India has appointed former Reserve Bank of India governor Dr. Urjit Patel as the country’s Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet cleared the posting for a three-year term, effective from the date he assumes charge. Patel, an economist who previously led the RBI, will represent India on the IMF’s 24-member Executive Board, helping shape policy on issues ranging from surveillance to lending operations. Separately, the administration has constituted two high-level panels under Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba to advance the next round of economic reforms. One panel will fast-track big-ticket projects and promote investment, while the other will review and simplify regulatory and compliance requirements for citizens and businesses.