Will Pakistan be divided ?

According to an astrologer stars indicate that division of Pakistan is now inevitable. It will be Punjab versus rest of Pakistan.

Will US President go ?

A Bhopal based astrologer says  that if President Trump  does not roll back Tariff by May 31, he will have to quit. One can wait and watch.

As many as 74 women Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers of 2023 batch, out of total 180 strength, were selected in the history of the service.

Prabhat, who is presently serving as Principal Chief Personnel Officer (PCPO), West Central Railway (WCR), has been appointed as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) for a tenure of four years. He is an Indian Railway Personnel Service (IRPS) officer.

Nitin Kumar Yadav, Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce, has been assigned additional charges of CMD, MMTC Ltd and CMD, PEC Limited and CMD, STC Limited for a period of one year. He is a 2000 batch IAS officer of Haryana cadre.

Legal circles say that Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva  may be appointed Acting Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh on May 23 when present CJ Suresh Kumar Kait superannuates.

Ms Anuradha Thakur will be taking over the charge as Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs on July 1, 2025. She is a 1994 batch IAS officer of HP cadre.

Anupam Ban, Director (Personnel), appears to be a Board level contender for the post of Chairman & Managing Director, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL).

Two vacancies at Board level in Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited (BVFCL) are arising this year. A vacancy of Director Finance is arising in July with the expiring term of incumbent Subash Chandra Das in July, while Pradip Kumar Banik is creating a vacancy of Director Production in September this year.

The tenure of Shiv Pal Singh as CVO, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), Delhi has been extended for a period upto February 5, 2026. He is a 1997 batch IFoS officer of UP cadre.

Sanjeev Kumar Sharma has been appointed as Member Secretary, National Commission for Protection of Child Right (NCPCR) under Central Staffing Scheme till August 31, 2028. He is an ITS officer and presently posted as DDG at DoT HQ.

Ajay Bhadoo has taken over the additional charge of the DG, FT for a period of three months. He is a 1999 batch IAS officer of Gujarat cadre and presently posted as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Ms Neha Upadyay has reported back to DoT HQ and is waiting for her posting. She is a JAG level ITS officer.

Khitesh Gupta has been appointed as JCIT(OSD) in the office of Principal CCIT, Delhi, Delhi region on return from deputation. He is an IRS-IT officer.

As many as 14 IFoS officers have been shifted in MP. H U Khan has been appointed as PCCF and CEO, CAMPA, Headquarters, while Arvind Pratap Singh will take over as CCF, Gwalior Circle and Ripudaman Singh is now Conservator of Forest, Sagar Circle. Similarly, Kshitiz Kumar is posted as DFO, Work Plan Unit (Bhopal) and given additional charge of OSD, Forest Department Mantralaya; Priyansi Singh Rathore has been shifted as DFO, Work Plan Unit, Indore; Lavit Bharti as DFO, Work Plan Unit, Gwalior; Mahendra Pratap Singh as DFO, Work Plan Unit Shahdol; Mrs Preeta SM as DFO, East Mandla (General) Forest Division; Rishbha Netam as Deputy Director, Satpura Tiger Reserve, Narmadapuram; Pratibha Shukla as DFO, Raisen and Kalpana Tiwari was appointed as DFO, Narsingpur, Forest Division.

Ministry of Finance has advertised for the post of Judicial Member in Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT), Mumbai. Applications must reach on or before May 21, 2025.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has advertised for the post of Naval Architecture Marine/ Civil Engineering. Applications through RAC website (https://rac.gov.in) must reach on or before May 9, 2025.

The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has extended the last date for the preparation of a panel of candidates for filling up the post of Accounts Officer in the Office of Fertilizer Industry Coordination Committee (FICC). The revised date is May 15, 2025.

Rajesh Kumar Agerwal has been appointed as Advisor, Telecommunication Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), Regional Office, Jaipur on deputation basis. He is an ITS officer.

Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has advertised for the filling up of the post of Deputy Secretary (DS/Director level) in All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), New Delhi under M/o Health and Family Welfare on deputation basis. Details can be availed from the website.

Rupesh Kumar Thakur has returned from Central Deputation and posted at Delhi segment of the joint AGMUT cadre with immediate effect. He is a 2006 batch IAS officer.

Amit Misra, who is presently serving as Executive Director (Signal-I) in Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO), has been transferred to the Railway Board and posted as Executive Director (Vigilance)/Signal & Telecommunication (S&T). He is an Indian Railway Service of Signal Engineers (IRSSE) officer.

Satya Prakash Sharma, who is presently serving in North Central Railway (NCR), has been transferred to the Railway Board and posted as Director (Public Grievances)-II to Hon’ble Minister of Railways, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, in Minister for Railways' Cell (MRCC), on a co-terminus basis. He is an Indian Railway Service of Engineers (IRSE) officer.

Mitrabhanu Mahapatra has been appointed as Deputy Inspector General in Border Security Force (BSF) on deputation basis for a period of five years. He is a 2010 batch IPS officer of Odisha cadre.    

Ravi Kanta has been appointed as Inspector General in Border Security Force (BSF) on deputation basis for a period of five years. He is a 1998 batch IPS officer of Odisha cadre.    

Three IFoS officers of 1995 Batch: Rama Shankar Sinha, Krishna Bahadur Singh and Shyam Sundar Kandpal of the Joint AGMUT Cadre have been promoted to the grade of PCCF.

T Rabi Kumar, currently posted in the UT of J&K, has been promoted to the grade of PCCF of the Joint AGMUT Cadre. He is a 1995 batch IFoS officer of AGMUT Cadre.

Technical Resignation tendered by 2020 batch IFoS officer Lekhraj Meena belonging to Karnataka Cadre from the Indian Forest Service has been accepted following his appointment in the Indian Police Service on the basis of the results CSE, 2023.

The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) has stood in solidarity with the victims of the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025, and has pledged Rs. 1 crore in total (i.e. approximately Rs.4 lakhs per family) to support  the families of the deceased who lost their lives in the cruel act of violence.NSE stands with the nation at this time of grief and crisis. Ashishkumar Chauhan, MD & CEO, NSE, said, “This is a moment of collective mourning for our country. Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families, and we hope to bring them support in whatever possible manner.”

Ms Seema Jain, Member Finance, Space Commission, has been assigned an additional charge of Member Finance, Atomic Energy Commission, Department of Atomic Energy till the appointment of a regular incumbent. She is a 1991 batch IAS officer of Punjab cadre.

Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, has been assigned an additional charge of Secretary, Animal Husbandry and Dairying till May 6, 2025. He is a 1991 batch IAS officer of Haryana cadre.

Amit Kumar has been appointed as Private Secretary to Jual Oram, Minister for Tribal Affairs. He is a 2010 batch IAS officer of Jharkhand cadre.

A Jayathilak has been appointed as Chief Secretary of Kerala. He is a 1991 batch IAS officer of Kerala cadre.

Housing and Urban Development Corporation Ltd. (HUDCO), India’s leading techno-financing Navratna CPSE in the Housing and Infrastructure Development Sector, marked its 55th Foundation Day today. The low-key celebration began with a tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. The celebration highlighted HUDCO’s remarkable achievements over the past five & half decades. Solomon Arokiaraj, Addl Secretary, Dept of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, GOI, the chief guest on the occasion underscored HUDCO's significant contribution to the nation's infrastructure development. He emphasized that, in alignment with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, HUDCO is poised to play an even more crucial role in harnessing the vast opportunities that lie ahead. Highlighting HUDCO's efforts in supporting over 20 million, especially for EWS & LIG families, in realizing the dream of home ownership, he lauded the organization's commitment to inclusive growth. He further urged HUDCO to be a catalyst for mobilising public and private sector investment for infrastructure development.  Speaking on the occasion, Sanjay Kulshrestha, CMD-HUDCO reiterated HUDCO’s dedication to the nation’s progress and emphasized its steadfast support for the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He also outlined the significant changes the organization has undergone in recent years, particularly advancements in IT and increased transparency in its operations. Looking ahead, he expressed optimism about the upcoming digital transformation with governance & regulatory outreach and the integration of AI into HUDCO’s future business operations.  To commemorate the Foundation Day, HUDCO released its Corporate Film and unveiled several in house publications apart from awarding its key stakeholders for their commendable performances in various sectors.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended a Senior Railway Officer of Indian Railway Service of Engineers (IRSE) on the charges of receiving a bribe of Rs 32 lakh.

Six IPS officers have been given new postings in W Bengal. Surya Pratap Yadav has been appointed as Commanding Officer, Narayani Battalion, Cooch Behar, while Ananda Roy takes over as CO, EFR, 3rd Battalion, Salua and Angshuman Saha is now CO, SSF, Barrackpore. Similarly, Aashish Maurya is posted as SP, Ranaghat; Kumar Sunny Raj as SP, Murshidabad and Shaw Kumar Amit will take over as SP, Jangipur.

Two IAS officers have been given new assignments in Tamil Nadu. Mangat Ram Sharma has been appointed as ACS, PWD, while J Jayakanthan will be posted as Secretary, Water Resources Department.

Kumar Taurani has been re-appointed as Chairman and Managing Director of Tips Music Limited, effective June 1, 2025.

Girish Taurani has been re-appointed as Executive Director of Tips Music Limited, effective June 1, 2025.

Ramesh Taurani has been re-appointed as Executive Director of Tips Music Limited, effective from June 1, 2025.

Pratik Ashok Kumar Patwari has been appointed as Managing Director of Ishaan Infrastructures and Shelters Limited.

Nayan Kamleshbhai Patel has been appointed as Additional Non-Executive Independent Director of Ishaan Infrastructures and Shelters Limited.

Kirit Chimanlal Doshi has been re-appointed as Chairman and Managing Director of Waaree Technologies Limited.

Mrs. Shalini Bhupal has been appointed as Managing Director & CEO of Taj GVK Hotels & Resorts Limited.

Krishna R Bhupal has been appointed as Joint Managing Director of Taj GVK Hotels & Resorts Limited.

Mrs. Varsha Vasant Purandare has been appointed as an Additional Director in the category of Independent Director of Kirloskar Pneumatic Company Limited.

Nitin Shukla has been re-appointed as Independent Director of ACC Limited, effective September 16, 2025.

Sandeep Singhi has been re-appointed as Independent Director of ACC Limited, effective September 16, 2025.

Rajeev Agarwal has been re-appointed as Independent Director of ACC Limited, effective September 16, 2025.

Ms. Deepika Mahajan has been re-appointed as Independent Director on the Board of Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL).

Vishwas Pathak has been re-appointed as Independent Director on the Board of Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL).

Mrs. Kriti Jain has been appointed as Whole-Time Director, designated as Executive Director, of Fundviser Capital (India) Limited.

Michael G. Whitaker has been appointed as an Additional and Independent Director of InterGlobe Aviation Limited.

Prashant Amin has been re-designated from Non-Executive Nominee Director to Non-Executive Non-Independent Director of Eimco Elecon (India) Limited.

Dr. Sonal Ambani has been appointed as Independent Woman Director of Eimco Elecon (India) Limited.

Chetan Kankaria has been appointed as Independent Director of Bharat Dynamics Limited.

Dr. Deepak Singh has been appointed as Non-Official Independent Director on the Board of NBCC (India) Limited.

Bhimrao Panda Bhosale has been appointed as Non-Official Independent Director on the Board of NBCC (India) Limited.

KV Mujumdar has been re-appointed as Whole-Time Director of Supreme Petrochem Limited with effect from September 19, 2025.

Lt. General Vishwambhar Singh (Retd.) has been appointed as Non-Official Independent Director on the Board of Bharat Electronics Limited.

Tanmay Paresh Shah has been appointed as Additional Non-Executive Independent Director of Sattva Sukun Lifecare Limited.

Rajesh Sharma has resigned from the post of Managing Director of Ishaan Infrastructures and Shelters Limited.

Mrs Pratima Prem Mohan Srivastava has resigned from the post of Independent Director of Ishaan Infrastructures and Shelters Limited.

Dr. V Sumantran will cease to be Independent Director of InterGlobe Aviation Limited on May 27, 2025, upon completion of his tenure.

Hope this message will reach to Raksha Mantri

I hope this message finds you well. I humbly request you to please convey this message to Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh. I am Dirgha Gupta, a professional working in the AI and emerging technologies space. I have developed a Smart Tree Surveillance System — a strategic concept with the potential to reduce infiltration and surprise terror attacks by up to 70% in sensitive border regions. Sir, I have written to several key bodies including DRDO and PMO, but I do not know when or if I will receive a response. This idea is urgent and critical for national security, and I seek an opportunity to present it under NDA for detailed review. With Rajnath Ji’s support, I am confident this concept can become a significant step toward strengthening our defense and saving innocent lives.

Dirgha Gupta

Justification for a change in the answer key

For the post of AHO Gr B under the Medical Dept of East Coast Railway Bhubaneswar, certain examination was done. The appellant submitted the representation towards Question No. 97, as the first answer key published the right answer was given option C and the revised answer key mentioned the right answer as option A. The appellant requested to provide a copy proof which justifies the answer A is correct and what is the existing practice in East Coast Railway for stores and works matters. The CIC observed that the reply provided by the Respondent is not satisfactory as the Respondent has not provided the documentary proof to the Appellant. The CIC directed the PIO-cum-Additional Chief Medical Director to provide documentary proof to the Appellant within two weeks.

Comments

The PIO is sometimes faced with a dilemma whether providing a “justification” amounts to creating an information and whether the same is covered under the definition of “information” as per section 2(f) of the RTI Act, 2005. This case law should be read along with Section 4(1)(d) of the RTI Act which reads, ‘provide reasons for its administrative or quasi-judicial decisions to affected persons.’

Citation: Kumar Swet Kamal v. Office of the Principal Chief Medical Director, Rail Sadan, Bhubaneswar, CIC/ECRBH/A/2023/652155; Date of Decision: 06.03.2025

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