After the repatriation of Rajesh Aggarwal from the central deputation as Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, he is being bandied around as next Chief Secretary of Maharashtra. The tenure of present incumbent Rajesh Kumar is coming to an end in November end. It is expected that the repatriation will pave the way for Aggarwal to become the next Chief Secretary. He is a 1989 batch IAS officer of Maharashtra cadre.

There is another theory. In view of the BMC polls Maharashtra Chief Secretary Rajesh Kumar Meena may get another three months extension in service on December 1. Meena was given three-month extension on September 1.

In case Rajesh Kumar Meena  is not given extension, Deepak Kapoor is likely to succeed Rajesh Kumar Meena as Chief Secretary of Maharashtra. He is a 1991 batch IAS officer.

If sources are to be believed all major proposals, especially related to purchase are cleared by the PMO. No harm in guessing the name of the poor ministry.

The Indian government has rapidly moved to address the risks posed by the global surge in AI investments and valuations, positioning regulatory action as its primary defense against a potential “AI bubble” burst and its economic spillover into domestic markets. Authorities have proposed sweeping amendments to current laws, including the Information Technology Act, that would require platforms to label AI-generated content, especially deepfakes, to combat misinformation and manipulation risks amplified during elections or times of social unrest. This data-labelling push aims to equip citizens, regulators, and businesses with transparency, ensuring a clear distinction between synthetic and authentic content in a digitally complex environment.

Beyond safeguarding societal stability, the Indian government is accelerating efforts to build sovereign AI capabilities, such as the BharatGen initiative—a trillion-parameter foundational model tailored for Indian needs, backed by nearly ₹1,000 crore in funding and high-performance infrastructure. The strategy is not just defensive: India seeks to assert its autonomy in AI standards, encourage responsible innovation, and foster a competitive AI sector resilient to international market shocks. Agencies like the Competition Commission of India (CCI) and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) are also crafting guidelines for fair competition and responsible AI deployment across industries, aiming to prevent anti-competitive practices and mitigate systemic risks to financial markets.

These layered efforts reflect a unique policy approach: balancing robust legal safeguards, market oversight, and the ambition to make India a global AI powerhouse. The government is determined to shield its economy from reckless AI-driven exuberance and shape global governance frameworks that respect India’s digital, linguistic, and socio-economic diversity. If the AI bubble bursts globally, these moves could insulate India’s financial system, boost the credibility of its technology sector, and even position India as a safe, stable hub for responsible AI development and deployment.

Shankar Narayan, GM, BHEL, has been selected for the post of Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Central Electronics Limited (CEL) at a Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) meeting held on October 29, 2025. As many as 11 persons were interviewed for the same.

Nand Kumarum , President & CEO, National e-Governance Division (NeGD), has been assigned an additional charge of Managing Director &Chief Executive Officer, Digital India Corporation for a period of six months. He is a 2008 batch IAS officer of MP cadre.

The central deputation tenure of Gopalakrishnan Ganesan working as Director in the Ministry of Steel has been extended for a period of two years upto January 3, 2028. He is a 2010 batch IRAS officer.

The central deputation tenure of Ch. Hari Krishna Reddy working as Deputy Secretary, Central Water Commission (CWC) has been extended for a period of two years upto October 12, 2027. He is a 2013 batch IRS-C&IT officer.

The Government of Madhya Pradesh has relieved Ms Preeti Maithil of the cadre responsibility in order to join central deputation as Deputy General Manager at Director level, Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED), Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh region). She is a 2009 batch IAS officer of MP cadre.

Prashant Goyal has been assigned an additional charge of Director, UTCS and Sandeep Kumar was entrusted an additional charge of Chairman, DSSSB in Delhi Government.

Mrs Debjani Mitra Neogy, Senior Advocate, Kolkata High Court, has been appointed as Judicial Member in the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT).

Rajani Guduri, Senior Advocate, has been appointed as Judicial Member in the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT).

Kuldip Singh, Ex-Judicial Member, ITAT, has been appointed as Judicial Member in the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT).

Tapas Ram Misra, Senior Advocate, has been appointed as Judicial Member in the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT).

Sanjay Kumar, Senior Advocate, has been appointed as Judicial Member in the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT).

Rajesh Damodarlal Sharma, Senior Advocate, has been appointed as Judicial Member in the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT).

As many as 10 persons have been appointed as Accountant Members in the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT). They are: Arvind Soni, Chartered Accountant; Rakesh Kumar Lodha, Chartered Accountant; Prakash, Chartered Accountant; Ratna Dasgupta, lRS(Retd.); R Govindarajan, IRS(Retd.); Asit Kumar Mohapatra, lRS(Retd.); VijayVarma, lRS(Retd.); G M Doss, IRS(Retd.); Gopalan Gurusamy, IRS(Retd) and   Gangadhar Panda, IRS(Retd.)

West Bengal's October 27 reshuffle of 527 officers, though massive in scale, may represent merely the opening salvo in a prolonged series of administrative realignments before the 2026 Assembly elections. Political analysts and bureaucratic sources suggest the Mamata Banerjee government will likely orchestrate additional waves of transfers in coming months, strategically positioning loyalist officers in critical districts and departments as poll dates approach.

The Election Commission's three-year tenure guideline for officers in the same posting during election periods creates both a deadline and opportunity for the state government. Officials acknowledge that many bureaucrats currently approaching the two-to-three-year mark in their positions will require transfer before EC's model code of conduct kicks in, necessitating further reshuffles. Sources within the state administration indicate particular focus on districts with historically volatile electoral dynamics—Murshidabad, Malda, North 24 Parganas, and parts of North Bengal—where additional District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police changes are anticipated.

The timing pattern established in October—executing transfers just before EC announcements to avoid formal approval requirements—may repeat as the election commission rolls out subsequent electoral guidelines. Opposition parties have already signaled they will challenge any future transfers that appear designed to influence electoral administration, setting the stage for legal battles and political confrontations. The Chief Secretary's office is reportedly preparing contingency lists identifying officers due for rotation, suggesting institutionalized planning for pre-election administrative churn that could match or exceed October's unprecedented scale.

Blockchain integration for AIS via National Blockchain Framework (MeitY/NIC) to enhance transparency in transfers/postings. Focusing on e-governance and reducing corruption.

 Whispers in bureaucratic circles suggest the West Bengal reshuffle (527 total officers, including IAS/IPS) is a pre-emptive move against EC’s SIR, potentially to install “loyal” officials. BJP’s Dilip Ghosh called it “frequent musical chairs” with no governance impact.

 FAO’s Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) 2025 ranks India 9th globally in forest area (72,739 sq km, 2% of world total) and 3rd in annual gains.

 Shift to plantations over natural ecosystems in biodiversity hotspots, raising deforestation fears. Digital forest management (e-drones, satellite monitoring) piloted in MP and Kerala to curb illegal felling; experts predict 20% efficiency boost by 2026.

Whispers in railway circles suggest the HAM model could lead to 20% private stake in DFCs by 2026, reducing government burden amid ₹11.21 lakh crore FY26 infra outlay. PMO insiders hint at a Federal Transport Planning Authority to integrate rail/road/port projects, curbing overlaps.

Indian Air Force (IAF) advances largest new airbase near Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, on 1,000 acres adjacent to the existing airport. The base will host fighters and transports, enhancing central India coverage, rapid deployment, and dispersal from Gwalior amid two-front threats.

 Indian Navy’s latest guided missile frigate, INS Udaygiri, armed with eight BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and 32 Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles, made its maiden port call at Chennai, enhancing coastal defence capabilities.

Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation (RRRLF), Kolkata is looking for retired Government officials for the posts of two Senior Consultants/Consultants in New Delhi. The candidates are required to assist in matters relating to Administration, Finance, Project Implementation, etc. Applications must reach latest by November 10, 2025.

 National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust (NMDET) is seeking to engage Young Professionals. Applications must reach latest by December 8, 2025.

 

Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) is seeking to fill the posts of Manager (Delhi) and Assistant Manager (Kolkata) on deputation basis. Applications must reach latest by November 27, 2025.

World Bank is looking for E T Consultant - Country Officer for Dar Es Salaam,Tanzania. Applications must reach latest by November 11, 2025.

World Bank is looking for Senior HR Assistant (Senior Recruitment Coordinator) for Dubai, United Arab Emirates And Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Applications must reach latest by November 11, 2025.

Piyush Kakkar, who is presently working as Chief Signal Engineer (CSE) in Central Railway (CR), has been transferred to Western Railway (WR) and posted in the cadre. He is an Indian Railway Service of Signal Engineers (IRSSE) officer.

Supragya Kumar, a Group 'B' officer of the Civil Engineering Department of Central Railway (CR), has been transferred to the Indian Railway Institute of Civil Engineering (IRICEN) and posted as Assistant Professor.

Rajesh Kumar Singh, who is being relieved from the post of  Additional Divisional Railway Manager (ADRM) in North Eastern Railway (NER), has been transferred to Modern Coach Factory (MCF) and posted in the cadre. He is an Indian Railway Stores Service (IRSS) officer.

Sachindra Kumar Patnaik, who is returning from deputation to the Food Corporation of India (FCI) under the Department of Food and Public Distribution, has been transferred to North Eastern Railway (NER) and posted in the cadre. He is an Indian Railway Stores Service (IRSS) officer.

Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL), a subsidiary of ONGC and a leading Category-I Miniratna CPSE under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, has achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the Innovation Award 2024-25 for Best Innovation in Research & Development in Refining Technology at the 28th Energy Technology Meet (ETM 2025). This recognition marks MRPL’s fourth successive win at the prestigious Government of India–promoted awards, reaffirming its continued leadership in indigenous innovation within the refining sector. The award was conferred for MRPL’s “Gradual Olefins and Aromatic Technology (GOAT)” – a breakthrough Crude-to-Chemicals process developed indigenously by MRPL’s R&D team. The GOAT technology underscores India’s growing capability to convert crude oil directly into high-value petrochemicals, thereby enhancing energy efficiency, reducing carbon intensity, and advancing the nation’s journey toward sustainable refining. The award was presented by Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Hon’ble Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, in the presence of Shri Pankaj Jain, Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, during the award ceremony organized under the aegis of the Centre for High Technology (CHT) at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC). On behalf of MRPL, Nandakumar V. Pillai (Director-Refinery) and Chief Managers Karthick R and S Nirmal Ganesh from the Innovation Centre Team of MRPL received the award. The 28th Energy Technology Meet, themed “Green Energy Horizons: Advancing Sustainable Refining & Energy Innovation,” is India’s flagship congregation of downstream and energy-technology stakeholders. Organized by CHT under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, the event brings together refiners, petrochemical producers, technology licensors, equipment manufacturers, and service providers from across India and abroad to exchange advancements and best practices in sustainable refining and decarbonization technologies. Held from 28 – 30 October 2025, ETM 2025 serves as a premier platform to showcase innovations driving India’s energy transition and circular-economy initiatives. Speaking on the occasion Shri Nandakumar V. Pillai (Director-Refinery) said “ “MRPL has always been ahead of its time in adopting advanced technologies. I am elated that our Innovation Centre is not only developing but also commercially implementing breakthrough technologies like GOAT — a futuristic and competitive Crude-to-Chemicals process that many in the industry are still striving to achieve. Our Innovation Centre continues to place MRPL at the forefront of technologies that the nation — and the world — truly need. I wholeheartedly congratulate the Innovation Centre team for securing the Innovation Award from the Government of India for the fourth consecutive year, an achievement that speaks volumes of their dedication and excellence. I wish the team continued success in their future endeavours”

Transfer orders of two IAS officers have been revised in UP. Mahendra Kumar Singh, who was earlier posted as CDO, Rampur, has been transferred as CDO, Maharajganj, while Gulab Chand, who was transferred as CDO, Maharajganj, will now join as CDO, Rampur.

MoUs were executed with Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, Visakhapatnam Port Authority, Paradip Port Authority, Odisha, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (Mumbai), Mumbai Port Authority and Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited, marking a major milestone in HUDCO’s efforts to expand its financing portfolio into maritime and coastal infrastructure. The Housing and Urban Development Corporation Ltd. (HUDCO), a Navratna NBFC-IFC, has signed six Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with major port authorities, during the ongoing Maritime Week 2025 at Mumbai, to finance projects worth ₹1.1 lakh crore in India’s port infrastructure sector, over the next decade. This landmark initiative is in alignment with the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister to promote port-led development and harness the potential of India's coastline and waterways. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sanjay Kulshrestha, CMD, HUDCO, said “HUDCO’s entry into port financing marks a new chapter in our growth journey. Through these strategic collaborations, we aim to channel ₹1.1 lakh crore into India’s maritime infrastructure to support the Sagarmala Programme and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, both aimed at transforming India into a global maritime hub.” India’s port sector is undergoing a major transformation, driven by modernization, capacity expansion, and improved efficiency. Operational efficiency has seen a significant boost, with the average vessel turnaround time reduced by nearly half, underscoring India’s emergence as a competitive player in global maritime logistics. HUDCO’s entry into port financing comes at a strategic juncture when the Maritime India Vision 2030 envisages ₹3–3.5 lakh crore of investments across ports, shipping, and inland waterways. The government’s initiatives such as the ₹25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund (MDF), ₹24,736 crore Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme (SBFAS), and ₹19,989 crore Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS), aim to strengthen port-led growth, enhance shipbuilding capacity, and promote sustainable maritime infrastructure. As part of this initiative, HUDCO has entered into partnerships with key port authorities and institutions to unlock large-scale investment opportunities across India’s maritime landscape: Sagarmala Finance Corporation Ltd. (SFCL): HUDCO and SFCL will jointly extend up to ₹80,000 crore over the next decade to eligible public and private projects under the Sagarmala Programme, focused on enhancing port-led development and reducing logistics costs; Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA): An MoU for ₹5,000 crore has been signed to support refinancing of existing terminals, financing of re-awarded PPP projects, and upcoming expansion initiatives; Vadhvan Port Project Ltd. (VPPL): HUDCO signed an MoU on January 21, 2025, to provide up to ₹25,000 crore in financing support for the development of India’s 13th major port — the greenfield Vadhvan Port, envisioned as a future gateway for global trade; Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA): The MoU focuses on the planning, financing, and execution of a Maritime Iconic Structure in Mumbai, a landmark business and tourism hub celebrating India’s maritime heritage;  Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA): An MoU worth ₹487 crore aims at mechanization of berths, modernization under PPP mode, and operation and maintenance of liquid cargo facilities; Paradip Port Authority (PPA): A ₹5,100 crore MoU has been signed to finance berth mechanization, new dock complexes, and container terminals, supporting PPA’s expansion to a 400 MMT capacity by 2030; Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMP-Kolkata): An MoU worth ₹3,000 crore will fund reconstruction and mechanization of berths, container terminals, and liquid cargo jetties under PPP models to strengthen eastern India’s maritime connectivity. HUDCO has also recorded exceptional financial performance in recent years. In FY2024–25, the corporation achieved its highest-ever net profit of ₹2,709 crore, reflecting a 28% year on-year increase, alongside 32.46% growth in revenue from operations. The loan book expanded by 34.72%, reaching ₹1,24,828 crore, supported by prudent financial management and strategic diversification into new infrastructure sectors. With this initiative, HUDCO cements its position as a key enabler of India’s maritime and infrastructure transformation—anchoring growth, connectivity, and global competitiveness along the nation’s vast coastline.

 FDI inflows eyed at $475B in 5 years; MNCs like Google/Apple expanding GCCs for 2-6x global returns (Bain Report, April 24, 2025). Projects: “LEAP to Win” playbook for consumer MNCs (e.g., Unilever/P&G) targets 2x growth via digital/omnichannel. Startup India: 23 IPOs queued (e.g., PhysicsWallah/Ather), doubling 2024’s $3.4B raises.

Amitabh Kant has been appointed as Additional Director (Non-Executive Independent) of Larsen & Toubro Limited.

B. Santhanam has been appointed as Additional Director (Non-Executive Independent) of Larsen & Toubro Limited.

Ms. Preetha Reddy has been re-appointed as Non-Executive Independent Director of Larsen & Toubro Limited.

Madan Mohan has been appointed as Non-Executive Non-Independent Director of RCI Industries & Technologies Limited.
 

Rakesh Garg has been appointed as Non-Executive Non-Independent Director of RCI Industries & Technologies Limited.

Pranav Singla has been appointed as Non-Executive Non-Independent Director of RCI Industries & Technologies Limited.

 

Shantilal Pokharna has been appointed as Non-Executive Director of Raymond Lifestyle Limited.

Subodh Nadkarni has been re-appointed as Independent Director of Goa Carbon Limited.

Debashis Chatterjee has been appointed as Additional Director (Non-Executive Independent) of Brigade Enterprises Limited.

Vimal Dwivedi has been appointed as Independent Director of Ramchandra Leasing & Finance Limited.

Suman Jyoti Khaitan has been appointed as Additional Director (Non-Executive Independent) of Khaitan Chemicals & Fertilizers Limited.

Inder Jit Singh has resigned from the position of Independent Director of Khaitan Chemicals & Fertilizers Limited.

Narendra Modi Original!

Two newspaper stories in the last few weeks: one, the Honourable Supreme Court of India passed an order on street dogs, also called stray dogs. Merciful, sentimental, flowing from colonial justice system. Cheers from all sections! On Sunday in his monthly interaction with the people he mentioned about the training and deployment for security duty of Indian dogs, which he had suggested in his Man ki Baat 5 years ago. He mentioned that a trained squad has been deployed on duty, which will be shown to the public on the National Unity Day on 31st October 2025. Not even one TV channel took notice. It is commendable that the TOI has written a small edit about it. I place my emphasis on Original Narendra Modi, who lampoons without lampooning, caricatures without appearing to do so, excites laughter so silently that it sinks after much time. This happened in handling the COVID disaster (judicial orders and government action); this happened in the story about the Dog. When Modi took up the subject, he must have thought of the companion of Dharmaraj Yudhishthir, who left for the Himalayas on his heaven bound journey accompanied by his pet dog! Heritage to modernity! Every dog-Indian-has his day now!

M L Gupta

Quota under which a student was selected at IIM for PGP

The appellant requested pertaining to the selection of a student in the PGP 24-26 program. He requested to confirm whether Saransh Upadhyaya has been selected on a seat earmarked for EWS (Economically Weaker Section) quota at IIM Ahmedabad. Alternatively, he requested to confirm the quota on which the selection has been done. The PIO replied that the information contains personal information of student. Hence, information cannot be provided under Section 8(1)(e) of RTI Act, 2005. The CIC noted that the appellant has sought for the personal information of third party, disclosure of which has no relationship to any public activity or interest. Hence, the sought information is exempted under Section 8(1) (e) & (j) of the RTI Act, 2005. 

Comments

Professional records, including qualification, performance, evaluation reports, ACRs, disciplinary proceedings, etc. are all personal information. The appellant has to establish larger public interest to seek any personal information relating to a third party. 

Citation: Satish Chhiber v. Indian Institute of Management: Ahmedabad, Second Appeal No. CIC/IIMAH/A/2024/629101; Date of Decision: 10.10.202

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

Dr. Suresh Mehrotra

Editor-in-Chief
mehrotra.suresh@gmail.com
suresh.mehrotra@yahoo.com

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
harshabhatnagar@gmail.com

Rajendra Gupta

Business Head
rajendragupta.witc@gmail.com

(Cell) +919893033311

Barkha soni
General Manager (Marketing)
adsalewhispers@gmail.com
(Cell) +91-9171566711

Manish Kohli
News and Marketing Coordinator
manishwhispers@gmail.com
(Cell) +91-9131149117

Pradeep Gayakwad
Marketing Manager
sales.whispersinthecorridors@gmail.com

whispersinthecorridors.com

A Unit of Arushi News Network
Corporate Office: E-19, 45 Bungalows T.T Nagar, 
Bhopal (M.P) India.
Phone & Tele Fax: +91-755-4221719

Dear surfers looking to an increased demand for latest news on your favourite website i.e. (https://www.whispersinthecorridors.com) we are nowadays updating it as and when the developments take place. Keep reading & wish you a happy browsing.

Share your information with suresh.mehrotra@yahoo.com & mehrotra.suresh@gmail.com.

Breaking news of bureaucrats in India at Whispers in the Corridors

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.

Shipping and Delivery  |   Privacy Policy   |  Cancellation and Refund