Indian-Origin Physician Appointed to New York's Commission on Economic Recovery
Pulitzer winning Indian-American physician, Siddhartha Mukherjee has been appointed as a member of New York's commission that will focus on jumpstarting the state's economy, which has been badly hit by the coronavirus pandemic.
Another Indian-origin higher education leader, Satish Tripathi has also been named as a member of the commission by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.
The New York Governor made the announcement on May 24, 2020. He stated that New York's Blue-Ribbon Commission will focus on improving telehealth and broadband access using new and innovative technologies.
May 25, 2020
World Bank Names Carmen Reinhart as Chief Economist and Vice President
The World Bank named former Bear Stearns executive Carmen Reinhart as its new vice president and chief economist, tapping an expert on financial crises who also serves on the advisory board of the New York Federal Reserve.
Reinhart, a professor at Harvard University, published a book entitled "This Time is Different: Eight Centuries of Financial Folly," together with economist Kenneth Rogoff of Harvard University in 2009.
Jahnabi Phookan Appointed as National President of FICCI FLO
Jahnabi Phookan has been appointed as National President of FICCI Ladies Organization (FLO), the oldest women-led and -focused business chamber of Southeast Asia and the women's wing of the apex chamber Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
She took over from outgoing National President Harjinder Kaur Talwar at the 36th FLO Annual Session - Rising Above Covid Challenges in the presence of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
FICCI FLO represents over 8000 women entrepreneurs and professionals across 17 chapters nationally and works aggressively towards promoting economic empowerment and equal opportunities for women.
May 24, 2020
Six Eminent Indian Americans Named to Biden-Sanders Unity Task Forces
As many as six eminent Indian Americans have been named to the Biden-Sanders Unity task forces announced by former Vice President Joe Biden, who is the presumptive presidential nominee of the opposition Democratic Party.
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy have been named co-chairs of the Health Care Task Force.
Climate change activist Varshini Prakash from Boston is the youngest member of these task forces alongside Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and environmental justice advocate Catherine Flowers.
Executive director of the Sunrise Movement, a leading organization focused on climate change among young people, she will serve on the Climate Change group. Former Secretary of State John Kerry is co-chair of this task force.
Legal luminary Chirag Bains has been named a co-chairs Criminal Justice Reform Task Force. Former Acting Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, according to a statement issued by the Biden Campaign.
Eminent Indian American economist and former lobbyist Sonal Shah has been named to the Economy Task Force.
Indian Economist Appointed to Key World Bank Position in South Asia
Abhas Jha, an Indian economist, has been appointed by the World Bank to a key position on climate change and disaster management in South Asia.
Jha's appointment comes at a time when Cyclone Amphan has badly hit West Bengal, Orissa in India and Bangladesh.
In his capacity as World Bank's Practice Manager for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management for South Asia, one of the top priorities of Jha will be to encourage and help the South Asia region (SAR) Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change team to connect and collaborate across Global Practice boundaries.
May 23, 2020
Four-time Grand Slam Singles Champion Ashley Cooper Dies At 83
Ashley Cooper, who won four Grand Slam singles titles including the Australian, Wimbledon and US championships in 1958, has died. He was 83.
Ashley John Cooper AO was an Australian tennis player who played between 1953 and 1968.
He was recognised as the world's best amateur player during the years of 1957 and 1958.
Harsh Vardhan Takes Charge as WHO Executive Board Chairman
Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan took took charge as chairman of the 34-member World Health Organisation (WHO) Executive Board amid the outbreak of novel coronavirus across the world.
WHO's Executive Board comprises of 34 members elected for three-year terms.
The Chair of the Executive Board is elected by its members on being nominated by the Regional Committees of the six WHO Regions, by rotation.
May 22, 2020
African Music Star Dies Aged 70
The singer Mory Kanté, who helped bring African music to world audiences with hits like Yéké Yéké, has died in Guinea.
Kanté was known as a distinguished player of kora - a west African harp. His song Yéké Yéké became a huge hit in the late 1980s and was widely remixed.