New Delhi: Ending weeks of speculation, the government on Monday appointed Ranjan Mathai, India’s ambassador to France, as the next Foreign Secretary. Mathai will hold office for a two-year term and will assume office on August 1, 2011, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vishnu Prakash told reporters here. Mathai will succeed Nirupama Rao, who is tipped to be India’s next ambassador to the US. Rao will succeed Meera Shankar in Washington. (IANS)
Pillai opts out of CVC race
New Delhi: Union Home Secretary GK Pillai, who demits office on Thursday, says he has opted out of the race for the new Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC). Pillai has informed the government that he was not interested in the job. “I have informed them that I am not interested. I want to relax for sometime,” Pillai told IANS Monday. (IANS)
Anushka detained
Mumbai: Actress Anushka Sharma was on Monday stopped by the customs officials at the International airport here for carrying gold and diamond studded jewellery and other belongings, which may be unaccounted for. The 23-year old actress was returning from IIFA award ceremony in Toronto. (PTI)
