IAS Akansha Konde,a 2018-batch officer of Uttarakhand cadre and currently posted as Collector of Bageshwar is driving an impactful grassroot initiative by promoting medicinal plant cultivation as a steady source of income for local people.

Using medicinal plants as a double edged weapon, boosting livelihoods while also supporting better health.“The idea is to use what we already have and make it work better for people” she quoted.

Recognising the region’s natural potential, farmers are being encouraged to grow crops like Kapur Kachri and Kutki which are naturally suited to the region. Kutki, known for its medicinal properties especially for liver health is both economically and therapeutically significant.Additionally a large scale plantation plan of nearly 11 lakh Kutki plants has been envisioned aiming to create sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

Under her leadership, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have also been strengthened with some of these groups earning close to Rs 55 lakh annually with medicinal farming.

Beyond this,Bageshwar’s traditional identity as a tea growing region is also being leveraged for economic development.

IAS Akansha Konde’s unique approach is transforming one of India's remotest district into a hub of opportunities and growth.

As many as 11 officers of 1992 batch of Indian Police Service (IPS) are enjoying police power as Head of Police Force in 11 States in the country. They are:

Rupin Sharma, Nagaland

Harmeet Singh, Assam

Idashisha Nongrang, Meghalaya

Arun Dev Gautam,  Chhattisgarh

Satish Golcha, Delhi

Nalin Prabha, Jammu Kashmir

Gaurav Yadav,  Punjab

Dr K Laxmi Narayan Rao, Gujarat

Harish Kumar Gupta, Andhra Pradesh

Ajay Singhal, Haryana

Siddh Nath Gupta, West Bengal

If sources are to be believed the Central Government is likely to skip the latest installment of DA to Central Govt Employees and DR to Pensioners due in January 2026. Earlier the govt used to announce this in the month of March but this time it has not yet been announced which has fuelled the suspicion. The reason is said to be financial strain due to the West Asia crisis. Sources point out that during the Covid 19 the government had not provided DA, DR relief.

Out of total 16 IAS officers of 1995 batch empanelled, only five officers have been appointed as Secretaries in Government of India.

As many as 137 officers/officials in the Directorate of Enforcement are shifted and posted to different stations. Click the link below for a complete list: https://whispersinthecorridors.com/pdf/ed1.pdf

As many as 84 officers in the grade of Deputy Director (DD) and Assistant Director (AD) in the Directorate of Enforcement are shifted and posted to different stations. Click the link below for a complete list: https://whispersinthecorridors.com/pdf/ed2.pdf

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, cleared proposals worth approximately Rs 2.38 lakh crore (~$28 billion) to augment capabilities across the three services.

All indicators now point toward Starlink’s imminent entry into India’s satellite internet market. Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia recently met SpaceX President and COO Gwynne Shotwell, Starlink’s Global Business VP Lauren Dreyer, and the India leadership team to discuss the company’s plans. In a major development, the Meghalaya government has partnered with Starlink India to pilot satellite-based internet services in its remote hill regions an area where traditional telecom infrastructure faces significant challenges due to the terrain. The initiative aims to boost connectivity for essential sectors like education, healthcare, and disaster management. If successful, this pilot could pave the way for nationwide expansion, supporting India’s push for universal digital inclusion and resilient broadband access in hard-to-reach areas.

Surajit Mandol, Director (Finance), Telecommunications Consultants (India) Limited, appears to be only a Board level contender for the post of Chairman & Managing Director, Telecommunications Consultants (India) Limited.

 Disputes and grievances over transfers were flagged across PSBs (including Union Bank of India, PNB, and others) and some private banks, involving repeated transfers, humanitarian concerns, and policy objections. Conciliation proceedings were noted in recent union updates.

The Department of Financial Services (DFS) issued a directive to PSBs on Performance Linked Incentive (PLI) payments to officers in Scale IV and above (and SBI Deputy MDs) under the revised 2024 scheme. The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) issued a strong objection, demanding it be kept in abeyance pending consultations to protect industrial harmony. This remained a hot topic with no resolution reported till the date.

Lieutenant General Sandeep Jain has taken over command as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Command, succeeding Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth.

2026 features more than 8 major events (e.g., AI Summit Feb 19-20, Quad Summit, India-Africa Summit, India-Japan Annual Summit, India-Russia Summit in Moscow, India-Nordic Summit in Norway, Global Big Cats Summit). Trend: Multipolar balancing via tech/climate forums, reducing reliance on G20/UN.

Non-AC, modern trains with 11 General + 8 Sleeper coaches, pantry, etc. operational as of March 18, 2026. Recorded 100% occupancy in FY 2025-26. Full list includes routes like Lokmanya Tilak–Saharsa, Gaya–Delhi, Darbhanga–Anand Vihar, etc. (Southern Railway runs 14). Features of the train are Vande Bharat-like aesthetics, jerk-free couplers, CCTV, improved toilets/lighting/charging, fire suppression, etc. Minister highlighted acceptance for affordable travel.

Sarbesh Kumar Das and Usha Chandrasekhar have been empanelled for appointment as IEMs. Both are from Indian Ports Association (IPA). 

Apurva Varma and Bharat Prasad Singh have been empanelled for appointment as IEMs. Both are from Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd (IRCTC).

Prabhat Ranjan Acharya has been empanelled for appointment as IEM. He is a 1985 batch IA&AS officer and retired as DG/Director (Finance) BEL.

Pradeep Kumar has been empanelled for appointment as IEM. He is a 1981 batch IRSSE officer and retired as Member (Infrastructure), Railway Board.

Rail Vikas Nigam Limited has advertised the post of General Manager (S&T), Bhopal on deputation basis. Applications must reach latest by April 28, 2026.

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is seeking to fill the post of Director, LHMC & Associated Hospitals. Applications must reach latest by April 7, 2026.

Post of Central Project Advisor (CPA) under Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education (MERITE) of Ministry Of Education has been advertised. Applications must reach latest by April 4, 2026.

Department of Higher Education has advertised the post of Vice-Chancellor of Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Madhya Pradesh. Applications must reach latest by April 25, 2026.

Four officers of Indian Forest Service (IFoS) have been given new responsibilities in MP. Samita Rajoura, has been entrusted with the responsibility of Chief Wildlife Warden, while Vibhash Thakur is posted as Chief Executive Officer, Atal Bihari Vajpayee School of Good Governance, on deputation. Similarly, Archana Shukla will join as PCCF for Research and Extension Headquarters and Kamolika Mohanta was made APCCF and Managing Director, State Minor Forest Produce Federation. Besides, Subharanjan Sen, PCCF and the Head of the Forest Force, will be relieved of his duties as the Chief Wildlife Warden.

World Bank is seeking to fill the post of Senior Administrative Assistant, Paris, France. Applications must reach latest by April 13, 2026.

Satish Kumar, who is presently working as Chairman & Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Railway Board, has been entrusted with additional charge of the post of Member (Operations & Business Development), Railway Board.

 

Brijesh Kumar Mishra, who is presently working as Chief Freight Transportation Manager (CFTM), Eastern Railway (ER), has been appointed on deputation as Group General Manager (E8) in Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC) for a period of three years. He is an Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) officer.

Santosh Kumar Tiwary, who is presently working as Principal, Multi-Disciplinary Zonal Training Institute (MDZTI), Bhuli, Eastern Railway (ER), has been appointed on deputation as Joint General Manager (Operations & Business Development) in Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) for a period of three years. He is an Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) officer.

Mahesh Kumar Roy, who is presently working in East Central Railway (ECR), has been transferred and posted as Chairman, Railway Recruitment Board (RRB), Muzaffarpur. He is an Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers (IRSME) officer.

Ms Surabhi Malik has been appointed as Director in the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs. She is a 2012 batch IAS officer of Punjab cadre.

Ms Nelli Harika has been promoted to the Senior Time Scale (STS) of Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS). She is a 2021 batch ICAS officer.

Two ICAS officers have been promoted to the Junior Time Scale (JTS) of ICAS and posted as Assistant Controller of Accounts following promotion. Accordingly, Kedar Nath is posted with the Department of Commerce and Ministry of Textile, New Delhi, while Laxmi Kant Meena will join the Office of CGA, New Delhi.

Ananda Bantia has been appointed as IFA at Director level in the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Delhi. He is a 2012 batch IRAS officer.

Six IAS officers in Nagaland have been given new responsibilities. Kuko Mero has been relieved of additional charge of Managing Director, NBDA and retained Secretary, Home Department, while Vineet Kumar was made Additional Secretary, Finance & IDAN and Dharam Raj will join as DC, Tuensang. Similarly, Sara S Jamir is posted as Secretary, Science & Technology Department; Lithrongla T Rutsa as Additional Secretary, P&AR Dept with additional charge of MD, NBDA and K Mhathung Tsanglao is now DC, Wokha.

Rajesh Kumar has assumed charge as Director (Finance) at REC Limited for a period of five years. Rajesh Kumar is a seasoned finance professional who brings over 30 years of extensive experience in the public sector, specifically in the power and infrastructure financing domains.

Krishna Kumar Singh, Director (Personnel), has assumed the additional charge of Chairman & Managing Director of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL).

The Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sheo Shekhar Shukla has been designated as the Chairperson of the State Transport Authority, Madhya Pradesh, under the Transport Department. He is a 1994 batch IAS officer.

Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) has reported an impressive performance in FY 2025–26, achieving significant milestones across technical operations, financial management, sustainability, and community engagement. DVC recorded a total power generation of 40,103 MU, including 39,719 MU from Thermal, 351 MU from Hydel, and a record 33.3 MU from Solar, reflecting its growing focus on renewable energy. Key Technical Highlights:

• Hydel generation of 351MU exceeded target of 280MU

• Highest-ever solar generation achieved

• Multiple plants ranked among Top 10 (Central Sector) in PLF performance

• Commissioned advanced Load Despatch Centre for real-time grid monitoring under ULDC

Phase-III scheme, which is first in India.

• Complete digitisation of DVC’s transmission network (11 kV to 400 kV) through PG-DARPAN

and SAS enabling and GIS-based asset mapping

• Integrated GIS mapping of all seven thermal power plants of DVC completed and linked with the

Land Record Management System (LRMS) portal.

• Achieved record coal excavation of 6 MMT in captive coal mine of DVC at Tubed, Latehar,

Jharkhand.

• Secured long-term fuel security with new coal mines (53 MMT capacity) namely Mahuagarhi,

Dhulia North, Pirpainti Barahat, and Mandakini-B.

• Delivered 714 MU of green energy in West Bengal and Jharkhand at regulatory determined

green tariffs.

Progress in Ongoing Projects:

• DVC formed Joint venture with Coal India Ltd., DVC CIL Power Private Limited at Chandrapura,

Jharkhand for development of 2x800 MW units, marking a major milestone in long-term

generation capacity addition and strengthening energy security in the state.

• Koderma TPS (Phase-II: 2x 800 MW): Boiler and ESP works under execution; chimney raft

foundation completed; powerhouse erection commenced

• Raghunathpur TPS (Phase-II: 2x 660MW): Boiler and ESP foundations underway; powerhouse

erection started

• LOAs awarded for large-scale floating solar projects at Maithon (234 MW) and Konar Dam(228

MW), marking a significant milestone in DVC’s renewable energy expansion.

• 10 units of existing DVC thermal power projects went into overhauling successfully .

Damodar Valley Corporation

Information & Public Relations Department

DVC Towers, VIP Road, Kolkata – 700 054

Contact: (033) 6607-2128

E-mail : cpro@dvc.gov.in

DVC The First Multipurpose River Valley Project of India DVC- Internal

Management & Financial Performance

Management & Financial Performance

• Revenue of RS24,629 Crores with 99% collection efficiency

• Through FSA Coal optimisation and efficient stock management led to savings of Rs. 374.8 Cr. on

ground of PI, as against last fiscal.

• 100% CAPEX utilisation (RS 3393.80 cr.) achieved during FY 2025–26

• Procurement done in GeM portal amounting Rs. 2955 Cr against the target of 1650cr. And

approx. 48% of procurement done from MSE vendors against the target of 25%.

• Successful rollout of SAP S/4 HANA ERP and end-to-end digital billing

• Credit rating upgraded to A+ / A1

• Fresh PPA signed for 600MW leading to total 950 MW with Railways

• Smart metering deployment drove 300% plus increase in revenue collection with indirect

savings of approx RS2.5 Cr through reduced consumption across DVC colonies.

Environmental Initiatives

• Increased use of biomass co-firing and sustainable practices

• Recognized nationally for water management, fly ash utilization, and energy efficiency.

• Achieved 104% ash utilisation, demonstrating DVC’s excellence in sustainable waste

management and environmental stewardship.

• Successfully translocated 1,000 trees in Durgapur and afforestation drive of 1,00,000 sapling

done in DVC command area to protect and enhance green cover.

Social & Community Engagement

• Organized “Pratyay 2025”, a major corporate communication initiative, HR-Meet, fostering

employee and stakeholders engagament, vigilance workshop “STRIVE” to make aware of best

practices and preventive measure to check corruption signifying commitment to transparency and

institutional integrity, O&M Meet, platform for exchange of best industry practices.

• Hosted Maithon Mela and Design Fest, promoting art and culture and community engagement.

• Improved healthcare through digital hospital management system

• Tourism initiatives including Dam façade lighting at Maithon and Panchet dams, water sports

and infrastructure development at dam sites. A consolidated tourism policy has been drawn up

by DVC

• DVC organized archery workshop in Latehar district as part of its community outreach initiatives,

with the objective of establishing a training institute to promote and nurture local talent,

particularly among tribal youth.

• DVC was honoured with “Best Performing Transmission Utility” at the prestigious event of

Lineman Diwas 2026 organised by CEA, Tata power DDL, New Delhi. Shri Surendra Rajak, Tech GrIII of DVC Hazaribagh has been awarded by CEA as Best Lineman for FY2025-26.

Nine IAS officers have been given new assignments in W Bengal. Md Ghulam Ali Ansari has been appointed as Commissioner, Malda Division, while Avanindra Singh will join as Divisional Commissioner, Bardhaman Division and Surendra Gupta is now Divisional Commissioner, Presidency Division.  Similarly, Anoop Kumar Agrawal is posted as Divisional Commissioner, Jalpaiguri Division; Dr. Saumitra Mohan, Secretary, Transport, will also hold charge of Secretary, Labour Department; Onkar Singh Meena, PS, Agriculture, with additional charge of PS, Agricultural Marketing, will handle additional charge of Principal Secretary, Food Processing Industries and Horticulture Department; Narayan Swaroop Nigam, PS, Health and Family Welfare, will also hold the charge of PS, Public Health Engineering Department; Binod Kumar, ACS, School Education Department with additional charge of Higher Education Department and State Editor, West Bengal District Gazetteers and ACS, Mass Education Extension and Library Services Department, will hold the additional charge of ACS, Technical Education, Training & Skill Development and and Khalil Ahmed, ACS, Fire and Emergency Services Department, was assigned additional charge of ACS, UD & MA Department.

Two dozen IPS officers have been given new jobs in Haryana in a major reshuffle. Rajesh Kumar has been appointed as SP, SCB, while Arpit Jain joins as SP, Nuh and Dr Surinder Boharia is now SP, L&O. Similarly, Shashank Kumar Sawan is posted as AIG, Administration, PHQ; Maqsood Ahmed as SP, SV & ACB (H); Nitish Aggarwal as SP, Palwal; Varun Singla as SP, Security, CID; Arsh Verma as SP, SV & ACB (H); Siddhant Jain as SP, Hisar; Mrs Nitika Khattar as SP, Fatehabad; Mrs Pooja Vashisth as SP, SV & ACB (H); Gaurav Rajpurohit as SP, Rohtak; Ms Jasleen Kaur as SP, Dabwali; Ms Medha Bhushan as DCP, Sonipat; Deepak Jewaria as SP, Narnaul; Ms Deepti Garg as DCP, Jhajjar; Logesh Kumar P as SP, Charkhi Dadri; Ms Prabina P as DCP, Manesar with additional charge of Commandant, 4th IRB, Manesar, GGM; Rajesh Kumar Mohan as DCP, Crime, Faridabad; Shubham Singh as DCP, Crime, Jhajjar; Prateek Gahlot as DCP, Traffic GGM and in charge MERC, GGM; Ms Sonakshi Singh as DCP, Sonipat; Ms Uttam as DCP, NIT, Faridabad and Pratik Aggarwal was made DCP, Ballabhgarh.

India’s largest domestic airline, IndiGo, is set to revise its fuel charge following the government’s announcement of a 25% increase in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices. The airline said the sharp hike comes amid continued volatility in global oil markets due to the geopolitical crisis in the Middle East, which has squeezed global fuel supplies. In its statement, IndiGo thanked the government for cushioning the impact on consumers by implementing the ATF price rise in a partial and staggered manner. The carrier added that it is currently assessing the impact of the revised ATF rate effective from April 1, 2026 on its operating costs and will soon announce an updated fuel charge. With ATF accounting for nearly 40% of an airline’s operating expenses, the move is expected to push fares higher across the domestic aviation sector in the coming days.

Gainsight, global customer success/Agentic retention platform company with US/UK/European operations, announced a “triple hire” to boost post-acquisition growth and scaling:

Paul Sheppard as CFO (previously CFO/head of Corporate Development at Amplify; prior CFO roles at Entangled Group, Invoke, ConnectEDU; strategy/COO experience at McGraw-Hill).

Chirayu Amin has been appointed as Executive Chairman of Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited. Meanwhile, he has ceased to hold office as Chief Executive Officer of the company upon completion of his tenure.

Pranav Amin has been re-appointed as Managing Director of Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited. 

Rajkumar Baheti has been appointed as Non-Executive Non-Independent Director of Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited.

Navneet Kumar Sureka has been re-appointed as Managing Director of Mauria Udyog Limited.

Ramakanth V Akula has assumed office as Managing Director of The Waterbase Limited.

Chola Varma Alluri has assumed charge as Chief Executive Officer of The Waterbase Limited.

Rahul Bhatnagar has been appointed as Chairman (Non-Executive Independent Director) of Tasty Bite Eatables Limited.

Burra Vamsi Rama Mohan has assumed charge as Chairman and Managing Director of Power Grid Corporation of India Limited with effect from April 1, 2026.

Manish Synghal has been appointed as Additional Non-Executive Independent Director of East West Freight Carriers Limited.

Rajkumar Baheti has been appointed as Non-Executive Non-Independent Director of Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited.

Mohit Jain has resigned from the position of Independent Director of Helloji Holidays Limited.

Pradeep Poddar has resigned from the position of Chairman (Non-Executive Independent Director) of Tasty Bite Eatables Limited.

1000 Rs pensions

Trust that the new secretary of pensions and pensioners welfare will be kind enough to appreciate the plight of EPF 95 pensioners whose minimum pension is a princely amount of Rs 1000 per month and about 65 lakh pensioners are struggling to get a decent increase in their monthly EPF 95 pension. Unless some miracle happens by an increase in the monthly pension, a famous saying can be aptly applied here' secretaries may occupy this chair and after a few years get transferred but the Rs 1000 pension will go on forever.'

K Srinivasa Rao

Gvt never gives pays Commission arrears

Center never gives pay commission arrears. Instead they will adjust. Delaying the process for a long time. Hence after getting confirmation only we can. Up to time please don't post. Government didn't mention fitment factors yet by the committee. After 2028 they will till bit changes. One can expect the salary must have raised up to Rs 5000 only. That too is not confirmed.

Mahindran D

Personal hearing before the first appellate authority

Information in respect of election in Sri Ram CGHS Itd. was sought. The CIC noted that the Complainant has not served a copy of the instant Complaint upon the Respondent. The CIC observed that serving a copy of documents (including Complaint, Second Appeal and Written submissions) to the opposite party is fundamental requirement for due process in legal proceedings and crucial for fairness, transparency, and also in the interest of expeditious response from the concerned Public Authority. The CIC issued an advisory u/s 25 (5) of the RTI Act to the Respondent Public Authority to provide a due opportunity of being heard to the parties while adjudicating the First Appeal in view of principle of natural justice.

Comments

There is no specific provision in the RTI Act, 2005 which provides for a compulsory personal hearing before the first appellate authority. However, it would be incumbent upon the FAA to grant a personal hearing to the appellant if it has been sought. The principles of natural justice should be followed.

Citation: S K T Sherman v. O/o the Registrar Cooperative Societies, File No: CIC/REGCS/C/2024/624441; Date of Decision: 18.08.2025

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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