General Awareness

PERSONS IN NEWS - November 2023

Nov 2023

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.

Jun 08, 2026

Han Seong-sook Nominated as South Korea's Prime Minister

South Korea nominated Han Seong-sook as its next Prime Minister in June 2026. She currently serves as the Minister for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and Startups. The nomination comes as the government focuses on fostering economic innovation and entrepreneurship to drive growth and job creation. If approved by the National Assembly, Han would become the first woman to lead the country’s government in two decades. Her record includes pro-business reforms and support for small businesses, including policies to ease regulatory burdens and promote startups. Analysts expect her leadership to influence Korea's economic strategy, investment climate, and technology-driven development agenda. Her nomination follows a broader reform push to enhance competitiveness.

Han Seong-sook nominated as Prime Minister in June 2026
Currently Minister for SMEs and Startups
Approval pending from National Assembly
Would be first female PM in two decades if approved
Advocates pro-business reforms and startup support
Expected to influence Korea’s economic and tech policy

Jun 05, 2026

Arjuna Awardee Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal Passes Away

Arjuna Awardee Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal died in Chandigarh. He was a noted Indian shot putter and a bronze medalist at the 1982 Asian Games. Dhaliwal’s career highlighted India’s achievements in athletics during the 1980s and his contributions continued to inspire aspiring athletes. His passing is a moment for sports communities to reflect on the country’s track and field history. Dhaliwal’s family, teammates and sports bodies issued condolences, while tributes highlighted his discipline and achievements that helped raise the profile of shot put in Indian athletics.

Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal, Arjuna Award recipient, dies in Chandigarh.
Noted shot putter with 1982 Asian Games bronze medal.
Career contributed to India’s athletics history in the 1980s.
Tributes note discipline and regional athletic impact.
Sports community mourns the loss of a prominent athlete.

Idris Elba Awarded Knighthood for Community Welfare

British actor Idris Elba received a knighthood from King Charles III for services to young people and community welfare. The honour recognizes Elba's charitable work, mentorship and advocacy on a range of social issues. He is known for acting in film and television as well as his earlier public service and philanthropy efforts. The knighthood adds to his long list of recognitions for contributions beyond entertainment, including initiatives that support education, youth empowerment and cultural outreach. The ceremony underscores the role of public figures in promoting social good and community engagement across the United Kingdom and abroad.

Idris Elba knighted by King Charles III.
Award cites services to young people and community welfare.
Recognition reflects public service and philanthropy beyond acting.
Elba’s work includes mentorship and education initiatives.
Knighthood highlights involvement in social impact work.

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