Departures of note

Payal Mehta was a senior journalist with CNN-News18 in India, known for her coverage of the Parliament beat, the government, and the BJP. Colleagues and political leaders described her as a hard-working, dedicated professional who remained firmly connected to the ground and brought a deep understanding of national issues to her reporting. During Parliament sessions she was known to be present from early morning until late at night, tirelessly following proceedings. She died suddenly in Mumbai at the age of 46 after developing uneasiness and being rushed to a hospital. Her death drew condolences from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and several chief ministers.