|
![]() |
![]() |
Inside Story on why Prashant Kishore is not contesting Bihar Polls.
In what party insiders describe as a “strategic retreat,” Prashant Kishor has decided to stay out of the 2025 Bihar assembly contest despite initial indications that he might take the plunge from a high-profile seat such as Raghopur or Kargahar. According to sources close to the Jan Suraaj founder, the decision was driven by a combination of political realism, internal counsel from close confidants, and resource constraints within the fledgling organisation.
Several senior bureaucrats-turned-politicians who have long been in Kishor’s inner circle—believed to include former IAS officers who joined his movement during the Jan Suraaj Yatra—advised him against contesting this time. Their argument was blunt: the Bihar battlefield has polarised sharply between the Mahagathbandhan and the NDA, leaving little room for a third-force narrative. In such a bipolar contest, Kishor’s candidacy could end up merely splitting votes rather than emerging triumphant, inadvertently strengthening one side while damaging his carefully built political credibility.
The other major deterrent has been money. Party insiders admit that Jan Suraaj is facing a financial crunch, and a high-profile contest involving Kishor would have forced the leadership to divert disproportionate resources toward a single constituency. This would have crippled the party’s broader organisational effort across Bihar—something Kishor has repeatedly prioritised over individual ambition.
Finally, Kishor’s brand has been built around national-level political craftsmanship rather than local electoral brawls. His advisors felt that contesting from any seat lacking a social or caste-neutral base risked reducing him to a mere “vote-cutter.” With all heavyweight constituencies already deeply entrenched along community lines, any loss would have chipped away at his long-term positioning as a top-tier contender for Bihar’s leadership.
For now, Kishor remains behind the scenes—directing strategy, measuring party traction, and perhaps, waiting for the right battlefield to stake his claim.
Cong released first list in Bihar without consulting RJD
In Bihar all is not well in INDIA Bloc. The Congress released its first list just a day before the last day of the first phase of nomination that too without consulting allies, including RJD. Pasupati Kumar Paras’s Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP) quit the INDIA bloc, citing “betrayal” in seat-sharing talk. The Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP), led by Mukesh Sahni was allocated 15 seats after demanding 30. Sahni accused larger allies of “feudal bargaining.”
Scindia address three PCs at one go
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia holds two ministries- DoNER and Ministry of Communication, which has two departments- Communication and Postal. Scindia presented key achievements of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region(DoNER), Department of Posts, and Department of Telecommunications on Friday.
IAS Amrit Vikas Topno is a 2014 Batch officer of Chhattisgarh cadre and is currently posted as Collector of Sakti, Chhattisgarh.Known for his progressive administration,Topno has placed women empowerment at the heart of its development strategy in Sakti.
He envisions a district where women are the drivers of social and economic progress - educated, self reliant, and confident to lead change within their communities.
To achieve this a 3Es approach is in action- Educate, Employ, and Empower.With a focused strategy across three key sectors education, employment, and health, Sakti is steadily building a model of inclusive growth that uplifts women at every stage of life.
1. Education: From Attendance to Aspiration
Recognizing education as the foundation of empowerment, Sakti has taken innovative steps to ensure every girl attends school with dignity. IoT-enabled sanitary pad vending machines have been installed across schools to provide easy and uninterrupted access to menstrual hygiene. Complementing this,extensive sensitization and awareness sessions with adolescent girls, teachers, and parents are being conducted to break taboos and promote open discussions on menstrual health.
Beyond hygiene,AI training programs have been introduced for girl students.By introducing young minds to emerging technologies, the aim is to bridge the gender gap in STEM fields and encourage girls to dream beyond traditional career roles.Together,these efforts are transforming schools into spaces of empowerment and aspiration.
2. Employment: Creating Opportunities through ‘Sangini’
Economic independence is one of the most important pillars of Sakti’s empowerment mission.The district has launched a flagship initiative, ‘Sangini’ brand which showcases products made by local women’s groups.Under this, women have been trained in skill development, product design and entrepreneurship.“From premium candles to kosa silk,these women are making mark in entrepreneurship by generating orders worth several lakhs of rupees.”He shared
Additionally,to strengthen their sustainability and reach, market linkages and digital sales platforms have been facilitated.Today, Sangini stands not only as a brand of quality but as a symbol of dignity and determination.
3. Empowering Health: Nurturing Strength from Within
Health forms the third critical pillar of the district’s approach. Under this Special attention has been given to tackling anaemia and tuberculosis, through regular screening camps, nutrition drives and awareness campaigns across villages and schools to ensure early detection and timely treatment.
By integrating these health initiatives with educational and livelihood programs, Sakti is ensuring that women are healthy, capable and ready to lead.
Through these initiatives,IAS Amrit Vikas Topno is writing a new chapter towards Inclusion and Independence in Sakti.
The next round of talks between the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and representatives from Ladakh is expected to take place after the festival of Diwali. This fresh round of negotiations will see a new set of bureaucrats stepping in, including top police officials currently responsible for handling law and order in Ladakh. The reshuffling aims to address ongoing tensions and demands surrounding statehood and constitutional safeguards in the Union Territory.
Recent developments include heightened violence and protests in Ladakh, leading to casualties and arrests. The previous rounds of discussions, involving the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), have been intermittently stalled due to demands for impartial judicial inquiries and release of detainees. The involvement of senior law enforcement officers signals a stronger focus on stabilizing the law and order situation alongside political dialogue. The intention is for this new team of bureaucrats and top cops to engage more effectively with local leaders to create a conducive environment for dialogue and resolution of long-standing issues.
Rajesh Gawande, IFS officer from 2009 batch, currently serving as Regional Passport Officer, has been appointed as Secretary of Protocol, FDI and Diaspora Matters in Mantralaya Maharashtra. This is for first time, an IFS officer is working in state government on deputation.
The Supreme Court’s recent observation questioning the government’s resistance to offering lethal injection as an alternative to death-by-hanging has triggered intense debate within the SC Bar Council and wider legal circles. At the heart of this debate is a critical reassessment of the ethics, morality, and constitutionality of state-sanctioned executions, with many advocates arguing that the traditional method of hanging is outdated, cruel, and fails to meet the evolving standards of human dignity expected in modern jurisprudence.
Members of the Bar Council have been divided, some passionately supporting lethal injection as a more humane, efficient, and less painful alternative, citing international practices and medical evidence that suggest hanging can result in prolonged suffering and lingering death. Those in favor stress the importance of allowing condemned prisoners the right to choose their method of execution as a question of personal dignity guaranteed under the Constitution, specifically referencing Article 21—the right to life with dignity.
Conversely, senior advocates and conservative voices within the Bar have raised pointed concerns over the potential for botched executions with lethal injection, referencing global controversies where technical failures resulted in severe pain and suffering for the condemned. Some have cautioned that shifting execution protocols must be accompanied by strict procedural safeguards and medical oversight. Others argue that the debate should be expanded to consider the abolition of the death penalty itself, noting that moral and ethical issues cannot be solved merely by changing the method of execution. This division highlights both the evolving sensitivities in India’s judicial conscience and the critical responsibility of the SC Bar Council to lead reasoned, ethical dialogue in shaping the law on this contentious
Manish Pradhan, Chief Workshop Engineer, Railways, has been selected for the post of Director (Technical), Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation Limited (MRVL) at a Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) meeting held on October 17, 2025. As many as 10 persons were interviewed for the same.
Mahesh Kumar Sharma, General Manager (Finance), NHPC Limited, has been appointed as Director (Finance), NHPC Limited. The Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) has approved his appointment to the post.
Pankaj Sharma has been posted as Chief Controller of Accounts, Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MoEF&CC). New Delhi. He is a 2000 batch ICAS officer.
Mrs Tripti Patra Ghosh, presently posted as Joint Controller General of Accounts, Office of CGA, has been promoted to Higher Administrative Grade (HAG) (Principal Chief Controller of Accounts). She is a 1994 batch ICAS officer.
The tenure of Pankaj Kumar as CVO, Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), Ranchi, has been extended for a period upto December 13, 2027. He is a 2007 batch IRTS officer.
The tenure of Rajesh Chandra as Chief Vigilance Officer in the Defence Accounts Department has been extended for a period of two years upto December 11, 2027. He is an IDAS officer.
Ad-hoc Bonus for RPF/RPSF Personnel: Railway Board Order RBE No. 104/2025 grants a productivity-linked bonus equivalent to 30 days’ wages (up to ₹9,000) for Group ‘C’ Railway Protection Force/Special Force staff in FY 2024-25, recognizing security enhancements.
Thales LMM Acquisition: The IAF signed a $468 million deal for Thales Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM) on October 12, 2025, to upgrade air-to-surface capabilities, with deliveries starting Q2 2026. This is predicted to enhance precision strikes in high-altitude ops.
HAL Tejas Deliveries: Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) is set to deliver the first two Tejas Mk-1A fighters by November 2025, pending trials, addressing squadron shortages.
ISRO and IIT Madras partnered to develop an AI system for space debris tracking, predicting collisions 48 hours ahead. Joins the global elite; whispers of integration with the NISAR mission by 2026
The Union Cabinet approved the creation of 130 new faculty positions (Professors at Level 14 and above) across five newer IITs (Tirupati, Palakkad, Bhilai, Jammu, Dharwad), as part of Phase-B expansion. Recruitment processes have commenced, boosting top-brass strength by 25% in these institutes.
IIT Madras announced 23 new non-teaching posts (Junior Assistants, Technical Officers), with applications open until May 19, 2026, supporting expanded research ops.
20% seat hike across all IITs by 2027 amid JEE Advanced toppers favouring Bombay/Delhi/Kanpur.
NIRF 2025 rankings place IIT Madras #1 for the ninth year; predictions of IIT Delhi overtaking by 2026 via new BTech in Design.
Placement trends: IIT Madras student bags ₹4.3 crore package from Jane Street (Hong Kong) on October 14, 2025; overall 2025 season up 15% in high-value offers.
Zero Gate Mission: Eliminate 17,000+ manned level crossings by 2030 with 4,000+ ROBs/RUBs, reducing accidents
IIT Kanpur kicked off UpStart 2025, a startup accelerator featuring 23 ventures in AI, biotech, and cleantech, with ₹5 crore seed funding pool. Applications closed; predictions of 10 unicorns emerging by 2028. Whispers: Tie-ups with Sequoia for global scaling.
Devinder Chodha has been relieved to join as Deputy Secretary in the Government e-Marketplace under the Department of Commerce, New Delhi on deputation basis. He is an IRS-IT officer.
Sandeep Ahuja has been relieved to join as Officer on Special Duty in the personal staff of the Minister of State for Commerce & Industry and Electronics & Information Technology at the level of Deputy Secretary, on deputation basis. He is an IRS-IT officer.
Ms Amrutha Varshini Palla has been relieved to join as Deputy Secretary in the Department of Economics Affairs, New Delhi on deputation basis.
REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited (RECPDCL), a wholly owned subsidiary of REC Limited, the Maharatna CPSU under the aegis of Ministry of Power, handed over a project specific SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) of ISTS Transmission Project under TBCB route viz, SR WR Power Transmission Limited to M/s Power Grid Corporation of India Limited on 17th October 2025. M/s Power Grid Corporation of India Limited emerged as the successful bidder through Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) process conducted by RECPDCL, the Bid Process Coordinator, for development of the transmission project on Build, Own, Operate & Transfer (BOOT) basis. The SPV was handed over by Saurabh Rastogi, CEO, RECPDCL to Satyaprakash Dash, Company Secretary, Power Grid Corporation of India Limited in the presence of Senior Officials of RECPDCL, Power Grid Corporation of India Limited and Central Transmission Utility of India Limited. The implementation period of the project is 24 months. The scheme covers establishment of Parli New (Maharashtra) – Bidar (Karnataka) 765 kV Double Circuit line of around 109 km. Meanwhile, REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited (RECPDCL), a wholly owned subsidiary of REC Limited, the Maharatna CPSU under the aegis of Ministry of Power, handed over a project specific SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) of ISTS Transmission Project under TBCB route viz, Ananthapuram II Power Transmission Limited to M/s Shivalaya Construction Limited on 17th October 2025. M/s Shivalaya Construction Limited emerged as the successful bidder through Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) process conducted by RECPDCL, the Bid Process Coordinator, for development of the transmission project on Build, Own, Operate & Transfer (BOOT) basis. The SPV was handed over by Saurabh Rastogi, CEO, RECPDCL to Sh. Rajesh Kumar Singh, Head (Power & Transmission), Shivalaya Construction Limited in the presence of Senior Officials of RECPDCL, Shivalaya Construction Limited and Central Transmission Utility of India Limited. The implementation period of the project is 30 months. The scheme broadly covers Establishment of 765/400 kV CN’Halli Station (Karnataka), 765 kV Double circuit line of around 181 km from Ananthapuram-II PS to CN’Halli and Augmentation of Ananthapuram-II Pooling Station (Andhra Pradesh), along with other associated works.
T-Mobile (Global MNC with India talent pipeline) : Srinivas “Srini” Gopalan, Indian-origin COO, promoted to CEO effective November 1, 2025. This, amid H-1B visa debates, signals trust in the Indian diaspora for top roles.
Google India - Executive Move: CXO-level shifts reported, including potential promotions in AI and cloud teams; details tied to partnerships like Bharti Airtel’s $15B AI hub in Visakhapatnam.
Akasa Air (MNC-backed aviation) : Brand and agency executive moves, including potential CMO hires to strengthen post-merger branding.
Akshaykumar Dineshkumar Patel has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Vintron Informatics Limited, with his designation changed from Non-Executive Director to Executive Director.
Narendrasinh Jadeja has been re-designated from Non-Executive Director to Executive Director of Vintron Informatics Limited.
Ms Kajalben Chetanbhai Vyas has been re-designated from Non-Executive Director to Executive Director of Vintron Informatics Limited.
Sanjay Agarwal has been re-appointed as Managing Director & CEO of AU Small Finance Bank Limited, with effect from April 19, 2026.
Apurva Chandra has been appointed as Additional Director (Non-Executive Independent) of Ceat Limited.
Paras K. Chowdhary has been appointed as Additional Director (Non-Executive Non-Independent) of Ceat Limited.
Rakesh Kumar Rousan has been appointed as Part-Time Government Director on the Board of Container Corporation of India Limited (CONCOR).
Shantanu Khosla has been appointed as Independent Director of Atul Limited.
Sanjay Sharma has resigned from the post of Independent Director of Newtime Infrastructure Limited.
CEOs of PSUs should be from 45 to maximum 50 yrs. of age
CEOs of PSUs should be from 45 to maximum 50 yrs of age. Sunder Pichai was 43 when he took over Google. In top 10 world class companies you will find MDs & CEOs around 45-50 yrs of age. From 50 yrs neurons in the brain go lazy. It's Biology, you can't help. Cross bank/insurance expertise leadership never helped. Such appointment at around 55 yrs old is a myth. OLD HABITS DIE HARD.
Bijon Prasad Bagchi
Copy of statement recorded by the Police
The Appellant contended during telephonic hearing before CIC that he had sought the statements dated 13.09.2023 collected by the Delhi Police, but the same had been denied to him by the Police authorities under the pretext that it had been submitted before the Court. But the statements were not available even in the Court records. The Respondent agreed to search the said statements in their records and make the same available for the Appellant. The CIC directed the PIO, O/o ACP Kalyanpuri to grant inspection of the relevant records pertaining to the queries raised by the Appellant, specifically the statements recorded by the Delhi Police on 13.09.2023, on a mutually convenient date and time. The CIC directed that copies of documents identified by the Appellant shall be provided to him upon payment of fees as stipulated under the Act. The Respondent were given the liberty to deny records containing any information which is expressly barred under Section 8 or 9 of the RTI Act and also apply provisions of Section 10 of the RTI Act to redact any third party information if deemed necessary while disclosing the records as sought by the Appellant.
Comments
While replying to an application, the veracity of facts must be verified by the PIO. A vigilant PIO would have exercised due caution before informing the RTI applicant that the documents have been submitted to the Court which was subsequently found to be factually incorrect, saving an embarassment.
Citation: Shri Vikrant v. Delhi Police, Second Appeal No. CIC/DEPOL/A/2024/643049; Date of Decision: 21.08.2025
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
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
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