Supreme Court Collegium is expected to meet only after the summer vacation  to fill four vacancies of Judges in the Apex Court.

This year, few persons from the private sector are being appointed EDs in the Public Sector Banks. Interesting development.

According to discussions within high-power circles in Kerala, including senior bureaucrats and policy advisors, there is a growing belief that the next government, regardless of political alignment, will have to prioritize accelerated infrastructure development to sustain economic growth and improve competitiveness. Officials argue that persistent delays, regulatory bottlenecks, and fragmented project execution have hampered the state’s ability to attract large-scale investments and keep pace with regional peers. Alongside this, there is an emerging consensus that existing environmental regulations, many of which are seen as outdated or excessively restrictive, need recalibration to balance ecological protection with development imperatives. While not advocating dilution of core safeguards, policymakers are increasingly calling for streamlined clearances, clearer guidelines, and time-bound approvals. The underlying view is that without such reforms, Kerala risks missing out on investment cycles and job creation opportunities in a rapidly evolving economic landscape. How the next administration navigates this balance between growth and sustainability is likely to shape the state’s economic trajectory over the coming decade. Political consensus on this agenda is quietly forming across party lines, insiders suggest now.

State-run power major NTPC has clarified that it is at a very early stage of exploring the possibility of setting up a nuclear power project in Bihar, emphasizing that no formal studies or site-specific assessments have begun so far. The company said that discussions around potential locations in the state are preliminary and exploratory in nature.

NTPC noted that while Bihar has emerged as one of the states under consideration for future nuclear capacity expansion, any concrete decision will depend on detailed feasibility studies, regulatory clearances, and coordination with relevant central and state authorities. At present, the process is limited to identifying broad areas that could be suitable for further evaluation.

The clarification comes amid reports suggesting that NTPC had already initiated groundwork for a nuclear project in Bihar. The company reiterated that no such activities have been undertaken yet.

If pursued, the project would align with India’s broader strategy to expand its nuclear energy capacity as part of its clean energy transition. However, timelines and investment decisions will only follow after comprehensive assessments are completed.

The UAE’s decision to step away from OPEC and OPEC+ frameworks has triggered quiet but urgent conversations within India’s Ministry of External Affairs, with officials sensing a rare strategic opening. Freed from collective production constraints, Abu Dhabi could pursue more flexible, bilateral energy arrangements an opportunity New Delhi may find hard to ignore.

India, the world’s third-largest oil importer, has long sought to diversify supply lines while insulating itself from cartel-driven price volatility. A direct, long-term energy pact with the UAE could offer preferential pricing, supply stability, and potentially greater investment collaboration in upstream assets.

Sources suggest early internal assessments are already underway, examining whether India can leverage its deepening strategic partnership with the UAE into a structured energy corridor. This comes amid broader shifts in West Asian geopolitics and India’s push for energy security through plurilateral and bilateral frameworks.

However, challenges remain. Any fast-tracked deal would require careful calibration to avoid friction with other Gulf suppliers and manage pricing expectations.

The question now is whether India will move quickly enough to convert this geopolitical shift into a tangible energy advantage

Eleven Junior Time Scale and Senior Time Scale officers of the Indian Postal Service (IPoS) have been shifted. Accordingly, P Balasubrahmanyam has been shifted to West Bengal Circle, while Syed Fraz Haider Nabi was moved to Parcel Directorate and Gourav Jain was transferred to ADG (PMU-I), Postal Directorate. Similarly, Ms. Swaathi Ratna S was shifted to Tamil Nadu Circle; Gajendra Kumar Meen to CEPT, Bengaluru; Sudheer Babu Kandula to Telangana Circle; Ms Deep Shikha Birla to Delhi Circle; A Subrahmanyam  to Kerala Circle; Narsingh Mahto to Himachal Pradesh Circle; A Sreenivasa Rao to Tamil Nadu Circle and B Krishna has been transferred to Karnataka Circle.

Rinku Singh Rahi, who had resigned from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in March, has now withdrawn his resignation. He is a 2013 batch IAS officer of UP cadre. 

The DoT has accepted the VR of Manish Nigam, Pr GM, ITPC, BSNL, Pune. He is  a 1993 batch ITS officer.

With multiple 2026 retirements looming, expect heightened collegium activity and possible notifications for High Court elevations or permanent judge confirmations in coming weeks. Greater emphasis on gender diversity and efficiency reforms is likely.

Binod Kumar Mishra has been appointed as Deputy Managing Director, Special Projects-OPR, Corporate Centre, Mumbai, State Bank of India (SBI).

Sahadevan Radhakrishnan has been appointed as Deputy Managing Director & Chief Operating Officer, Corporate Centre, Mumbai, State Bank of India (SBI).

Deepak Kumar De has been appointed as Deputy Managing Director, Digital Banking, Corporate Centre, Mumbai, State Bank of India (SBI).

Debasish Mishra has been appointed as Managing Director & CEO, Designate SBI Funds Management Limited, Mumbai, State Bank of India (SBI).

Shailesh Raghavan Unnithan has been appointed as Chief General Manager, (ESG & Climate Finance), Corporate Centre, Mumbai, State Bank of India (SBI).

Prabhas Bose has been appointed as Chief General Manager, New Delhi Circle, State Bank of India (SBI).

Dipesh Raj has been appointed as Chief General Manager, Lucknow Circle, State Bank of India (SBI).

Neelesh Dwivedi has been appointed as Chief General Manager, Hyderabad Circle, State Bank of India (SBI).

Atul Rathi has been appointed as Chief General Manager, Guwahati Circle, State Bank of India (SBI).

Dorababu D has been appointed as Managing Director & CEO (Designate), SBI-SG Global Securities Services Pvt Ltd, Mumbai, State Bank of India (SBI).

Rahul Anand Hande, who is presently serving as Chief Signal & Telecommunication Engineer/Construction-II (CSTE (C-II)), Western Railway (WR), has been selected for deputation to RailTel Corporation of India Limited (RCIL) as Executive Director (Technical) [ED (Tech.)] for a period of three years. He is an Indian Railway Service of Signal Engineers (IRSSE) officer.
 

Shobhit Gupta, who is presently on deputation to Ministry of Civil Aviation, has been prematurely repatriated, transferred to Railway Board and posted as Officer on Special Duty, Electrical Engineering (General) [OSD (EE-G)]. He is an Indian Railway Service of Electrical Engineers (IRSEE) officer.

 

Shalabh Goel, an Indian Railway Service of Electrical Engineers (IRSEE) officer, has been permanently absorbed as Managing Director (MD), National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) with effect from April 24, 2026, and is deemed to have retired from Railway service from the same date. 

Three IPS officers have been shifted in Karnataka. Ravi S has been appointed as ADGP, Karnataka State Reserve Police, while Labhu Ram will join as IGP, Intelligence and S Girish was posted as DIGP, Central Range, Bengaluru.

Debasish Panda, former Secretary DFS, has been appointed part time Chairman Bandhan Bank and also  Independent Director Invesco AMC Mutual Fund.

The tenure of Santosh Kumar as Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO), National Hydro Power Corporation Limited (NHPC), Delhi, has been extended for a period of three months beyond June 6, 2026.  He is a 1993 batch officer of Indian Forest Service of AGMUT cadre.

India has formally declined the proposal for a common BRICS currency, underscoring its emphasis on monetary sovereignty and national interest. New Delhi remains cautious about any framework that could dilute its control over financial policy or place it within a currency system perceived to be dominated by China.

Instead, the government continues to promote the use of the Indian rupee in bilateral trade arrangements. This approach helps reduce transaction costs, minimizes exchange rate risks, and gradually internationalizes the rupee without binding India to a multilateral currency mechanism.

At the same time, India remains committed to the US dollar as a central pillar of the global financial system. This calibrated stance enables New Delhi to avoid potential trade frictions or financial repercussions from the United States, while preserving access to global capital markets.

By prioritizing local currency settlements over a shared BRICS currency, India is effectively balancing its economic relationships. The strategy allows it to engage constructively with BRICS partners while maintaining strong ties with Western economies, ensuring flexibility and strategic autonomy in an increasingly polarized global financial landscape.

C K Anil has been posted as Advisor, Bihar State Planning Board, Patna. He is a 1991 batch IAS officer of Bihar cadre. Jai Singh, holding additional charge of Secretary, Revenue and Land Reforms, will hold full additional charge of Revenue and Land Reforms.

Amit Shah, Home Miniater is visiting the UT for two days starting April 30, 2026. He will reportedly meet the Lt Governor of Ladakh, V K Saksena, Army and ITBP top brass, the Civil and Police administration, party workers and office bearers, CEC and Councillors of the Autonomous Hill Development Councils of Leh and Kargil, besides addressing a public Rally at Leh.

After last year’s agitation and unfortunate deaths, this time MHA seems to be playing its role quite smartly and proactively.

In the run up to the VVIP visit, the agitation leader Sonam Wanchuk was released from Jodhpur jail last month. This has set the tone for a conciliation and harmonious relations between the Ladakh leaders and the Central Govt. Sonam Wangchuk also, quite fortunately, has been using cautious words and has not made any anti-Govt statement.

Last week the Jain panel report on operationalisation of five new Districts was accepted, new Districts with the recommended headquarters were notified, and Deputy Commissioners and SPs posted yesterday.

We had mentioned last year how the 5-member high- powered Panel (New Districts Committee) did a timely Report and submitted it in March 2025, giving very comprehensive and specific recommendations as well as Rollout Plan. Pramod Kumar Jain is an ex-IAS Officer of the erstwhile J&K Cadre (1985 batch) and is currently Chairman, Arunachal Pradesh Administrative Reforms Commission.

The third positive move is the exposition in Leh (starting May 1) of the Holy Relics (of the Piparwaha fame) of Lord Buddha. In this Buddhist region, the Holy Relics have a great cultural, religious and spiritual value. This gesture will further create a congenial atmosphere for the successful VVIP visit as well as the talks fixed for May 22 at New Delhi, our correspondent adds.

Three IPS officers have been shifted in Karnataka. Ravi S has been appointed as ADGP, Karnataka State Reserve Police, while Labhu Ram will join as IGP, Intelligence and S Girish was posted as DIGP, Central Range, Bengaluru.

Dinesh Trivedi has been appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to the People's Republic of Bangladesh.

Ms Ranjana Chopra, Secretary, Tribal Affairs, has been assigned an additional charge of Secretary, Women and Child Development till May 2, 2026. She is a 1994 batch IAS officer of Odisha cadre.

The service tenure of Siddh Nath Gupta, DGP & IGP, and Head of Police Force (HoPF), West Bengal, has been extended for a period of six months beyond April 30, 2026. He is 1992 batch IPS officer of W Bengal cadre.

Eleven Junior Time Scale and Senior Time Scale officers of the Indian Postal Service (IPoS) have been shifted. Accordingly, P Balasubrahmanyam has been shifted to West Bengal Circle, while Syed Fraz Haider Nabi was moved to Parcel Directorate and Gourav Jain was transferred to ADG (PMU-I), Postal Directorate. Similarly, Ms. Swaathi Ratna S was shifted to Tamil Nadu Circle; Gajendra Kumar Meen to CEPT, Bengaluru; Sudheer Babu Kandula to Telangana Circle; Ms Deep Shikha Birla to Delhi Circle; A Subrahmanyam  to Kerala Circle; Narsingh Mahto to Himachal Pradesh Circle; A Sreenivasa Rao to Tamil Nadu Circle and B Krishna has been transferred to Karnataka Circle.

NLC India Limited (NLCIL), a Navratna Government of India enterprise under the Ministry of Coal, has achieved a significant milestone in its strategic diversification and resource security initiatives with the grant of Composite Licence for the Semhardih Phosphorite & Limestone Block and Raipura Phosphorite & Limestone Block in Balod District, Chhattisgarh.

The Composite Licence has been issued on April 24, 2026, by the Mineral Resources Department, Government of Chhattisgarh, enabling NLCIL to undertake detailed geological exploration in both blocks. This development marks a key step forward in the company’s efforts to strengthen its presence in critical and strategic mineral resources.

NLCIL had earlier emerged as the Preferred Bidder for these blocks under Tranche–V auction conducted by the Ministry of Mines on May 27, 2025. Following this, the company completed all requisite formalities, including submission of Performance Security and preparation of a comprehensive Scheme of Prospecting, culminating in the grant of the Composite Licence.

The detailed geological exploration to be carried out under this licence will facilitate assessment of mineral resources and pave the way for future mining operations, thereby contributing to the availability of essential raw materials for sectors such as fertilizers and cement.

Speaking on this occasion, the Chairman and Managing Director of NLC India Limited  Prasanna Kumar Motupalli stated, “This milestone reinforces NLCIL’s commitment to strategic diversification and responsible resource development. The grant of Composite Licence for these phosphorite and limestone blocks is a crucial step towards securing vital mineral resources that are essential for India’s agricultural and industrial growth. By integrating resource security with our expanding renewable energy portfolio, we are committed to supporting India’s transition towards a resilient, self-reliant, and sustainable future.”

This achievement further strengthens NLCIL’s role as a key contributor to the nation’s resource security and its broader vision of sustainable growth, while aligning with the Government of India’s initiatives for Atmanirbhar Bharat and energy transition.

Robert L Chongthu has been appointed as Principal Secretary, Minority Welfare, while Gopal Meena was made Secretary to Governor and Mohd Sohel is now Secretary, General Administration. Besides, Shailendra Kumar has been appointed as District Collector, Lakhisarai in Bihar.

Legal circles say  it will be touch and go for the Chief Justice Kolkata High Court Justice Sujoy Paul for elevation to the SC. In case SC Collegium meets in April or May Chances of Justice Paul  for going to the Apex Court are  rated high since he is scheduled  to retire in June  end.

Kuntal Sensarma has been appointed as Additional Director (Government Nominee) effective April 17, 2026.

Ms Nandini Piramal has been re-appointed as Whole-Time Director designated as Executive Director and Chairperson of Piramal Pharma Limited with effect from April 1, 2026.

Peter DeYoung has been re-appointed as Whole-Time Director designated as Executive Director of Piramal Pharma Limited with effect from October 6, 2026.

Sridhar Gorthi has been re-appointed as Non-Executive Independent Director of Piramal Pharma Limited with effect from March 30, 2027.

Peter Stevenson has been re-appointed as Non-Executive Independent Director of Piramal Pharma Limited with effect from March 30, 2027.

Abhishek Malhotra has been appointed as Non-Executive Independent Director of TV Today Network Limited.

Chetan Rameshchandra Desai has been appointed as Non-Executive Independent Director of Ramkrishna Forgings Limited.

Mrs. Seema Vijay Sanghavi has been appointed as an Additional Director, designated as Executive Director of Ratnaveer Precision Engineering Limited.

Ms. Vinita Bajoria has been re-appointed as Independent Director of Greenply Industries Limited with effect from September 15, 2026.

Kumar Saurav has been appointed as Additional Director (Executive) of Adcounty Media India Limited.

Prateek Bhansali has been appointed as Additional Director (Non-Executive Independent) of Adcounty Media India Limited.

Ravindra Kumar Singh has been re-appointed as Whole-Time Director of AWL Agri Business Limited with effect from November 1, 2026.

Arun Shankar Koli has resigned as Non-Executive Independent Director of Adeshwar Meditex Limited.

India has formally declined the proposal for a common BRICS currency, underscoring it's emphasis on monetary sovereignty and national interest. New Delhi remains cautious about any framework that could dilute its control over financial policy or place it within a currency system perceived to be dominated by China.

Instead, the government continues to promote the use of the Indian rupee in bilateral trade arrangements. This approach helps reduce transaction costs, minimizes exchange rate risks, and gradually internationalizes the rupee without binding India to a multilateral currency mechanism.

At the same time, India remains committed to the US dollar as a central pillar of the global financial system. This calibrated stance enables New Delhi to avoid potential trade frictions or financial repercussions from the United States, while preserving access to global capital markets.

By prioritizing local currency settlements over a shared BRICS currency, India is effectively balancing its economic relationships. The strategy allows it to engage constructively with BRICS partners while maintaining strong ties with Western economies, ensuring flexibility and strategic autonomy in an increasingly polarized global financial landscape.

Keralam State  needs spurt in development activities

Yes Keralam State which is ranked high in many social indexes needs spurt in development activities especially infrastructure, climate for good business etc. The Unionbaji is utmost headache and it has to be tackled ruthlessly, otherwise no industry will survive here.

Muralidharan Kozikode

Make rules for consent by women officer

I agree, women officers face more difficulties when transferred . Government should look into this and make rules for consent by women officer for transfers particularly in the initial years of their service.

S Gopal

Transfer - major cause of worry

It is not possible for us being a woman , and in a country like India, to ask our husbands to leave their business or jobs and shift with us to a new place. Our children's lives get horrified just because of this transfer. We sacrifice our future and don’t take promotion just because of transfers, still we are transferred. We look after our in-laws and play a major part at home with families. It’s getting impossible for us to survive and be self-dependent just because of transfers.

Swati

Enlistment as Contractor in the MES

The Appellant sought information regarding enlistment of contractors in MES, retention period of related records, transfer of records after expiry of retention period, receipt of his application dated 18.09.2023, as well as queries regarding contractors’ bills and refund of fees. The PIO stated that information had already been forwarded under earlier letters, and that relevant files were not traceable as they were 35 years old. He also stated that as per the Accounts Officer, GE (West) Lucknow, the retention period of contractors’ bills was 10 years. The CIC observed that the reply furnished by the PIO is incomplete and evasive. Simply stating that retention is “10 years” without providing the authenticated Record Retention Schedule is inadequate under the RTI framework. Despite service of notice, the PIO failed to appear before the CIC which was viewed seriously as it reflects disregard towards the proceedings of the CIC. The CIC directed the Respondent to provide a copy of their records retention schedule to the Appellant free of cost within three weeks from the date of receipt of this order. Further, the CIC cautioned the PIO to remain vigilant in future and ensure timely attendance before the CIC as well as proper discharge of duties mandated under the RTI Act, failing which penal action can be initiated against him/her.

Comments

Every department should retain a copy of the destruction memo in accordance with the Record Retention Schedule. It would be handy to show that the documents have actually been destroyed as per the prescribed guidelines.

Citation: Sunil Kumar v. Garrison Engineer (West) Military Engineer Services, File No: CIC/DPTMA/A/2024/109476; Date of Decision: 08.09.2025

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

Enlistment as Contractor in the MES

The Appellant sought information regarding enlistment of contractors in MES, retention period of related records, transfer of records after expiry of retention period, receipt of his application dated 18.09.2023, as well as queries regarding contractors’ bills and refund of fees. The PIO stated that information had already been forwarded under earlier letters, and that relevant files were not traceable as they were 35 years old. He also stated that as per the Accounts Officer, GE (West) Lucknow, the retention period of contractors’ bills was 10 years. The CIC observed that the reply furnished by the PIO is incomplete and evasive. Simply stating that retention is “10 years” without providing the authenticated Record Retention Schedule is inadequate under the RTI framework. Despite service of notice, the PIO failed to appear before the CIC which was viewed seriously as it reflects disregard towards the proceedings of the CIC. The CIC directed the Respondent to provide a copy of their records retention schedule to the Appellant free of cost within three weeks from the date of receipt of this order. Further, the CIC cautioned the PIO to remain vigilant in future and ensure timely attendance before the CIC as well as proper discharge of duties mandated under the RTI Act, failing which penal action can be initiated against him/her.

Comments

Every department should retain a copy of the destruction memo in accordance with the Record Retention Schedule. It would be handy to show that the documents have actually been destroyed as per the prescribed guidelines.

Citation: Sunil Kumar v. Garrison Engineer (West) Military Engineer Services, File No: CIC/DPTMA/A/2024/109476; Date of Decision: 08.09.2025

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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