India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman relies on a seasoned team of IAS officers and experts for the record 9th Union Budget in 2026. This group blends veteran bureaucrats with policy specialists handling expenditure, revenue, and economic affairs. Their diverse backgrounds ensure robust fiscal planning amid global uncertainties.

1 Expenditure Secretary

V Vualnam, 1992-batch IAS from Manipur cadre, oversees government spending, DBT subsidies, and state civil aviation. Holds a Master's in Public Policy. 

2 Chief Economic Adviser

V. Anantha Nageswaran, in office since January 2022, leads macro forecasts and economic assessments. Authored works on fiscal surveys and steers the new 2025-26 debt-to-GDP framework. 

3 Revenue Secretary

Arvind Shrivastava manages former-Budget IAS division, direct and indirect tax policies. Engineering graduate with MSc Finance from London University.

4 Financial Services Secretary

M. Nagaraju, 1993-batch IAS from Tripura cadre, focuses on long-term PSU growth, finance ministry roles, and PSU credit. Economics and Philosophy graduate (PG).

5 DIPAM Secretary

Arunish Chawla, 1992-batch IAS from Bihar cadre, handles privatization programs, PSU listings, and non-tax revenues. MSc and PhD in Economics from LSE. 

6 Economic Affairs Secretary

Anuradha Thakur, 1994-batch IAS from Himachal cadre, leads budget process, oversees capital markets, and external commercial borrowings. Stability in Psychology (PG), Economics Development (LSE).

Ashwini Bhide, a 1995-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, currently serves as the Principal Secretary to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is likely to be appointed as new Commissioner Bombay Municipal Corporation.

Rajasthan Chief Secretary, V .Srinivas is increasingly being described as a very active CS. Observers suggest that he is seen everywhere, actively participating and always on the move.

Darpan Jain has been appointed Chief Trade Negotiator. He is a Karnataka cadre 2001 batch IAS officer.

Anindita Mitra has taken over the charge as the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Punjab. She is 2007 batch IAS officer.

Amir Akhtar has been appointed as OSD in the office of Pr.DGIT (Admn. & TPS), while Ms Rakhi Vimal was posted as CIT(OSD) in the office of Pr.CCIT, Delhi region, Delhi on return from deputation and Rajeev Jain is now ACIT(OSD) in the office of Pr.CCIT, UP(West) region, Kanpur on return from deputation.

Government officials stationed along Kartavya Path in New Delhi have reportedly been instructed by senior authorities to refrain from creating or sharing social media content, particularly reels and videos captured within areas of restricted or permitted access. The directive, conveyed internally, aims to maintain decorum and safeguard sensitive zones around key administrative and ceremonial sites, including portions near Raisina Hill and nearby ministries. Officials have been reminded that even innocuous content, if shared publicly, could inadvertently reveal security details or operational activities. The advisory underscores the government’s increasing vigilance over social media usage by serving officers, emphasizing protocol compliance and professional restraint. Sources indicate this move follows recent incidents where short videos recorded during routine duty were circulated online, attracting public attention and possible security scrutiny.

The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) is holding interviews for the post of Director (Finance), Container Corporation of India Limited (CONCOR) on January 22, 2026.

Deepak Jain has been promoted from Chief General Manager to Executive Director in Power Finance Corporation (PFC).

Balraj Kumar Kotta, Pawan Kumar Jalutharia, Hemant Ramlu Mulka and Vivek Singh Chand have been appointed as Executive Directors in Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC).

The post of Vishal Gupta as Private Secretary to Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister for Culture has been upgraded to Director level. He is a 2012 batch IAS officer of Gujarat cadre.

Amit Kumar Mishra, presently at Headquarters, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Georgia. He is a 2004 batch IFS officer.

Hanumaiah Korukonda has been appointed as Deputy Controller General of Accounts, PFMS Division, Office of CGA, upon joining the Cadre upon returning from Central Deputation. He is a 2008 batch ICAS officer. 

 According to sources a more than 50 from clerical staff to AD and DD from the Income tax department across the country  are being sent on deputation to ED on various posts. Contractual Consultants are also being appointed in large numbers.

Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan wrote to all states, including southern ones, urging more IPS officers for central deputation to fill vacancies in CAPFs and CPOs like CBI, NIA, and NCB. This persists despite a Supreme Court order (upheld October 28, 2025) to reduce IPS roles in CAPFs, aiming to promote around 13,000 CAPF officers and address stagnation. States are reminded of the 40% central deputation reserve, with penalties like five-year debarment for refusals. As of December 23, 2025, 36 of 188 reserved DIG/IG posts in CAPFs remain vacant. This could impact southern states’ IPS deployments.

 The Defence Ministry discussed a Rs 3.25 lakh crore deal for 114 Rafale jets, with 80% to be built in India. This follows performance in Operation Sindoor.

MHA constituted a high-level committee headed by Special Secretary (Internal Security) to comprehensively examine digital arrest scams. This includes facets like prevention, detection, and awareness, responding to the surge in cyber frauds. Trending as a key development for digital security.

Shyamal Chandra Mondal has been appointed as Managing Director, West Bengal Tribal Development Co-operative Corporation Ltd. (WBTDCC).

Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation (DFCCIL) has advertised one post each of Manager, Assistant Manager and Junior Manager-Vigilance (Elect) on deputation basis. Details can be availed from http://dfecil.com/dfecil_app/Careers.

Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation (DFCCIL) has advertised one post each of Manager, Assistant Manager and Junior Manager-Vigilance (HR) on deputation basis. Details can be availed from http://dfecil.com/dfecil_app/Careers

As many as 16 candidates have been shortlisted for 11 vacancies of Assistant Director (IEDS) (Leather & Footwear) in Office of the Development Commissioner, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME). Interview dates will be announced soon

Post of Director (Projects), Telecommunication Consultant India Limited (TCIL) has been advertised. Applications must reach latest by February 9, 2026.

National Centre for Communications Security (NCCS) is seeking to engage five Research Associates. Applications must reach latest by February 16, 2026.

National Farmers Welfare Program Implementation Society (NFWPIS) has invited applications for the post of Treasurer on deputation basis. Details can be availed from https://agriwelfare.gov.in/.

World Bank is seeking to fill the post of Economist for Skopje, Macedonia. Applications must reach latest by February 2, 2026.

A Vijay Anand has been empanelled for appointment as IEMs. He is a 1980 batch IRS officer and at the time of retirement served as Principal Chief Commissioner Customs.

Amiya Kumar Mohapatra has been empanelled for appointment as IEMs. He is a 1980 batch IFS officer and at the time of retirement served as Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Department of Forest and Environment, Odisha.

Mrs Bharathi Sivaswami Sihag has been empanelled for appointment as IEMs. She is serving as Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL), Ministry of Defence.

Swarup Nandkeolyar and Trivikram Nath Tiwari have been empanelled for appointment as IEMs. Both are from Agriculture Insurance Company of India Ltd. (AICIL).

Ajit Kumar Barnwal, Deputy Inspector General-cum-Chief Security Commissioner (DIG-cum-CSC), North Eastern Railway (NER), has been transferred to East Coast Railway (ECoR) and posted as Inspector General (Construction). He is an Indian Railway Protection Force Service (IRPFS) officer.

Dr. Arundhati Malviya, who is presently serving in Central Railway, on attaining the age of 62 years on February 19, 2026, has been posted in a clinical post in the Railway itself. She is an Indian Railway Health Service (IRHS) officer.

Dr. Sanjay Kumar Gupta, who is presently serving in East Central Railway (ECR), on attaining the age of 62 years on February 5, 2026, has been posted in a clinical post in the Railway itself. He is an Indian Railway Health Service (IRHS) officer.

Dr. Praval Pant, who is presently serving in East Central Railway (ECR), on attaining the age of 62 years on February 13, 2026, has been transferred to Northern Railway (NR) and posted in a clinical post. He is an Indian Railway Health Service (IRHS) officer.

 Morgan Stanley (USA-based MNC with operations in India, UK, Europe) promoted 184 employees to Managing Director roles, up 6% from 2025, focusing on revenue-generating positions amid dealmaking revival.

Government Technology Firms (USA-based companies) initiated Multiple CEO transitions, including David Maskeroni returning as CEO of a digital transformation specialist after serving as Chief Revenue Officer.

 Leadership changes in Pinterest, Meta, Nvidia (USA-based MNCs with global operations including India, UK, Europe), including updates to executive teams

 Big Tech Job Shifts (Global MNCs like Google, Amazon, Microsoft) 52% of tech/banking professionals predict increased hiring in India in 2026 amid US layoffs; up to 93% at firms like eBay, Qualcomm report expansions via new roles/projects in India. Whispers of accelerated offshoring.

Kaizad Bharucha has been re-appointed as Deputy Managing Director of HDFC Bank Limited.

 

Ms Julie Bramham has been appointed as Non-Executive Non-Independent Director of United Spirits Limited.

Divaker Nandanam has been appointed as Additional Non-Executive Independent Director of Times Green Energy (India) Limited.

Suchit Raghunath Modsingh has been re-appointed as Whole-Time Director of Family Care Hospitals Limited.

Mrs Archana Chirawawala has been re-appointed as Independent Director of Family Care Hospitals Limited.

Sanjeev Seth has been re-appointed as Independent Director of Family Care Hospitals Limited.

Mr Pikkili Ramana Murthy has been appointed as Independent Director of PTC India Financial Services Limited.

Anil Narendra Shah has been appointed as Independent Director of HFCL Limited.

Rahul Rasa has been appointed as Additional Non-Executive Director of Eyantra Ventures Limited.

Rakesh Chaturvedi has been appointed as Executive Director of Rama Steel Tubes Limited.

Kavinder Singh has been appointed as Additional Non-Executive Non-Independent Director of Vinyl Chemicals (India) Limited.

Ms Gira Sardesai has been appointed as Additional Non-Executive Independent Director of Vinyl Chemicals (India) Limited

Amit Jain has been appointed as Non-Executive Independent Director of Veefin Solutions Limited.

Jimish Dedhia has been appointed as Non-Executive Independent Director of Veefin Solutions Limited.

Bharat Pal Singh has ceased to be Independent Director of HFCL Limited with effect from January 21, 2026, on completion of his tenure.

New Pension scheme

Hearty congratulations to the Govt of Tamil Nadu for announcing the new pension scheme which will be of immense benefit to the govt officials on retirement. I would like to mention a point please. Except for the pensioners covered under EPS 95 pension scheme most of the organised professions in our country are having the benefit of very lucrative pensions. The present minimum pension of a EPS 95 pensioner is Rs 1000 , mercifully the minimum pension which was Rs 500 from 1995 onwards was proposed to be revised to Rs 1000 by the govt of the day before the 2014 general elections and thankfully it was implemented by the govt of the day post 2014 elections. A number of very distinguished Honble MPs and others have been trying their best to convince the Ministry of Finance GOI and EPFO to revise the minimum pension of Rs 1000 to a respectable figure . But it looks like there is a utter lack of empathy from the concerned departments and about 65 Lakhs pensioners are hoping against hope that some change will accrue. God only knows how many of the pensioners who were hoping for a decent pension to manage their retired life with dignity have left for their heavenly abode. Trust that the The Almighty will give the wisdom to the concerned officials to take up the issue of revising the minimum pension to a decent figure considering the present day cost of living and get it implemented in the forseeable future. Thank you

K Srinivasa Rao

HINDU

They will form new block called H.I.N.D.U before 2029 election 

MNJ

Public interest in disclosure of enrollment details of an Advocate

The appellant sought details of enrolment of Mr. Ram Pat Garg who claims to be an Advocate of the Bar Council of Delhi. He sought the copies of all documents submitted by Mr. Ram Pat Garg to get himself enrolled as an Advocate with the Bar Council, including his Declarations, Enrolment Form, Affidavits. Education Credentials, etc. The PIO informed that as per records, Mr. Ram Pat Garg was provisionally enrolled as an Advocate vide Enrolment No. D/11197/2022. Further, other information cannot be provided as the same is duly exempted under the Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, 2005, as it is a third-party information and no larger public interest has been disclosed. The Appellant contended that there is larger public interest in the information sought as the said person Ram Pat Garg is in judicial custody and that creates a reasonable suspicion on him in justifying disclosure of the sought documents. The respondent contended that the appellant can raise a formal complaint against the said third-party in contention if he doubts the enrollment of the third-party. The CIC ruled that there is no material on record to ascribe larger public interest in the disclosure of the information related to the third party in any of the above-referred contexts.

Comments

Mere making an allegation is not enough, the applicant must establish the larger public interest in the disclosure of the information related to the third party.

Citation: Rishabh Sharma v. Bar Council of Delhi, Second Appeal No. CIC/BCOIN/A/2025/107213; Date of Decision: 12.12.2025

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

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

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