NEWSMAKERS OF THE WEEK

THE ABRUPTNESS WITH WHICH WEST BENGAL CHIEF MINISTER MAMATA BANERJEE CANCELLED HER VISIT TO CHINA HAS STUNNED DIPLOMATIC CIRCLE. EXPERTS WONDER IF THE TENSIONS OVER DOKLAM COULD BE THE REASON. MAMATA BANERJEE

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who was heading an Indian delegation due to travel to China under an official exchange programme, was left embarrassed after the delegation had to cancel the trip due to non-confirmation of meetings “at the appropriate level” from Beijing’s side. The visit was fully backed by the Indian government, with external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj having recommended Ms Banerjee’s name.

CHANDA KOCHHAR

In a reversal of its stance taken four months ago, the board of directors of ICICI Bank allowed its CEO Chanda Kochhar to go on leave until a probe into her role in an alleged conflict of interest while granting loans to the Videocon Group was completed. Ms Kochhar has been facing allegations about sanctioning loans in lieu of investments made in firms promoted by her husband.

ARVIND KEJRIWAL

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday called off his nine-day sit-in at the LG’s office after IAS officers started attending meetings with ministers. The AAP chief termed as a “small victory”. It was the first time in the history of Delhi that the Chief Minister and his Cabinet colleagues spent the night at the L-G's office to press for their demands, sources said. Kejriwal is expected to go to Bengaluru for a 10-day naturopathy session.

RUPERT STADLER

Chief executive of German carmaker Audi, Rupert Stadler, has been arrested in connection with an investigation into the diesel emissions scandal. Stadler is the most senior company official to be detained so far since Volkswagen admitted in September 2015 to using illegal software to rig US emissions tests on diesel engines. Munich prosecutors, who widened their probe into Audi earlier this month, said Stadler was being held due to fears he might hinder their investigation into the scandal.

BRIAN KRZANICH

Intel chief executive Brian Krzanich has resigned after an investigation revealed a past relationship with another employee violated the microchip giant’s company policy. Mr Krzanich was a veteran executive of the company, joining the company in 1982 and serving as chief executive since 2013. The consensual relationship was said to be “sometime back”, according to CNBC. Shares fell 2% as investors reacted to the news.