World’s oldest person, Maria Branyas Morera, dies aged 117
Madrid: Maria Branyas Morera, the world’s oldest person, died at the age of 117 on Monday, her family confirmed. The American-born Spanish woman was recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest person in January 2023, following the death of French nun Lucile Randon.
Her family announced her passing on X (formerly known as Twitter), noting that she died peacefully in her sleep. “We will always remember her for her advice and her kindness,” they added.
Branyas, who survived the 1918 flu, World War I, World War II, and Spain's civil war, contracted Covid-19 in 2020 just weeks after her 113th birthday but made a full recovery. Her youngest daughter, Rosa Moret, had previously told regional Catalan television that her mother had never been hospitalized and attributed her longevity to "genetics."
According to Guinness World Records, Branyas attributed her longevity to “order, tranquillity, good connection with family and friends, contact with nature, emotional stability, no worries, no regrets, lots of positivity, and staying away from toxic people.” She also mentioned that longevity involves a mix of luck and good genetics.
Branyas is survived by two daughters, aged 91 and 82, and numerous grandchildren.
Japan’s Tomiko Itooka, born May 23, 1908, is now the world’s oldest living person at 116, according to the US-based Gerontology Research Group.
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Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov meets PM Modi; exchanges views on Ukraine, West Asia
New Delhi (PTI): Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Thursday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and they exchanged views on various regional and global issues of mutual interest, including the situation in Ukraine and West Asia.
During the meeting, the prime minister reiterated India's consistent stand in favour of dialogue and diplomacy as the best way forward.
In a statement, the Prime Minister's Office said Lavrov briefed Modi on the progress achieved in bilateral cooperation since his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in December 2025 at the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.
"Foreign Minister Lavrov and the Prime Minister exchanged views on various regional and global issues of mutual interest, including the situation in Ukraine and West Asia," the statement said.
Modi requested Lavrov to convey his warm greetings to Putin, it said.
Lavrov is here to attend the BRICS Foreign Ministers' meeting.
