General Awareness

PERSONS IN NEWS - June 2019

Jun 2019

Jun 22, 2026

Vivek Aggarwal appointed FATF Vice President

Senior Indian bureaucrat Vivek Aggarwal has been appointed as the Vice President of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for the 2026–27 term. He will assume the role from July 2026 to June 2027, marking the first time India holds this influential global post. FATF is the international watchdog for money laundering and terrorist financing. The appointment is viewed as a milestone for India’s role in shaping global financial security standards. The government praised the decision, which could bolster India's influence on international norms and strengthen cooperation on compliance and surveillance to curb illicit finance.

Aggarwal appointed FATF Vice President for 2026–27.
Term: July 2026 to June 2027; first Indian VP at FATF.
FATF oversees anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing.
Strengthens India’s role in global financial governance.
May enhance international cooperation on compliance.

Jonathan the Seychelles giant tortoise recognised as world’s oldest living land animal

Jonathan the Seychelles giant tortoise, living on Saint Helena, has been recognised as the world’s oldest known living land animal. Born around 1832, he is estimated to be about 194 years old in 2026. The tortoise has withstood changes on the remote island and remains a symbol of longevity. In June 2026, Jonathan was named a Guinness World Records Icon for his remarkable lifespan. He is cared for by keepers at the Saint Helena Government's education and environment service, preserving a living link to the island’s natural history and to global discussions on longevity in living beings.

Jonathan is a Seychelles giant tortoise based on Saint Helena.
Born around 1832; age estimated at 194 in 2026.
Recognised as a Guinness World Records Icon in June 2026.
Symbol of longevity and resilience for researchers and visitors.
Cared for by Saint Helena Government's education and environment service.

Jun 19, 2026

Hitesh Rameshchandra Joshi appointed CMD of GIC Re; takes charge on 16 June 2026

The Government of India appointed Hitesh Rameshchandra Joshi as Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re), effective 16 June 2026. Joshi previously served as Executive Director and acted as CMD prior to formal appointment. The government approved the appointment on 15 June 2026, and Joshi took charge the following day. His tenure is expected to continue until his retirement on 30 September 2028. The leadership change is significant for India's leading reinsurance company, guiding risk management, product development, and market strategy in the domestic insurance sector.

Appointment date: 16 June 2026; official announcement 15 June 2026
New role: CMD of General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re)
Previous role: Executive Director; acting CMD prior to appointment
Tenure: until 30 September 2028
Significance: leadership impact on India’s reinsurance sector

Jun 18, 2026

Robert A. F. Thurman, Tibetan Buddhism scholar, passes away

Padma Shri recipient Robert A. F. Thurman, a prominent American scholar of Tibetan Buddhism, died in June 2026 in New York. A longtime friend of the Dalai Lama, Thurman served as Columbia University’s first endowed chair in Buddhist Studies and made major contributions to Buddhist scholarship and cross-cultural understanding. His work helped popularise Tibetan Buddhist thought in academic circles and beyond, fostering dialogue between scholars, monks, and lay readers. Tributes from universities and Buddhist communities noted his role in preserving and disseminating knowledge about Tibetan traditions and practices across the globe.

Robert A. F. Thurman passed away in June 2026
Renowned American Buddhist scholar and Padma Shri recipient
First endowed chair in Buddhist Studies at Columbia University
Friend of the Dalai Lama; contributed to cross-cultural understanding
Widely respected for advancing Tibetan Buddhist studies

Jun 14, 2026

Padma Shri recipient Jaspal Rana passes away

Padma Shri awardee Jaspal Rana died in June 2026 at the age of 49. A prominent Indian shooting legend, Rana won medals at Asian Games and Commonwealth Games and later served as a coach, mentoring new generations of shooters. He was honored with the Arjuna Award in 1994 and the Padma Shri in 1997 for his achievements in sport. In 2020, he received the Dronacharya Award for his coaching contributions. Rana's career spanned elite competition and sports administration, making him a respected figure within India’s shooting circle. Tributes poured in from sports bodies and students, recognizing his skill, discipline, and mentorship.

Jaspal Rana passed away in June 2026 at age 49.
Noted Indian shooter with medals at Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.
Arjuna Award (1994), Padma Shri (1997), Dronacharya Award (2020).
Mentor and coach who influenced many young shooters.

Jun 11, 2026

National Award-Winning Tamil Director Bharathi Rajaa Passes Away in Chennai

Chennai-based filmmaker Bharathi Rajaa, a National Award-winning director, died in Chennai during June 2026. He was celebrated for capturing the rustic beauty of rural life in Tamil cinema, creating characters and stories rooted in everyday realities. Over a career spanning more than two decades, Rajaa received six National Film Awards, four Filmfare Awards, and six Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, reflecting consistent recognition across national and state platforms. His work is remembered for its social realism and emphasis on village life. Rajaa’s passing marks a significant loss for Tamil cinema and for Indian regional filmmaking more broadly.

Death of Bharathi Rajaa reported in Chennai, June 2026.
Renowned for portraying rural life in Tamil cinema.
Awards: 6 National Film Awards, 4 Filmfare Awards, 6 Tamil Nadu State Film Awards.
Career focused on character-driven, socially realistic narratives.
Impact on Tamil cinema and regional filmmaking.

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