today's whispers




 

 

 

 

   



POLITICAL WHISPERS

UP Cabinet Reshuffle: Many Ministers to go while old Ministers make a comeback?

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expresses dissatisfaction with several underperforming ministers' work. Sources indicate these ministers face exclusion from the upcoming cabinet reshuffle. Meanwhile, benched veteran ministers may stage a comeback to strengthen the team. Recent Delhi meetings with PM Modi, Amit Shah, and BJP leaders fueled speculation about expansion post-Makar Sankranti. The current 54-member cabinet could grow to 60, prioritizing regional balance and OBC representation. Names like Bhupendra Chaudhary circulate for re-induction after organizational roles. This pre-2027 poll move aims to address 2024 Lok Sabha setbacks and boost governance efficiency ahead of assembly elections. Political circles buzz with potential replacements to align with Yogi's vision.

iPAC's control over West Bengal government in focus again?

Political circles in Kolkata are abuzz with speculation that a clutch of iPAC functionaries now enjoy outsized access to the top tiers of Mamata Banerjee’s administration, well beyond routine consultancy briefings. Their informal say in candidate selection, messaging and even bureaucratic posting feedback is rumoured to have blurred the line between an external agency and an in-house political nerve centre. The latest Enforcement Directorate scrutiny of financial transactions linked to iPAC associates has only deepened murmurs that parts of the consultancy–government ecosystem may have overlapped in ways the Trinamool can no longer easily firewall. With central agencies probing money trails and opposition leaders alleging a “parallel power structure”, the swirl in West Bengal’s political bazaar is set to intensify in the weeks ahead.

India-Germany $8 billion submarine deal expected soon!

India and Germany stand on the brink of an $8 billion submarine deal, marking New Delhi's largest-ever defense procurement. Under Project 75-I, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) will partner with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) to build six Type 214 conventional submarines featuring air-independent propulsion (AIP) for extended underwater endurance. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Ministry of Defence (MoD) are accelerating negotiations ahead of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's January 12-13 visit to Ahmedabad and Bengaluru, where talks with PM Modi will prioritize technology transfer—a first for submarine production in India. This addresses the Indian Navy's aging fleet amid Chinese naval expansion, potentially sidelining additional French Scorpene buys.

BUREAUCRACY HEADLINES
BUREAUCRACY WHISPERS
How IAS Vibhor Aggarwal is Reshaping Everyday Governance in West Garo Hills, Meghalaya

IAS Vibhor Aggarwal is a 2019 Batch Officer of Assam-Meghalaya cadre and is currently posted as Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills, Meghalaya. His Vision for the district is rooted in making the life of locals easier, be it fixing everyday governance systems, improving maternal health outcomes , waste management or promotion of local products and entrepreneurship.

“One of the first things I realised when I joined the district was that there is no proper follow-up mechanism for complaints” he says. “People come to the DC office with letters and petitions, but generally these complaints get missed out.”

To address this, the district administration has created a structured complaint management system. An internal portal is being developed where each grievance is registered, assigned a unique number and tracked through every stage. “We are tracking the entire history of the complaint as to how it is going on” Aggarwal explains. “There is a person who follows up with the departments and makes sure that they carry out the processing of these complaints.” This not only makes it hassle free for the citizens but also helps in saving time and increasing the efficiency of the system.

 

Recognizing that not every citizen is literate and tech savvy, he emphasises “Most of the public are not literate enough to use online grievance systems. They come with letters. For those people, their complaints generally get missed out” he notes. “This mechanism ensures that no complaint that comes to the notice of the DC office is ignored.”

Health, especially maternal health is another key area where the district is tightening administrative oversight. While state-level programmes are ongoing, Aggarwal points to institutional deliveries as a critical focus. “If more and more institutional deliveries happen, then it can reduce maternal deaths also,” he says.

To achieve this a monitoring system has been devised to track every expected delivery. Medical officers begin their follow ups at least two weeks prior and are accountable for reporting and explaining the reason of  home delivery if any, along with the corrective action taken.

Looking ahead, Aggarwal has planned ambitious initiatives in urban cleanliness and local economic development. Speaking about he said “Solid waste management is a priority”

Another project in the pipeline is a dedicated local mart. “This will be like any other shopping mart,” he says but with a clear distinction: “It will only have local products. No products from outside.”

 

Key Vacancies (7) Director, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

The extended tenure of CBI Director Praveen Sood ends in May 2026. Sood is a 1986-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Karnataka cadre. He was appointed as the Director of the CBI on 25 May 2023 for an initial two-year term and was later given one-year extension.

Who will succeed CBI Director Praveen Sood?
 
 G.P. Singh, a 1991-batch Assam-Meghalaya cadre IPS officer, is seen as a strong contender.
 Rajeev Sharma, Rajasthan DGP (1990 Batch), may also be considered.
 Name of another serving DG of a state is also in circulation.
Selection of Members of CBIC on January 20

3 posts of Members in CBIC have been lying vacant and Committee of Secretaries(COS)  for selection of Members has been postponed to 20th January.

PMO Takes cognisance of Agricultural Slowdown, Budget to Focus on Cooperative Farming and Value Added Agricultural!

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has taken cognisance of the declining growth trajectory in the agriculture sector, which has slipped from 4.6% in 2024-25 to an estimated 3.1% in 2025-26. To address this slowdown, the upcoming Union Budget is expected to announce targeted measures aimed at strengthening cooperative farming and promoting value addition across agricultural value chains. The government is likely to focus on fostering farmer collectives, improving post-harvest infrastructure, and supporting agro-processing units to boost incomes and rural employment. Policy emphasis is being placed on integrating small and marginal farmers through cooperatives to achieve scale in production, modernize supply chains, and enhance market competitiveness. Officials indicate that the budget push will align with the broader rural revitalization agenda, ensuring sustainable agricultural growth alongside value-driven economic diversification.

 

GOI on back foot for allowing private players in Forest Management post Aravalli protests?

Environment Ministry officials have clarified that recent amendments to the Forest Conservation Act (FCA) guidelines do not permit non-government entities to take over forest land management. A January 2, 2026, circular allows state governments to partner with private or government entities for afforestation and regeneration activities under approved working plans and state forest department supervision. These are classified as "forestry activities," exempting them from compensatory afforestation and net present value payments, with states free to set revenue-sharing terms.Opposition leaders like Congress's Jairam Ramesh allege the 2023 FCA changes enable privatization, risking commercialization of forests. Critics warn of weakened safeguards for ecosystems and forest-dependent communities, potentially prioritizing timber over biodiversity. The government insists oversight remains with state forest departments, aligning with restoration and climate goals, though debates intensify over ecological versus economic priorities.

Delhi bureaucracy stressed as Delhi government plans intensive anti-encroachment drive?

Delhi's bureaucracy faces mounting stress as the BJP-led government ramps up an intensive anti-encroachment drive across the city. Recent operations, such as the January 7, 2026, demolition at Ramlila Maidan near Turkman Gate's Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid, underscore the intensity, with 17 bulldozers clearing 36,000 sq ft of structures including a diagnostic centre and banquet hall, amid violent clashes injuring five police personnel. MCD officials coordinated with local stakeholders like the Aman Committee beforehand, following Delhi High Court directives from November 2025 to remove encroachments on 38,940 sq ft of public land. 
 
Administrative pressures intensify due to legal oversight, with courts demanding responses from MCD, Delhi Waqf Board, and Urban Development Ministry, while BJP leaders like Dilip Jaiswal defend the actions as clearing illegal occupations on government property, regardless of religious sites. Bureaucrats juggle logistical challenges—deploying heavy machinery, ensuring police backup, and managing public backlash—against a backdrop of ongoing Ridge forest encroachments and NGT-mandated protections. This drive signals a broader BJP policy push post-2024 Assembly win, straining resources and testing inter-agency coordination in India's capital.
UP is not having a regular DGP for the last four years

According to sources in Uttar Pradesh, for the last four years, DGPs are being posted on temporary basis or are being given the additional charge.

Maximum retirements of IAS officers from Bihar in 2026

As many as 18 officers of Indian Administrative Service (IAS) of various batches are retiring in Bihar cadre.

Jitendra Shukla to join NSG

Jitendra Shukla is all set to join the NSG in the Government of India. He is 2013 batch IPS officer of Chhattisgarh cadre.

Will 2 departments be closed?

If sources are to be believed two departments of a ministry are likely to wind up. It is said that a report in his regard has been submitted to the concerned ministry. Final decision is yet to be taken.

EC appoints four IAS Special Roll Observers to Bengal CEO’s office

The Election Commission has appointed four senior IAS officers to the Bengal CEO’s office as Special Roll Observers”. The appointed officers are: Sailesh, Deputy Secretary, National Health Authority; Sandeep Rewaji Rathod, Director, Sports Department in the Youth Affairs and Sports Ministry; Vikash Singh, Director of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities with Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry and Ratan Biswas, Director of Census Operations, Tripura.

DoPT invited nominations for Central Staffing Scheme

The DoPT has invited nominations from officers of different cadre services for the posts of JS, Director and Dy Secretary. Details can be had from the DoPT website.

DST to hire ED at Rs 1.50 cr package

The Department of Science & Technology (DST), Ministry of Science & Technology, is searching for Executive Director, Director Investment, Director Partnerships & Market-Making, Director Finance etc from 1.20 crore to 1.50 crore a consolidated fixed annual compensation to implement Research Development and Innovation Fund (RDIF) scheme. In addition, he/she will be entitled for a long term incentive to be paid after five years of continuous service as ED/RDIF. Notably, the Government of India has approved to set up a ₹1 Trillion Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) scheme aimed at spurring a private sector-driven R&D ecosystem.

87 ITS officers awarded NFU

The DoT has granted NFU to 87 SAG level ITS officers in HAG w e f January 1, 2026.

2025 batch three officers joined as Asst DGFT

Three 2025 batch Officers-Andra Lakshmi Venkat Sai Krishna, Harsh jain and Ms Sakshi Mishra, have joined Asstt DFGT as Probationer. They are 2025 batch Indian Trade Service Officers.

2 ITrS officers promoted as Jt DGFT

Two ITrS officers- D T Parate and Deepak Jhalani have been promoted as Joint DGFT against the vacancy year 2026.

Madhya Pradesh Transport Commissioner Vivek Sharma Seeks Study Leave Amid Administrative Reshuffle

Vivek Sharma, (IPS -1998), currently serving as Madhya Pradesh’s Transport Commissioner, has applied for study leave starting from April 2026, sources within the state government confirmed. Sharma, who has already completed two years of his LLB course, aims to pursue a specialised program focusing on the new criminal laws under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, their practical implementation, and the admissibility of digital evidence in legal proceedings.

This move comes as part of a broader administrative overhaul in the state, with the government considering replacements for Sharma’s position.  Sharma’s decision is driven by a desire to deepen his understanding of the evolving legal framework, which he believes will refresh his administrative skills and better equip him for future roles. “Officers should actively pursue study leaves to gain expertise in new norms,” Sharma told WITC, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning in public service.

Potential successors to the Transport Commissioner role include Indore Commissioner Santosh Singh, known for his work in urban mobility, and ADG (Ujjain Division) Umesh Joga, recognized for his enforcement and logistics expertise. Official clearance for Sharma’s leave is awaited, but his track record suggests approval is likely.

Bharat Coking Coal Ltd (BCCL), Coal India's subsidiary, performed beyond expectations even prior to its IPO debut by raising ₹273.1 cr

Bharat Coking Coal Ltd (BCCL), India's largest coking coal producer and a Coal India subsidiary, raised ₹273.1 crore from anchor investors on January 8, 2026, by allotting 11.88 crore shares at ₹23 each ahead of its ₹1,071 crore IPO opening January 9. This anchor book—featuring LIC (₹78 crore), Nippon India, Bandhan, and UTI mutual funds (total 7.17 crore shares), plus global players like Societe Generale—signals strong institutional confidence, often boosting public subscription. As a pure offer-for-sale by Coal India, proceeds unlock funds for the parent to invest in coal expansion, mine modernization, and capacity augmentation amid rising steel demand, without direct capital infusion to BCCL. Operating primarily in Jharkhand's Jharia and West Bengal's Raniganj coalfields (58.5% national coking coal output in FY25), this divestment aids Coal India's growth strategy.

Indian Army declares 2026 as 'Year of Networking & Data Centricity'

The Indian Army has declared 2026 as the “Year of Networking & Data Centricity” as part of its Decade of Transformation. This initiative aims to enhance connectivity, real-time decision-making, and combat effectiveness through indigenisation, modernisation, and digital integration. It builds on 2025’s focus on technology absorption.

Budget 2026 To Include Capital Market Reforms

Whispers indicate Budget 2026 may include capital market reforms relevant to exchanges and broking, potentially affecting financial oversight in security forces. No direct MHA link, but could influence funding for initiatives.

Bhairav Battalions and Drone Force In Modern Warfare

Reports highlighted the Indian Army’s institutionalisation of 15 Bhairav battalions (1 lakh drone-capable soldiers) under MHA oversight for paramilitary integration, marking a doctrinal shift in modern warfare with focus on drone operations and deep-strike capabilities.

MHA Reviews Security in J&K

Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a meeting reiterating zero-tolerance against terrorism, noting the crippling of J&K’s terror ecosystem through coordinated efforts.

Punjab demands for greater fund dispersion from Centre at the pre-budget consultation?

Punjab took center stage at the pre-budget consultation chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman with state Finance Ministers on Sunday, ahead of Union Budget 2026-27. The state pressed for stronger fiscal support amid agrarian and developmental challenges .Punjab demanded a hike in farmer incentives from Rs 7,000 to Rs 15,000 per farmer, highlighting the need to bolster rural incomes and counter farming distress in the agriculture-dependent state. It also raised objections to the 40% state contribution mandated under the VB-GRAM G scheme, calling it a burden on Punjab's finances and urging relief for better rural infrastructure rollout. Echoing broader state sentiments, Punjab supported continuing the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment with enhanced allocations. These demands reflect Punjab's push for equitable Centre-state resource sharing as budget talks progress.

19 Officers get assignments after promotion to ED level in IOCL

As many as 19 officers have been given new assignments after promotion to Executive Director level in Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL). Accordingly, Manas Ranjan Dwibedy has been appointed as Executive Director (H,S&E), Corporate Office while Prakash Abraham was posted as Executive Director (Employee Relations), Corporate Office and Sanjib Biswas is Director (MO-LPG), Grade 'l', OISD, Noida. Similarly, G R K Murthy has been appointed as Executive Director (Projects), Refineries HQ; R R Raje as Executive Director (HR), Refineries HQ; Samarendra Nath Jha as Executive Director (CC & Branding), Corporate Office; R Ravichandran as Executive Director (Operations), Marketing Head Office; Sarvesh Kumar as Executive Director (Hydrotreating & Technical Services), R&D Centre; Nitin Bhatnagar as Executive Director & State Head, Indian Oil AOD State Office; B Navnith Executive Director (Corporate Strategy), Corporate Office; A K Samantaray Executive Director & State Head, Bihar State Office; Rajiv Sreshta as Executive Director & State Head, Uttar Pradesh State Office Il; Sumit Basu as Executive Director (Polymer), BD CO; Sanjay Bhandari as Executive Director & State Head, Uttar Pradesh State Office; Puneet Agarwal as Executive Director (Business Development), BD co; Saroj Kant Roy as Executive Director (PC-Aromatics & Chemicals), BD CO; Nitin Kumar as Executive Director (Corporate Finance & Treasury), Corporate Office; Ms Madhavi B. Patra as Executive Director (Internal Audit), Corporate Office and Girish Ranjan Executive Director (Dir Mktg Sectt), Marketing Head Office.

Nominations for posts under CSS & CVO in CPSE invited from IDAS officers

Department of Personnel and Training has invited nominations from IDAS officers for the posts under Central Staffing Scheme and Chief Vigilance Officers in CPSEs for year 2026. Nominations have been invited for Joint Secretary /Director / Deputy Secretary level officers. Applications must reach latest by January 20, 2025.

Applications from retired officials for Consultant in DAHD sought

Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has invited applications from retired officials for the post of Consultant on contract basis in Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying. Applications must reach lates by January 22, 2026.

Non-Medical Consultant for NOTTО, New Delhi sought

National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTО) is seeking Non-Medical Consultant for New Delhi. Details can be availed from the website of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW).

RLDA advertises Joint General Manager, Chandigarh post

Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) has advertised the post of Joint General Manager for Chandigarh on deputation basis. Applications must reach latest by February 6, 2026.

UPMRC seeks Chief Engineer (Elec) for Agra

Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) has advertised the post of Chief Engineer (Electrical) for Agra on deputation basis. Applications must reach latest by February 7, 2026.

Two DAE Sr Accounts officers get new postings on promotion

Two senior Accounts officers in Department of Atomic Energy have been transferred and given new postings on promotion. R Viswanadham has been promoted as Deputy Controller of Accounts and posted to NFC, Hyderabad while B R Somasundar has been promoted as Deputy Controller of Accounts and posted to IGCAR, Kalpakkam.

WB seeks Sr Procurement Specialist for Jamaica

World Bank has advertised the post of Senior Procurement Specialist for Kingston, Jamaica. Applications must reach latest by January 26, 2026.

Reshuffle of IPS officers in Punjab

As many as 22 IPS officers have been transferred and posted to different places in Punjab. Accordingly, Naresh Kuamr has been appointed as Special DGP, PSHRC, Chandigarh, while Amardeep Singh Rai was made Special DGP, Traffic and Road Safety and Kausturbh Sharma is ADGP, Human Rights Commission. Similarly, Jagadkar Nilambari Vijay has been appointed as IGP, ANTF, Punjab; Rajpal Singh as IGP, Crime; Snehdeep Sharma as DIG, AGTF, Sandeep Goel as DIG, Border Range; Jasdev Singh as DIG, Security, Punjab Lok Bhawan; Sandeep Kumar Garg as DIG, Intelligence; Dhruv Dahiya as DIG, Internal Security, Gulneet Singh Khurana as DIG, Counter Intelligence; Akhil Chaudhary as DIG, ANTF; Amneet Kondal as DIG, Personnel; Gurpreet Singh as DIG, CDO, Patiala; Rupinder Singh as Additional CP Ludhiana; Sarabjit Singh as DIG, Crime BoI; Harpreet Singh Jaggi as DIG, EOW, Vigilance Bureau; Ravjot Grewal placed at the disposal of Vigilance Bureau, Punjab; Jyoti Yadav as SSP, Bathinda; Darpan Ahluwalia as SSP Khanna and Rishabh Bhola was made Staff Officer to DGP, Punjab.

Pankaj Mishra shifted to ED Lucknow Zonal Office

Pankaj Kumar Mishra, Deputy Director (DD) of Enforcement, Enforcement Directorate (ED), has been moved from Ranchi Zonal Office to DD (LKZO-3), Lucknow Zonal Office.

 

Poonam Ushar posted to ED Ranchi Zonal Office

Poonam Ushar J., Deputy Director (DD) of Enforcement, Enforcement Directorate (ED), has been posted from Chennai Zonal Office-II to DD (RNZO-1), Ranchi Zonal Office.

Daspati Venkatasai Kishore shifted to ED Chennai Zonal Office

Daspati Venkatasai Kishore, Deputy Director (DD) of Enforcement, Enforcement Directorate (ED), has been shifted from Guwahati Zonal Office-II to DD (CEZO-II-3), Chennai.

U K Agarwal appointed as Information Commissioner, Chhattisgarh

Former IAS officer Umesh Kumar Agarwal has been appointed as State Information Commissioner (SIC), Chhattisgarh State Information Commission.

SC Mishra appointed as Information Commissioner, Chhattisgarh

Dr Shirish Chandra Mishra has been appointed as State Information Commissioner (SIC), Chhattisgarh State Information Commission.

Swapna Bose shifted ED HQ

Swapna Bose, Joint Director of Enforcement (JDE), Enforcement Directorate (ED), has been moved from Legal Section Headquarters to JDE (ADJ-3) at Headquarters Office.

Rajiv Saxena shifted to ED Legal Section

Rajiv Saxena, Joint Director of Enforcement (JDE), Enforcement Directorate (ED), has been shifted from JDE (ADJ-3), Headquarters to Legal Section as OSD.

 

Rajiv Kumar shifted to ED Headquarters Office

Rajiv Kumar, Deputy Director (DD) of Enforcement, Enforcement Directorate (ED), has been transferred from Srinagar Zonal Office to DD (SOD) at Headquarters Office.

Shashi Bhushan posted to ED LKZO-1

Shashi Bhushan, Deputy Director (DD) of Enforcement, Enforcement Directorate (ED),  , has been posted within Lucknow Zonal Office from DD (LKZO-3) to DD (LKZO-1).

Sanjay Kumar is also Secretary, DoPT (UPDATED)

Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, School Education & Literacy has been assigned an additional charge of Secretary, DoPT till January 18, 2026. He is a 1990 batch IAS officer of Bihar cadre.

 

Seven Executive officers promoted in GRSE (UPDATED)

As many as seven Executive Officers have been promoted to the grade of Executive Director, Chief General Manager and General Manager in Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE). The officers are: M Venkatesh Murthy, Cmde Rajat Manchanda, Cdr Manoj Kumar Gupta, Lt Col Sanjay Anand, Cdr. Harish Kumar, Manas Kumar Pandey, Dilip Kumar Jagattar Singh.

 

NBCC achieves ‘Excellent’ Rating in MoU Evaluation 2024-25 (UPDATED)

NBCC (India) Limited, a Navratna CPSE under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India, has achieved ‘Excellent’ rating for 2024-25 in its MoU evaluation, with 97.58 marks reaffirming its strong performance in project execution, quality standards, sustainability practices, and corporate governance. NBCC had also achieved Excellent rating in previous MoU evaluation for the year of 2023-24 also. The consecutive ‘Excellent’ ratings reflect NBCC’s consistent track record in the successful delivery of complex and large-scale projects across redevelopment, Project Management Consultancy (PMC), real estate development, and overseas assignments. The Company has demonstrated excellence through timely completion of projects, adherence to safety and quality benchmarks, and the adoption of environmentally responsible construction practices. NBCC continues to play a pivotal role in flagship Government initiatives, particularly in redevelopment of government housing and office complexes, contributing significantly to planned urban development and the vision of a Viksit Bharat. Emphasis on green building norms, resource efficiency, and use of modern construction technologies remains central to NBCC’s project philosophy. The achievement underscores the dedication and professionalism of NBCC’s workforce and reflects the confidence reposed by stakeholders, clients, and partner agencies in the Company’s capabilities. With a robust order book and strategic focus on redevelopment, PMC works, PSU land monetisation, real estate development, and overseas expansion, NBCC remains well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to India’s infrastructure and urban transformation journey.

 

Satbir Singh appointed as Mela Administrator in Haryana (UPDATED)

Satbir Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum District Citizen Resources Information Officer, Faridabad, and Special Officer, APZ Faridabad, has been appointed as Mela Administrator for the 39th Surajkund International Crafts Mela-2026. He is a 2018 batch IAS officer of Haryana cadre.

 

Post of Gaurav Bharill upgraded to Director level (UPDATED)

The post of Gaurav Bharill as Private Secretary to Durgadas Uike, Minister for Tribal Affairs has been upgraded to Director level. He is a 2012 batch IRS-IT officer.

 

Justice Sujoy Paul recommended as Chief Justice of Calcutta HC (UPDATED)

The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the appointment of Justice Sujoy Paul, Judge of the Calcutta High Court, as Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court.

Satbir Singh appointed as Mela Administrator in Haryana (UPDATED)

Satbir Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum District Citizen Resources Information Officer, Faridabad, and Special Officer, APZ Faridabad, has been appointed as Mela Administrator for the 39th Surajkund International Crafts Mela-2026. He is a 2018 batch IAS officer of Haryana cadre.

T N Natarajan selected as Director (Comm), SAIL (UPDATED)

The Ministry of Steel has recommended the name of T N Natarajan, CGM (Sales) and Regional Manager, Western Region, Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) for the post of Director (Commercial), SAIL Limited.  As many as 12 shortlisted internal candidates were interviewed for the same.

Ms Valli Natarajan selected as Director (Proj), IREDA (UPDATED)

Ms Valli Natarajan, Executive Director, REC Limited, has been selected for the post of Director (Projects), Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA) at a Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) meeting held on January 12, 2026. As many as 11 persons were interviewed for the same.

 



WHISPERS - CORPORATE WORLD
Astra Microwave Products Ltd emerges as a trusted indigenous partner for MoD to implement critical technology production!

Astra Microwave Products Ltd (AMPL) has steadily cemented its position as a trusted indigenous partner for the Ministry of Defence and allied agencies, with a series of high-value orders underscoring its expanding technological footprint across aerospace and radar systems. 

The latest comes from the Indian Air Force — a ₹275.27 crore contract awarded to Astra Rafael Comsys, the company’s joint venture with Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, for integrating advanced radio and networking systems on MiG-29 and LCA Mk-1A aircraft. This follows a string of strategic wins in December, reflecting both operational capability and policy alignment with India’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” agenda. 

On December 26, Astra signed an MoU with Bharat Electronics Ltd to co-develop and manufacture next-generation electronic warfare, radar, and satellite systems, reinforcing domestic collaboration in critical technologies. Earlier, the company secured a ₹124 crore order from Astra Rafael Comsys for supplying modules, cable assemblies, and antennas for Software Defined Radios, and another ₹171.38 crore contract from the India Meteorological Department to deliver six S-band Polarimetric Doppler Weather Radars. 

Together, these developments underline Astra Microwave’s dual strength — advanced R&D and reliable execution — positioning it as a key contributor to India’s defense and aerospace self-reliance.

 

Ramkumar Shankar re-appointed MD, Chemplast Sanmar Ltd

Ramkumar Shankar has been re-appointed as Managing Director of Chemplast Sanmar Limited with effect from February 1, 2026.

S Ganeshkumar appointed MD, Chemplast Sanmar Ltd

S Ganeshkumar has been appointed as Managing Director of Chemplast Sanmar Limited with effect from April 1, 2026.

Aditya Jain re-appointed Ind. Director, Chemplast Sanmar Ltd

Aditya Jain has been re-appointed as an Independent Director of Chemplast Sanmar Limited with effect from April 26, 2026.

Sanjay Bhandarkar re-appointed Ind. Director, Chemplast Sanmar Ltd

Sanjay Vijay Bhandarkar has been re-appointed as an Independent Director of Chemplast Sanmar Limited with effect from April 26, 2026.

Dr (Mrs) Lakshmi Vijayakumar re-appointed Ind. Director, Chemplast Sanmar Ltd

Dr (Mrs) Lakshmi Vijayakumar has been re-appointed as an Independent Director of Chemplast Sanmar Limited with effect from April 26, 2026.

Prasad Raghava Menon re-appointed Ind. Director, Chemplast Sanmar Ltd

Prasad Raghava Menon has been re-appointed as an Independent Director of Chemplast Sanmar Limited with effect from April 26, 2026.

Ms Sridevi Belide appointed NED, Novelix Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Ms. Sridevi Belide has been appointed as a Non-Executive Non-Independent Director of Novelix Pharmaceuticals Limited.

Mrs Rinni Shah re-appointed Whole-Time Director, Ratnabhumi Developers Ltd

Mrs. Rinni Kaivan Shah has been re-appointed as Whole-time Director of Ratnabhumi Developers Limited with effect from February 16, 2026.

Meenaxi Patidar quits as Ind. Director, Choksi Laboratories Ltd

Meenaxi Patidar has resigned from the position of Independent Director of Choksi Laboratories Limited.

Suresh Ramakrish Achary quits as Ind. Director, Popees Cares Ltd

Suresh Thekkemalaikkal Ramakrish Achary has resigned from the position of Independent Director of Popees Cares Limited.

Whispers Forum
FORUM

While you were accurate on guessing who would become the next Chief of the Army Staff, your guess on Chief of the Air Staff was inaccurate. Take a better look on key appointments, transfers or performances by military officers before making a guess.

Kishore Anandan

What is the use of being IPS, if you can't stand for the right things?
 
Sagnik

 

DATE WITH RTI

Assessment reports of the medical colleges to be uploaded on the official website of NMC

Appellant sought for the attested photocopy of the completed standard assessment (form A & B) for recognition of MBBS seats for the AY 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24, submitted by the Principal of the Kanti Devi Medical College Hospital and Research Center Mathura, UP. The appellant stated that the inspectors or assessors of the National Medical Commission physically visit the college campus to prepare the report, after checking whether the medical college has sufficient number of beds, faculty, nurses and infrastructure of hostels, library, lecture halls, playground and hospital. So, the report has all the relevant information crucial for the prospective MBBS students to decide their admission in a particular college. The assessors give their observations to the replies submitted by college authorities and upon preparation of the report, the assessors send one copy to the NMC and one to the College. Based on the observations and recommendations, the NMC decides whether or not to sanction the running of a medical college and grant permission for admissions for the academic year in which assessment is conducted. Hence, the assessment reports are crucial source of information, particularly for aspiring medical students who can verify the infrastructure and faculty of the medical colleges, whether a particular college is fulfilling the prescribed medical education norms or not to and make admission decisions. The Respondent stated that since Under Graduate Medical Board (UGMEB) is not the custodian of the information, the same was sought from concerned Board i.e. Medical Assessment & Rating Board (MARB) and it was intimated that during the said period MARB will not be able to furnish the Assessment Report under NMC Act, 2019. The CIC held that the information sought by the Appellant ought to be disclosed and placed in public domain. In the past that, the CIC has directed the National Medical Commission (NMC) to upload infrastructure, faculty and other related information in the form of the assessment reports of the medical colleges on its official website, nmc.org.in, considering the crucial nature of the information.

Comments

Availability of information about the infrastructure and faculty of the colleges helps an aspiring student to compare them to make admission decisions. Information regarding whether a particular college is fulfilling the prescribed education norms or not must be made public as it is essential for every student.

Citation: Shri. R B Gautam v. National Medical Commission, Second Appeal No. CIC/NMCOM/A/2023/669929; Date of Decision: 09.04.2024, 28.08.2025

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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Sapna Mehrotra (Magazine)

Chief Executive Officer 
mehrotra.sapna@gmail.com


Yogesh Joshi

Editor (Magazine)
a.editor.whispers@gmail.com

(Cell) : +91-9718708267


Sunil Salve

Editor (Digital)
sswhispers18@gmail.com
(Cell) : +91-
9893512559


Rajendra Sharma

Consulting Editor
rajendrasharma.witc@gmail.com


Prakash Shrivastava

News Editor (Digital)
prakashshrivastava1000@gmail.com


Harsha Bhatnagar

Associate Editor
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Rajendra Gupta

Business Head
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(Cell) +919893033311


Barkha soni
General Manager (Marketing)

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(Cell) +91-9171566711


Pradeep Gayakwad

Marketing Manager
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Stay updated with the latest Indian government news and exclusive insights into the world of bureaucracy at Whispers in the Corridors. Get real-time IAS news updates and IPS news updates, covering key transfers, promotions, and policy decisions that shape the nation. Our platform delivers credible and timely information on government affairs, administrative changes, and political developments, ensuring you never miss an important update. Whether you are a civil services aspirant, government official, or policy enthusiast, Whispers in the Corridors is your go-to source for accurate and up-to-date government news.

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