Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Former union minister Ajit Singh dies of Covid-19

Former union minister Ajit Singh dies of Covid-19

FORMER union minister and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) leader Ajit Singh died aged 82 at a Gurgaon hospital on Thursday (6) morning battling Covid-19, his family said.

Singh, a prominent farmer leader and son of former prime minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, had tested positive for Covid-19 on April 20, the family said in a statement.


"Chaudhary Ajit Singh ji was diagnosed as COVID+ on the 20th April. He battled his condition till the very end and breathed his last today morning, the 6th of May, 2021," his son Jayant Chaudhary had tweeted.

President Ram Nath Kovind, prime minister Narendra Modi, congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav were among several leaders who condoled the death of the leader.

A message posted by Jayant Chaudhary on behalf of the family said: "Throughout his life journey, Chaudhary Sahib was loved and respected by many. He, in turn cherished this bond with all of you and gave his best consideration and efforts for your welfare.

"As our Nation confronts the horrific pandemic, it is our humble request to all those who wish to pay their respects, to please stay at home as far as possible. We must observe all safety protocols to keep ourselves and everyone around us healthy and safe. This would be the best way to honour Chaudhary Sahib as well as all those COVID warriors who are working night and day to protect us," he said.

In view of the ongoing pandemic, the last rites would be held in Delhi in compliance with all Covid-19 protocols, which, among others, restricts the number of people gathering for a funeral, they added.

Born on February 12, 1939, Singh studied at Lucknow University, IIT Kharagpur and the Illinois Institute of Technology in the US's Chicago. He was a computer scientist by profession and worked for 15 years in the US.

Singh entered active politics in the 1980s and entered Parliament through Rajya Sabha in 1986.

He was a six-time parliamentarian and served as a union minister on multiple occasions, the first being minister for industry in 1989 in the National Front government and the last being civil aviation minister from 2011 in the UPA government.

Singh was once considered among the tallest leaders in north India with his regional RLD party holding influence in western Uttar Pradesh. His dominance as a Jat leader continued in the region to this date even as his party suffered a setback in the 2017 state elections and 2019 general polls.

More For You

modi-bjp-reuters

BJP supporters celebrate in New Delhi. (Photo: Reuters)

Modi's BJP wins Delhi assembly election after 27 years

INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that "development had won" as his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured victory in Delhi’s local elections, ending a 27-year gap since it last controlled the capital’s legislature.

"Development has won, good governance has won," Modi said after Delhi’s former chief minister, a key opposition leader, conceded defeat.

Keep ReadingShow less
Uganda-high-commission-event

The event also focused on Uganda’s role in cultural diplomacy and sustainable development.

Uganda high commission hosts heritage event in London

THE UGANDA high commission in London hosted an event highlighting Uganda’s cultural heritage and investment opportunities at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Building. The event featured a performance by the Watoto Children’s Choir.

Uganda’s high commissioner to the UK, Nimisha J Madhvani, addressed the gathering, welcoming guests and speaking about the country’s cultural diversity.

Keep ReadingShow less
Maha-kumbh-pilgrims-reuters

Devotees arrive at the river bank to take a holy dip at Sangam during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, India on January 28, 2025. (Photo: Reuters)

India says 420 million pilgrims have visited Maha Kumbh

INDIA’s government announced on Friday that more than 420 million pilgrims have taken part in ritual bathing at the Maha Kumbh, a Hindu religious festival.

Organisers say the estimate is based on artificial intelligence and surveillance cameras used to track attendance.

Keep ReadingShow less
Bird-flu-Getty

There have been 27 confirmed cases of bird flu in England and one in Scotland during the current outbreak. (Representational image: Getty Images)

England bans 'bird gatherings' to contain avian flu spread

THE GOVERNMENT has announced a ban on "bird gatherings" in England as part of efforts to contain the spread of avian influenza.

The ban, which comes into effect from midday on Monday, will apply to fairs, markets, and shows involving various bird species.

Keep ReadingShow less
Matt-Jukes-Getty

Matt Jukes, the UK’s head of counterterrorism, has called for a social media ban for children under 16. (Photo: Getty Images)

Nine-year-old among youngest referred for far-right deradicalisation

A UK charity working to counter far-right radicalisation has seen children as young as nine referred for support.

Exit Hate UK, which helps individuals leave extremist movements, said its youngest-ever referral was nine years old, with the average age of those seeking help being about 15, according to The Times.

Keep ReadingShow less