The family of social media influencer Misha Agarwal announced her heartbreaking passing on April 24, 2025, just days before her 25th birthday, revealing that she died by suicide. In an emotional statement shared on her Instagram account on April 30, her family disclosed that Misha’s battle with depression, triggered by a decline in her social media following, led to her tragic decision.

Misha, who had built her career around Instagram, was fixated on reaching one million followers, a goal so central to her life that it adorned her phone’s lock screen.

Her family’s statement, accompanied by a video of the lock screen, read, “Our beloved sister poured her heart into Instagram, dreaming of a million followers. When her follower count began to drop, she felt worthless and fell into deep depression, often crying, ‘What will I do if my followers decrease? My career is over.’” Despite their efforts to comfort her, Misha’s despair overwhelmed her.

Her family emphasized Misha’s talents beyond social media, noting her LLB degree and preparation for the PCSJ exam, with aspirations of becoming a judge. “We reminded her that Instagram was just one part of her life, not its entirety,” they shared. “We told her a setback online wouldn’t end her world, but she couldn’t escape the pressure.” The statement highlighted the devastating impact of her fixation on digital validation, culminating in her untimely death.

On April 25, Misha’s family first confirmed her passing in a poignant Instagram post: “With profound sorrow, we share the loss of Misha Agarwal. Thank you for the love you showed her. We are grappling with this immense grief. Please keep her spirit alive in your hearts.”

The tragedy underscores the intense pressures faced by influencers in an era where social media metrics often define self-worth. India’s influencer industry, while thriving, increasingly spotlight mental health challenges, with growing calls for support systems. Misha’s story serves as a somber reminder to prioritize well-being over online validation, leaving her family and fans mourning a vibrant soul gone too soon.

Indian boxing icon and Olympic medalist Mary Kom has addressed swirling rumours about her personal life, confirming through a legal statement that she and her husband, Karung Onkholer, finalized their divorce on December 20, 2023.

The announcement, issued via her advocate, clarified that the separation was mutual, formalized under Kom Customary Law in the presence of family and clan leaders. The statement also firmly refuted speculation linking Mary Kom romantically to her business associate, Hitesh Choudhary, or to another boxer’s husband, urging media to cease spreading unfounded claims.

The statement read, “Ms. M.C. Mary Kom and Mr. Onkholer Kom are no longer married, having mutually agreed to divorce on December 20, 2023. Rumors of my client’s involvement with Mr. Hitesh Choudhary or any other individual are baseless and must not be propagated.”

Mary Kom shared the statement on social media, emphasizing her request for privacy and condemning intrusive reports. She highlighted that the divorce followed nearly two years of personal challenges, asking fans and media to respect her space during this sensitive period.

“Over the past two years, I have faced significant personal difficulties, particularly with my ex-husband,” the statement noted. “I urge my supporters and the public to grant me the privacy needed to navigate this phase.”

Mary Kom also warned of legal consequences, including defamation and privacy violation claims, against media outlets that continue speculative coverage. A prior press conference in Manipur had addressed these issues, reinforcing her stance.

Mary Kom’s dignified response underscores her resilience amid intense public scrutiny, a challenge often faced by high-profile athletes in India’s evolving media landscape.

Her achievements, including six world championships and an Olympic bronze, have made her a national hero, amplifying interest in her personal life. As she seeks to move forward, her call for respect highlights the need for boundaries in celebrity reporting, a growing concern in digital media. The boxing legend remains focused on her legacy, requesting discretion as she navigates this personal transition.

In a landmark announcement, the central government has confirmed that questions related to caste will be formally included in the upcoming national population census. The move was disclosed by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during a cabinet briefing held on Wednesday.

This development marks a significant shift in national data collection policy, aligning with repeated demands made by various opposition parties over the years. The announcement comes strategically ahead of the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, indicating possible electoral implications.

Bihar’s 2023 caste survey set the tone

The decision comes on the heels of Bihar’s bold step in October 2023, when then Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, backed by the Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Congress, led the state into becoming the first in the country to conduct and publish a caste-based survey.

The Bihar survey revealed that 36% of the population belonged to the Extremely Backward Classes (EBC), 27.1% to Backward Classes (BC), 19.7% to Scheduled Castes (SC), and 1.7% to Scheduled Tribes (ST). The findings not only triggered an intensified push by opposition parties for a nationwide exercise but also became a focal point in political discourse during the last general elections.

Following the release of the caste data, the Bihar government expanded reservation quotas, raising them to as much as 65% in some categories—a move that stirred both support and controversy.

National implications and political backdrop

The inclusion of caste data in the national census is expected to have wide-ranging social and political implications. It addresses concerns raised by several political entities that have argued for more granular demographic data to inform welfare policies, reservation frameworks, and social justice initiatives.

With Bihar’s example already in play and fresh state elections approaching, the Centre’s decision may significantly influence political alignments and voter sentiments, especially in caste-conscious regions.