Senior-level appointments are announced by Yes Bank.

Rajeev Uberoi was named senior group president for controls and governance. Anurag Adlakha assumes the role of senior group president and heads strategy and financial management.Mumbai: Rajeev Uberoi was named senior group president, governance and controls, while Anurag Adlakha was named senior group president and head, financial management and strategy, by Yes Bank on Monday.Uberoi will oversee management governance, compliance, vigilance, legal (general counsel), company secretarial, and control responsibilities at Yes Bank. Uberoi was previously in charge of legal and audit at IDFC Bank. Adlaka, the former CFO of Jana Small Finance Bank, will be in charge of advancing Yes Bank's financial results. According to a press release from the bank, both senior officials would answer directly to managing director and CEO Ravneet Gill. The Yes Bank board of directors further explained that the lender's liquidity and operational performance were strong, and that its financial condition was "sound and stable." To approve the financial results for the quarter that ended on June 30, 2019, the board will convene on July 17.  

Ranjan Sanjiv appointed to the position of Indian Ocean Rim Association Secretary General

The next Secretary General of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is veteran Indian diplomat Shri Sanjiv Ranjan. He has worked in important international positions and has more than 30 years of diplomatic experience.Shri Sanjiv Ranjan was named the next Secretary General of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) by the Ministry of External Affairs on December 30, 2024. Shri Ranjan, a seasoned diplomat from the Indian Foreign Service's 1993 class, will soon take up his new position.About the Association of Indian Ocean Rims (IORA) India, Australia, Indonesia, and South Africa are among the 23 member states that make up the regional organization IORA. The organization seeks to advance regional security, sustainable development, and economic cooperation among nations that border the Indian Ocean. Additionally, it has 12 conversation partners, including the US, China, and the EU. IORA's increasing significance in regional and global politics was highlighted in 2015 when it was granted observer status at the African Union and the UN General Assembly. The Diplomatic Career of Shri Sanjiv Ranjan Shri Ranjan has more than thirty years of expertise in international relations and collaboration, making him a respected diplomat. He graduated from Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi with an M.A. in International Relations and Delhi University with a B.A. (Honors) in Economics. Since joining the Indian Foreign Service in 1993, he has served in a number of diplomatic capacities, such ;From 1995 until 2009, the embassies in Madrid and Lima helped to enhance bilateral relations. India's Permanent Mission in New York: Taking part in global negotiations. Improved regional collaboration during the tenure of India's deputy high commissioner to Mauritius (2006–2009). In 2009, I served as Director (North) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), where I oversaw important projects in the region of India. The third India-Africa Forum Summit, which took place in New Delhi in 2015, was organized by the joint secretary of the Development Partnership Administration in 2012. Additionally accredited to Uruguay and Paraguay, the ambassador served in Argentina from 2016 until 2019. Additionally accredited to Ecuador, the ambassador served in Colombia from 2019 to 2022. In the MEA, the Officer on Special Duty (Secretary Rank) was in charge of e-governance, establishment, and personnel.  

Sweden seeks to restrict the route to citizenship.

The Swedish government is considering more stringent requirements for citizenship, such as an eight-year residency requirement, a language test, and a test on Swedish society. The new policies prioritize "honest living" and make it more difficult for people with unpaid debts or felonies to become citizens.With a government investigation suggesting "honest living" as a requirement, Sweden's government has stated its intention to strengthen the requirements for gaining Swedish nationality.Additionally, the plan recommends extending the period of time foreigners must reside in Sweden prior to submitting an application for citizenship. According to a 2023 probe by the center-right government, the new recommendations would require applicants to complete tests on Swedish society, morals, and language and to live in the country for eight years, instead of the present five."Citizenship must be earned, not handed out unconditionally," stated Johan Forssell, the minister of migration, in an Instagram post.  

A. Chawla, Secretary of DIPAM, and T. Pandey, Revenue Secretary, were appointed

Prior to the Union Budget 2025, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) authorized significant changes to prominent roles in the Ministry of Finance. As the administration prepares for the Budget, Tuhin Kanta Pandey and Arunish Chawla have been moved to key positions, indicating a calculated reorganization.Ahead of the Union Budget 2025, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) authorized major changes to senior positions in the Ministry of Finance on January 8, 2025. Tuhin Kanta Pandey and Arunish Chawla have been reassigned to important positions as part of these strategic appointments. As the administration gets ready for Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's budget presentation on February 1, 2025, these reshuffles are viewed as crucial. The modifications show a persistent emphasis on bolstering the finance ministry's involvement in important financial management and policy choices. Important Developments Tuhin Kanta Pandey's new position as Secretary of the Department of Revenue Maintaining Position: Finance Secretary Experience: 1987 batch IAS Officer (Odisha cadre) played a significant part in LIC's public listing and Air India's privatization. possesses an MBA from the UK and a master's degree in economics. renowned for implementing successful administrative and financial improvements Chawla Arunish Secretary of the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) is the new position. Additional Responsibility: Secretary, Ministry of Culture and Department of Public Enterprises (DPE)Background IAS Officer, Bihar cadre, 1992 batch Former Pharma Secretary, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers On December 25, 2024, the new Revenue Secretary was appointed.  

Delhi Waqf Board CEO Appointment

Azimul Haque, an IAS official, has been appointed CEO of the Delhi Waqf Board by Lieutenant Governor (L-G) V.K. Saxena. He did, however, condemn the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for its purported carelessness and disregard for the law in managing the matter.Azimul Haque, an IAS official, has been appointed CEO of the Delhi Waqf Board by Lieutenant Governor (L-G) V.K. Saxena. He did, however, condemn the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for its purported "callousness" and disregard for the law in its handling of the situation. Since November 28, 2024, the CEO position has remained unfilled, which has caused delays in important operations, such as the payment of salaries to imams and other Board members.Key Points: Azimul Haque, an IAS official, was approved for the position of CEO of the Delhi Waqf Board. The AAP government was chastised by L-G for procedural errors. Impact and Post-Vacancy The CEO position has been unfilled since November 28, 2024. There were problems as a result of imams and officials' wages not being paid on time. Appointment Criticism L-G charged that the government was treating the matter in a noncommittal manner. A month later, a proposal for an extra price was sent. L-G emphasized how important it is to strictly follow the law.Laws Concerning Appointments The Board is required to suggest a panel of two persons to the state government in accordance with Section 23 of the Delhi Waqf Act, 1995. Bypassing the necessary process, the National Capital Civil Service Authority (NCCSA) merely submitted one name for L-G's consideration. The Directives of L-G Before going into effect, the Waqf Board must approve the proposed appointment. Legal standards must be met by any future proposals.  

The Himachal Pradesh High Court's Chief Justice is Justice GS Sandhawalia.

Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia has been named Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court by the Center. After a three-month wait, the Supreme Court Collegium approved his appointment, which took place after he was the senior-most puisne judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.The new Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia, has been formally announced by the Center. On the Supreme Court Collegium's suggestion, Justice Sandhawalia was appointed as the Punjab and Haryana High Court's senior most puisne judge. His appointment follows Justice Rajiv Shakdher's retirement in October 2024 and a more than three-month wait.Key Details of the Appointment Notification With effect from the day he takes office, Justice GS Sandhawalia has been named the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court. Background in Law Fairness Sandhawalia earned a law degree from Punjab University in Chandigarh after graduating with a BA (Hons) from DAV College in Chandigarh. He began practicing at the Punjab and Haryana High Court after being admitted as an advocate in August 1989.Career in Judiciary On September 30, 2011, he was appointed to the Punjab and Haryana High Court as a judge. On January 24, 2014, he was made a permanent judge. The recommendation of the Supreme Court Collegium: After overriding a previous recommendation for Madhya Pradesh, the Collegium suggested that Justice Sandhawalia be appointed to the Himachal Pradesh High Court. The Legacy of the Father Justice Surjit Singh Sandhawalia, his father, served as Chief Justice of the Patna High Court and the Punjab and Haryana High Court.  

Salman Khan is the Kho Kho World Cup's brand ambassador.

Salman Khan, a Bollywood actor, has been named the brand ambassador for the first Kho Kho World Cup, which will be held in New Delhi from January 13 to January 19, 2025. The event will involve teams from 24 countries and is designed to improve Kho Kho’s global status.Bollywood star Salman Khan has been formally named the brand ambassador for the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup by the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI). The event will take place in New Delhi from January 13 to 19, 2025. Teams from 24 countries will compete in this tournament, which is expected to raise Kho Kho's profile internationally. With a thrilling mix of men's and women's teams making their world stage debuts, the competition seeks to highlight the sport's broad appeal.Dates and Location of the Event New Delhi will host the Kho Kho World Cup from January 13–19, 2025. The Role of Salman Khan For this momentous occasion, Salman Khan has been named the brand ambassador. Reminiscent of his own association with Kho Kho and its cultural importance in India, he conveyed his passion for the sport. Khan emphasized that the tournament honors India's resilience and spirit in addition to being a sporting event.Features of the Tournament Twenty women's teams and twenty men's teams from 24 different countries will compete. Prominent athletes Pratik Waiker, Aditya Ganpule, Ramji Kashyap, and Priyanka Ingle participated in a demonstration match. The Event's Significance An important step in promoting Kho Kho, a traditional Indian sport, internationally is the Kho Kho World Cup 2025. Star power and media attention are expected to increase the tournament's relevance and attract a worldwide audience.Assistance from Important Organizations Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has teamed with KKFI to provide full support for the event. Salman Khan was thanked by KKFI President Shri Sudhanshu Mittal for his support and contribution to raising awareness of the sport. Equal Chance Men's and women's teams will participate equally in the event, and KKFI is dedicated to making the competition equitable and accessible.  

Ganesh Lakshminarayanan of Airtel is named India, SAARC business MD by ServiceNow.

Ganesh Lakshminarayanan, a former Airtel executive, has been hired as managing director (MD) and group vice president for ServiceNow's India and SAARC operations, the enterprise cloud computing and solutions company announced Monday.Beginning January 6, 2025, Lakshminarayanan, who is based in Bengaluru, will oversee ServiceNow's business teams in India."He will play a crucial role in further solidifying ServiceNow's position as a leader in digital transformation and innovation across the APAC region in his capacity as MD and GVP, ServiceNow India and SAARC business," the company said in a statement.Lakshminarayanan was the CEO of Airtel India's domestic business-to-business (B2B) division before assuming this position. He formerly served as managing director at Mu Sigma, president and MD of Dell India, chief operating officer at Capillary Technologies, and adviser at Sequoia Capital and EY, among other positions. "We are overjoyed to have Lakshminarayanan join ServiceNow and guide our India division into its next stage of expansion. Detlef Krause, President APAC at ServiceNow, stated, "India continues to be a top priority for us, and Ganesh's experience and leadership will further enhance our ability to deliver value to our customers in this dynamic market.""We are overjoyed to have Lakshminarayanan join ServiceNow and guide our India division into its next stage of expansion. Detlef Krause, President APAC at ServiceNow, stated, "India continues to be a top priority for us, and Ganesh's experience and leadership will further enhance our ability to deliver value to our customers in this dynamic market."  

Regarding Cabinet, spending, or military oversight, around three out of ten people have a high level of confidence in Trump: AP-NORC survey

According to a new poll from the AP-NORC Centre for Public Affairs Research, even though Americans recently elected Donald Trump to a second term, they do not believe that he will be able to appoint qualified individuals to his Cabinet or successfully oversee government spending, the military, and the White House. Trump appoints people to important positions in his government, some of whom may have to endure challenging Senate confirmation hearings even when Republicans are in control. Trump's promise to voters to be a disruptive force in the nation and a return to the tumultuous age of governance that characterized his first four years in the White House have been reflected in the selection process and its lightning-fast pace. Only about three out of ten Americans, however, are "extremely" or "very" confident that Trump will appoint competent individuals to his government. According to the majority of Republicans, their confidence is high.  

What's Trending Globally

Asia

News 2298

Australia/New-Zealand

News 38

Canada

News 14

China

News 39

Europe

News 30

Gulf

News 11

India

News 3069

Pakistan

News 16

Russia

News 16

United Kingdom

News 39

United States

News 114

World

News 76

Bhavesh Jain is promoted to managing director and CEO by TransUnion CIBIL.

Rajesh Kumar has been replaced as Managing Director and CEO of TransUnion CIBIL by Bhavesh Jain. For the previous five years, Jain, who had a solid experience at Citi and Kone, was CIBIL's top revenue officer. His main goals are to encourage financial inclusion and increase credit availability in India.BENGALURU: According to a statement released today, TransUnion CIBIL, an insights and information organization, has named Bhavesh Jain as its managing director and CEO.Jain takes over for former CEO and managing director Rajesh Kumar, who recently left the position after five years. For the previous five years, Jain served as TransUnion CIBIL's chief revenue officer. Throughout his decades-long career, he has held positions at Citi and Kone."Bhavesh is a successful leader who is passionate about fostering the expansion of India's economy. Todd Skinner, president of TransUnion International, stated, "He is focused on our role in advancing sustainable access to credit for millions of people and commercial entities to advance financial inclusion and ease of doing business." "The business is always striving to offer solutions that empower businesses and consumers. We wish to increase trust between the two in a world that is becoming more and more digital.The company provides services to MSMEs, corporate and individual customers, and the financial industry. Banks, financial institutions, NBFCs, home finance companies, microfinance companies, and insurance companies are among its clients in India.  

Senior-level appointments are announced by Yes Bank.

Mumbai: Rajeev Uberoi was named senior group president, governance and controls, while Anurag Adlakha was named senior group president and head, financial management and strategy, by Yes Bank on Monday.Uberoi will oversee management governance, compliance, vigilance, legal (general counsel), company secretarial, and control responsibilities at Yes Bank. Uberoi was previously in charge of legal and audit at IDFC Bank.Adlaka, the former CFO of Jana Small Finance Bank, will be in charge of advancing Yes Bank's financial results.According to a press release from the bank, both senior officials would answer directly to managing director and CEO Ravneet Gill. The Yes Bank board of directors further explained that the lender's liquidity and operational performance were strong, and that its financial condition was "sound and stable." To approve the financial results for the quarter that ended on June 30, 2019, the board will convene on July 17.Additionally, the bank denied "unfounded speculation about the stability of the bank's Board & management, asset portfolio, and future growth prospects, among other things." Yes Bank shares were trading at 93.40 baht at 11:45 a.m. on the BSE.  

A new RBI governor has been appointed by Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra.

Sanjay Malhotra, a former Revenue Secretary, has been named Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor. According to a statement from the administration, he will assume leadership on Wednesday and serve for three years. Mr. Malhotra is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Rajasthan cadre, having been drafted in the 1990 batch. He received a master's degree in public policy from Princeton University in the United States and a bachelor's degree in computer science from the Indian Institute of Technology in Kanpur.In a career spanning over 33 years, Mr Malhotra has worked in several sectors including power, finance and taxation, information technology, mines etc.  

The Chief Justice withdraws from legal arguments on the employment of poll workers.

Sanjiv Khanna, the Chief Justice of India, resigned on Tuesday from hearing arguments against the legality of the statute that removed him from the committee responsible for selecting the Chief Election Commissioner and other election commissioners.The Chief Justice, who shared the bench with Justice Sanjay Kumar, informed the petitioners' attorneys that he was unable to hear their plea. "List the matter before a bench of which I am not a part of," he stated.He said that the matter will be heard after the winter break and would be reallocated to a separate bench, excluding the Chief Justice. During that time, the Chief Justice also instructed the Center and other parties to submit answers to the petition.In their representation of the petitioners, senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan and attorney Prashant Bhushan stated that the previous bench, which was led by Justice Khanna, who had not yet been promoted to the position of Chief Justice, had issued interim orders in the case back in March. Notably, the Chief Justice of India was not allowed to serve on the committee that appointed the chief election commissioner (CEC) and other election commissioners as a result of the Election Commissioners' Act, which was approved in December 2023. The Prime Minister, a Cabinet Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition currently make up the appointment panel.A number of individuals, notably the Association for Democratic Reforms and Congressman Jaya Thakur, contested the legality of Section 7 of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners Act, 2023, and requested a halt to its implementation. A different Supreme Court bench, consisting of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta, had earlier in March declined to halt the new law's implementation of the appointment of new Election Commissioners (ECs).  

Election Commission ruling by the Supreme Court: When judicial activism shapes the law

By adopting the Constituent Assembly's mantle in its March 2, 2023, ruling, the Supreme Court of India essentially rewrote some of the Constitution's clauses. The Court mandated that revised guidelines for the Election Commissioner's appointment be adhered to.According to these regulations, a committee made up of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and the Chief Justice of India must advise the appointment of the Election Commissioner. The Court defended this by saying that these regulations are necessary to address the "lacuna" in the laws governing this topic. However, it is clear that the Court has acted in flagrant contempt of the doctrine of the separation of powers if we examine the Court's reasoning and the laws pertaining to the appointment of Election Commissioners in greater detail.The Constitution itself, which aimed to create three institutional organs—the legislature, executive branch, and judiciary—is the source of the theory of separation of powers. The Constitution also outlined the roles of these three branches, with the legislature enacting laws, the executive branch enforcing them, and the judiciary rendering decisions. But the same Court that once acknowledged this theory as a component of the Constitution's "basic structure" has now reversed it.  

Amitesh Jha of Flipkart is appointed CEO of Swiggy Instamart.

With effect from September 4, 2024, Swiggy has named Amitesh Jha as the new CEO of Swiggy Instamart. Jha offers more than 20 years of expertise to the position, having previously worked with Flipkart.The on-demand meal delivery service Swiggy announced in a press release today, August 29, that Amitesh Jha has been named CEO of Swiggy Instamart. On September 4, 2024, Jha will take over as CEO of the fast commerce company.As competition intensifies in the rapid commerce space, Swiggy has made a move into larger e-commerce categories by appointing Flipkart veteran Amitesh Jha as the new CEO of Instamart.Amitesh Jha, a Flipkart veteran, was named CEO of Swiggy Instamart by IPO-bound Swiggy at a time when rapid commerce competitors are preparing for a fierce competition with e-commerce behemoths. The hiring of Jha reflects the desire of rapid commerce companies to expand beyond grocery by entering e-commerce markets that have historically been robust, such electronics, fashion, and clothing. According to his LinkedIn page, Jha, who has 14 years of experience at Flipkart, was most recently the Senior Vice President of Category and Marketplace, where he oversaw high-growth companies that accounted for 70% of transactions on the Walmart-owned e-commerce platform.Swiggy Group CEO Sriharsha Majety highlighted Jha's "extensive experience in leading core categories such as smartphones, general merchandise, fashion, and large appliances, as well as managing their logistics arm" when he explained why the former Flipkart executive was chosen to lead Instamart. Protecting Swiggy Instamart's market share, which UBS thinks is currently between 20 and 25 percent, compared to Bernstein's projections of 35 to 39 percent in 2023, is one of Jha's biggest problems. In addition to market leader Blinkit's steady rise, BigBasket's complete focus on speedy commerce and Zepto's charge, which is being supported by $1 billion in new funding, are the main causes of the assault.  

BrahMos Aerospace Appoints Dr. Jaiteerth Raghavendra Joshi as Chief

The company behind the world-famous BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system, BrahMos Aerospace, has appointed Dr. Jaiteerth Raghavendra Joshi as its new Chief. Over the course of his illustrious three-decade career, Dr. Joshi has achieved significant advances in non-destructive testing (NDT), missile technology, and the training of industry professionals. His hiring represents a sustained emphasis on quality and innovation in India's military industry.A Prominent Profession in Missile Technology Dr. Joshi’s professional journey is defined by major contributions to India’s prominent missile projects, including: One of India's first surface-to-surface missile systems was developed in large part thanks to the Prithvi Missile System. India's top long-range ballistic missile was designed and implemented with assistance from the Agni Missile Program. LRSAM Program: He led the creation of mission-critical technology as the Deputy Project Director for the Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM) program, guaranteeing that India's defense capabilities stay at the forefront of the industry. He has established himself as a key player in India's defense research ecosystem thanks to his vast knowledge of mechanical engineering and missile systems.Educational Background Dr. Joshi's professional accomplishments have been greatly aided by his solid academic background: Osmania University, a renowned engineering school, awarded the BTech in Mechanical Engineering degree. He obtained his doctorate in mechanical engineering from NIT Warangal, where he focused on sophisticated mechanical systems. His commitment to comprehending and developing engineering concepts essential to India's defense systems is demonstrated by these qualifications. proficiency in NDT (non-destructive testing) Dr. Joshi is an expert in non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, which are essential for guaranteeing the dependability of defense equipment, in addition to missile technology. More than 600 candidates have received training and certification from Dr. Joshi in Level-I and Level-II NDT procedures, which include: Radiography Ultrasonic Examination Testing for Magnetic Particles Testing for Penetrants Being the Chairman of the Indian Society for Non-Destructive Testing demonstrates leadership in NDT.  

Salee Sukumaran Nair is approved by RBI to serve as Tamilnad Mercantile Bank's MD and CEO.

Salee Sukumaran Nair has been appointed to the position of Managing Director and CEO of Tamilnad Mercantile Bank for a period of three years, with approval from the RBI. Nair, a seasoned banker with more than 35 years of SBI experience, has held positions in foreign operations and stressed asset management.Salee Sukumaran Nair has been appointed as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Tamilnad Mercantile Bank (TMB) for a three-year term, with approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Nair, a seasoned banker with more than 35 years of experience, is taking on this position after serving as the State Bank of India's (SBI) chief credit officer and deputy managing director. Following the RBI's previous rejection of suggested candidates, the bank was temporarily run by a three-person Committee of Executives (COEs) until his appointment. Overview of Background and Career Career in Banking: Nair started off as a probationary officer in the State Bank of India in 1987. He has managed big corporate clients in a variety of roles over the years, most notably in the Corporate Accounts Group. International Experience: He was assigned to New York and Sydney, where he oversaw the Australian operations, while working for SBI's International Banking Group. Branch Management: Nair was instrumental in the State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur's merger with SBI. He has overseen branches throughout Rajasthan and Western Uttar Pradesh.Stressful Management of Assets Leading in Stressed Assets: Nair has a great deal of expertise in handling assets under stress. Beginning in July 2017, he served as Chief General Manager of SBI's Stressed Asset Vertical, where he oversaw the resolution of Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) via a range of tactics, including as restructuring and ARC sales. NPA reduction: He was effective in bringing SBI's peak NPAs down from 10.96% to 4.90% during his tenure. Additional Positions: Nair oversaw SME, agriculture, and financial inclusion as Deputy Managing Director from September 2021 to July 2022. Later on, he rose to the position of SBI Chief Credit Officer and Deputy Managing Director.  

Kagame of Rwanda is sworn in for a fourth term following a 99 percent election victory.

On August 11, Paul Kagame, the all-powerful president of Rwanda, took the oath of office for a fourth term. He had won elections previous month with a majority of almost 99% of the vote.Paul Kagame, the all-powerful president of Rwanda, took the oath of office on August 11 for a fourth term. He had won elections last month with a majority of more than 99% of the vote. In Kigali, where crowds had begun to assemble in the early hours of the morning, a crowded 45,000-seat stadium hosted several dozen heads of state and other guests from African countries for the inaugural ceremony.Kagame took office and took an oath. In front of Chief Justice Faustin Ntezilyayo, Kagame took the oath of office and swore to “preserve peace and national sovereignty, consolidate national unity.” For the iron-fisted Kagame, who has dominated the small African nation since the 1994 genocide, the results of the July 15 election were always certain, first as president and later as de facto leader.Paul Kagame: Who was he? Since 2000, Paul Kagame, a politician and former military officer from Rwanda, has served as the country's president. Prior to its 1990 invasion of Rwanda, he commanded the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), an armed rebel group. One of the combatants in the Rwandan Civil War and the military force that put an end to the genocide in Rwanda was the RPF. When he served as President Pasteur Bizimungu's vice president and minister of defense from 1994 to 2000—the year the vice presidency was eliminated—he was regarded as Rwanda's de facto leader. Rwanda is devoid of democracy The National Electoral Commission reports that he received 99.18% of the votes cast, which is good for an additional five years in office. Human rights advocates claimed that the 66-year-old's resounding victory served as a clear reminder of Rwanda's lack of democracy. ruined country following the genocide After Hutu extremists unleashed a 100-day violent bloodletting on the Tutsi minority, killing some 800,000 people—mostly Tutsis but also Hutu moderates—Kagame is credited for reconstructing the devastated nation. However, opponents and rights advocates claim that he instills terror in the community and crushes any dissent with enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, and murders.