India halts upcoming trade talks with the US following the Supreme Court's decision to strike down parts of Trump's tariff framework, creating legal and procedural uncertainties.

Our Prediction came true 

India Hits Pause on US Trade Talks Until Clarity on Tariffs Emerges

(WE SAID THIS ON Feb 23, 2025)

India's negotiation team led by Rajesh Agrawal to not travel to US, until further notice due to ambiguity on Tariffs?

Indian officials have quietly hit the pause button on the next round of trade talks with Washington. According to my information, the Indian negotiation team has postponed its planned visit to the US and no fresh dates have been communicated so far. This comes right after the US Supreme Court struck down a big chunk of President Trump’s earlier global tariff framework, throwing fresh uncertainty over the legal basis and durability of any new tariff concessions. New Delhi’s worry is simple. India had just negotiated a path to bring punitive US tariffs on select Indian exports down to 18 percent in return for a big multi‑year purchase commitment of US goods, including energy and aircraft. With the court now saying Trump exceeded his authority on the previous tariff regime, it is unclear what exactly replaces it, how long a new structure will survive, and whether already agreed cuts can stick without Congress stepping in. Until there is clarity on how the US retools its tariff laws after the verdict and what that means for refunds, collections and future hikes, India has decided to sit tight and wait rather than lock itself into an agreement that might need rewriting within months.

POLITICS

UML to be second largest party and Prachanda’s NCP to be reduced to single digit in Nepal ?

In Nepal elections the newer outfit of - Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP) of Rabi Lamichhane and popular mayor of Kathmandu Balendu Shah  is expected to gain the most from last elections.
The older parties NC( Gagan Thapa and Sher Bahadur Deuba factions), UML (K P Oli), NCP (Prachanda) will be facing loss as compared to the last elections. Pro Monarchy party RPP is likely to continue srong in its limited strongholds only.  Similar will be the fate of Madeshi parties.
 

The most likely coalition after election is of RSP+NC+ some Madhesi parties.  
UML may be the second largest party and Prachanda’s NCP will be reduced to single digit in the FPTP seats of parliament.

Is Mamata Banerjee's Kerala Jibe A Proxy comment on TMC Moles and I-PAC's Control over traditional Bureaucratic strongholds?

Mamata Banerjee’s suggestion of a CPI(M)–BJP axis in Kerala over the “Keralam” renaming looks less like a rigorous assessment of Left–Right convergence and more like a signal to restive elements within her own ecosystem. With I-PAC’s technocratic apparatus deeply embedded in campaign design and bureaucratic liaison, old-guard Trinamool leaders and embedded “moles” have every incentive to recast her frustrations with Delhi and Kerala into a narrative that weakens her reliance on external strategists. By framing Kerala’s success as the product of ideological compromise, she simultaneously delegitimises the CPI(M), pressures the Centre on “Bangla”, and feeds intra-party whispers that the consultants’ model of negotiation and institutional management has failed her. In that churn, claims of a Kerala “alliance” are a convenient proxy war over who really controls access to West Bengal’s state machinery. 

Sharad Pawar to re-enter Rajya Sabha ?

Although hectic politics is going on in Maharashtra for the Rajya Sabha elections, insiders say Sharad Pawar,s re-entry in Rajya Sabha appears certain.

BUREAUCRACY

 Nil Tax Up To ₹30 lakh By 2030-31 ?

 Predictions include a shift to transaction-based taxes with reduced direct income taxes (e.g., nil tax up to ₹30 lakh by 2030-31), per expert views. This could trend toward lower income tax slabs and higher indirect collections.

 Cadre Allocation Policy Forms Four Categories 

DoPT  has revamped rules for IAS/IPS/IFoS cadre allocation. States are now grouped into four categories (no traditional “zones”); officers can opt only for home state (yes/no) or get allotted purely by All India Rank, vacancies, and roster. Relevant groupings: Group II includes Karnataka + Kerala. Group III includes Odisha + Tamil Nadu. Group IV includes Telangana. This aims to simplify preferences and ensure better distribution amid vacancies.

Who is behind the NCERT text controversy?

Power galleries are busy to find out the brainchild  behind the controversy related to NCERT text on judicial corruption. The SC on Wednesday took suo motu cognisance of the contents of the class 8 NCERT textbook referring to corruption in the judiciary and termed it a matter of "grave concern.". It is said that the Education Ministry has reportedly instructed the NCERT to issue a statement and clear the reported controversy. But will the so-called think tank be exposed?

First time Judiciary will be engaged in SIR work

For the first time in India Judicial officers are being involved in the verification work of SIR in Bengal. And Judicial officers from Odisha and Jharkhand will also be put on duty to finish the pending work in West Bengal. West Bengal is the only state where ruling TMC vehemently opposes SIR. CM Mamata Banerjee even approached the SC to defer the ongoing SIR, but the Apex Court refused to oblige TMC government and has allowed the CJ of the Calcutta HC for requisition of judicial officer from neighbouring states to finish the task. Now one can hope the pending work will be completed within the time frame.

Ashok Mishra inducted as SP, CBI

Ashok Mishra has been inducted as SP in Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on deputation basis for a period of five years. He is a 2016 batch IPS officer of Bihar cadre.

 K Ramdass inducted as SP, CBI

K Ramdass has been inducted as SP in Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on deputation basis  for a period of five years. He is a 2019 batch IPS officer of Bihar cadre.

 Spicejet in process to file for bankruptcy?

Whispers in aviation circles suggest SpiceJet, India's beleaguered low-cost carrier, is quietly gearing up for a bankruptcy filing amid mounting financial headwinds. Persistent insolvency pleas from aircraft lessors and ex-employees have plagued the airline since 2024, with NCLT cases repeatedly stalling over procedural lapses like invalid Powers of Attorney. Could this be the tipping point? Q3 FY26 brought revenue gains to ₹740 crore, yet adjusted losses hit ₹197 crore, fueled by forex woes and a partially grounded fleet. Share prices plummeted recently on block deals, signaling investor jitters. If unaddressed, these pressures might force insolvency under IBC, potentially reshaping India's aviation landscape, unless a bailout or merger intervenes. Speculation mounts as operations limp on with new routes masking deeper distress.

 3 IRS officers attached to different units

After repatriation from deputation, three IRS(C&IT) Officers have been attached to different offices in Delhi. Devesh Gupta, Commissioner, has been attached to DGAP office while Mohadikar Kiran Mohan, Jt Commissioner goes to DG ARM office and Ms Bhanu Priya Meena Jt Commissioner has been attached to CC(AR)CESTAT.  

Central deputation tenure of Amit Meena extended

The central deputation tenure of Amit Meena working as Director in the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has been extended upto March 30, 2028. He is a 2011 batch IAS officer of Kerala cadre.

Sagar Hanuman Singh gets additional charge of DG, NIPHM

Sagar Hanuman Singh, DG, NIPHM, has been assigned an additional charge of Director General, National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (NIPHM) till March 29, 2026.

Abhishek Anand returns to parent cadre

Abhishek Anand has been appointed as Additional CIT(OSD) in the office of Pr.CCIT, Bihar & Jharkhand region, Patna after returning from deputation.

Pravin Mandoi returns to parent cadre

Pravin Mandoi working as Superintendent of Police (SP) in Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), has been given premature repatriation to his parent cadre Madhya Pradesh.

Nayar selected for Director (Human Resources) BPCL

Pushp Kumar Nayar has been selected by the PESB for the post of Director (Human Resources), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL.

150 officers promoted to the grade of CIT

As many as 150 officers have been appointed to the grade of Commissioner of Income Tax (CIT) for the Panel Year 2026 on in situ basis. Click the following link for the complete link:

Tenure of Kasturi Sengupta as ED, NIACL ending in March

The tenure of Kasturi Sengupta as Executive Director, the New India Assurance Company Limited, is coming to an end on March 31, 2026.

Rajesh Naik in race for CMD, IRCON International Ltd 

Rajesh Naik, Director (Projects), IRCON, is in the race for the post of Chairman-cum-Managing Director, IRCON International Limited.  

Seven IES officers shifted after promotion to HAG

As many as seven officers of Indian Economic Service (IES) have been shifted after promotion to the Higher Administrative Grade (HAG). Accordingly, Ms Manisha Sensarma has been appointed as Senior Economic Adviser, Skill Development, while Ms Pretti Nath was made Senior Economic Adviser, Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Ms Anu P Mathai and Anupma Mishra gets proforma promotion. Similarly, Amit Ray has been appointed as Senior Economic Adviser, Civil Aviation; Agrim Kaushal as Senior Economic Adviser and Saikat Sarkar was posted as Senior Economic Adviser, Drinking Water and Sanitation.

Reshuffle of IAS officers in Tamil Nadu

As many as eight IAS officers have been given new assignments in Tamil Nadu. Accordingly, Mrs R Jaya has been appointed as ACS, Special Initiatives Department, while Mrs Kalaiselvi was made Director, Economics and Statistics and Mrs T Sneha is District Collector, Kancheepuram. Similarly, Mrs S Malathy Helan has been appointed as District Collector, Chengalpattu district; K Ravikumar has been appointed as Director Collector, Karur district; Chandra Sekhr Sahkhamuri as CEO, CMDA; A Shanumga Sundaram as Secretary, Tamil Nadu State Election Commission and Mrs N Ponmani was made Deputy Commissioner, Commercial Tax Department, Erode.

 AI-enabled Continuous End-to-End Onboard Cleaning Reform

Indian Railways rolled out a major passenger service reform under the “52 reforms in 52 weeks” initiative for 2026. It replaces the old “Clean Train Station” model with continuous, journey-long cleaning of all coaches, including general class for the first time. Professional multi-tasking teams (cleaning + minor repairs + water/linen coordination) will work onboard at hourly intervals or as needed, with real-time AI quality monitoring from control centres and strict service-level agreements. Phase 1 covers 80 high-traffic long-distance trains (starting with 4-5 per zone), scaling nationwide over 3 years. Focus is on origin-to-destination hygiene, toilets, bins, and safety equipment checks.

Felicitation of IIT Madras Director Kamakoti

 IIT Madras Director Prof. V. Kamakoti, Padma Shri 2026 awardee in Science & Engineering category, part of the list announced on 26 Jan 2026, to be felicitated by alumni on 27 Feb 2026 (online event).

ICMR SANVAD 2026 (Scholars’ Assembly for Next-gen Ventures

ICMR SANVAD 2026 (Scholars’ Assembly for Next-gen Ventures to Advance their Development): Event held 19-21 Feb 2026 at ICMR-NIMR, New Delhi. 400 doctoral scholars + senior scientists/policymakers. Sessions on innovation, clinical research, evidence synthesis, career pathways; included research quiz, oral/poster presentations, awards. Annual rotating national platform; 2027 edition confirmed at ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad.

MoU between SCTIMST and IIT Indore

MoU signed between SCTIMST Thiruvananthapuram and IIT Indore for joint R&D.

IIM Indore Advertisement  

Advertisement for faculty positions (Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor) under special recruitment drive for NC-OBC/SC/ST/EWS/PWD categories. Applications by email; last date 28 Feb 2026.

DoPT seeks Legal Consultants
Applications have been invited by March 16 from retired officers (DS equivalent or higher level) from Central Government for engagement of Legal Consultants in Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).

R K Singh & A Chauhan empanelled for appointment as IEM

Raj Kumar Singh and Animesh Chauhan have been empanelled for appointment as IEMs. Both are from Department of Posts.

Swarup Nandkeolyar empanelled for appointment as IEM

Swarup Nandkeolyar has been empanelled for appointment as IEM. He is from Department of Revenue

G P Gupta has been empanelled for appointment as IEM

Girraj Prasad Gupta has been empanelled for appointment as IEM. He is a 1983 batch ICAS officer and retired as CGA, M/o Finance

Dr Dhawan empanelled for appointment as IEM 

Dr Gopal Dhawan has been empanelled for appointment as IEM. He retired as CMD, MECL, Nagpur

IPRCL seeks CGM-Electrical for Mumbai 

Indian Port Rail and Ropeway Corporation Limited (IPRCL) has advertised the post of Chief General Manager (Electrical) for Mumbai. Applications must reach latest by March 25, 2026. 

IPRCL seeks JGM-Mechanical for Mumbai 

Indian Port Rail and Ropeway Corporation Limited (IPRCL) has advertised the post of Joint General Manager (Mechanical) for Mumbai. Applications must reach latest by March 25, 2026. 

MeitY seeks two Engagement Managers for Patna & Bhubaneswar 

Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has advertised two Engagement Manager posts for Patna and Bhubaneswar. Applications must reach latest by March 7, 2026. 

MEA advertises Consultant (Global) post for UNES Division

Ministry of External Affairs has advertised the post of Consultant (Global) for United Nations Economic & Social (UNES) Division. Applications must reach latest by March 17, 2026. 

E T Consultant - Counsel Corporate Governance for US sought

World Bank is seeking E T Consultant - Counsel Corporate Governance for Washington, DC, United States. Applications must reach latest by March 10, 2026. 

Director IFC Corporate Strategy for US sought

World Bank is seeking Director IFC Corporate Strategy for Washington, DC, United States. Applications must reach latest by March 17, 2026. 

Sr Economist for Pakistan sought

World Bank is seeking Senior Economist for Islamabad, Pakistan. Applications must reach latest by March 17, 2026.

 Special Recruitment Drive in IIM Ranchi

Special Recruitment Drive for faculty positions (reserved categories). Online applications by 26 Feb 2026.

ITS officer to join UP, West LSA

Aditya Singh has been posted in the UP, West LSA. He is a SAG level ITS officer who has been transferred from Delhi.

ITS officer promoted against vacancy year 2023

Kuldeep Kumar Singh has been promoted to SAG against the vacancy year 2023 and his promotion will be effective fro March 15, 2024. He is an ITS officer.

Ms Rajshree Awasthi appointed AGM (Mech), RITES Limited
Ms Rajshree Awasthi, who is presently posted as Deputy Chief Mechanical Engineer, Headquarters,  Churchgate, (Dy. CME/HQ/CCG), Western Railway (WR), has been selected for deputation to RITES Limited as Additional General Manager (Mechanical) at Gurugram for a period of three years. She is an Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers (IRSME) officer.

Raj Kumar Bharti posted in East Central Railway
Raj Kumar Bharti, a Group ‘B’ officer of the Civil Engineering Department of East Central Railway (ECR), has been posted on East Central Railway, in the cadre, on return from deputation to Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL).

 Safety assured at MP’s tourist destinations: 3-Day workshop from 26 Feb 

The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is undertaking a significant initiative to ensure a safe, sensitive, and conducive environment for women at tourist destinations across the state. Under the “Safe Tourist Destinations for Women Project,” a three-day orientation workshop on “Women’s Safety at Tourist Destinations: Role and Strategy of Police” will be organised from 26 to 28 February  at Hotel Palash Residency, Bhopal. The workshop aims to strengthen coordination between the Tourism and Police Departments to enhance the safety, comfort, and confidence of women tourists. The programme will see participation from the Home, Police  Women and Child Development Departments, Tourism Board, Tourism Corporation, and subject experts.

Dr Ilaiyaraja T, MD, MP Tourism Board, stated that efforts are underway to make state’s tourist destinations safer for women. He said that prioritising women’s safety through improved infrastructure, police coordination, community participation, and sensitisation will boost state’s identity as a safe tourism destination. On 26 February, presentations will be made on community-based tourism initiatives and provisions related to women’s safety, followed by group discussions on religious tourism, rural tourism, archaeological sites, forest areas, special events, adventure tourism, the hospitality sector, and cyber fraud. On 27 February, discussions on action plans and policy advocacy will be held, along with a field visit to Khari, Bhojpur, Bhimbetka, Van Vihar, and nearby tourist sites in Bhopal to assess safety and facilities.  On 28 February, sessions will include case studies from various states and countries, expert lectures, a presentation by UN Women, and discussions on gender sensitisation, community policing, and the role of social media. 

CORPORATE

Prasad Chavare re-appointed MD, Foseco India Ltd
Prasad Chavare has been re-appointed as Managing Director of Foseco India Limited.

Henry James Knowles appointed NE Director, Foseco India Ltd
Henry James Knowles has been appointed as Non-Executive Director of Foseco India Limited.

Umang Kanoria appointed Addl. Director, CESC Ltd
Umang Kanoria has been appointed as Additional Director and Non-Executive Independent Director of CESC Limited.

Debanjan Mandal re-appointed Ind. Director, CESC Ltd
Debanjan Mandal has been re-appointed as Non-Executive Independent Director of CESC Limited with effect from May 10, 2026.

Mrs Rajani Kesari appointed Ind. Director, Sanofi India Ltd
Mrs Rajani Kesari has been appointed as Independent Director of Sanofi India Limited with effect from April 1, 2026.

Ms Sudipta Chakraborty appointed Whole-time Director, Sanofi India Ltd
Ms Sudipta Chakraborty has been appointed as Whole-time Director of Sanofi India Limited with effect from March 1, 2026.

Bontha Prasada Rao appointed Addl. Director, Cupid Ltd
Bontha Prasada Rao has been appointed as Additional Non-Executive Independent Director of Cupid Limited.

Ms Latasha Jadhav quits as NE Director, Sab Events & Governance Now Media Ltd
Ms Latasha Laxman Jadhav has resigned from the position of Non-Executive Non-Independent Director of Sab Events & Governance Now Media Limited.

Mitesh Solanki quits as NE Director, Rich Universe Network Ltd
Mitesh Milanbhai Solanki has resigned from the position of Non-Executive Non-Independent Director of Rich Universe Network Limited.

Rupesh Kumar Mittal quits as NE Director, Rich Universe Network Ltd
Rupesh Kumar Mittal has resigned from the position of Non-Executive Non-Independent Director of Rich Universe Network Limited.

Hasmukh Prajapati steps down as Director, Goyal Associates Ltd
Hasmukh Prajapati has resigned from the position of Director of Goyal Associates Limited.

Rodolfo Hrosz steps down as NE Director, Sanofi India Ltd
Rodolfo Hrosz has resigned from the position of Non-Executive Director of Sanofi India Limited.