IAS Praveen Chaudhary is a 2014 Batch Officer of Gujarat cadre and is currently posted as district collector of Anand,Gujarat.Known for his approachable and hands-on administrative style, his vision is to reduce revenue case pendency and make governance more citizen-friendly.

“Revenue cases significantly impact citizens because without timely mutation, people cannot take loans, mortgage property, or complete basic land-related transactions.” Recognizing the huge number of cases - its direct impact on citizens and how a single pending case can stall livelihoods. He made revenue case disposal his top priority.

Historically, Anand’s performance in district rankings suffered despite strong achievements primarily because of this one metric:high pendency. Determined not to pass this burden to his successor,Chaudhary set an ambitious aim.Over the past several months,he has been disposing an average of around 250 revenue cases every month, a pace unmatched.

What sets his approach apart is not just the volume but empathy and accessibility.Rather than making citizens travel long distances to the district headquarters,he conducts hearings directly from tehsil offices,easing logistical and financial strain on people and speeding up disposal “I conduct two courts every week and despite inevitable adjournments, we have managed to dispose of more than 3,000 cases at the collector level also.”he shared 

In just 5-6 months, this sustained effort has significantly reduced pendency, and today Anand records one of the highest numbers of disposals in recent years. “We have been trying to dispose as many cases as possible”he says.

With this IAS Praveen Chaudhary is building a revenue system that delivers timely justice, reduces citizen burden and ensures efficient governance reaches people where they are.

G. Sai Prasad  is likely to succeed K Vijyanand as Chief  Secretary of Andhra Pradesh on March 1. He is 1991 batch IAS officer . Latest  indication   is that present Chief Secretary K Vijayanand will get three months extension till February and then Sai Prasad will take over from him.

As many as nine IPS officers of various cadres and batches are retiring in November, 2025. They are: Bachu Singh Meena of Bihar cadre; Bhagat Singh of Himachal Pradesh; Bhagwat Singh Virde of Madhya Pradesh; P Viswa Prasad of Telangana cadre and Daljit Singh Chaudhary, Tilotma Verma, Arun Kumar Srivastava, Prakash Swarup Pandey and Shivaji of Uttar Pradesh cadre.

In all probability, Utpal Kumar Singh, Secretary General of Loka Sabha is likely to get one more extension or till March next year. Sources said the reason behind this is the Lok Sabha winter session will start from December 1 and Commonwealth Countries Speakers Conference is also scheduled in January. Singh is a retired Indian Administrative Service officer of 1983 batch from Uttarakhand cadre who is serving as the Secretary General of the Lok Sabha since 30 November 2020. His extended term expires this month.

As per DoT order the proposed workshop on effective communication for DoT officers has been postponed. The Workshop was scheduled for November 27.

The Centre has clarified that the proposed bill concerning Chandigarh, aimed at simplifying the Central Government’s law-making process for the Union Territory, is still under consideration and no final decision has been taken. The Ministry of Home Affairs emphasized that the proposal does not intend to alter Chandigarh’s governance or administrative structure, nor affect the traditional arrangements with Punjab and Haryana. The clarification came amid political uproar in Punjab, where parties feared the bill could weaken the state’s claim over Chandigarh or lead to an independent administrator replacing Punjab’s Governor as the UT’s administrator. The Centre reassured that any decision will follow comprehensive consultations with stakeholders and asserted there is no intention to introduce any such Bill in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament. Meanwhile, political tensions remain high given the pent-up demand for autonomy in Ladakh and regional sensitivities around territorial governance, underscoring the need for careful handling of autonomy and administrative issues in union territories like Chandigarh and Ladakh.

The Members, who were handed over offer letters for joining as Members, Income Tax Tribunal Administrative(ITAT), are on the horns of dilemma after the Supreme Court struck down the Tribunal Reforms Act-2021. A total of 16 Members including six Judicial Members and ten Accountant Members were appointed to the ITAT.

Balasugumar Daniel, CGM, SAIL, has been appointed as Director (Operations), Cement Corporation of India (CCI) Limited. The Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) has approved his appointment to the post.

Anurag Sharma, Director (Infrastructure), DFCCIL, appears to be only a contender for the post of Managing Director, Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL).

B Anoop, Scientific Officer, has been appointed as Director (Technical), Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI). The Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) has approved his appointment to the post.

 MoD is considering extended retention beyond 4 years for skilled Agniveers (up to 8-10 years). Addresses Op Sindoor manpower gaps; could raise re-enlistment to 50% by 2026.

Mahe-class ASW shallow water craft (fastest in class) inducted Nov 24 for sub-hunting; boosts anti-sub ops. COAS Gen Upendra Dwivedi attended, highlighting synergy in Op Sindoor and multi-domain ops.

At Delhi event, “Borders can change; who knows, Sindh may return to India.” Breaking: Signals civilizational ties; PaK FO calls it “provocative, expansionist.” Speculation: Post-Sindoor posturing amid Pak instability.

Uttar Pradesh Rail Metro Rail Corporation Limited (UPMRC) has advertised the post of Joint General Manager (Operations) for Lucknow, Kanpur & Agra on deputation basis. Applications must reach latest by December 20, 2025.

Applications for one Pay and Accounts officer and one Law Officer in National Commission for Women (NCW) on deputation basis have been invited.  Details can be availed from ministry’s website.

Office of the Custodian of Enemy Property for India (CEPI), New Delhi is seeking eight Surveyors (Lucknow, Kolkata and Mumbai), Senior Legal Consultants (Mumbai and Kolkata) and five legal Consultants (Delhi, Lucknow, Kolkata and Mumbai). Applications must reach latest by December 5, 2025.

Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee National Institute of Water and Sanitation (SPM-NIWAS), Kolkata, has advertised the post of Finance and Accounts Officer. Details can be availed from the website.

Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) has advertised the posts of Joint General Manager/ Deputy General Manager (Electrical Engineering), Delhi on deputation basis.

Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) has advertised the posts of Joint General Manager/ Deputy General Manager (Signal & Telecom Engineering), Delhi on deputation basis. Applications must reach latest by December 22, 2025.

World Bank is seeking Operations Officer- Local Champions Initiative (LCI) for Kinshasa, Congo Democratic Republic.

Veer Singh Yadav, Additional Commissioner in Municipal Corporation of Delhi (on deputation), has been selected for deputation to the National Highways Authority of India as General Manager (Finance & Accounts) for an overall combined tenure up to March 16, 2028. He is an Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS) officer.

Goverdhan P. Khutey, who is presently serving in South East Central Railway (SECR), has been posted as Principal Chief Signal & Telecommunication Engineer (PCSTE) on the Railway itself with effect from 22 May 2023. He is an Indian Railway Service of Signal Engineers (IRSSE) officer.

The Ministry of Power, Government of India, today convened a meeting of the India Energy Stack (IES) Taskforce to accelerate the development of the nation's Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for the power sector. The IES initiative, which is envisioned as the unified, secure, and interoperable digital backbone for the entire energy value chain, is being advanced with REC Limited as the Nodal Agency and FSR Global as the Knowledge Partner. The focus of today's meeting was the collective review and strategic discussion on the two core foundational elements of the initiative: the draft IES Strategy Document (version 0.1) and the IES Architecture Document (version 0.1). The Taskforce—comprising domain experts from technology, the power sector, and regulatory bodies—engaged in an in-depth roundtable discussion following the presentations of the documents. The objective of the dialogue was to capture high-level strategic guidance from all members. The meeting was attended by Taskforce Chairman Dr. Ram Sewak Sharma (Former DG of UIDAI, Former CEO, National Health Authority (NHA)); Chief Architect Pramod Verma (Co-founder, FIDE; former Chief Architect, Aadhaar); Vice Chair Pradeep Kumar Pujari (Distinguished Fellow, FSR Global; Former Chairman CERC, Former Secretary Power); and members including Sh. Ghanshyam Prasad (Chairperson, CEA); Alok Kumar (DG, AIDA); Jitendra Srivastava (CMD, REC Limited); S K Soonee (Former CMD, Grid India); Vikram Gandotra (President Elect, IEEMA); Ms. Swetha Ravi Kumar (Executive Director, FSR Global); Sujith Nair (CEO, FIDE); Prince Dhawan (ED, REC Limited); Raveesh Gupta (MD, PVVNL); Debjani Ghosh (Distinguished Fellow, NITI Aayog); and Shashank Mishra (Joint Secretary (Distribution), MoP), among others. Jitendra Srivastava, CMD, REC Limited (Nodal Agency for IES), said, "Today's meeting is a pivotal milestone in our shared national ambition to create a unified, open, and future-ready digital backbone for India's entire energy sector. The IES Strategy and Architecture documents are vital frameworks that will be enriched by the collective wisdom and guidance of our esteemed Taskforce members. The inputs received will help consolidate the framework and shape the pathway toward refinement and the pilot phase." The India Energy Stack, defined as a DPI, aims to identify and connect stakeholders and assets, and facilitate open data exchange through uniform specifications and standards, thereby unlocking transparent, reliable, inclusive, efficient, and affordable energy access. By establishing common digital protocols, open APIs, and federated registries, IES will bridge existing silos, enable real-time data exchange, and foster innovation, ultimately unlocking operational efficiency for DISCOMs, accelerating the integration of renewable energy, supporting green energy markets, and delivering consumer-centric power services. The Members articulated that what Aadhaar did for identity and UPI achieved for digital payments, the IES will accomplish for the power sector. The guidance and inputs received from the Taskforce members in this meeting will be instrumental in consolidating the foundational framework and shaping the subsequent steps, including the refinement of the documents and the commencement of the initiative's pilot phase. The Taskforce meetings will now be held on a monthly basis to ensure timely progress and alignment of the project. The India Energy Stack (IES) project is scheduled to be completed by July 2026.

Odisha Tourism marked a striking presence at the India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2025, held from 14–27 November at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida on 14 November, the Odisha Pavilion in Hall No. 4 showcased the state’s rich cultural heritage, iconic destinations, exquisite handicrafts, authentic cuisine, and sustainable tourism offerings, with special focus on the flagship Eco Retreat.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited the pavilion on 22 November, highlighting Odisha’s organic coffee and tribal products. Over 28 thematic stalls, vibrant Odissi performances, and women-led enterprises under Mission Shakti drew large crowds, reinforcing Odisha’s position as one of India’s most exciting and eco-conscious tourism destinations.

Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida on Sunday inaugurated the upgraded Light & Sound Show at the Konark Sun Temple.

The ₹6-crore project features a state-of-the-art laser-based system with eight 30,000-lumen projectors, delivering vivid storytelling across the temple’s façade. An advanced open-surround audio system now complements traditional headphones, offering a deeply immersive experience for up to 300 visitors at a time.

The revamped show brings the 13th-century UNESCO World Heritage monument’s history, mythology and architectural grandeur dramatically to life.

Nikhil Dhongari has been appointed as Deputy Secretary in the National Health Authority-Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. he is a 2012 batch IRPS officer.

Ms Tarannum Verma has been deputed to the State Government of Chhattisgarh. She is an IRS-IT officer.

Niranjan Kumar has been appointed as DCIT in the office of Pr.CCIT, Delhi, region on return from deputation. He is an IRS-IT officer.

Three IAS officers of 1996 batch in Bihar have been promoted to the Apex Pay Scale and designated as Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) w e f January 1, 2026. The promoted officers are: Anand Kishore, K Senthil Kumar and H R Srinivas.

The 1000 MW Tehri Pumped Storage Project (PSP), one of India’s most strategically significant hydropower balancing facilities, has moved into its final stage of commissioning, with two of its four units already declared commercially operational. The remaining two units i.e. Unit-3 and Unit-4 are poised to commission shortly, marking the culmination of a project designed to add 1,000 MW of critical peaking capacity to the northern grid. The PSP uses the existing Tehri and Koteshwar reservoirs as its upper and lower basins, enabling a closed-loop “water recycling” operation. During off-peak hours, the reversible machines pump water from the lower to the upper reservoir; during peak demand, the same units generate power by releasing that stored water. This model supplies flexibility that intermittent renewable energy sources cannot provide on their own, and it offers system operators a dependable mechanism for balancing load, stabilizing frequency, and meeting evening peak demand. With four reversible 250-MW units housed in an underground powerhouse on the left bank of the Bhagirathi, the project is engineered for high-head operation featuring a head variation of nearly 90 metres. Once fully operational, the PSP will contribute 1,000 MW of peaking power  and together with the existing Tehri and Koteshwar plants, the completion of the PSP will raise the total capacity of the Tehri Hydro Power Complex to 2,400 MW. With work on the final units progressing on schedule, officials describe the project as being “on the threshold of full-scale delivery,” a milestone likely to draw attention from power sector analysts, policymakers, and grid planners. As India’s renewable capacity expands rapidly, grid-balancing assets such as the Tehri PSP are increasingly seen as essential infrastructure. The final commissioning of the remaining units will mark not only the completion of a technically demanding project but also a significant upgrade to the nation’s ability to manage variability in the power system.

Kartik Rajendran has been appointed as Managing Director of Abbott India Limited for a period of five years, effective June 14, 2025.

Sanjay Panicker has been re-appointed as Non-Independent Director of National Securities Depository Limited.

 

Dorab E Mistry has been re-appointed as Non-Executive Independent Director of AWL Agri Business Limited, effective June 10, 2026.

Madhu Ramachandra Rao has been re-appointed as Non-Executive Independent Director of AWL Agri Business Limited, effective June 10, 2026.

Mrs Dipali Sheth has been re-appointed as Non-Executive Independent Director of AWL Agri Business Limited, effective June 10, 2026.

Dr. Anup P. Shah has been re-appointed as Non-Executive Independent Director of AWL Agri Business Limited, effective June 10, 2026.

Samir Kumar Das has been appointed as Additional Director (Non-Executive Independent) of Monika Alcobev Limited.

Ghanshyam Vyas has been appointed as Additional Director (Non-Executive Independent) of Monika Alcobev Limited.

Bhavin Jayantibhai Kothiya has been appointed as Additional Director (Non-Executive Independent) of Akshar Spintex Limited.

Ms. Anju Mittal, General Manager, Compliance Division, PNB, has been appointed as Additional Director (Non-Executive Non-Independent) of PNB Gilts Limited.

Ms. Rashmi Verma has been appointed as Independent Director of PTC India Financial Services Limited.

Mrs. Nikitha Sarda has resigned from the position of Non-Executive Independent Director of Omega Ag-Seeds Punjab Limited.

“India must protect Sheikh Hasina from death sentence”

Sheikh Hasina’s death sentence, awarded by the Bangladesh’s international crimes tribunal in absentia, does not constitute a fair trial.It is a travesty of justice.The so-called Kangaroo court packed with compliant judges,awarded death sentence in collusion  with the Yunus administration. Bangladesh has been promised general elections early next year.The ruling dispensation headed by chief advisor Md Yunus will,however, seek their deferment citing disturbed conditions.

No doubt, Sheikh Hasina successfully secured India’s borders from Islamists and north-eastern militant groups, and made the Hindu minority feel safe. Keeping her in India is as important for us as her return to Bangladesh for her opponents. But,she has also a lot to explain.For instance,why her government failed to hold talks with the protesters last year and why she ordered crackdown on students

Dhaka’s demand for her return by invoking the India-Bangladesh extradition treaty,has been “noted” by India.But,will such a soft-line approach help? There are  reports that Dhaka may seek intervention of Interpol in bringing the former prime minister back to her country.

Pakistan’s army chief has warned that war this time will start  from India’s eastern borders. “Islamabad cannot discount the possibility of an "all-out war" with India”,says Pak’s defence minister.

The important question before New Delhi is: how to navigate its range of options.The NIA’s interrogation of the Red fort blast accused point to a clear joint conspiracy involving Pakistan,Turkiye and Bangladesh.More blasts could be in the pipeline. Immediate military strikes on Pakistan and Bangladesh,are necessary to bring the perpetrators to justice as promised by PM Modi.

A K Saxena (Former civil servant)

 Social Media is abuzz

Social media is abuzz with such news and it has a credence due to amendment sought in Finance act 2025 and Reference points for 8th pay commission.. Retired employees who draw confidence due to pension are fearful of their future . It might reflect otherwise if there are tricks up sleeve in gov sections. Government should ensure that like 7th Pay commission there will be no change for formula for pensioners and in no case pension will freeze on the level it is now or before 01-01-2026... If feelings are hurt and so

Raj Bahadur Singh

Transfer of RTI application under section 6(3) of the RTI Act

The complainant had sought information regarding the exact number of Nikkah (Marriage) conducted by the Janab. M. Mohamed Ali Maraicar, Khazi, Karaikal District since his appointment in the post till 30.9.2023. The application was forwarded under Rule 6(3) of RTI Act, 2005 since certain information sought in the application pertain to the other office with a request to provide the required information directly to the applicant. The CIC noted that the PIO took appropriate steps under Section 6(3) of the RTI Act to forward the request to the authority holding the information (District Government Khazi), and the Complainant was informed about the same. Subsequently, a composite reply was provided on 19.12.2023. The CIC held that there is no evidence of wilful denial or refusal by the Respondent authority and disposed of the complaint.

Comments

The RTI Act mandates that where a public authority does not hold the information but has made bona fide efforts to forward the request to the relevant authority, the PIO is not held liable under the Act as no mala fide iss established on part of the Respondent.

Citation: J Mohammed Bilal v. Puducherry State Waqf Board, CIC/UTPON/C/2024/102435; Date of Decision  01.05.2025

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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