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PERSONS IN NEWS - May 2022

May 2022

Jul 08, 2026

Sanjeev Jain appointed India's ambassador to North Korea

Sanjeev Jain has been appointed as India's new Ambassador to North Korea, succeeding Aliawati Longkumer in the post. The appointment comes as New Delhi seeks to expand diplomatic engagement with Pyongyang and to strengthen people-to-people ties, trade dialogue, and regional security cooperation. Jain, a seasoned diplomat, is expected to oversee ongoing consular matters and to promote India's interests with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The assignment aligns with India's broader foreign policy emphasis on maintaining channels with key partners in Northeast Asia, while adhering to New Delhi's strategic priorities in the region. The appointment signals continuity in India's diplomatic posture in East Asia.

Sanjeev Jain appointed India's new Ambassador to North Korea, succeeding Aliawati Longkumer.
Aims to strengthen diplomatic engagement with Pyongyang and regional cooperation.
Jain is a seasoned diplomat expected to handle consular matters and promote Indian interests.
Move aligns with India’s focus on Northeast Asia and maintaining diplomatic channels.
Appointment signals continuity in India's East Asia policy.

Jul 07, 2026

Girish Bharadwaj, 'Bridge Man of India', dies at 76

Padma Shri awardee Girish Bharadwaj, widely known as the 'Bridge Man of India' for building low-cost suspension bridges, died at a private hospital in Sullia, Karnataka, on 7 July 2026 at the age of 76. He had constructed nearly 140 suspension bridges across rural areas, significantly improving connectivity and safety for communities. Bharadwaj received the Padma Shri in 2017 for his contribution to society. His death prompted tributes from government and civil society, acknowledging his affordable engineering approach and long-standing dedication to rural development through durable, community-driven infrastructure.

Girish Bharadwaj dies at 76 (7 July 2026)
Known as the 'Bridge Man of India' for low-cost bridges
Built around 140 suspension bridges across rural India
Padma Shri awarded in 2017
Tributes note his impact on rural connectivity

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

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