Managing human elephant conflict poses significant challenges. In Chhattisgarh Katghora Forest Division, a technology driven strategy backed by active community participation is helping mitigate the issue while also generating livelihood opportunities for locals.At the helm of this is DFO Nishant Kumar, a 2016-batch IFoS officer of Chhattisgarh cadre, who has introduced a series of initiatives to strengthen elephant monitoring, improve early warning mechanisms and promote safer coexistence between people and wildlife.

A key component of the approach is adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Decision Support Systems (DSS) used to identify critical elephant corridors including the Balco-Etma Nagar and Balco-Katghora corridors,along with several temporary movement routes.This has enabled forest officials to better understand elephant movement patterns and prioritize preventive actions.To secure corridors, fake land pattas encroaching on critical elephant habitat have also been identified using Google Earth and removed through physical drives.

Along with monitoring elephants, the focus has also been on improving their natural habitat. . Using GIS-based planning, forest officials have identified areas and developed 100 hectares of grasslands , 50 hectares of fodder plantations,100 hectares of weed removal and carried out soil and moisture conservation works .To ensure year-round water availability, 88 water-harvesting structures has also been constructed minimizing the need for elephant herds to venture into human settlements

What makes the model unique is the integration of advanced technology with grassroots participation.The Forest Department has established Hathi Mitra Dals comprising trained local volunteers who help monitor elephant movement and spread awareness among villagers.Their efforts are supplemented by thermal drones, ODK-based reporting systems and the Sajag Alert platform, which sends real-time SMS alerts to residents in vulnerable areas.Since its introduction, the system has generated over 1.2 lakh alerts helping communities take precautionary measures and reducing the risk of encounters.

Furthermore, the field staff has also been equipped with modern rescue gear and experimental 'Solar Smart Sticks' plastic batons that deliver a mild defense shock if a wild animal attacks. To keep elephants away from residential properties and crops, the department has also rolled out 12V solar-powered shock fencing across heavily impacted villages. Complementing these ground efforts, Kumar has also established a 24x7 Elephant Control Centre and toll-free helpline for rapid response and coordination. Additionally regular meetings with departments such as Revenue, Police, Health and Electricity have further strengthened the initiative.

The efforts extend beyond wildlife management and also supports sustainable livelihoods for locals . A range of community-based initiatives promoted- lac cultivation, eco-tourism, dona-pattal manufacturing, soap and incense production, and value addition of forest produce through Van Dhan Vikas Kendras.

The Donganala herbal processing centre, operated by women's self-help groups has emerged as a notable example.The centre processes medicinal forest products and has generated substantial incomes for tribal families.The initiative has received recognition at both state and national levels demonstrating how community led enterprises can contribute to rural prosperity.

DFO Nishant Kumar model moves beyond conventional methods and compensation cases have since declined over 30% from the peak, showcasing how combining conservation, technology and community participation can drive meaningful change for both wildlife and locals.

Sanjay Jaju has been appointed new Chief Secretary of Telangana. A 1992 batch IAS officer Jaju will succeed K Ramkrishna Rao on July 1.

The Finance Ministry and DFS are advancing a major HR reform for ~7.5 lakh PSB employees, including automated digital transfers, faster promotions, transparent seniority lists, and timely annual transfer completion to reduce opacity.

K Ramakrishna Rao has been appointed as Advisor & Ex-officio Special Chief Secretary to Chief Minister, Telangana, upon his superannuation on June 30 2026. He is a 1991 batch IAS officer of Telangana cadre.

The ACC has approved the proposal of premature repatriation of Ms Rashmi Kamal, DCO/DCR West Bengal (Director level) to her parent cadre. She is a 2006 batch IAS officer of W Bengal cadre.

Darla Sunil Kumar, Director, Finance, SECL, has been entrusted with the additional charge of the post of Director, Finance, Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL) for a further period of three months w e f June 15 2026.

Dr C Suvarna, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF), O/o PCCF (HoFF), Telangana, Hyderabad, will retire from service on June 30, 2026 on attaining the age of superannuation. She is a 1991 batch Indian Forest Service (IFoS) officer of Telangana cadre. 

Ministry of Financial Services has advertised the post of Chief Vigilance Officers in various Public Sector Banks and IDBI Bank Ltd., Public Sector Insurance Companies. Applications must reach latest by July 20, 2026.  

PESB’s shift to fully online applications signals faster, paperless board-level hiring trends in CPSEs from August 1, 2026.   

The Department of School Education & Literacy, Union Ministry of Education, has invited online applications and nominations for the National Teachers Awards 2026. Applications can be submitted till  July 10, 2026.

India will not sign the proposed bilateral trade agreement with the United States unless a framework is in place that gives Indian exports a clear tariff edge over rival countries, and ministry sources now suggest the deal is unlikely to conclude this year. The message signals that New Delhi is holding out for a stronger negotiating position rather than a hurried breakthrough.

The stance, articulated by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, indicates that tariff parity is no longer enough; India wants a measurable comparative advantage before moving ahead. That could delay closure even if talks remain active, because the real test will be whether Washington is willing to offer India terms better than those extended to competing suppliers.

Officials familiar with the process say the current pace of negotiations does not point to an agreement in 2026. The sticking points appear to be less about intent and more about the structure of benefits, especially for export-heavy sectors seeking predictability and pricing support.

For now, the takeaway is that the deal may stay alive politically, but not necessarily commercially. Until India secures a framework that protects its export competitiveness, the agreement is likely to remain in limbo.

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval’s meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS NSA-level talks in New Delhi has drawn quiet but notable attention within strategic circles. Officially, the discussions focused on reviewing recent developments in bilateral relations and assessing progress toward gradual normalisation following the prolonged border tensions. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Doval emphasized the need for stable, predictable, and constructive ties as a foundation for rebuilding trust and mutual understanding.

However, sources indicate that the interaction may have gone beyond the standard contours of a customary diplomatic exchange. With both sides maintaining a cautious public posture, there is growing speculation among policy insiders that more substantive conversations could have taken place behind closed doors. These may have included forward-looking mechanisms for disengagement, possible confidence-building measures, or even exploratory discussions on resetting certain aspects of the bilateral framework.

While there is no official confirmation of any breakthrough, the timing and setting of the meeting have added to the intrigue. For now, analysts suggest that the full import of the engagement may only become clearer in the coming weeks.

National Medicinal Plants Board, Ministry of AYUSH is seeking to fill up the post of Assistant Adviser (Botany). Applications must reach latest by July 30, 2026. 

Last date to apply for the post of Members, National Sports Tribunal has been extended. The revised date is July 3. 2026. 

Gedela Srinu Kumar, Member of the State Civil Service of Andhra Pradesh Cadre  has been appointed to the Indian Administrative Service against vacancies determined by Govt of India in consultation with the state Government of Andhra Pradesh for the Select List of 2024 on probation. He has been allocated Andhra Pradesh Cadre. 

Ministry of Education has invited applications for the post of Vice-Chancellor of Central University of Haryana. Applications must reach latest by July 21, 2026.

U R Rao Satellite Centre, Bengaluru, Karnataka has invited online applications for engaging as Offering of Junior Research Fellow. Applications must reach latest by July 11, 2026.  

Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited has advertised the post of Assistant General Manager (Security), Ambala on deputation basis. Applications must reach latest by July 22, 2026. 

Rail Vikas Nigam Limited has invited applications for the post of Executive Director (Finance) for Corporate Office, New Delhi. Applications must reach latest by July 23, 2026.

World Bank has invited applications for the post of ET Consultant Research Economist Ukraine, Washington, DC, United States. Applications must reach latest by July 10, 2026.

B K Joshi, a member of State Civil Service (SCS) of Gujarat, has been promoted to IAS for the Select List of 2024 and allocated Gujarat Cadre.

Two IAS officers have been assigned new responsibilities in Rajasthan. Rohit Kumar of 1991 batch, has been appointed as Principal Resident Commissioner, New Delhi, while Navin Kumar Jain  (20012 batch), PS, GAD, has been relieved of additional responsibility of  Resident Commissioner, New Delhi,   

Seven IAS officers have been given new postings in Haryana. Monica Malik has been appointed as Commissioner, Rohtak Division, while Prabhjot Singh joins as Director General, Transport and Virender Kumar Dahiya is now Director, Higher Education, and Special Secretary, Higher Education Department and Director, Technical Education. Similarly, Niraj will take charge as Administrator, HSVP, Faridabad and Additional Director, Urban Estate. Faridabad; Saloni Sharma as Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Karnal; Hitesh Kumar Meena gets an additional charge of Additional Secretary, Finance and C Jayasharadha was shifted as District Municipal Commissioner, Hisar, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Hisar and Additional CEO, SPV for Integrated Manufacturing Cluster at Hisar.     

S. Narayanan, IFoS (1997), Director General, Environment, govt of Haryana and Secretary, Forests has been transferred as Director General and Secretary, Higher Education and Technical Education.

Raipur: In a significant step towards unlocking Chhattisgarh’s mineral wealth, the Board of Directors of NMDC-CMDC Limited (NCL) has approved the next phase of exploration at the Baloda-Belmundi Diamond Block in Mahasamund district. At its Board meeting held in New Delhi, the company decided to commence Large-Diameter Drilling, marking a crucial milestone towards assessing the diamond deposit scientifically and paving the way for commercial diamond mining in the state.

The Board reviewed the progress of the project and directed that all technical activities under the Prospecting License be completed within the stipulated timeline. The large-diameter drilling programme will enable a precise assessment of the diamond-bearing kimberlite pipe. Based on the results, a detailed Feasibility Report will be prepared, which will form the basis for a final decision on the commercial development of the diamond mine.

The meeting was attended by Amitava Mukherjee, Ashish Chatterjee, Saurabh Singh, Chairman, Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation (CMDC), P. Dayanand, Secretary, Mineral Resources Department, Government of Chhattisgarh, Rajat Bansal, MD, CMDC, Upendra Kumar, and Vinay Kumar.

NMDC-CMDC Limited (NCL) is a joint venture of NMDC Limited (51%) and Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation (49%), evolving from an iron-ore-focused entity into a multi-mineral developer after discovering natural diamonds at Baloda-Belmundi, Chhattisgarh.

The Board also reviewed iron ore operations: Bailadila Deposit-4 targets 1 million tonnes this year with expansion to 7 MTPA, while Deposit-13 (10 MTPA) is under development. NCL reaffirmed sustainable mining, waste management, water conservation, and community development commitments.

Speaking after the meeting, Saurabh Singh, Chairman, Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation and Director, NCL, said, “The prudent utilisation of mineral resources and balanced industrial development are essential for India’s economic growth. The Baloda-Belmundi diamond project has the potential to become a historic milestone in positioning Chhattisgarh among the country’s leading diamond-producing states.”

The Lt. Governor Delhi has approved the transfer of following IAS /DANICS officers. Those affected in the transfers are -

Ms. Dilraj Kaur, IAS (AGMUT: 2000) MD (DCHFC) holding additional charge of MD (DSFDC) to Principal Secretary (Education).

Himanshu Nigam, IAS (AGMUT:2021) On joining GNCTD to Secretary (DAMB) with additional charge of Secretary (APMC), on joining GNCTD, divesting Ms. Ayushi, IAS (AGMUT: 2022) of the charges of DAMB and APMC.

Ms. Ayushi, IAS (AGMUT:2022) Secretary (DAMB) holding additional charge of Secretary (APMC) to MCD.

Vadodaria Karanjit P. (DANICS:2009) Secretary to Minister (Social Welfare, Welfare of SC & ST, Cooperative, Election) to Dy. Commissioner / DM (East), Revenue department.

Mohit Mishra, (DANICS: 2013) Secretary to Minister (Industries, Food & Supplies, Environment, Forest & Wild Life) to ADM (North East), Revenue department.

Radhey Shyam Meena, (DANICS: 2017) Director, DJB to ADM (Outer North), Revenue department.

Ms. Poonam,(DANICS:2017) SDM (Gokalpur), Department to ADM (South), Revenue department and

Ms Ayushi Soni, (DANICS:2023) awaiting posting to SDM (HQ), District South, Revenue department.

The Haryana govt transferred Prabhjot Singh, IAS (HY:2010), Director General, State Transport, Haryana (Designate) to Director General, Environment and Secretary Forests and Haryana.

Virender Kumar Dahiya, IAS (HY:2013), Director and Special Secretary, Higher Education, Haryana to Director, State Transport, Haryana.

Chanderkant Kataria, (HCS 2020), Sub Divisional Officer (Civil), Panchkula has been entrusted with the additional charge of Land Acquisition Officer, Panchkula, in addition to his present duties.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the proposal of Department of Personnel & Training for extension of inter cadre deputation tenure of Abhishek Sharma (IAS, CG-2018) from Chhattisgarh cadre to AGMUT cadre (UT of J&K) from a period of one year from July 8, 2026.

The Telangana government on Friday transferred 13 IAS officers including few posted in the Chief Minister’s Office. Those affected in the latest reshuffle are-

B. Ajith Reddy, (IDES), serving as Special Secretary to the Chief Minister, has been transferred as Chief Executive Officer, Invest Telangana, I&C Department.

N Sridhar (IAS-Telangana-1997), Principal Secretary (Mines & Geology), Industries & Commerce Department to Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister.

Sabyasachi Ghosh (IAS, Telangana-1994), Spl Chief Secretary (Implementation of Flagship Welfare & Developmental Schemes Unit and Corporate Social Responsibility), has been entrusted with the full additional charge (FAC) of the post of Special Chief Secretary to Government (Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts), I&C Department.

Shailaja Ramaiyer (IAS, Telangana-1997), Principal Secretary (Endowments), Revenue Department to Principal Secretary, Environment, Forests, Science & Technology Department. She has been given full additional charge of Principal Secretary (Endowments), Revenue Department, and Director General, EPTRI, duly relieving Ahmad Nadeem from the FAC of the post.

Ahmad Nadeem (IAS, Telangana-1997), has been posted as Principal Secretary to Government (Political), GAD, duly relieving M Raghunandan Rao from the post.

Rahul Bojja (IAS, Telangana-2000), on return from leave has been posted as Principal Secretary, Disaster Management, Revenue Department.

M Raghunandan Rao (IAS, Telangana-2002), Secretary to Government (CT & Excise), Revenue Department has been given additional charge of Secretary (Mines & Geology), Industries & Commerce Department.

Md Musharraf Ali Faruqui (IAS, Telangana-2014), CMD, Telangana Rythu Power Distribution Company Limited (TGRPDCL), to VC & MD, TGREDCO.

P Katyayani Devi (IAS, Telangana-2017), Joint Managing Director, State Finance Corporationto  Special Secretary (Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts), I&C Department. She has also been given additional charge Joint Managing Director, State Finance Corporation.

K Gangadhar (IAS, Telangana-2021), Executive Director, TGRERA, to Special Secretary, R&B, TR&B Department.

T Venkanna Joint Metropolitan Commissioner (Core Urban Region & Metro Rail), HMDA, to Municipal Commissioner, Greater Warangal Municipal Corporation (GWMC).

K Vidyasagar, Joint Director (Admn.), SSLR, working as OSD to the Chief Secretary to Director, Tourism and State Nodal Officer, Prajavani.

K Chandrakala, Zonal Commissioner, GHMC, Shamshabad to Joint Metropolitan Commissioner (Core Urban Region, Land Pooling & Metro Rail), HMDA.

The Telangana government has entrusted Vinay Kumar (IFS-1992), Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden (CWLW) with the full additional charge as the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF) till further orders.

Niraj Chhaganraj Gemawat has been re-appointed as Managing Director of NINtec Systems Limited.

Dhruv Jani has been re-appointed as Managing Director of Global Longlife Hospital and Research Limited, effective September 10, 2026.

Hiren Mandaliya has been appointed as Non-Executive Independent Director of Global Longlife Hospital and Research Limited.

Samaresh Parida has been appointed as Additional Director (Non-Executive Independent) of VA Tech Wabag Limited.

Milin Mehta has been appointed as Additional Director (Non-Executive Non-Independent) of Sudeep Pharma Limited.

Manisha Shelar has been re-appointed as Independent Woman Director of Suyog Gurbaxani Funicular Ropeways Limited, effective September 4, 2026.

Himanshu Agarwal has been appointed as Additional Director of Info Edge (India) Limited, to be designated as Whole-Time Director and Chief Financial Officer.

Ms. Shruti Somani has been appointed as Non-Executive Independent Director of Sunil Industries Limited.

Adhiraj Anil Harish has been appointed as Additional Non-Executive Independent Director of DCW Limited.

Ganesh Yadav has resigned from the position of Managing Director of Rishab Special Yarns Limited.

“Let India restore friendship with Iran”

Iran has invited PM Modi to the state funeral and burial ceremonies for Ali Khamenei, its former supreme leader on July 4,2026.

Will PM Modi go without annoying the fickle-minded and fastidious Trump and a friend like Israel? The riddle is troubling the mind of every Indian.

I feel, PM Modi must visit Iran to restore historic ties with that great country to the earlier state of trust and amity. Failing this, a big diplomatic embarrassment awaits India

As a sovereign country, let us not miss the opportunity .Let us fast-track completion of the remaining work at Chabahar port to connect with Afghanistan and central Asia. Let us also resume importing crude oil from Iran.

A K Saxena (Former civil servant)

Adding new grounds for rejection of the RTI application

The appellant sought the details of employees appointed under the Reserved Quota in the Assistant Grade-III cadre in the Food Corporation of India in a specific proforma. The PIO replied that an information shall ordinarily be provided in the form in which it is sought unless it would disproportionately divert the resources of the public authority or would be detrimental to the safety or preservation of the record in question and denied the information. Before the CIC, the Respondent submitted that the appellant sought information about SC/ST/OBC employees in Assistant Grade III Cadre from 2021 to 2024 along with their verified caste certificates in a tabular format given by him. The respondent submitted that there are around 6000 employees in their department and the compilation of the sought information in desired format would disproportionately divert the resources of the public authority. Hence, the aforesaid information was denied U/s 7(9) of the RTI Act. During the hearing, the respondent additionally pleaded that the caste certificates of the employees are exempted U/s 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act. On query by CIC whether the respondent confirms for placing on record his plea for exemption U/s 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act as the same was not earlier mentioned in reply of the CPIO, the respondent confirmed. The CIC observed that the respondent gave an appropriate reply to the appellant. The CIC held that the respondent has pleaded additional grounds that the sought information is exempted U/s 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act during the hearing, and the same is also found to be appropriate. The CIC rejected the appeal.

Comments

Additional grounds which were not considered earlier can be asserted during the hearing before the CIC. Even the grounds for rejection of the information can be changed withdrawing the earlier clause and replacing it by a new one.

Citation:Yashwant Rao Hedau v. Food Corporation of India, File No: CIC/FCIND/A/2024/640832; Date of Decision: 23.01.2026

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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