Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, and World Bank chief Ajay Banga have been included in Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2024 list in the ‘Leaders’ category. The annual list is divided into several categories such as ‘Leaders’, ‘Icons,’ and ‘Titans,’ among others. Other notable personalities featured in the ‘Leaders’ category include Indian-origin US official Jigar Shah, Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, and Iranian human rights activist Narges Mohammadi.
In her first interview following Navalny’s death on February 16 in an Arctic penal colony, Yulia Navalnaya expressed her decision to enter politics to carry on her husband’s vision. She emphasized her belief that his death should not be the end and that his ideals must live on. Ajay Banga, an Indian American, made history as the first person of color to lead either the World Bank or the International Monetary Fund when he became the President of the World Bank last year. His presidency is set for a five-year term.
Jigar Shah, another Indian-American mentioned in the list, holds a director position in the US Department of Energy Loan Programs Office. In this role, he oversees the allocation of millions of dollars in public funds toward clean infrastructure and energy initiatives. Italian PM Georgia Meloni, who became Italy’s first woman leader in 2022, is among the few top politicians included in the ‘Leaders’ category. Despite initial concerns about her far-right party, she continues to enjoy significant support in the country.
Narges Mohammadi, at 51 years old, was awarded the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize for her relentless advocacy for human rights in Iran. Her cause has resulted in her frequent incarcerations over the past two decades. She is currently detained in Tehran’s Evin prison.