Maternal health has long been a critical public health priority in India,requiring sustained focus, systemic reform and compassionate governance.In Telangana’s Nirmal district,this challenge is being addressed through ‘Amma Rakshitha’ a comprehensive maternal and neonatal healthcare initiative launched on under the visionary leadership of IAS Abhilasha Abhinav ,Collector of Nirmal.She is a 2018 Batch Telangana cadre officer.

Conceived as an end-to-end care model,the programme ensures continuous medical support for women,from pregnancy registration to safe institutional delivery and postnatal care.

The impact of this integrated approach has already been significant- Nirmal district has achieved 100 percent institutional deliveries while the Maternal Mortality Rate has declined sharply from 1.5 percent to 0.6 percent below the state average.These outcomes reflect the programme’s emphasis on universal first-trimester registration,early identification of high-risk pregnancies,strengthened referral systems and close monitoring at every level of care,aligned with the district’s vision of becoming a maternal death-free district by 2030.

A high-power committee oversees the implementation of Amma Rakshitha,supported by dedicated Help Desk teams stationed at MCH Nirmal and Area Hospital Bhainsa.These teams serve as a vital link between pregnant women,PHC staff and specialist centres.Through daily follow-ups,they track haemoglobin levels,ensure timely diagnostic scans,promote antenatal exercises and coordinate referrals to tertiary care facilities when required.This seamless coordination has significantly reduced delays in diagnosis and treatment particularly for high-risk cases.

What distinguishes Amma Rakshitha is its life-cycle approach to women’s health. Interventions begin at the school and adolescent stages with nutrition awareness,iron supplementation and early screening for anaemia and menstrual disorders.During pregnancy, women receive comprehensive antenatal care,including TIFFA and growth scans, iron and calcium supplementation, advanced laboratory investigations, cardiac screening through 2D Echo and specialist consultations enabled through telemedicine platforms.

The programme also recognises that maternal health extends beyond physical wellbeing. Prenatal yoga sessions,personalised nutritional counselling and dedicated mental health services addressing postpartum anxiety,depression and psychosis have improved both maternal confidence and overall satisfaction with care.

Beyond measurable health indicators,Amma Rakshitha has strengthened public trust in government healthcare services by delivering consistent,compassionate and high-quality care- setting a new standard for maternal healthcare delivery in India.It stands today as a model of people-centric governance ensuring that every mother in Nirmal is protected, supported and empowered.

A decade-long internal churn within the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) is now impossible to ignore, with 853 officers opting out of the cadre through voluntary retirement since 2014. This steady exodus has sharpened focus on why a growing number of debutants are leaving within a few years of joining, or even during probation.Senior officers and insiders point to a cocktail of factors: a mismatch between UPSC-era expectations and the relatively limited policy influence of IRS compared to IAS, the grind of revenue targets and enforcement work, slower promotional horizons, and tighter scrutiny with reduced informal discretion. For younger officers with elite degrees or prior corporate exposure, lateral opportunities in consulting, compliance, fintech and law firms often appear more lucrative and flexible than a three-decade-long bureaucratic track. The scale of exits is forcing the Revenue Department and boards to internally review cadre management, postings, and incentives, as institutional continuity and morale come under visible strain.

A growing tussle has emerged between two powerful auto lobbies over the government’s proposed tightening of Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms. On one side, Maruti Suzuki—backed by manufacturers focused on small petrol cars—has urged the government to reconsider the move, arguing that stringent norms will hurt the affordability of entry-level vehicles like the Alto K10, WagonR, and Celerio. These models are crucial to India’s mass-market segment. 

On the other side, the EV lobby led by JSW MG and Tata Motors is pushing for stricter norms, claiming they will accelerate the transition to electric mobility. However, EV makers also fear the revised standards could place entry-level EVs—priced around ₹15 lakh—on the same footing as ₹8–10 lakh petrol cars, blunting their price advantage. The matter has reportedly reached the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), which is reviewing both viewpoints ahead of a final policy decision. 

The Ministry of Defence is likely to shift from the North Block to Kartavya Bhawan in February. The Ministry will be busy in celebrating the Army Day on January 15, Republic Day and Beating Retreat in January.

The sanctioned strength of CIC is 11. CIC and 10 ICs. For the first time the strength of CIC is full and the first vacancy will fall in 2027.

K Lakshmi Nagaveni, DGM, NMDC, is in the race for the post of Director (Personnel), NMDC.

Saurabh Kumar, DGM, NMDC, is in the race for the post of Director (Personnel), NMDC.

27 officers of 2013 Batch have been promoted to the post of Additional Secretary. Prominent among them are, Amanbir Singh Bains, Anup Kumar Singh, Frank Noble, Girish Kumar Mishra, Harsh Dikshit, Mayank Agrawal, Neelam Shami Rao, Om Prakash Choudhary, Pallavi Jain, Rakesh Srivastav, Srishti Jaiswal, Vinay Kumar Singh, Kishore Kanyal, Neeraj Vashishtha, Rajani Singh and Meenakshi Singh.

Four officers of 2021 Batch have been confirmed to full IPS cadre. They are Ayush Gupta, Adarsh Kant Shukla, Narendra Rawat, Abhishek Ranjan.

Two IIS officers have been promoted to higher grade. B. Narayanan will now be PrDG while Rajiv Kumar Jain has been promoted as DG, AIR News.

Taranjeet Singh has been appointed as Additional  PS to Ashwimi Vaishnaw, Minister of Information & Broadcasting. He is a 2017 batch  IP&TAFS officer.

Three IDAS officers have been transferred. Dr Vandana Kumar has been posted as PIFA(Q&M). Delhi Cant while Dr Ajai Kumar will join as PIFA, AF, New Delhi and Dr Arulanandan Ramalingam goes to New Delhi as IFA(Capital AF).

A major reshuffle of IPS officers is anticipated by the end of December 2025, with the Home Department actively preparing the transfer list. This is expected to impact key positions, including Police Commissioners, Zone Inspectors General (IGs), Range Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs), and Superintendents of Police (SPs). Speculation is particularly high around the Chennai City Police Commissioner role, which is likely to see a change, signaling a broader administrative realignment ahead of potential political shifts in early 2026. Whispers in bureaucratic circles suggest this could be influenced by performance reviews and internal lobbying, with trends pointing toward younger officers being fast-tracked to high-visibility urban postings. TN DGP Abhay Kumar Singh (1993 batch IPS), appointed as Head of Police Force (HoPF) in charge of the state and set to retire on January 31, 2026, has launched a confirmed initiative to enhance police welfare and operational efficiency, including streamlined grievance redressal and tech integration for field operations. This is seen as a pre-retirement push to set new trends in community policing.

Pawan Kumar Malpati (IAS, 2012 batch, Karnataka cadre) has been promoted from Deputy Secretary to Director under the Central Staffing Scheme, with his appointment approved for a tenure until June 17, 2030. This upgradation is part of a broader trend of empowering mid-level officers for central roles, reflecting Karnataka’s push for integrated governance between state and union.

The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the transfer of Justice Soumen Sen, Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court, as Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court, consequent upon the retirement of the incumbent Chief Justice on January 9, 2026.

The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the elevation of Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta, Judge of the Allahabad High Court, as Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court, consequent upon the retirement of the incumbent Chief Justice on January 9, 2026.

The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the elevation of Ms Justice Revati P. Mohite Dere, Judge of the Bombay High Court, as Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court, consequent upon the transfer of the incumbent Chief Justice.

The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the elevation of Justice M. S. Sonak, Judge of the Bombay High Court, as Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court, consequent upon the retirement of the incumbent Chief Justice on January 8, 2026.

The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the elevation of Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque, Judge of the Kerala High Court, as Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court.

The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the elevation of Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo, Judge of the Orissa High Court, as Chief Justice of the Patna High Court.

Ms Nivedita Shukla Verma, Secretary, Chemicals and Petrochemicals, has been assigned an additional charge of Secretary, Health and Family Welfare till December 28, 2025. She is a 1991 batch IAS officer of UP cadre.

Mrs Alka Nangia Arora has been promoted to the grade of Additional Controller General of Defence Accounts (HAG+).  She is a 1991 batch IDAS officer.

DRDO handed over 7 TDF technologies to forces: HV Power Supply for jammers, Tide-Efficient Gangway, VLF-HF Matrix, VLF Loop Aerials, Waterjet Propulsion, Lithium Recovery, Seawater Battery. Approved 12 new projects (strategic/aerospace/naval/EW).

December 6 SC order (under CJI Kant) mandates temple funds for temple use only, trending as a “de-VIP” move (#TempleWealth).

December 1-7 reports highlight judicial oversight delaying projects (e.g., expressways via NGT), trending as “green judiciary” trend influencing ESG investments.

Post of Director (Partnerships and Market-Making) in Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has been advertised. Applications must reach latest by January 15, 2026.

Post of Principal (Partnerships and Market-Making) in Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has been advertised. Applications must reach latest by January 15, 2026.

Post of Senior Financial Manager in Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has been advertised. Applications must reach latest by January 15, 2026.

Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has advertised the post of Director in the Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics (SINP), Kolkata. SINP. Applications must reach latest by January 31, 2026.

The Personality Test (Interviews) of 2107 candidates of Civil Services (Main) examination, 2025 will be held from January 5, 2026. The forenoon session will commence at 9 am while the afternoon session at 1 pm.

Sports Authority of India (SAI) has invited applications for the engagement of eleven Chief Coaches. Online applications must reach latest by January 12, 2026.

Applications for the post of Joint Secretary and Financial Advisor for Rajya Sabha Secretariat have been re-invited. Applications must reach latest by January 12, 2026.

Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) has advertised the post of General Manager (Corporate Coordination) for Corporate office, Noida on deputation basis. Details can be availed from http://dfccil.gov.in. Applications must reach latest by February 4, 2026.

Abhinav Saxena, who is presently serving as Deputy Director, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, has been appointed as Additional Private Secretary to the Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, in the Ministry of Railways, on a co-terminus basis. He is an Indian Information Service (IIS) officer.

Ved Prakash, who is presently serving in Eastern Railway (ER), has been transferred to the Railway Board and posted as Director (Public Grievances)-III to the Minister of Railways, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, in the MR Co-ordination Cell (MRCC). He is an Indian Railway Service of Electrical Engineers (IRSEE) officer.

 

Gaurav Kumar, who is presently serving as Director, Mechanical Engineering (P)-I, Railway Board, has been assigned additional duties of the post of Director, Mechanical Engineering (Traction), Railway Board. He is an Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers (IRSME) officer.

 

SM Sharma, who is presently serving as Principal Executive Director, Mechanical Engineering (Coaching), Railway Board, has been assigned additional duties of the post of Executive Director, Mechanical Engineering (EnHM), Railway Board. He is an Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers (IRSME) officer.

 

Ajay Kumar Sinha, who is presently serving in Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW), has been transferred to the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) and posted as Principal Executive Director (SE) (CHOD). He is an Indian Railway Service of Electrical Engineers (IRSEE) officer.

Ms. Nivedita Swain, who is presently serving as Integrated Financial Adviser (Director level), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), has been selected for deputation to the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and posted as Private Secretary to the Minister of State for MSME and Labour and Employment Shobha Karandalje. She is an Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS) officer

Shamim Ahmad, who is presently serving as Executive Director (Administration), Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), has been approved for appointment as Chief Engineer (Electrical) in Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (UPMRCL) on immediate absorption basis. He is an Indian Railway Service of Electrical Engineers (IRSEE) officer.

 

B. Vishwanath has been granted immediate absorption in RailTel Corporation of India Limited (RCIL) and appointed as Executive Director (Marketing), Southern Region. He is an Indian Railway Stores Service (IRSS) officer.

Vinod Kumar Shukla, formerly Chief Engineer (CE), East Central Railway (ECR), has been given post-facto extension in his deputation tenure with Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) up to April 18, 2023. He is an Indian Railway Service of Engineers (IRSE) officer.

DB Singh, who is presently serving in East Central Railway (ECR), has been transferred to the Central Organisation for Railway Electrification (CORE), and posted as Principal Chief Signal and Telecommunication Engineer (PCSTE). He is an Indian Railway Service of Signal Engineers (IRSSE) officer.

 

Rakesh Ranjan, who is presently serving in East Central Railway (ECR), has been transferred to South East Central Railway (SECR) and posted as Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Bilaspur. He is an Indian Railway Service of Signal Engineers (IRSSE) officer.

Rakesh Gupta has been appointed as DGIT Vigilance/ Chief Vigilance Officer in Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). He is an IRS-IT officer.

Rajesh Dhingra has been appointed as Addl CIT (OSD) in the office of Pr.CCIT Delhi region, Delhi on repatriation from deputation.

As many as 13 officers of the Indian Postal Service (IPoS) have been granted Non-Functional Selection Grade (NFSG) of the Junior Administrative Grade (JAG) of the Service with effect from January 1, 2026. The promoted officer are: Kale Ajinkya Ajey, Praveen Kumar Sarswat, Preeti Agrawal,  Dr Anand Kumar Singh, Suchismita Swain, Dr Moona Yasmin, Alexin George, Surekh R Nathen, Puneet Bijaraniya, Bipasha Singla, Sandesh M and Dr Hammad Zafar.

Ram Chandra Jakhar has been appointed as Deputy Director (A/cs), Department of Fertilizers, New Delhi. He is a 2020 batch ICAS officer.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has inaugurated Electrotherm Park, an 11,600-square-metre public garden at South Bopal in Ahmedabad, developed by Electrotherm (India) Limited in collaboration with the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC). Inspired by the natural flow of a river and designed as a modern, eco-friendly urban space, the park features interconnected zones that encourage outdoor activity and community engagement. A welcoming entry plaza with a fountain and signature sculpture leads into landscaped pathways, while a gently flowing water channel alongside the jogging track creates a calming experience. The park also includes two dedicated children’s play areas, a pet park, an open-air gym, a traditional-games corner, and accessible seating pavilions for all age groups. With over 22,800 plants, including 21 species of large trees, 14 varieties of fruit trees, and myriad of flowering species, the park transforms barren land into a green micro-climate. Electrotherm (India) Limited Managing Director Suraj Bhandari thanked the Union Minister and the AMC, noting the park’s role in promoting healthier, nature-centric urban living.

The Maharashtra government confirmed Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) laid off 376 employees from its Pune campuses in the first two quarters of FY 2025-26, citing official labor ministry data. This is part of ongoing cost optimisations in IT services.

GOCL-HNPCL merger (board meet pending); DCM Shriram demerger approved (1:1 shares); Indo National-Helios amalgamation progressing. (Source: X post by @chandrakar_c, December 10, 2025).

New labour codes to cost food/logistics MNCs (Zomato, etc.) ₹1,500 crore annually—trending as compliance push, with RMG crackdown (ED freezes ₹505 crore on WinZO; Junglee layoffs).

Prediction: $1.2B CarTrade-CarDekho merger collapse accelerates consolidations.

Gopal Vittal, who is presently serving as Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Bharti Airtel Limited, has been appointed as Whole-Time Director and Executive Vice Chairman of the company, effective January 1, 2026.

Shashwat Sharma has been appointed as Managing Director & CEO (Airtel India) of Bharti Airtel Limited, effective January 1, 2026.

Gaurav Piplonia has been appointed as Managing Director of Omnipotent Industries Limited.

Ajai Kumar Shukla has assumed charge as Managing Director & CEO of PNB Housing Finance Limited.

Malavika R. Harita has been appointed as Additional Director (Non-Executive Independent) of Axis Bank Limited.

Gurumoorthy Mahalingam has been appointed as Additional Director (Non-Executive Independent) of Thomas Cook (India) Limited.

Shitij Kale has been appointed as Additional Director (Non-Executive Non-Independent) of Shree Digvijay Cement Company Limited.

Ms Shanmugam Vidhyasankari has been appointed as Non-Executive Non-Independent Woman Director of Ravi Kumar Distilleries Limited.

Ms Pallavi Shukla has been appointed as Non-Executive Independent Director of F Mec International Financial Services Limited.

Umesh Manohar Kunte has resigned from the post of Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Albert David Limited.

Pramod Kabra has resigned from the post of Non-Executive Non-Independent Director of Shree Digvijay Cement Company Limited.

Kaushik Modi has resigned from the post of Additional Director (Non-Executive Independent) of Pulsar International Limited.

Anurag Mantri has ceased to be Executive Director of Nucleus Software Exports Limited upon completion of his term on December 18, 2025.

Disparity will be corrected

In spite of so many reforms in the civil services whether it is technical or non technical,  a scenario as pointed out by you still exists. Hopefully this type of disparity will be corrected in the years to come.

K Srinivasa Rao

Information about PPF account of wife

A husband sought for the current balance of PPF account and last amount deposit of his wife enclosing the copy of marriage certificate as the evidence of marriage. The PIO denied the information under section 8(1)(j) of RTI Act. Before the CIC, the PIO explained that as per the procedure under Section 11 of the RTI Act, the consent from the concerned third-party and wife of the appellant was sought. However, she had declined consent for disclosure of information relating to her PPF account. The CIC noted that there is no public interest and rejected the appeal.

Comments

Many couples feel that they have a right to seek information about their spouse from a government agency. Legally, husband and wife are distinct individuals and the information relating to each of them has to be considered personal to each one of them.

Citation: Vipin Mittal v. Department of Post, Second Appeal No. CIC/POSTS/A/2024/645016; 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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