People

Mr. Rajiv Sikka has taken over as Director (Commercial) of Indraprastha Gas Ltd. (IGL). Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL), the supplier of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Piped Natural Gas (PNG) in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad and Rewari.   

 

Mr. Sikka possesses a degree in Civil Engineering from HBTI, Kanpur and a Masters in Urban & Regional Planning from School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi. 

 

A press release from IGL said he has nearly 30 years of experience in the oil and gas space, skilled in B2B & B2C sales & marketing, business strategy, business planning, team building & operations in BPCL.

 

IGL is a joint venture of GAIL (I) Ltd. and BPCL along with Government of NCT of Delhi.

 

In course of his career in BPCL, Mr. Sikka has overseen as well as executed sales and marketing activities to deliver an enormous increase in the sales of oil, gas as well as lubricant products. He was serving as Director (Commercial) at Central UP Gas Limited (CUGL), another joint venture of GAIL (India) Ltd. & BPCL, at Kanpur before joining the current assignment.

 

Mr Sikka is mentor to CXO level team members of few startups in India and also mentors IIT Kanpur on early to mid-stage start-ups.

 

He has taken over the position of Director (Commercial) from Mr. V. Nagarajan, who has been repatriated to his parent organization, BPCL, the release added.

 

NNN

ADVERTISEMENT

 

ADVERTISEMENT

Noted industrialist and founder of Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys Ltd (IMFA) Bansidhar Panda passed away at his residence here on Tuesday, said family sources. He was 87.

 

The industrialist was known for his close ties with former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik.

 

Panda is survived by his two sons - Biju Janata Dal MP Baijayant Panda and Subhrakant Panda, and two daughters Paramita Mahapatra and Nita Ganapati.

 

A renowned research scientist who had studied at the Banaras Hindu University, Harvard University and Michigan Technological University, Panda returned from the US and chose Therubali, a remote outpost in the then undivided Koraput district, to embark upon his dream and IMFA came into being in 1961.

 

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president Niranjan Patnaik, former Chief Minister Hemanand Biswal, Union Ministers Jual Oram and Dharmendra Pradhan and many others offered condolences to family members.

 

"I am saddened by the demise of Bansidhar Panda ji. He was a true son of the soil and a great contributor in ushering modern industrial revolution in Odisha. Bansidhar ji left an indelible mark in the growth and development of the state. May God give strength to his family to bear the loss," said Pradhan.

 

IANS

ADVERTISEMENT

 

 

 

Prince Harry married US actress Meghan Markle in a ceremony at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle here on Saturday.

 

Meghan became the first royal bride to walk herself up the aisle at a royal wedding. She was met half way by Prince Charles, the Duke of Cornwall, who walked her down the aisle of the Quire of the chapel. Her father Thomas Markle was unable to attend due to health issues.

 

Among the 600 celebrity guests invited to the St. George Chapel were internationally acclaimed Indian actress Priyanka Chopra, Oprah Winfrey, George and Amal Clooney, David and Victoria Beckham, Elton John, Tom Hardy, James Corden, James Blunt and Carey Mulligan among others.

 

Tennis star Serena Williams and rugby star Jonny Wilkinson were also present.

 

The ceremony took place in presence of Queen Elizabeth II, her husband Prince Philip, Prince William, his wife Catherine, Prince Harry's uncle, Earl Spencer; the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson; and Catherine's sister Pippa Middleton.

 

IANS

 

ADVERTISEMENT

 

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle became the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on their wedding day on Saturday.

 

Queen Elizabeth II bestowed the dukedom on her grandson in the morning, with his wife-to-be automatically becoming a duchess. Prince Harry's titles will be Duke of Sussex, Earl of Dumbarton and Baron Kilkeel.

 

"The Queen has today been pleased to confer a Dukedom on Prince Henry of Wales. His titles will be Duke of Sussex, Earl of Dumbarton and Baron Kilkeel," according to the royal statement.

 

"Prince Harry thus becomes His Royal Highness The Duke of Sussex and Meghan Markle on marriage will become Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex," it said.

 

The couple will wed at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle.

 

IANS

 

 

 

 

 

ADVERTISEMENT

 

ADVERTISEMENT

Harish Manwani, former global chief operating officer for Unilever and the non-executive chairman of Hindustan Unilever Limited, has been appointed as an Independent Director of Tata Sons, the company has announced.

 

Mr. Manwani is also the global executive advisor to Blackstone Private Equity group.

 

Through his career, he held several senior management positions in Unilever which included heading businesses in North America, Latin America, Asia and Africa. Prior to his retirement, he was the chief operating officer with worldwide responsibility for all of Unilever's operating companies.

 

Mr Manwani also serves on the board of directors of Qualcomm Incorporated, Gilead Sciences Inc, Nielsen Holdings plc, Whirlpool Corporation, Economic Development Board (EDB) of Singapore and is the chairman of the executive board of the Indian School of Business. In 2008, he received the CNBC Asia Business Leader of the Year Award and in 2012, he was conferred the Public Service Medal by the Singapore Government.

 

Commenting on his appointment, N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, said, “We welcome Harish to the board of directors. Harish brings substantial experience of managing and leading businesses on a global scale. His contribution and counsel will be of great value to Tata Sons in its governance as well as in its strategic development."

 

NNN

 

ADVERTISEMENT

 

ADVERTISEMENT

The President has appointed artist and sculptor Uttam Pacharne as Chairman of Lalit Kala Akademi, the national academy of art.

 

"He is a widely respected person in the field of art and has held various important positions. Currently, he is Member of Advisory Committee, Kala Academy, Goa and Member of Advisory Committee, P.L. Deshpande State Lalit Kala Academy and Director, Janseva Sahakari Bank Borivali," an official press release said here yesterday.

 

He is the recipient of National Lalit Kala Award 1985, Maharashtra Gaurav Puraska 1985 from Government of Maharashtra, Junior National Award 1986 and Jeevan Gaurav Puraskar 2017 from Prafulla Dahanukar Foundation, it said.

 

Mr. Pacharne will hold office for a term of three years from the date on which he assumes the charge of his office.

 

Previously, in March 2018, Mr. M.L. Srivastava, Joint Secretary (Akademies), Ministry of Culture was appointed pro tem Chairman of the Lalit Kala Akademi, pending appointment of a regular Chairman.

 

In April 2015, the Ministry of Culture had taken over the management of the Akademi, one of its autonomous organizations, in view of the several problems it had been facing in its functioning.

 

The Ministry had said at that time that it had, over the past few years, been receiving complaints regarding alleged administrative and financial irregularities in the Lalit Kala Akademi.

 

The Lalit Kala Akademi was inaugurated in New Delhi on August 5, 1954, by the then Minister for Education, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. 

 

The youngest of the three academies founded by the Government of India, the Lalit Kala Akademi was established in pursuance of the dream of the first Prime Minister of independent India, Jawaharlal Nehru, and focused on activities in the field of visual arts.

 

NNN

 

ADVERTISEMENT

 

ADVERTISEMENT

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) has announced that Ambika Sharma will join the USIBC as Managing Director of India Operations. 

 

She will be responsible for overseeing and guiding USIBC’s growth strategy in India through its offices in New Delhi and Mumbai, as well as leading the charge on policy advocacy issues for USIBC’s diverse membership with a variety of stakeholders. 

 

Ms. Sharma will join USIBC on June 15, a press release from the council said.

 

"We are thrilled to welcome Ambika to USIBC,” said Nisha Biswal, president of the U.S.-India Business Council. “She is a global leader with deep experience using strategic partnerships to drive economic ties between India and the world. Ambika’s leadership comes at a key time, as American investors are bullish on India and the U.S.-India growth story. She is an excellent addition to our already strong team.”

 

Sharma brings over three decades of experience in catalyzing business engagement and public policy advocacy. Most recently, Sharma served as Director General for International at the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). She was responsible for developing international strategy, diversifying FICCI’s global profile, and leading the industry association’s global strategy. As Director General of FICCI, Sharma is the highest ranked female executive of an Indian industry body, the release said.

 

“I am honored and delighted to join the U.S.-India Business Council at a time of immense opportunity in U.S.-India commercial and strategic ties,” said Sharma. “India’s strong institutional reforms to improve its business climate, coupled with the country’s significance within the Indo-Pacific region and on the world stage, is encouraging global investors to deepen their ties in the market. I look forward to working with our members to expand U.S.-India trade and investment, and to grow jobs and opportunities in both countries.”

 

Formed in 1975 at the request of the U.S. and Indian governments, the U.S.-India Business Council is the premier business advocacy organization, comprising 350 top-tier U.S. and Indian companies advancing U.S.-India commercial ties. USIBC is the largest bilateral trade association in the United States, based in Washington, D.C., with a global presence in New York, San Francisco, New Delhi, and Mumbai.

 

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations. Its International Affairs division includes more than 80 regional and policy experts and 25 country- and region-specific business councils and initiatives. The U.S. Chamber also works closely with 117 American Chambers of Commerce abroad.

 

NNN

ADVERTISEMENT

 

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley underwent a successful kidney transplant surgery at the AIIMS on Monday, the hospital said, adding that he was stable.

 

"Arun Jaitley underwent renal transplant surgery today (Monday) at AIIMS, Delhi. The surgery has been successful. Both the recipient and donor are stable and recovering well," Aarti Vij, doctor and Chairperson of Media and Protocol Division at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), said in a statement.

 

Soon after the surgery, Congress President Rahul Gandhi wished Jaitley a speedy recovery.

 

"I'm happy to hear that Jaitleyji's kidney transplant surgery went well. I wish him a speedy recovery," he tweeted.

 

Home Minister Rajnath Singh also wished good health for him as well as the donor.

 

"Happy to know about the successful kidney transplant surgery... I pray for his (Jaitley's) and the donor's quick recovery and good health," he said in a tweet.

 

According to sources, Jaitley's renal transplant was carried out on Monday morning by a team of senior doctors from AIIMS. Sandeep Guleria, a specialist from Apollo Hospitals and brother of AIIMS Director Randeep Guleria, was also part of the team.

 

Suffering from kidney related problems, the 65-year-old minister was supposed to undergo the transplant last month and was even admitted to the premier hospital on April 6, but could not undergo the surgery as the donor's organ "did not match". 

 

He was discharged after undergoing a series of tests and dialysis for three days. Since then, he had been undergoing dialysis and had been working from a "controlled environment at home".

 

IANS

 

ADVERTISEMENT

 

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley underwent a kidney transplant surgery at the AIIMS on Monday, the hospital said, adding that he was stable.

 

The transplant was successful, Aarti Vij, doctor and Chairperson of Media and Protocol Division at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), said in a statement.

 

"Both the recipient and the donor are stable and recovering well," Vij added.

 

IANS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADVERTISEMENT

 

Veteran stage, TV and Malayalam film artiste Kalashala Babu passed away here in Kerala early on Monday at a private hospital, family sources said. He was 68.

 

Apart from donning the grease paint in close to 150 films, mostly in small character roles, the multifaceted Babu was also a hugely popular stage artiste, who began his own drama group in the mid 1970s.

 

Babu was not keeping well since the beginning of the year. He breathed his last just past midnight.

 

Born to Kathakali maestro Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair and Mohiniyattam exponent Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty Amma, Babu was a naturally gifted artiste.

 

He started his acting career soon after his graduation in the early 1970s and since then had ensured that he was a presence in the cultural milieu of the state be it through, stage, TV and films .

 

What surprised many was that despite his parents prominence in classical arts, Babu did not take it up.

 

He is survived by his wife and a son and a daughter who are both abroad.

 

IANS

 

ADVERTISEMENT

 

ADVERTISEMENT

IT services major Infosys Limited today said that Mr. Ravi Venkatesan, Independent Director, would step down from the Board to accept "an exciting new role".

 

Mr. Venkatesan has been an independent director since 2011 and served briefly as Co-Chairman before successfully transitioning this responsibility when Mr. Nandan Nilekani became Chairman in August 2017.

 

Mr. Venkatesan said, “I joined the Board at a time when Infosys was beginning the complex journey of transitioning from founder-led to professional management. This was also a time of tectonic industry shifts. I am pleased that this mission has been accomplished. Infosys is strong, in good hands, and is gaining momentum. My seven years on the board have been exciting, rewarding and eventful. l feel fortunate to have been part of this extraordinary company at a seminal moment in its history and to have worked with so many fine colleagues on the Board and in management. I wish Infosys and all Infoscions the greatest success in the coming years.”

 

Mr. Nilekani, Chairman of the Board, said, “I thank Ravi for his pivotal contributions to Infosys in a period of important transitions and towards a digital-first future. This passage is one that every entrepreneurial company faces eventually and I thank Ravi for his leadership in ensuring a successful transition. The Board will miss his passion, strategic insights, and personal warmth, but he will always remain a friend. Ravi has been a champion for driving social impact and it is desire to do more, that led to his request for stepping off the Board. I am delighted that he will be pursuing an exciting opportunity in this area. On behalf of my colleagues on the Board, I wish him all success with his new endeavor.”

 

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Lead Independent Director added, “Ravi has been a good friend, an extraordinary colleague, and a valuable board member at a hugely important time for Infosys. We will miss him greatly.”

 

IANS

 

ADVERTISEMENT

 

ADVERTISEMENT

Mr. Munu Mahawar, presently Joint Secretary at the headquarters of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) here, has been appointed as the country's next Ambassador to Oman.

 

A press release from MEA said Mr. Mahawar, an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer of the 1996 batch, was expected to take up the assignment shortly.

 

NNN

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADVERTISEMENT

 

ADVERTISEMENT

Veteran film and folk theatre actress Lalita Chatterjee died at a private hospital in the city on Wednesday following a cerebral attack, family sources said.

 

Chatterjee, 81, was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday after she fell down at her residence and suffered a massive stroke. She was put on ventilation.

 

Chatterjee began her film career in 1964 with the movie "Bivas" opposite Bengali matinee idol Uttam Kumar.

 

Her other films including Antony Firingee, Jai Jayanti, Har Mana Har and Memsaheb.

 

Chatterjee spent ten years in Bollywood, where her notable films included Victoria No. 203, Raat Andheri Thi, Aap ki Kasam, Chori Chori and Talash.

 

She was also a regular in Bengali jatra (folk theatre).

 

In her condolence message, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee recalled Chatterjee's four-decade long acting career and termed her death as an "irreparable loss for stage and screen.

 

"I express my heartfelt sympathies to her family members and fans," she said.

 

IANS

 

ADVERTISEMENT

 

ADVERTISEMENT

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved several appointments at the Additional Director General, an official press release said here today.

 

An official press release said Dr. Sameer Sharma, IAS, (AP:85), Additional Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, has been appointed as Director General, Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs, in the rank and pay of Additional Secretary.

 

Ms. Shefali Shah, IRS (IT:85), Additional Secretary, Ministry of Culture, has been appointed as Additional Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs.

 

Mr. Sanjeev Nandan Sahai, IAS (UT:86), presently in the cadre, has been appointed as Additional Secretary, Ministry of Power.

 

Mr. Rakesh Kumar Gupta, IAS (JK:86), presently in the cadre, has been appointed as Secretary, Union Public Service Commission, in the rank and pay of Additional Secretary, vice Mr. T. Jacob, IAS (TN:84) on his superannuation on 31.05.2018.

 

Ms. Rajni Sekhri Sibal, IAS (HY:86), Director General, National Institute Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD), has been appointed as Additional Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs.

 

Dr. Rakesh Kumar Vats, IAS (WB:86), Additional Secretary, Department of Health & Family Welfare, has been appointed as Chairperson, National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), under the Department of Pharmaceuticals in the rank and pay of Additional Secretary.

 

Ms. Mala Dutt, IES (86), presently in the cadre, has been appointed as Additional Secretary & Financial Adviser, Ministry of Defence.

 

Mr. Sanjeev Kumar, IDAS (86), presently in the cadre, has been appointed as Additional Secretary, Department of Rural Development.

 

Mr. M. Srinivas Rao, IAS (AM:87), presently in the cadre, has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer, National e-Governance Division, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, in the rank and pay of Additional Secretary.

 

Dr. Rakesh Sarwal, IAS (TR:88), presently in the cadre, has been appointed as Additional Secretary, Department of Health & Family Welfare vice Dr Vats.

 

Ms. Anjali Bhawara, IAS (PB:88), presently in the cadre, has been appointed as Additional Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

 

Ms. Juthika Patankar, IAS (UP:88), presently in the cadre, has been appointed as Director General, National Institute of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD) in the rank and pay of Additional Secretary, vice Ms. Sibal.

 

Mr. K. Sanjay Murthy, IAS (HP:89), Joint Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, has been appointed as Joint Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

 

Mr. Devesh Chaturvedi, IAS (UP:89), Joint Secretary, Department of Personnel & Training, has been appointed as Joint Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers' Welfare.

 

The ACC also approved extension of the Central Deputation tenure of Mr. Arun Goel, IAS (PB:85), Additional Secretary & Financial Adviser, Ministry of Labour & Employment, and that of Ms. S. Radha Chauhan, IAS (UP:88), Chief Executive Officer, GeM SPV, by a further period of one year beyond 31.05.2018 i.e. upto 30.05.2019.

 

NNN

 

ADVERTISEMENT

 

ADVERTISEMENT

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator from the Jayanagar assembly segment, B.N. Vijaya Kumar, died here early on Friday, a party official said. He was 60.

 

The two-time lawmaker was in the fray from the same constituency for the May 12 Karnataka Assembly elections.

 

"Vijaya Kumar was admitted into a nearby hospital after he collapsed on Thursday evening following a cardiac arrest while campaigning in his constituency," the official told IANS.

 

He died at the state-run hospital after efforts to revive him failed, a doctor said.

 

The party's state unit chief B.S. Yeddyurappa mourned the death. "I am deeply pained at the untimely demise of my friend and party stalwart Vijaya Kumar...," Yeddyurappa tweeted.

 

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also expressed his condolences over Kumar's demise. "..I express my condolences to his family and loved ones. Vijaya Kumar was a sincere and hard working political leader," he tweeted.

 

The Election Commission is likely to countermand the poll in Jayanagar Assembly seat on account of Kumar's death as a candidate in the fray.

 

IANS

 

ADVERTISEMENT

 

ADVERTISEMENT

Budget passenger carrier AirAsia India on Wednesday announced that its Managing Director and CEO Amar Abrol has resigned and that he "will be moving back to the AirAsia Group headquarters in Malaysia to work on Group Strategic Projects effective June 2018".

 

"Abrol had expressed his desire to return to Malaysia to be closer to his family. The Board of AirAsia India would like to thank him for his contributions and will work closely with him to ensure a smooth transition," the company said in a statement.

 

"Abrol has led AirAsia India operations over the last two years and has expanded its fleet, people and network by three-fold."

 

IANS

 

 

 

 

 

ADVERTISEMENT

 

ADVERTISEMENT

Mr. Sitanshu Ranjan Kar, a 1983 batch  officer of the Indian Information Service, took over as the 27th Principal Spokesperson of the Government of India and  Director General of Press Information Bureau (PIB) here today.

 

He has succeeded Mr. Frank Noronha, who superannuated yesterday. 

 

In a career spanning nearly 35 years, Mr Kar has worked in key positions in various Media Units of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. 

 

After attending the Foundation Course at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie and Orientation Course at Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi, Mr Kar had joined the News Services Division of All India Radio for a short stint before moving to Doordarshan News. He spent nearly 17 years in this medium and played a substantial role in its growth.  In 1988, he became the first Indian to win the prestigious Visnews Fellowship of London in a world-wide competition and traveled through Europe and North America to experience the cutting-edge technologies being used in the production of television news by leading broadcasters. 

 

Mr. Kar joined the Press Information Bureau in 2003. He anchored the publicity of several key Ministries such Environment & Forests, Rural Development, Human Resource Development, Science & Technology, Atomic Energy and Space before joining the Directorate of Public Relations, Ministry of Defence as the Principal Spokesperson in August 2005. 

 

He has the distinction of being the longest serving spokesperson of the Ministry of Defence for over a decade at a stretch. 

 

In December 2015, he was appointed as the Director General of the News Services Division of All India Radio. 

 

Mr Kar had graduated in Humanities from BJB College, Bhubaneswar and secured the First Rank in Political Science Honours in Utkal University. He earned his post-graduate degree in Political Science and M. Phil in Chinese and Japanese Studies from Delhi University.

 

IANS 

 

ADVERTISEMENT

 

Major General Annakutty Babu assumed charge as Additional Director General, Military Nursing Service (MNS), here today.

 

She took over the reins from her predecessor Major General Elizabeth John who retired yesterday. She hails from Koothattukulam in Ernakulam district of Kerala.

 

Born into an agriculturist family, she inherited values of compassion and hard work from her parents. Before taking over this appointment, she was serving as Principal Matron, Army Hospital Research & Referral –an apex quaternary care hospital of the Armed Forces.

 

With her extensive expertise, positive leadership and vision, she is able to instil a guiding philosophy of excellence for raising the calibre of patient care.

 

On this occasion, ADG, MNS, said the Nursing Service officers play a pivotal role in the care of the sick and injured soldiers and their families along with medical corps in Tri-Services.

 

NNN

 

ADVERTISEMENT

 

ADVERTISEMENT

Eminent Marxist economist Ashok Mitra, who served as Chief Economic Adviser during Indira Gandhi's prime ministerial tenure and as Finance Minister of West Bengal, passed away at a nursing home here on Tuesday following old age complications. He was 89.

 

The Sahitya Akademi awardee was a widower.

 

Mitra, who was minister in the state's Left Front government, was hospitalised for almost a month with complaints of diarrhoea and later developed respiratory problems. He passed away at 9.15 a.m.

 

Rated as a brilliant scholar, Mitra chaired the Agricultural Prices Commission for four years from 1968 and served as Chief Economic Adviser to the Central government between 1970 and 1972.

 

After the Communist Party of India-Marxist-led Left Front came to power in West Bengal in 1977, Mitra was one of the first five ministers to be sworn in alongside Chief Minister Jyoti Basu after he won the Assembly polls from Rashbehari.

 

Handed the Finance portfolio, Mitra vigorously sought more powers for the states. He campaigned countrywide on the issue, playing a good part in forcing the Central government to set up the Sarkaria Commission that examined the relationship and balance of power between States and the Centre and suggested changes within the framework of the Indian Constitution.

 

Mitra lost the election in 1982, but was brought back to the Cabinet after he won a bye-election from Jadavpur.

 

However, he developed differences with the Chief Minister and CPI-M topguns on the matter of restructuring payscales for principals of state government-aided colleges, and resigned in 1986.

 

In 1991, Mitra volunteered to contest from the Chowringhee Assembly constituency against Congress candidate and former West Bengal Chief Minister Siddhartha Ray, whom he had often berated for his "semi-fascist rule" in the state in the 1970s. Mitra campaigned hard, but lost.

 

In the mid-1990s, the CPI-M made him a member of the Rajya Sabha, where he served as Chairman of the Parliament's Standing Committee on Industry and Commerce.

 

Born in Dhaka in 1928, Mitra did his graduation from the University of Dacca and post-graduation in economics from Benaras Hindu University.

 

He also studied in the Delhi School of Economics in the early 1950s.

 

As an academician, he taught Economics at the University of Lucknow before proceeding to the Netherlands, where he got his doctorate in 1953 from University of Rotterdam (now The Netherlands School of Economics) under Jan Tinbergen (who later won the Nobel Prize). His doctoral thesis was titled "Share of Wages in National Income".

 

He also worked with the National Council of Applied Economic Research and briefly served as Officer on Special Duty in the Ministry of Finance.

 

Mitra had a stint with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific at Bangkok and in 1961, joined as a teacher at Economic Development Institute in Washington.

 

On his return to India, Mitra became a professor of economics at the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta (IIM-C).

 

A prolific writer in both English and Bengali, Mitra penned regular newspaper columns, and even reported on the 1996 cricket World Cup for The Telegraph.

 

In 1996, his collection of Bengali essays "Tal Betal" won the Sahitya Akademi award.

 

Mitra's repertory of Bengali books include "Okhatha-Kukatha", "Ochenake Chine-Chine", "Kabita Theke Michhila, "Nastikatar Baire", "Charitrabali", "Tal-Betal" and the much-acclaimed memoir Apila Chapila.

 

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condoled Mitra's death.

 

"Saddened at the passing away of noted economist, former Finance Minister of Bengal and former Rajya Sabha MP, Dr Ashok Mitra. He had a long career with the World Bank, IIM Calcutta and as Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India. Condolences to his family & well wishers," she said in a tweet.

 

IANS

ADVERTISEMENT

 

ADVERTISEMENT

Former chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF), Air Chief Marshal Idris Hassan Latif, died here on Monday. He was 94.

 

He breathed his last at a private hospital, where he was admitted last week with pneumonia, family sources said.

 

He is survived by three children. His wife Bilkees Latif, a noted social activist and writer, died in October last year.

 

Latif headed the IAF from September 1978 to August 1981 and after his retirement, served as the Governor of Maharashtra and India's Ambassador to France.

 

He will be buried at a burial ground in the old city of Hyderabad on Tuesday.

 

Born on June 9, 1923 at Hyderabad, Latif joined the Royal Indian Air Force in 1941 at the age of 18 and was commissioned in 1942.

 

During 1943-44, he was one of the few Indian pilots to be seconded to the Royal Air Force in the UK, where he underwent training on more contemporary aircraft like the Hurricane and Spitfire.

 

He returned to India in 1944 and took part in the Burma campaign.

 

At the time of partition, he chose IAF and during the 1971 War with Pakistan, he was Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Plans).

 

Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao and Maharashtra Governor C. Vidyasagar Rao have condoled the death of Latif.

 

The Chief Minister, in his message, said that Latif had served the nation in various capacities and was pride of the nation. 

 

"He was a product of Nizam College, Hyderabad and served in various capacities in the Air Force and rose to become the Air Chief Marshal," he said. 

 

The Chief Minister noted that Latif was also recipient of Param Visisht Seva Medal.

 

Maharashtra Governor Vidyasagar Rao also expressed his condolences. "Latif created a distinct mark of his work as Air Force Chief and later as Governor of Maharashtra. During his tenure as Governor, Latif took keen interest in the development of the state," he said.

 

"As chancellor of universities in Maharashtra, Latif made serious efforts to enhance the quality of higher education in the State. With his impartial and dignified conduct, Latif enhanced the stature of the post of governor," added the Governor.

 

IANS

ADVERTISEMENT

 

InterGlobe Aviation Limited, the owners of low-cost carrier IndiGo, today announced that Mr. Aditya Ghosh is resigning from the  post of President of IndiGo effective July 31 and as a Director of the company with effect from April 26.

 

A press release from the company said Mr. Rahul Bhatia had been appointed as interim CEO and would continue as a Director of the company.

 

The company also announced the appointment of Gregory Taylor as Senior Advisor to the company reporting directly to Mr. Bhatia.

 

"In the coming months, the Board will consider the appointment of Greg as President and CEO of the Company, subject to receiving the necessary regulatory approvals and paperwork," the release said.

 

Mr. Bhatia said, “We are delighted at Greg’s decision to rejoin the IndiGo team and welcome him back to the company. His enormous and varied experience and understanding of the complexities of the airline industry will be invaluable to our future plans. At the same time, we thank Aditya for all his hard work and contributions and for the successes that the company has enjoyed.”

 

Mr. Ghosh said, "For the last ten years, it has been a relentless, exhilarating and a most satisfying task building IndiGo.  It is now time for me to step off the treadmill and sometime in the near future embark on my next adventure. I wish all my colleagues at IndiGo the very best as they move on to the next phase of growth.”

 

Mr. Taylor has more than 40 years of experience in large, world class airlines. During 2016 and 2017, Mr. Taylor was the Executive Vice President of Revenue Management and Network Planning at IndiGo. 

 

Prior to that he held various senior management roles at United Airlines and US Airways in the areas of Corporate Planning, Strategy, Network Planning, Fleet Planning, Finance, Cost Management and Airline Express Operations. He holds an MBA from the University of Chicago.

 

NNN

 

ADVERTISEMENT

 

ADVERTISEMENT

Reliance Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), today announced the appointment of Dr Tarang Gianchandani as the Chief Executive Officer of Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital at Girgaum, Mumbai. 

 

Dr Gianchandani is currently with Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, Mumbai, as Chief Executive Officer since 2012.

 

Mr. Jalaj Dani, representative of the Trust said, “It gives me immense pleasure in welcoming Dr Tarang Gianchandani as the new CEO of Sir H N Reliance Foundation Hospital. With her vast administrative and clinical experience, both in India and abroad, and organisational skills she will steer the hospital in its quest to rank among the very best in India, delivering quality care.”

 

Dr Gianchandani said, “I am happy and honoured to have been asked to shoulder the responsibility of this truly world-class hospital in the heart of Mumbai. I am looking forward to take Sir H N Reliance Foundation Hospital further as a centre of excellence in areas of speciality treatment and patient care.”

 

Dr Gianchandani did her Masters of Business Administration in 2007 from Singapore, with specialisation in Healthcare Management from the National University of Singapore, Business School. She has also worked with the Ministry of Health, Hospital Services in Singapore, where she managed strategic development and promotion of integrated and holistic healthcare. She has also worked at Alexandra Hospital, Singapore, as a Fellow in the Department of Orthopaedics, and was also the head of Clinical Quality, Changi General Hospital, Singapore.

 

A recipient of Rashtra Vibhushan and Rashtriya Rattan Awards, Dr Gianchandani has worked as a member of a task force set up by the Maharashtra government on Organ Transplant and turn the state into a hub for medical tourism.

 

NNN

ADVERTISEMENT

 

Tata Sons today announced the appointment former Foreign Secretary Subrahmanyam Jaishankar as the Tata Group’s president, Global Corporate Affairs.

 

Dr. Jaishankar will report to Mr. N Chandrasekaran, executive chairman of Tata Sons in his new role, a press release from the company.

 

Dr. Jaishankar, 63 served as India's Foreign Secretary from January 2015 to January 2018. He had, before that, also served as India's Ambassador to the United States, China and Singapore. He had, as Joint Secretary, played a key role in negotiating the India-US civilian nuclear agreement in July 2005.

 

In his new role, he will be responsible for the Tata group’s global corporate affairs and international strategy development and Tata Sons’ international offices will report to him. Dr Jaishankar will work with Tata companies to help them strengthen their business presence and positioning in their respective geographies globally, the release said.

 

“I am delighted to welcome Dr Jaishankar to the Tata group. His extensive experience and knowledge on international affairs will be very valuable to the group as we work to reinforce our brand and leadership globally," Mr. Chandrasekaran said.

 

Dr. Jaishankar said, “The Tata group is an iconic institution known for its value-based leadership as well as India’s most respected brand globally. I look forward to being part of the Tata group and working with key stakeholders to make an impact.”

 

An officer of the 1977 batch of the Indian Foreign Service, Dr. Jaishankar had served as Third and Second Secretary(Political) at Embassy of India, Moscow from 1979 to 1981. From 1981 to 1985, he was Under Secretary (Americas) and Policy Planning in the MEA. From 1985 to 1988, he served as First Secretary handling Political Affairs in the Embassy in Washington. Thereafter, from 1988 to 1990, he was First Secretary and Political Adviser to the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka.  From 1990 to 1993, he served as Counsellor (Commercial) in Budapest. He returned to headquarters and served as Director (East Europe). He was the Press Secretary of the President of India from 1994-1995. 

 

He served as the Deputy Chief of Mission in Tokyo from 1996 to 2000. In 2000, he was appointed the Ambassador of India to Czech Republic and served in Prague till 2004. He came back to headquarters to head the Americas Division in the Ministry from 2004 to 2007, in which assignment he played a key role in the negotiations for the India-US civil nuclear cooperation agreement of July 2005.

 

Dr. Jaishankar holds a Ph.D. and M.Phil in International Relations and an M.A. in Political Science.  He is a member of the International Institute for Strategic Studies, London.

 

NNN

 

ADVERTISEMENT

 

ADVERTISEMENT

Mr. Sanjay Bhattacharya , presently Ambassador of India to Egypt,  has been appointed as the country's next Ambassador to Turkey.

 

Mr. Bhattacharya will succeed Mr. Rahul Kulshreshth, who will take his place as the new Ambassador to Egypt, a press release from the Ministry of External Affairs said here last week.

 

The Ministry also announced the concurrent accreditation of Mr.  Ravi Thapur, Ambassador of lndia to Panama, as the country's next Ambassador to Nicaragua.

 

NNN

 

 

 

 

 

ADVERTISEMENT

 

ADVERTISEMENT

Former Delhi High Court Chief Justice Rajinder Sachar died on Friday here at a private hospital, family members said.

 

"He was admitted in Fortis Hospital two weeks ago. He passed away at around 12 noon," a family member told IANS. 

 

Sachar, who was born on December 22, 1923, chaired the Sachar Committee, constituted by then Congress-led central government, which submitted a report on the social, economic and educational status of Muslims in India.

 

A noted human rights activist, Sachar was the Chief Justice of Delhi High Ccourt from August 6, 1985, to December 22, 1985. 

 

Since his retirement, he had been associated with the People's Union for Civil Liberties, a rights group.

 

IANS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADVERTISEMENT