Former Indian ambassador to US Abid Hussain passed away

Former Indian ambassador to US Abid Hussain passed away at the age of 85 in London on 21 June 2012. Hussain, a member of Indian Administrative Service (IAS), was one of those very few officers who served the Indian Foreign Service despite not being the member of the coveted service.

In his illustrious career with the Indian Administrative Service, Hussain served in various capacities such as the Secretary of Ministry of Heavy Industries, Commerce Secretary and Chairman IIFT. In 1985, he was appointed the Member of Planning Commission of India. Subsequently, he served as Ambassador to the US between 1990 and 1992.

In 1988, Hussain was awarded with Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award given by the Indian Government.

Hussain in his long standing career oversaw several important assignments. Some of his notable assignments include, the Member of International Panel on Democracy & Development of UNESCO, Special Rapporteur to UN on Freedom of Opinion and Expression for 9 years, Member of the Constitution Review Commission of India, Member of the Prasar Bharati Board, Member of the Council on Foreign Relations, New York and U.N Adviser on Turkey on Community Development.

Australian Batsman Ricky Ponting was honoured with Austrlia’s Highest Civil Honour

Senior Australian batsman Ricky Ponting was honoured with Austrlia’s  highest civil honour along with a host of sportspersons of international repute. The former skipper was appointed an officer (AO) in the general division of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to the sport of cricket as a leading player, and to the community through the establishment of the Ponting Foundation.

In ongoing test against India, struck a fluent double century against India on the second day of the fourth Test at Adelaide, Australia (January 2012). Ponting scored two centuries in his past three Test matches against India.

In 2008, Ponting and his wife Rianna formed the Ponting Foundation to help cancer patients.

Rugby players Stirling Mortlock and George Smith, teenage sailor Jessica Watson and bowls great Steve Glasson were also appointed Officers of the Order of Australia for their services to the sport.