Just in: Syed Akbaruddin appointed as the next Ambassador/Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations at New York. Akbaruddin was a familiar face as MEA's spokesperson, and it's known that PM Modi regards him highly.


He will replace Asoke Mukerji who will be retiring. The post is generally a secretary-level one, so Akbaruddin's elevation is the first sign that merit is again one of the top considerations for posts.