western Ghats debate, leaves behind a legacy rooted in science, equity and fearless truth-telling

Bidding adieu: Lives that shaped our times in culture, conscience, and arts

Legacies that endure: Remembering those who left their mark on culture, conscience and creativity

Brigitte Bardot, French screen icon and animal rights activist, dies at 91

The archetype of beauty to millions of men, Bardot spawned an era of curvy, pouting, insouciant actresses with her role as a self-assured small-town sexpot in And God Created Woman (1956)

Eminent Hindi writer Vinod Kumar Shukla dies at 89; tributes pour in

Eminent Hindi poet and novelist Vinod Kumar Shukla died on Tuesday in Raipur after a prolonged illness. Writers paid tribute, and PM Narendra Modi mourned his passing

From Dharmendra to Piyush Pandey: Public icons India lost in 2025

A look back at the artists, leaders and creative minds India lost in 2025, and how their body of work transformed cinema, music, politics, journalism and advertising for generations

Simone Tata: The pioneer who built India's first beauty brand

Simone Tata, the woman who built Lakme into India's first homegrown beauty brand and later shaped Trent and Westside, leaves behind a legacy that transformed fashion and retail

Mizoram ex-Guv Swaraj Kaushal, husband of late Sushma Swaraj, dies at 73

Former Mizoram governor and senior advocate Swaraj Kaushal died on Thursday, Delhi BJP said in a statement. He was 73. Kaushal, husband of late BJP veteran Sushma Swaraj, was the father of New Delhi MP Bansuri Swaraj. "We are sorry to inform the sudden demise of former Governor of Mizoram, senior advocate Swaraj Kaushal," the party said in a message. After Kaushal complained of chest pain in the afternoon, he was rushed to AIIMS where doctors declared him dead, a BJP leader said. Kaushal will be cremated at Lodhi Road crematorium, it said. Bansuri Swaraj, in an emotional post on X, said that her father's affection, discipline, simplicity, patriotism and immense patience were light of her life which would never diminish. "Your departure has descended upon us as the deepest pain in the heart yet the mind holds on the belief that you are now reunited with mother, in the presence of the almighty and eternal peace. Being your daughter is the greatest pride of my life and your legacy

From Giorgio Armani to Diane Keaton: Global icons world lost in 2025

Remembering the influential cultural, political and business figures the world lost in 2025, and the enduring impact of the work, ideas and leadership they leave behind

Dharmendra, the superstar who balanced rugged charm with rare tenderness

From Phool Aur Patthar to Sholay and beyond, Dharmendra carved a career marked by irresistible charm, disarming humanity, and a rare ability to blend rugged heroism with emotional vulnerability

Arunachalam Vellayan: The quiet organiser behind big-tent businesses

Arunachalam Vellayan, former Murugappa chairman, passes away at 72

Hinduja Group chairman Gopichand Hinduja passes away at 85 in London

Gopichand Parmanand Hinduja (1940-2025): Billionaire who became synonymous with India's rise on global stage

Dick Cheney, Vice President to George W Bush, dies at the age of 84

He died from complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease

Veteran Hindi film actor Satish Shah passes away at the age of 74

Veteran Bollywood actor Satish Shah, known for his performances in films like "Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro", "Main Hoon Na" and hit TV show "Sarabhai vs Sarabhai", died on Saturday, his manager said. He was 74. Ramesh Kadatala, who has been Shah's personal assistant for over 30 years, said the actor passed away at his residence in Bandra east in the afternoon. "It seems he passed away from a heart attack, however we are awaiting the final reports from the doctor about the reason behind his death, Kadatala told PTI.

Thailand's Queen Mother Sirikit passes away at 93 after blood infection

She suffered a stroke in 2012 and was afterwards largely absent from public life due to declining health. Her husband, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, died in October 2016

Piyush Pandey: The legendary genius for whom advertising was about magic

More than the mind, he believed an ad needed to touch the heart

'Live in the moment, forever': Remembering ad legend Piyush Pandey

Piyush conceived some of the best creatives produced in Indian advertising history. Yet, it would be unfair to remember him for what he built. I'd like us to remember him for the person he was