Who is mass leader in Karnataka BJP?

After B S Yediyurappa, BJP in Karnataka is struggling to recapture power but, as per experts, the hot seat is very far. Experts opine that Yediyurappa was the only mass leader in the state and after his retirement the party could not find a charismatic leader to match him. His son and state BJP chief B Y Vijayendra, former CMs Sadananda Gowda, Jagadish Shettar and Basavaraj Bommai are not mass leaders. Experts say that presently R Ashoka, who is also LoP, is the only BJP leader who has mass appeal. But the main question is- will the party promote him?

Is India's diplomacy not effective?

In the third term of Modi Government, the international scenario has changed many colours. West Asia, Middle East and Ukraine- Russia conflict, and the US tariffs are affecting the globe. India is also not spared but some countries are targeting India for some or the other reason. US President Trump is not happy because India is purchasing oil from Russia, and even Switzerland, a peaceful country, has raised fingers towards India. Turkey, and NATO are also criticizing India. Experts say that despite PM Modi and EAM S Jaishankar’s best efforts, results are not up to the mark. They suggest that time has come to give diplomacy to a seasoned politician. Will the PM think of it?

IAS Namrata Vrishni is a 2013 Batch Officer of Rajasthan cadre and is currently posted as District Collector of Bikaner, Rajasthan.Her focus for the district is to provide strong educational foundation to children and ensure that even the most remote, border-side villages are not left behind.

Under her leadership, schools and Anganwadis are being strengthened with improved infrastructure by dovetailing MNREGA with other government schemes, boundary walls are being constructed to ensure the safety of children.Recognizing the importance of digital learning, she has also equipped every Anganwadi with smart TVs preloaded with pen-drive content.

“Every Anganwadi has been equipped with smart TVs loaded with pen-drive content to ensure access to quality early childhood education” she said.To further enable this, electricity connections have been provided at all centres-bridging a critical gap.

Beyond education, Vrishni is also focusing on the specific needs of border villages. “Another priority for us, since we are a border district,is to strengthen engagement with border villages, resolving their issues and improving infrastructure there.” She shared.This includes basic government facilities such as telephone connectivity, road connectivity and other essential services.

Through these initiatives,Namrata Vrishni is laying a strong foundation of progress and inclusive development.

September month ended with the final wave of 21 IAS officers retiring across cadres like AGMUT, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, and UP, as per DoPT list. This includes senior officers like those from 1988-1990 batches, triggering mid-level promotions and inter-cadre transfers.

Two senior Indian bureaucrats are set to join Goldman Sachs, marking another notable example of top officials transitioning into global finance. The move highlights the growing demand for Indian administrative experience and policymaking expertise in multinational firms navigating India’s complex regulatory and investment environment. For Goldman Sachs, inducting figures with such backgrounds represents a strategic step to deepen its footprints in India, especially as the country emerges as one of the fastest-growing major economies. The bureaucrats are expected to provide valuable insights into government processes, economic reforms, and sectoral opportunities, strengthening the firm’s advisory capabilities. Their appointment signals increasing convergence between governance, policy, and global finance.

Saurabh Kumar has been posted as Director in the GST Council secretariat on deputation basis for a period of five years . He is a 2005 batch IRS(C&IT) Officer.

Vijay Prakash, IG, CISF has been appointed as ADG, CISF. He is a 1996 batch IPS officer of UP cadre.

Khwairakpa Pratap Singh, CVO, North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited (NEEPCO), Shillong, has been given premature repatriation to his parent cadre on personal grounds. He is a 2000 batch IRPS officer.

Chandra Madhav Singh has been appointed as Deputy Secretary in the Department of Consumer Affairs. He is a 2015 batch IRS-C&IT officer.

Rajeev Verma’s fresh mandate increases odds to 80% for targeted shifts in environment/infra, per bureaucratic grapevine. Minor tweaks (5-10 officers) are near-certain (9/10) by December 2025, driven by retirements and performance reviews. However, no large-scale overhaul is expected before 2026 polls, as stability aids governance optics.

S Sakthimani, Director (Finance), FACT, has been selected for the post of Chairman & Managing Director, The Fertilisers And Chemicals Travancore Limited (FACT) at a Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) meeting held on October 3, 2025. Four candidates were interviewed for the same.

General Insurance Corporation of India is now headless. The tenure of Chairman Ramaswamy Narayanan ended on September 30, 2025. An acting Chairman has not yet been appointed .

T S C Bosh has assumed charge as Director (Projects), REC Limited on 3rd October 2025. With over 35 years of extensive experience in Power Sector, Bosh has held several key leadership positions, including serving as the Chief Executive Officer of REC Power Development & Consultancy Limited. He has also demonstrated leadership in Strategic Decision Making, Business Development & Coordination with all Stakeholders. He has played a pivotal role in successful implementation of major national electrification initiatives under the Flagship Programmes of Government of India. Notably, he was instrumental in the rollout of the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana, which brought electricity to thousands of remote villages and the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana – Saubhagya scheme, achieving the landmark goal of universal household electrification in the country. In his previous role as Executive Director (Engineering) at REC, he demonstrated exceptional project leadership and strategic foresight in steering the financing of power & infrastructure sector projects across both state-owned and private sector entities. He played key role in evaluating and funding critical projects in Power Generation, Transmission & Distribution and Renewal Energy segments, ensuring alignment with national energy goals. He has also implemented large scale Power Transmission & Distribution projects of Government of India. His ability to lead diverse business verticals, coupled with his strong analytical and managerial acumen, significantly contributed to REC’s continued growth as a trusted financial partner in India’s power sector. His strategic oversight has extended to a wide range of corporate functions, including Business Development, Human Resources, Information Technology, Corporate Social Responsibility, Project Monitoring and Corporate Communications. His visionary leadership and deep sectoral expertise continue to shape REC’s role as a key enabler in the nation’s Power and Infrastructure Development.

The power galleries are silent over the new ONGC Chairman. They said the process is very slow. As per information 10 candidates have been shortlisted for the post. Among them, Anupam Agrawal, Director(Fin) and Satyam Kumar are internal ED candidates. But 8 external candidates are also on the list. They are- Ranjit Rath, CMD, Oil India; Rajesh Kumar Singh, CMD, Bridge & Roof Co; Deepak Gupta, Director, Project GAIL; Anuj Jain, Director, Fin, IOCL; Dr Pudi Hariprasad,IRAS, CAO, Railways; Atul Kumar Tripathi, ED, Project, GAIL; Krishna Gopal Srivastava, Sr GH, BSNL; and R. Venu Gopal, Sr GM, BSNL. Sources believe that such a tardy process will not yield any selection and the current chairman may continue.

Madhya Pradesh has rapidly emerged as one of India’s most dynamic and diverse tourism destinations, blending heritage, culture, wildlife, and immersive experiences. In an exclusive interview, Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Managing Director of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, shared insights into the state’s vision of positioning itself as the “Heart of Incredible India.”

The tourism strategy is guided by sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation—emphasizing eco-tourism, rural homestays, heritage conservation, and technology-driven experiences such as AR/VR storytelling and AI-powered guides. Madhya Pradesh has pioneered immersive tourism through collaborations with global partners while launching impactful digital campaigns like Dilfluencer to showcase its culture, festivals, and wildlife.

Post-pandemic, the state focused on connectivity upgrades, new spiritual circuits, cultural festivals, and extensive community training, empowering over 10,000 women in tourism services. Public–private partnerships under the Tourism Policy 2025 have further accelerated growth, with projects ranging from luxury resorts and eco-wellness retreats to tent cities, heli-tourism, and ropeways.

These initiatives have generated 34 lakh jobs, created over 10,000 hotel rooms, and attracted ₹4,468 crore in investment proposals. With tourism projected to contribute up to 10% of the state’s GDP by 2047, Madhya Pradesh is redefining tourism as a people-centric, globally admired ecosystem where heritage, nature, and communities thrive together.

To know more, read the full interview in the October issue of Whispers in the Corridors magazine.

The state launched a Preventive Vigilance programme under Chief Secretary guidelines, targeting root causes of corruption in revenue and irrigation departments. IAS officers are mandated to conduct monthly audits, with non-compliance risking transfers.

Emphasis on ‘citizen-centric’ initiatives, with a September 28 launch of a digital portal for IAS-led project monitoring is aimed to reduce paperwork by 30%.

Calls for promoting women IAS officers (target: 40% by 2026) to address gender gaps.

Dr. Sandeep Mittal, IPS (ADGP, Cyber Crime Wing), inaugurated the Cyber Metro Awareness Campaign and a new cyber welfare initiative at AG-DMS Metro, Teynampet, as part of National Cyber Security Awareness month programme. This involves IPS officers in public outreach and could signal upgrades in cyber-focused postings for IPS cadres in Tamil Nadu.

Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao announced fresh guidelines for transparent postings of administrative officers (including IAS/IPS deputed to health) following the successful transfer of 5,600 clinical and allied personnel via counselling. The initiative aims to curb corruption and favouritism in prime postings, with a focus on merit-based assignments. This could lead to minor reshuffles in health-related IAS/IPS roles by mid-October 2025.

Lt Gen Virendra Vats has assumed the charge as Director General of the National Cadet Corps (NCC)., succeeding Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh, on October 1, 2025.

The President of India Droupadi Murmu accepted credentials from the Envoys of four nations Mauritania, Luxembourg, Canada and Slovenia at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on October 3. Those who presented their credentials were: Ahmedou Sidi Mohamed, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania; Christian Biever, Ambassador of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Christopher Cooter, High Commissioner of Canada and Tomaz Mencin, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia.

Anti-bribery tech apps in Telangana/Karnataka, projected to handle 50% more complaints by 2026.

Full indigenisation of 74 warships (AoN in 2025, ₹2.35 lakh crore) could position India as a top-3 blue-water navy by 2035, amid China’s South China Sea assertiveness.

The DoPPW’s guidelines are trending as a “game-changer” for AIS retirements, with southern states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu piloting Bhavishya portal integration for IFoS officers by November 2025.

Kaipil Kumar Jain, Executive Director (MKTG. - Retail LNG), GAIL (India) Limited, is in the race for the post of Director (Pipelines), Indian Oil Corporation Limited.

The Cyber Metro Campaign (launched September 30, 2025) signals a new trend in IPS upskilling for digital threats, with projects to train 500 officers on AI-driven cyber tools by March 2026.

Sanjay Kumar Singh, Group General Manager (Projects), Gurugram, Engineers India Limited, is in the race for the post of Director (Pipelines), Indian Oil Corporation Limited.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Auditor/Personnel of Integrated Financial Advisor (IFA), Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA), Gandhinagar (Gujarat) and Chief Office Superintendent (OS), Divisional Railway Hospital, Hingoli Gate, Nanded, in two separate cases of bribery.

Avanindra Ray, who is presently serving in South Eastern Railway (SER), has been transferred to East Coast Railway and posted in the cadre. He is an Indian Railway Service of Electrical Engineers (IRSEE) officer.

 

Shivendra Mohan, who is presently serving as Principal Chief Mechanical Engineer (PCME), North Western Railway (NWR), has been posted as Senior Deputy General Manager (SDGM), on the Railway itself. He is an Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers (IRSME) officer.

 

Jitendra Srivastava, who is presently serving in West Central Railway (WCR), has been transferred to MCF and posted in the cadre. He is an Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers (IRSME) officer.

PS Raghuvanshi, who is presently serving in West Central Railway (WCR), has been transferred to Western Railway and posted in the cadre. He is an Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers (IRSME) officer.

 

Ajay Kumar Tamrakar, who is presently serving in West Central Railway (WCR), has been transferred to South Eastern Railway (SER) and posted in the cadre. He is an Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers (IRSME) officer.

Narender, who is returning from deputation to RITES, has been posted on Rail Wheel Plant (RWP), Bela, in the cadre. He is an Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers (IRSME) officer.

Vikash, who is presently serving in Southern Railway (SR), has been transferred to North Western Railway (NWR) and posted in the cadre. He is an Indian Railway Service of Electrical Engineers (IRSEE) officer.

A 1993-batch IAS officer Avinash Kumar has been appointed as the new Chief Secretary of Jharkhand. He has brought vast experience in governance, power reforms, and development with him. A seasoned bureaucrat with multifaceted administrative experience, Kumar is widely regarded as one of the most trusted officers in Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s inner circle. Actually, his appointment was delayed amid Centre-State power play. Before taking charge as Chief Secretary, Avinash Kumar simultaneously handled a number of key responsibilities. He was looking after over half-a-dozen different departments. He was Additional Chief Secretary (Chief Minister’s Office), where he was instrumental in coordinating with the CMO on the state’s strategic governance priorities.

Meghalaya new Chief Secretary Dr Shakeel P Ahammed has extensive experience in administrative machinery of the state. Earlier, Dr Ahammed has served as Principal Secretary and Secretary to the Governor. Before the elevation as Chief Secretary, he held the positions of Additional Chief Secretary for key departments like Home, Water Resources, and Corporate Social Responsibility. Alongside these responsibilities, he served as Chairman of the Board of Revenue, government of Meghalaya. His comprehensive understanding of the state’s governance structure is an added advantage. His appointment is expected to bring continuity in the administration. Meanwhile, the former Chief Secretary Donald P Wahlang, on the last day in the office, listed traffic congestion, cleaning and beautifying Umkhrah River as unfinished priorities.

Rajeev Verma, unlike his predecessors, is the first Chief Secretary who will work under only the BJP government. He will operate in a political environment where the BJP controls Delhi, the Centre, and the Municipal Corporation. This alignment is expected to allow him to concentrate more on governance rather than navigating political disagreements. Obviously, when the current political situation offers a smoother working environment, the expectation for the delivery is higher.
 

Modi 3.0 seems poised to accelerate the push for youthful leadership in India’s bureaucracy. Recent trends point to a growing interest from young IAS and IFS officers in high-stake roles at the centre, with many actively seeking assignments in top ministries and strategic offices. The appointment of Nidhi Tewari, a 2014-batch IFS officer as Private Secretary to the Prime Minister, illustrates this shift—her rapid rise signals a possible preference for fresh perspectives and specialized expertise over seniority alone.

Speculation is mounting that several more lateral and merit-driven appointments could follow, as central ministries ramp up employment and reform initiatives. The government has already distributed tens of thousands of appointment letters in key departments, and a shift towards domain expertise seems likely to continue—a move that could redefine the bureaucratic landscape and empower a new cohort of dynamic, young civil servants.

While it remains to be seen how many such officers will land top jobs, the growing visibility of young bureaucrats in policy roles hints at a significant generational change underway in New Delhi.

Government issues orders on notional increment for retiring employees, clarifying eligibility for those retiring on June 30/December 31, effective from May 2023 per Supreme Court ruling. Applies to post-2006 retirees.

Minakshi Goel, a writer with keen interest in global politics and international affairs, has once again brought forth a compelling work in her latest book that focuses on one of the world’s most complex and sensitive issues, explained in simple words “The Israel-Palestine conflict”.

This new release is a must-read, offering readers a clear and accessible understanding of a struggle that is far more than a political dispute. She traces its deep roots in religion, history, and centuries of human suffering. While the conflict is often portrayed today as a clash between Jews and Muslims, Goel explains how Jewish persecution was historically driven.

 The book unpacks these intricate layers with clarity, from the foundations of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, to the role of British colonial policies, the creation of Israel, Arab-Israeli wars, the rise of Palestinian movements, and even the recent Hamas attacks.

With her signature balanced and thoughtful style, Minakshi Goel makes a complex geopolitical issue accessible to readers worldwide. She is married to retired IRS officer Navneet Goel, who has been a constant source of support in her literary journey.

Ms Shobha Gupta has assumed the charge of the DG, Defence Estate. She is a 1990 batch IDES officer.

H Rajesh Prasad has been appointed as Chief Secretary, Chandigarh. He is a 1995 batch IAS officer of AGMUT cadre.

Ankur Garg has been appointed as Advisor to Administrator, DNH&DD. He is a 2003 batch IAS officer of AGMUT cadre.

Seven IAS officers in Bihar have been given new responsibilities. Chandrashekhar Singh has been appointed as Secretary, Chief Minister’s Secretariat. and assigned additional charge as Secretary, Disaster Management Department and Chairman, Bihar Rajya Pul Nirman Nigam Limited, while Animesh Kumar Parasher was made Commissioner, Patna division and will continue as Managing Director, BUIDCO. Similarly, Yashpal Meena is posted as Municipal Commissioner, Patna Municipal Corporation; Shirshat Kapil Ashok ias Special Secretary, Road Construction Department, Officer on Special Duty, Bihar Rajya Pul Nirman Nigam Limited, and Managing Director, Disaster Management Department and also given additional charge of Comfed; Himanshu Sharma, CEO, Bihar Rural Livelihoods Project (Jeevika), was given additional charge of Special Secretary, Health; Pradhumn Singh Yadav will join as Additional Municipal Commissioner, Patna Municipal Corporation and Kritika Mishra has been shifted as Sub-divisional Officer, Gogri, Khagaria.

As many as 100 Joint Secretaries have been appointed as Central Nodal Officers (CNOs) for reviewing & monitoring Prime Minister Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY).

Vishwanath Suresh, Director Commercial, NMDC Limited, has been selected for the post of Chairman-cum-Managing Director, MOIL Limited at a Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) meeting held on October 4, 2025. As many as five persons were interviewed for the same.

Saleem Ahmad, Director (Projects), NBCC (India) Limited, has been selected for the post of Chairman & Managing Director, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) at a Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) meeting held on October 4, 2025. As many as 10 persons were interviewed for the same.

Buzz predicts “SaaS M&A wave” with 20% more consolidations by Q4 amid funding crunch; Oracle’s rumoured India divestment could trigger mass layoffs and US onshoring.

Netherlands’ IHC Holland BV signs MoU with Swan Defence & Heavy Industries for tech transfer and offshore vessels, boosting shipbuilding under ‘Make in India’

Single-window clearances for startups/GCCs, urged by CII to counter H-1B woes and create 25 Mn jobs by 2030.

Refex Industries announces board reshuffle post-demerger approval, with promoter family members taking new postings in the green energy vertical; shares up 17%.

Adinarayana Sripathy Kumar has been appointed as Chairman and Non-Executive Director of Kandagiri Spinning Mills Limited.

 

S. Sivakumar has been appointed as Managing Director of Kandagiri Spinning Mills Limited, effective August 8, 2025.

 

Manoj Kumar Maurya has been appointed as Whole-time Director and Chief Financial Officer of Kandagiri Spinning Mills Limited, effective August 8, 2025.

 

R. Raveendran has been appointed as Non-Executive Independent Director of Kandagiri Spinning Mills Limited, effective August 8, 2025.

CS Nattery Srinivasan Poornima has been reappointed as Non-Executive Independent Director of CESC Limited, effective August 8, 2025.

Arvindkumar Gulabji Parmar has been designated as Managing Director of Pulsar International Limited.

 

Sunil Swamy has been appointed as Additional Director of Sumuka Agro Industries Limited.

 

Anuj Poddar has been appointed as Non-Executive Director of Sequent Scientific Limited.

 

Saumitra Priya Srivastava has been appointed as Director (Marketing) of Indian Oil Corporation Limited.

 

Anil has been appointed as Non-Executive Non-Independent Director of Skyline Ventures India Limited.

 

Shivkumar Verma has been appointed as Non-Executive Director of Cressanda Railway Solutions Limited.

 

Arvind Kathpalia has been reappointed as Non-Independent Director of Multi Commodity Exchange of India Limited.

 

Anand Raghavan has been appointed as Additional Director (Non-Executive Independent) of Manali Petrochemicals Limited.

 

Mohit Bansal has been reappointed as Independent Director of S Auto International Limited, effective July 31, 2025.

 

Sehijpal Singh Khangura has been reappointed as Independent Director of S Auto International Limited, effective February 13, 2026.

 

Rahul B. Mehta has been appointed as Non-Executive Independent Director of Tips Films Limited.

RSS’s 100 years of nation-building

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), founded in 1925 by KB Hedgewar, has played a vital role in shaping India’s social and cultural fabric. From its inception, RSS emphasized nation first, self later, instilling discipline, service, and pride in Indian heritage among its members through daily shakhas (local gatherings). During the Partition in 1947, the RSS stood at the forefront, rescuing and rehabilitating victims irrespective of communities, proving its commitment to social harmony.

RSS has contributed to preserving India’s territorial integrity by assisting in integrating Kashmir, Goa, and Dadra-Nagar Haveli. Its volunteers supported the Indian Army and managed refugee relief during conflicts, showcasing strong patriotic service. The organization was also a backbone of resistance during the 1975 Emergency, defending constitutional values.

Beyond conflict zones, the RSS has focused on empowering marginalized groups, including tribal communities in remote regions, nurturing their culture and languages often neglected by others. The RSS promotes unity in diversity, fighting divisiveness and separatism.

In recent times, the RSS has been actively involved in community service, like reviving hospitals during the Covid-19 pandemic. Its emphasis on character-building and selfless service reflects its mission of nation-building beyond politics.

As PM Modi said, the RSS’s century-long devotion has been crucial in awakening pride and fostering harmony, making it a cornerstone of India’s collective strength and identity.

Neha Tiwari

IOCL asked to explore the possibility of making information available online

The Appellant filed sought the list of petrol pump functioning in the urban area of district Bareilly. Further, he asked about the land requirements with layout of one Pump, the details of pumps which not fulfilled the land requirements and related information. The PIO denied the information holding that the appellant has not disclosed the public interest warranting disclosure of such an information. The CIC observed that reply furnished by the Respondent is not meticulous and directed the concerned PIO to revisit the instant RTI Application and provide a revised point-wise reply as available in their records. The CIC strongly recommended the IOCL to explore the viability of maintaining such information on their official website pertaining to list of petrol pumps functioning all over India and related issues regarding land requirement/measurement for allotment of petrol pump.

Comments

Making the information available in the public domain proactively is in keeping with the letter and spirit of suo-motu disclosures prescribed under Section 4 of the RTI Act, so that the public have minimum resort to the use of the RTI Act to obtain the information.

Citation: Shri Anand Singh Chauhan v. Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), CIC/IOCLD/A/2023/626935; Date of Decision: 07.05.2025

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