The long-discussed merger of state-owned general insurance companies — National Insurance, Oriental Insurance, and United India Insurance — has hit a bureaucratic stalemate. Officials familiar with the matter said divisions within the finance ministry have slowed progress, with concerns over valuation, capital infusion, and operational integration. While the government continues its preliminary assessment, no concrete execution plan or timeline has been drawn up. According to people aware of internal deliberations, resistance from entrenched bureaucratic structures within the insurance sector has further complicated consolidation efforts. Some officials believe a merger might not address underlying inefficiencies, including high claim ratios and weak balance sheets. The proposal, first revived in 2018-19 as part of a broader reform agenda, has resurfaced periodically but remains mired in uncertainty as differing views persist across departments.

There is growing buzz in bureaucratic circles that a few young IAS and IIS officers are emerging as key contenders within the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, particularly as the government looks to push a new wave of digital and communication reforms. These officers, known for their tech-savvy approach and experience in media administration, are reportedly being considered for strategic roles tied to digital outreach, regulatory modernization, and public communication strategy. The ministry’s recent emphasis on integrating AI-driven outreach, online transparency, and youth-focused information policy has further amplified demand for such dynamic administrative talent.

Ms. Prachi Saroop, who is 1991 batch IRS (C&CE) officer, is in reckoning for the post of Member CBIC.

Mrs. Rimjhim Prasad is also considered front-runner for the post of Member CBIC. She is 1991 batch IRS (C&CE) officer.

At least five Member have been shortlisted for interviews to the post of Member, CBIC scheduled on January 2, 2026. These officers include, Vimal Kumar Srivastava, Sanjay Mangal, Sunil Jain, Anuj Gogia, Kajal Singh.

The Department of Atomic Energy will be selecting a candidate for the post of Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) through Search-cum-Selection Committee (SCSC).  A vacancy of this post is arising on February 1, 2026.

Five IAS officers of the 1996 batch  are being  promoted as Additional Chief Secretaries in Gujarat on January 1.

Veerendra Kumar Mishra has been appointed as Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). He is a 2012 batch IPS officer of MP cadre.

Jitendra Shukla is joining the NSG as Group Commander. He is 2013 batch IPS officer of Chhattisgarh cadre.

 Term of Prof Sangeeta Serivastava, V C, Allahabad Central University has expired but the Education Ministry is yet to decide about the incumbent.

N Venkataraman, Senior Accounts officer, is posted in Ministry of Law & Justice, Chennai, against the newly created/encadred post in NCLAT.

The Indian Army updated its guidelines to allow “passive participation” on platforms like Instagram and X (viewing/monitoring only—no posting, liking, or sharing). Messaging apps (e.g., WhatsApp) are permitted for unclassified info, aiming to balance awareness with operational security. This replaces a 2021 blanket ban and responds to evolving digital threats. No active engagement is allowed to prevent misinformation or leaks.

Emphasis on AC-only express trains long-term for hygiene (#SwachchBharat), with calls to replace sleeper coaches.

The CBIC has granted proforma promotion to  Rajesh Kumar Mishra in grade of Principal Commissioner w e f January 1, 2025. He is a 1995 batch IRS(C&IT) Officer.

The post of Ms Sweta Satya has been upgraded as Director in the Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare . She is a 2012 batch IES officer.

The post of Santanu Kumar Agrahari as Private Secretary to V Somanna, MoS for Jal Shakti & Railways has been upgraded to Director level. He is a 2012 batch IAS officer of Jharkhand cadre.

The post of Ananjay Kumar Tiwary has been upgraded as Director in the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation. He is a 2012 batch IRS-IT officer. 

Ministry of Home Affairs is seeking DSP/ SP level IPS officer for Gender Affairs (P-3), Brindisi, Italy for United Nations Police Department (UNPD) Standing Police Capacity (SPC). Applications must reach latest by February 10, 2026.

Ministry of Home Affairs is seeking DSP/ SP level IPS officer for Transnational Crime Officer (P-3), Brindisi, Italy for United Nations Police Department (UNPD) Standing Police Capacity (SPC). Applications must reach latest by February 10, 2026.

Last date to apply for the post of Director North Eastern Regional Institute of Water and Land Management (NERIWALM) has been extended. The revised date is January 7, 2026.

PSP Division of  Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi has invited applications for the post of Manager (Senior Consultant), SLA Monitoring on contractual basis. Applications  can be emailed at dpo.ops@mea.gov.in and dirpsp@mea.gov.in . dpo.ops@mea.gov.in ; dirpsp@mea.gov.in.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Brunei Darussalam has invited applications for Government of Brunei Darussalam Scholarship 2026-27 for Foreign Students. Details can be availed from  https://www.mfa.gov.bn/Pages/online-bdgs.aspx. Applications must reach latest by February 15, 2026.

Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR,) has re-advertised the post of Secretary in Brahmaputra Board, Guwahati. Details can be availed from Ministry’s website.

Sports Authority of India (SAI) has invited applications for the post of Senior Lead (Sports Science) in Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) on contract basis. Online applications must reach latest by February 1, 2026.

Ministry of Labour & Employment (MoLE) has invited applications for two Young Professionals (Media) from open market purely on a contractual basis. Applications must reach latest by January 9, 2026.

Pankaj Kumar Kesharwani, who is presently posted in North Eastern Railway (NER), has been transferred to Central Railway (CR) and posted as Additional Divisional Railway Manager (ADRM), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSTM). He is an Indian Railway Service of Electrical Engineers (IRSEE) officer

Karni Ram, who is presently posted in North Western Railway (NWR), has been posted as Additional Divisional Railway Manager (ADRM), Jodhpur (JU), on the Railway itself. He is an Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers (IRSME) officer.

 

Girish Kumar Gupta, who is presently posted in Integral Coach Factory (ICF), has been transferred to North Central Railway (NCR) and posted as Additional Divisional Railway Manager (ADRM), Agra Cantt (AGC). He is an Indian Railway Service of Signal Engineers (IRSS) officer.

As many as 15 Indian Railway Personnel Service (IRPS) officers have been granted Selection Grade with effect from January 1, 2026.

The last Cabinet meeting of 2025 will be held on Wednesday, December 31.

Engineers India Limited (EIL), a Navratna PSU under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG), commenced site activities for its Compressed Biogas (CBG) Plant at MIDC Halkarni Industrial Area, Kolhapur district, Maharashtra. The foundation stone laying ceremony was presided over by the Secretary MoPNG,  Pankaj Jain, virtually on 29th December 2025, in presence of EIL CMD, Ms Vartika Shukla and Functional Directors of EIL’s Board and senior officials of the company. The CBG project, being developed with EIL’s own investment, is designed for a capacity of 5 tonnes per day (TPD) of Compressed Biogas. The plant will process around 125 TPD of press mud, sourced directly from sugar mills as well as through aggregators, using bio-methanation (anaerobic digestion) technology. The CBG produced will be supplied to HPOIL and made available for end use, particularly for vehicular applications, through HPOIL retail outlets in Kolhapur, contributing to reduced carbon emissions and enhanced use of renewable fuels in the transport sector. In addition to clean gaseous fuel, the project will generate Fermented Organic Manure (FOM) and Liquid Fermented Organic Manure (LFOM) as by-products, supporting sustainable agriculture and circular economy practices. This project reflects EIL’s strategic intent to expand its footprint in sustainable energy infrastructure, complementing its core engineering strengths while aligning with national initiatives such as SATAT, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and India’s long-term energy transition goals, strengthening the country’s Waste-to-Energy and Clean Mobility Ecosystem.

IAS officers have been reshuffled in Bihar. Vijayalakshmi N has been transferred as Additional Chief Secretary, Planning and Development Department, and will also hold the charge of Secretary, Bihar State Planning Board, Patna, and Project Director, Bihar Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Society, Patna, while Shirshat Kapil Ashok has been given the responsibility of Secretary In-charge, Dairy, Fisheries and Animal Resources Department, Patna. Similarly, K Senthil Kumar takes over as Principal Secretary, Sugarcane Industry Department; Pankaj Kumar as Principal Secretary, Rural Development Department with additional charge of Inquiry Commissioner, General Administration Department; Sanjeev Hans as Additional Member, Revenue Board; Narmadeshwar Lal as PS, Agriculture Department while he will continue to hold the additional charge of Inquiry Commissioner, General Administration Department;  Vinay Kumar as PS, Urban Development and Housing Department; Prem Singh Meena as Commissioner, Munger Division, Munger; Manish Kumar as Commissioner, Saran Division, Chapra; Sandeep Kumar Pudkalakatti, Secretary, Urban Development & Housing, will hold the additional charge of Secretary, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Welfare; Giriwar Dayal Singh as Commissioner, Tirhut Division, Muzaffarpur; Avnish Kumar Singh as Commissioner, Bhagalpur Division; Mahendra Kumar, MD, South Bihar Power Distribtion Company Ltd., will also handle charge of Special Secretary, Sports; Dr B Rajendra Kumar, ACS, GAD, will be relieved of the additional charge of Sports Department; Nilesh Ramchandra Deore, Special Secretary, Civil Aviation, gets additional charge of Special Secretary, Tourism; Lokesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, Rural Development, has been relieved of the additional charge of Tourism Department and Amit Kumar Pandey, ED, State Health Society, is assigned additional charge of MD, Bihar Medical Services and Infrastructure Corporation.

Major Rahul B K, presently on deputation to Army Postal Service (APS), has been granted Proforma promotion to Junior Administrative Grade (JAG) of the Indian Postal Service (IPoS). He is a 2016 batch IPoS officer.

Sivavikram has been promoted to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) grade in National Investigation Agency (NIA). He is a 2012 batch IPS officer of Kerala cadre.

Sandeep has been promoted to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) grade in National Investigation Agency (NIA). He is a 2012 batch IPS officer of AGMUT cadre.

Mrs Sujata Singh has been promoted to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) grade in National Investigation Agency (NIA). She is a 2012 batch IPS officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre.

R K Shahspurwad has been promoted to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) grade in National Investigation Agency (NIA). He is a 2012 batch IPS officer of Karnataka cadre.

P H Maheshnaraian has been promoted to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) grade in National Investigation Agency (NIA). He is a 2012 batch IPS officer of Manipur cadre.

Social media buzz speculated that over 80% of India’s startup funding remains foreign-dependent, with calls to unlock domestic pension, insurance, and CSR capital to reduce risks amid global volatility. This reflects whispers of a “reclaiming innovation” push in early 2026. Additionally, discussions emerged around cross-border corporate expansions, with the Startup Europe India Network inviting builders for EU-India partnerships in operations and acquisitions, hinting at rising M&A whispers.

 Prediction: By 2030s, US giants like Walmart/Amazon will dominate India’s q-commerce via acquisitions (e.g., stakes in Zepto, Blinkit).

India Inc to tap Tier-2/3 cities for 30% cost savings; gig workforce to hit 50 million by 2026, per Mint projections.

Jay Singh Bardia has been re-appointed as Managing Director of Krypton Industries Limited.

Rajkumar Beniwal, IAS, has assumed charge as Managing Director of Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited (GNFC).

Sangram Kumar Mishra has been assigned the additional charge of Managing Director of Hindustan Fluorocarbons Limited with effect from October 8, 2025.

 

BK Tyagi has been granted extension of the additional charge of Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Shipping Corporation of India Land and Assets Limited (SCILAL) with effect from January 1, 2026.

 

Captain Som Raj, Director (P&A),  Shipping Corporation of India Limited (SCI),  has been entrusted with the additional charge of Director (Finance) of SCI with effect from January 1, 2026.

Tikka Singh has been appointed as an Additional Director (Non-Executive Independent) of Raymond Limited with effect from  January 1, 2026.

Ajoy Mehta has been appointed as an Additional Director (Non-Executive Independent) of Raymond Limited with effect from January 1, 2026.

 

Rahul Gupta has been re-appointed as a Non-Executive Independent Director of Indogulf Cropsciences Limited.

 

Sandeep Bhutani has been re-appointed as a Non-Executive Independent Director of Indogulf Cropsciences Limited.

Mrs. Madhumita Tapader has resigned from the position of Independent Director of Lyons Corporate Market Limited.

Deepakkumar Rathod has resigned from the position of Non-Executive Director of Onix Solar Energy Limited.

Ms Parulben Jadav has resigned from the position of Non-Executive Director of Onix Solar Energy Limited.

No re- employment of officials

I fully agree. There should be NO reemployment of any official. Government should plan in advance and recruit youngsters who are unemployed.

S Gopal

(DATE WITH RTI completes 17 years on whispers)

No reply about Charitable Trust by the public authority

The Appellant filed an online RTI application dated 28.12.2023 seeking the information about Chiranjeev Charitable Trust which ran three schools. He asked how he was terminated without any show cause notice after 17 years of service. He sought for the permission letter for name change of the society from the Registrar office and other related information. The CIC observed that as per available record file, no reply was given to the Appellant at the initial stage by the answering Respondent and admonished him for the same. However, upon receipt of the hearing notice from the CIC, a suitable and pointwise reply has been given to the Appellant vide letter dated 06.10.2025, but, a copy of the same was not received by the Appellant. Accordingly, the CIC directed the Respondent to send a copy to the appellant along with relevant annexures, through speed-post as well as through email. Further, the CIC cautioned the Respondent Public Authority to act strictly within the precincts of the RTI Act by observing the timelines scrupulously and punctually, in future.

Comments

The simple act of replying to the RTI applicant can prevent the avoidable embarrassment of appearing before the CIC and wastage of time.

Citation: Vikram Singh v. Sub Registrar-VII (INA), Vikas Sadan, New Delh, File No: CIC/REVDP/A/2024/615016; Date of Decision : 14.10.2025

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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