Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan will complete his extended tenure in May 2026. He was appointed for a three-year term, which was originally due to end on 3 September 2025. Ahead of his superannuation, he was given an extension, extending his tenure until May 30, 2026. Who will succeed him As per window gossip, the next CDS could be from the Navy, reflecting India’s growing maritime focus. However, the picture is expected to become clearer only by April next year.

Sanjay Mangal is likely to be selected for the post of Member CBIC. He is a 1992 batch IRS (C&CE) officer.

Unofficial buzz  is on ACC’s Jan reshuffles spilling into IFS (e.g., joint sec promotions affecting deputy envoys); possible special officer for AI diplomacy by Feb.

Appointment of Balakrishnan V as Inspector General, Border Security Force (BSF) on deputation basis has been cancelled. He is a 2003 batch IPS officer of Tamil Nadu cadre.

Vinay Kumar has been appointed as Inspector General in National Investigation Agency (NIA) on deputation basis. He is a 2004 batch IPS officer of Bihar cadre.

Anupam Misra, Director Marketing, FACT, has taken over an additional charge of Chairman-cum-Managing Director, The Fact Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore Limited (FACT) till the joining of regular incumbent.

As many as 31 officers of Indian Administrative Service (IAS) of various batches are retiring in Uttar Pradesh cadre.

Girisha P S has been appointed as Director (Finance), Central Silk Board, Bengaluru on deputation basis. He is a 2012 batch IAS officer of AP cadre.

 India assumes BRICS chairmanship in Jan 2026, prioritizing Global South issues like de-dollarization, climate finance, and counter-terrorism. PM Modi announced this at the 2025 BRICS Summit in Brazil, with the 18th BRICS Summit (host TBD) as a flagship event. Involves MEA’s envoys in Brazil, Russia, etc., for prep.

 Comprehensive notification series introducing capacity-based levy, revised duty rates, and stricter compliance under Central Excise (Amendment) Act, 2025. Effective February 1, 2026, targeting DRI enforcement.

Unofficial buzz on ACC’s Jan reshuffles spilling into IFS (e.g., joint sec promotions affecting deputy envoys); possible special officer for AI diplomacy by Feb.

Deoranjan Kumar Singh formally took charge as Development Commissioner, emphasising accelerated development toward “Viksit Odisha” goals, including infrastructure and sustainable growth initiatives. Singh is likely to prioritise AI in planning, echoing national Viksit Bharat trends.

Whispers indicate potential IPS reshuffles in Karnataka by late January 2026, driven by election-year pressures, with trends toward younger, tech-savvy officers in urban postings.

 Whispers predict further IAS transfers in Telangana by January 15, 2026, tied to irrigation disputes with Andhra Pradesh, with trends toward specialised water management deputations.

  APM Mohammed Hanish (IAS) was promoted to Additional Chief Secretary, Industries Department, recognised for his role in making Kerala more investor-friendly and business-responsive.

 Tamil Nadu Tourism launched its 2026 monthly calendar themed “Discover the Rhythms of Tamil Nadu,” unveiled by Minister R. Rajendran and T. Christuraj (IAS), promoting cultural festivals, arts, and heritage sites to boost tourism revenue.

Ms Suganya K has been appointed as Deputy Secretary in NATGRID. She is a 2013 batch officer of Indian Trade Service.

Siddhartha Sah, an advocate, has been appointed as Additional Judge of the Uttarakhand High Court.

 

Jai Krishna Upadhyay, an advocate, has been appointed as Judge of the Allahabad High Court.

Two advocates have been appointed as Judges of the Patna High Court. They are: Ritesh Kumar and Praveen Kumar.

Haryana Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (HRIDC) has advertised the post of General Manager-Project for Gurugram. Details can be availed from www.indianrailways.gov.in and www.hridc.co.in.

National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) has advertised the post of Executive Director (ED) for New Delhi on deputation basis. Details can be availed from NFRA website.

Last date to apply for the post of Protocol Officer in NITI Aayog has been extended. The revised date is February 1, 2026.

Ministry of Civil Aviation is looking to hire two Young Professionals (YPs) for work related to research, data analysis and policy formulation in Air Cargo Sector. Applications must reach latest by January 21, 2026.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has invited applications for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) for DRDO Young Scientist Laboratory-Artificial  Intelligence (DYSL-AI). Applications must reach latest by January 22, 2026.

Ministry of Shipping has invited applications for the post of Member (Technical) for Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Details can be availed from https://shipmin.gov.in/.

 Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCI&S), Kolkata has invited applications for the post of Assistant Director Official Language (ADOL). Details can be availed from https://www.commerce.gov.in/. 

Aadhar Raj, who is presently serving as Additional Divisional Railway Manager (ADRM) (Commercial), East Central Railway (DNR), has been appointed on deputation as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Power for a tenure of five years. He is an Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) officer.

Ambar Pratap Singh, who is presently serving as Professor (Commercial Training & Vigilance) at Indian Railways Institute of Transport Management (IRITM), has been selected for deputation as Executive Director in the Sports Authority of India for a period of three years. He is an Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) officer.

Kamlesh Kumar Mishra, who is presently serving as Joint Secretary in the 16th Finance Commission under the Department of Economic Affairs on deputation, has been appointed on deputation as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Culture for an overall period of five years up to June 13, 2029. He is an Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) officer.

Zaigham Ali Khan, who is presently serving as Executive Director (Vigilance & Accounts), Railway Board, has been appointed on deputation as Member (Finance) in the Central Ground Water Board under the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation for a period of five years. He is an Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS) officer.

In a major reshuffle, as many as 26 IPS officers have been given new postings in W Bengal. Anoop Jaiswal has been made IG, CID, while Arijit Sinha, DIG, Midnapore Range, has been given the additional charge of DIG, Jangalmahal Battalion and Shrihari Pandey will join as DIG, Intelligence Branch, North Bengal. Similarly, Biswajit Mahato was transferred as DC, Special Branch (SB).  Bidhannagar Commissionerate; Nima Norbu Bhutia as Commanding Officer (CO), State Armed Police (SAP), 10th Battalion; Mrs Sujata Kumari Veenapani as DC, Headquarters, Howrah PC; Asim Khan as DC, Traffic, Howrah; Rakesh Singh as DC East, Siliguri Commissionerate; Shyamal Samanta as Special Superintendent (SS), CID; Makwana Meetkumar Sanjaykumar as DC, Traffic, Bidhannagar; Tauseef Ali Azhar as DC, Central, Howrah; Kalyan Sinha Ray as DC, DD, Howrah; Rana Mukherjee as DC, SB, Asansol Durgapur PC; Rupantar Sengupta as DC, DD, Chandan Nagar; Indrajit Sarkar as SP, STF, WB; Indra Badan Jha as DC, Central, Barrackpore; Ali Aboobacker TT as DC, DD, Barrackpore;Manish Joshi as DC, DD, Bidhan Nagar; Ms Polumati Sharanta as Addl DC, SB, Howrah and Ms Shailja Das is posted as Addl SP, Rural, Hooghly Rural.

The central deputation tenure of Abhishek Dev working as Chairman, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), has been extended for a period of one year beyond February 8, 2026. He is a 2007 batch IAS officer of AGMUT cadre.

Ms Vibha Chahal has been appointed as Director in the Department of Food & Public Distribution. She is a 2012 batch IAS officer of UP cadre.

The post of Ashish Saxena has been upgraded as Director in the Ministry of Mines. He is a 2012 batch ISS officer.

The post of Raghav Gupta has been upgraded as Director, NATGRID under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). He is a 2012 batch IRS-IT officer.

The post of Ms Geetika Sharma has been upgraded as Director in the Ministry of Mines. She is a 2012 batch IAS officer of AGMUT cadre.

The post of Bakki Karthikeyan as PS to G Kishan Reddy, has been upgraded as Director. He is a 2012 batch IAS officer of MP cadre.

The post of Ashish Saxena has been upgraded as Director in the Ministry of Mines. He is a 2012 batch ISS officer.

Under HURL’s CSR initiative Project POSHAN, Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited, in collaboration with Parichay Foundation, conducted a nutrition awareness and food distribution programme for 190 underprivileged women from rural and urban slum communities of Raghunathpur, Patia, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Nutritious food packets were distributed in the presence of Vice President (HR), HURL, along with representatives from Parichay Foundation. The programme also focused on creating awareness about healthy food habits and balanced nutrition, encouraging women to adopt practices that support the well-being of their families and communities. Through Project POSHAN, HURL reaffirms its commitment to community health, women empowerment, and inclusive growth. Dr Siba Prasad Mohanty, Managing Director, HURL, graced the 32nd Foundation Day celebrations of Patanjali as the Chief Guest, marking a meaningful convergence of shared values and vision for sustainable agriculture. Accompanied by his team, he toured the Patanjali campus and engaged in insightful discussions on organic farming practices, soil testing innovations, and integrated approaches to soil health management. During the visit, he also sought the blessings of Baba Ramdev, invoking goodwill and positive momentum for HURL’s journey ahead. The engagement reaffirmed a collective commitment towards environmentally responsible farming, strengthening soil vitality, and advancing farmer-centric agricultural growth.

In a transformative step toward prioritizing student and faculty wellbeing, the Indian Institute of Technology Ropar today held the ground breaking ceremony for the Dr. Ishan Avdhoot Shivanand Center for Yogic Sciences and Holistic Development, a comprehensive facility dedicated to holistic health, mental wellness, and spiritual growth. The ceremony, presided over by Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director, IIT Ropar and was graced by internationally acclaimed mental health researcher, Yoga of Immortals founder and Adjunct Faculty, CoE for Holistic Wellbeing, Dr. Ishan Shivanand, Dr. Atharva Poundarik, Head, Department of Biomedical Engg. and distinguished cardiologist Dr. Bindukumar Kansupada, Adjunct Faculty, Dept. of Biomedical Engg. The new centre represents a paradigm shift in how premier educational institutions approach student wellbeing, integrating ancient Indian wisdom with modern scientific approaches to mental and physical health.

A Vision for Holistic Wellbeing-

The Dr. Ishan Avdhoot Shivanand Center for Yogic Sciences and Holistic Development will feature a multipurpose hall designed to accommodate a diverse range of wellness activities including yoga, meditation, gymnastics, aerobics, and mindfulness practices. The facility will be equipped with specialized flooring for various physical activities.

"This centre is not merely a building—it is a commitment to the comprehensive development of our students and faculty," stated Prof. Ahuja during his address. "In today's high-pressure academic environment, mental health and physical wellbeing are not luxuries but necessities. This centre will serve as a sanctuary where our community can find balance, build resilience, and cultivate the inner strength necessary for both personal and professional excellence."

Addressing the Mental Health Crisis in Academia-

The initiative comes at a critical time when mental health challenges among students and young professionals are reaching unprecedented levels. Dr. Ishan Shivanand, whose research-backed Yoga of Immortals protocols have been adopted by Fortune 100 companies, healthcare systems, and educational institutions worldwide, brings scientifically validated, non-pharmaceutical interventions to address anxiety, depression, stress, and burnout.

"Education should nurture not just the intellect, but the whole human being," Dr. Shivanand remarked during the ceremony. "The pressures faced by students at premier institutions like IIT Ropar require more than conventional solutions. Through scientifically validated yogic practices, we can equip young minds with tools for lifelong wellbeing, emotional resilience, and peak performance. This centre will become a model for educational institutions across India and beyond."

Transforming the Campus Wellbeing Ecosystem-

The wellness centre is expected to revolutionize mental health support at IIT Ropar through several key initiatives including daily guided meditation and yoga sessions led by certified instructors, stress management workshops tailored for exam periods and academic pressures, peer support programs and mental health awareness campaigns, faculty wellness programs addressing professional burnout, integration with existing counseling services for comprehensive care, research collaborations studying the efficacy of holistic interventions, and community wellness events fostering a culture of collective wellbeing.

Empowering Underprivileged Talent: The Dr. Ishan Shivanand Scholarship for Gifted Youth

In a parallel announcement that underscores the initiative's commitment to equity and access, IIT Ropar and Dr. Ishan Shivanand jointly unveiled the Dr. Ishan Shivanand Scholarship for Gifted Youth —a program offering ten fully-funded scholarships for academically gifted students from underprivileged backgrounds. The scholarships will be distributed equally, with five designated for undergraduate students and five for postgraduate students.

"Talent is universal, but opportunity is not," the IIT Ropar Director emphasized. "These scholarships will ensure that brilliant young minds are not held back by financial constraints. By removing the burden of fees and providing comprehensive support—including access to our new wellness centre—we're enabling these scholars to focus entirely on their academic and personal growth. This is an investment in India's future."

A National Model for Educational Excellence

Prof. Ahuja articulated a larger vision for the initiative's impact: "This wellness centre, combined with our scholarship program, represents a holistic approach to education that other institutions across India can emulate. We're demonstrating that academic excellence and student wellbeing are not competing priorities—they're mutually reinforcing. A student who is mentally healthy, physically fit, and free from financial anxiety is a student who can truly excel and contribute meaningfully to the nation."

He continued, "As India aims to become a global leader in education, research, and innovation, we must ensure our brightest minds have both the intellectual training and the inner resilience to tackle complex challenges. This initiative will help create a generation of leaders who are not only technically proficient but also emotionally intelligent, mentally robust, and committed to societal wellbeing."

Building a Culture of Holistic Excellence-

"What we're witnessing today is more than a groundbreaking ceremony," concluded Prof. Ahuja. "It's the beginning of a cultural transformation—one that recognizes that the greatest innovations emerge not from stressed, burned-out minds, but from individuals who are balanced, centered, and operating from their highest potential. The Dr. Ishan Avdhoot Shivanand Center for Yogic Sciences and Holistic Development will be a beacon, demonstrating to the entire nation that investing in wellbeing is investing in excellence."

As IIT Ropar embarks on this pioneering initiative, it sets a powerful precedent for educational institutions nationwide, affirming that true academic excellence must be built on a foundation of mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing.

The deputation tenure of Sonal V Mishra, IG, CRPF, has been extended for a period of one year beyond December 20, 2025. She is a 2000 batch IPS officer of Tamil Nadu cadre.

Enacted in 2025, the SHANTI (Strategic Harmonised Approach for Nuclear Technology and Innovation) Act was a top trending topic, capping supplier liability at ₹300 crore per operator and allowing private/JV participation beyond PSUs like Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL).

Unlocks $100-150 billion investments, enabling Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047 (from 8.7 GW). Whispers suggest global vendors like GE-Hitachi eyeing JVs with NPCIL in Q1 2026. Trends show shift from PSU monopoly to hybrid models for faster clean energy scaling.

Ms Mitali Chitnis has been appointed as Director and Group Chief Human Resources Officer of Systematix Corporate Services Limited.

Anil Kumar Singh has been appointed as Director (Commercial) on the Board of National Aluminium Company Limited.

Ms Krishnan Kaviyas has been appointed as an Independent Director of Amarjothi Spinning Mills Limited.

Mrs. Purnima Dhanraj Amin has been appointed as an Additional Non-Executive Independent Director of Bajaj Healthcare Limited.

 

Mrs. Aakansha Vaid has resigned from the position of Non-Executive Independent Director of Yash Trading and Finance Limited.

 

Bhupendra Kaushik has resigned from the position of Non-Executive Independent Director of Sunshine Capital Limited.

 

Mopperthy Sudheer has ceased to be an Independent Director of Pharmaids Pharmaceuticals Limited on completion of his term.

 

Prem Sagar Gupta has ceased to be Part-time (Official) Director on the Board of Rail Vikas Nigam Limited.

Love Reading  Whispers

I love reading your whispers. One recent drawback which i would like to mention is the apparent over reliance on AI for writing contents. Even if AI is used for content writing, the same may be written in simple and lucid language.

Lalrohlua

Submission property details

One would like to know as to in how many cases action has been taken so far for non compliance of this order? Further what percent of cases are taken up for scrutiny? It is just a paper formality.

S Gopal

Information about Bharathidasan Institute of Management located in BHEL campus

The appellant sought information related to the Bharathidasan Institute of Management (BIM) located in the campus of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), Trichy such as whether BHEL was a collaborating partner, whether CMD attended the meeting, whether charge-sheet was issued to some officers for granting approval to BIM, etc. The PIO replied that information sought related to BIM which is a private institute and BHEL has no stake in the aforesaid institute. No MoU between BHEL and BIM is available on record. BHEL had allotted the building premises to BIM on lease basis for certain period and thereafter on license agreement basis. In accordance with the BHEL Shop and Allotment Policy, the license fee is collected as per the market rent from BIM and not on any discount or concessional rate. At present, a sum of Rs. 1.40 Crores per annum (excluding GST) is being collected as license fee from BIM. But the Respondent failed to establish how the market rent was arrived at in the absence of any open transparent competitive process. As regards details of tender floated by the BHEL for allotment of its building premises to BIM, the PIO submitted that no document related to the tender is available in their records. The appellant alleged before CIC that BHEL is one of the founders of BIM, and the registration fee for the society’s registration was paid by BHEL. The CIC noted that the Respondent has neither stated in their written submissions nor clarified during the hearing whether grant of its building premises to BIM for establishing the institute was done  through open transparent and competitive process through tender/auction conducted by BHEL. No details of any tender process have been provided by the PIO. The CIC observed that it is a matter of common understanding when government land or property is to be leased out particularly to a private institution, such allotment is ordinarily undertaken through an open, transparent and competitive (tender/ auction) process. In the present case, no material has been placed on record to demonstrate that BHEL followed such a procedure before granting its building to BIM on lease. The CIC pointed out that if land or a building is provided by a public authority to a private entity free of cost or at a heavily subsidized rate, such support may itself amount to “substantial financing”. In the absence of any tender or auction records, the method of determination of ‘market rent’ remains unclear. The CIC held that the Appellant too has not been able to substantiate his assertions or demonstrate how the body from which information is sought is owned, controlled, or substantially financed, directly or indirectly, either by BHEL or by the appropriate Government. The CIC noted that on the website of BIM it is mentioned that the institute was established in collaboration with BHEL. Holding that both sides are unable to come clear on the requirement of the RTI Act and/or public funding, the CIC directed the PIO to submit an appropriate affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper to establish the whether BIM is a public authority.

Comments

The burden to show that a body is owned, controlled or substantially financed or that a non-government organization is substantially financed directly or indirectly by the funds provided by the appropriate Government is on the applicant who seeks information which he failed to discharge in this case. For seeking information related to BIM, it has to be established that it is owned, controlled or substantially financed by BHEL.

Citation: Senthil Manian Vellaichamy v. Bharat Heavy Electrical Ltd, File No: CIC/BHELD/A/2024/627929 + /657539; Date of Decision: 11.12.2025

Dr Anuradha Verma (dranuradhaverma@yahoo.co.in) is a RTI Consultant currently working with IIM Vishakhapatnam. She has co-authored the books PIO’s Guide to RTI and Right to Information – Law and Practice. Her weekly article is being published since 2008 on this site. She offers consultancy on RTI matters and third party audit to individuals / organisations. Her other articles can be read at the website of RTI Foundation at the link https://www.rtifoundationofindia.com

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