Peeyush Pandey has been officially appointed as the DGP West Bengal, taking over from Rajiv Kumar. (Whispers in the Corridors - Dr Suresh Mehrotra, Editor-in-Chief ; 31 Jan 2026)
OUR PREDICTION CAME TRUE
Peeyush Pandey appointed DGP of West Bengal on January 30
(WE SAID THIS ON JANUARY 14, 2026 - Will Peeyush Pandey be new DGP of West Bengal ? Insiders say that Peeyush Pandey will make it as DGP West Bengal. He is a 1993 batch IPS officer of West Bengal cadre.
(WE SAID THIS ON JANUARY 8, 2026 ) Who will succeed Rajiv Kumar as DGP of West Bengal ? Who will succeed West Bengal DGP Rajiv Kumar on February 1 ?. Tie is said to be between 1991 batch IPS officer Anuj Sharma and 1993 batch IPS officer Peeyush Pandey . Rajiv Kumar is retiring on January 31.
OUR PREDICTION CAME TRUE
Manisha Patankar appointed ACS (Home ) in Maharashtra on January 30
(WE SAID THIS ON APRIL 29, 2025 - Will Manisha Patankar be ACS (Home) in Maharashtra? Manisha Patenkar is likely to be appointed new ACS (Home) in Maharashtra. She is a 1992 batch IAS officer of Maharashtra cadre.
POLITICS
Will Trump have health problems this year ?
Indian astrologer feel that US President Donald Trump will have health problems this year. Till June his stars are not good, they say.
Indian Security community taking note as Yunus regime sidelines Hindus in key Bangladesh bureaucratic reshuffle
Indian security agencies are intensively tracking political and bureaucratic moves in Bangladesh ahead of the 2026 polls, reading them as early indicators of Dhaka’s internal tilt on minorities and India. The Yunus-led interim regime’s latest promotion list, elevating 118 joint secretaries to additional secretary rank without a single Hindu officer, has sharpened these concerns in New Delhi. For Indian planners, the exclusion of eligible Hindu officers looks less like an aberration and more like part of a pattern of shrinking space for minorities since Sheikh Hasina’s ouster, with potential implications for communal violence, refugee flows and border stability.
BUREAUCRACY
From Tribal Housing to Water Security: IAS M. Prathap’s Multi-Sectoral Push in Tiruvallur
Tiruvallur District, one of Tamil Nadu’s fastest-growing regions due to its proximity to Chennai is addressing housing shortages, groundwater depletion and persistent social issues in a unique and sustainable ways.At the helm of these initiatives is IAS M. Prathap, a 2017 batch Officer of Tamil nadu cadre,currently posted as District Collector of Tiruvallur.
Housing for Tribal Community

Recognising the bad housing and unhygienic living conditions in which tribal communities were living. A significant portion of the tribal population in the district resides on government land near water bodies, often in unhygienic and unsafe conditions.
To address this, the administration has planned and developed integrated tribal colonies. Over the past year, around 3,000 houses have been sanctioned and are being constructed in clusters ranging from 50 to 150 houses, depending on land availability
The uniqueness of this initiative is its facilities, unlike conventional housing projects, these colonies are designed in a holistic manner with internal roads, Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs), Anganwadi, health sub-centres and open spaces such as playgrounds and parks. This project is not just providing house but also improving the standard of living of citizens.
Under Prathap leadership 15 such colonies have been planned so far, with two already inaugurated and the rest under various stages of completion.
Additionally to support livelihood, women-led brick-making units have been introduced under ‘Project Vidiyal’ meaning sunshine.
Water Conservation and Groundwater Recharge

Water conservation is the another major focus area. Under the Amrit Sarovar initiative, the district has created nearly 2,000 new ponds, while older water bodies are being renovated through other schemes.
In a significant innovation, around 1,200 abandoned borewells were converted into rainwater harvesting structures before the monsoon. “Instead of abandoning dry borewells, we decided to use them to recharge groundwater” the Collector noted. “Post-monsoon studies revealed an average groundwater level rise of 5 to 7 feet,with some locations recording increases of up to 20 feet.” he shared
Tackling Child Marriage and Teenage Pregnancy
Upon recognising that teenage pregnancy is not merely a health issue but a serious social problem affecting a child’s overall development, the district administration identified five high-incidence blocks as a first step.Block-level task forces comprising officials from different departments were deployed to conduct awareness programmes among parents and community elders.
The second step focused on strengthening school infrastructure and promoting girls’ education to ensure they are not diverted.As a third measure, “village vigilance committees have been formed to alert authorities of potential cases” he quoted.
Upgrading Anganwadi
Focusing on the early childhood development,in the past year 120 new Anganwadi buildings have been constructed replacing centres that were operating from rented or substandard premises. The new model of Anganwadi’s are designed as child-friendly learning spaces rather than basic service centres.
Through these initiatives, Collector M. Prathap is setting an example of inclusive governance, community empowerment and holistic development.
Vivek Bhardwaj is also Secretary, Rural Development & Land Resources
Vivek Bhardwaj, Secretary, Panchayat Raj, has been assigned an additional charge of Secretary, Rural Development and Land Resources. He is a 1990 batch IAS officer of West Bengal cadre.
Speculations on Defence Budget 2026
Pre-budget buzz predicts 8% YoY defence capex growth, emphasising AI, drones, and missiles. Whispers point out ₹93 million US deal for Javelin/Excalibur as interim, with indigenisation push.
Budget to have special funds for Urban Local Bodies?
India's Union Budget 2026-27 is likely to introduce special grants for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to address mounting urbanisation challenges like slum growth, water shortages, and waste crises. Building on the 15th Finance Commission's ₹1.21 lakh crore allocation (2021-26), Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman may announce an Urban Resilience Fund, targeting 500+ cities beyond metros.
Linked to reforms such as property tax digitisation and GIS mapping, these grants would likely fund smart infrastructure, sewerage networks, and green transport. Performance-based disbursals—rewarding ULBs for meeting sanitation or revenue goals—could supplant ad-hoc transfers, offsetting GST shortfalls and advancing Viksit Bharat@2047, potentially lifting ULB capacities by 30% amid 35% urban growth by 2030.
India set to ramp up semiconductor push with ISM 2.0 in upcoming Budget
India is set to go big on semiconductors in the upcoming Budget, with the government preparing to roll out the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0 by March-end. The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) has completed industry consultations, and inter-ministerial discussions are in the final stages. Approvals for new proposals under ISM are expected by February 2026. The next phase will broaden the mission’s scope, providing incentives for both mature and advanced process nodes, alongside separate quotas for manufacturing categories. While the incentive support could be marginally trimmed compared to ISM 1.0, the aim is to shift from confidence-building to creating a more sustainable ecosystem. Two additional proposals are likely to be cleared as part of ISM 2.0. The delay in announcing the new phase stemmed from tighter scrutiny and extended consultations, signalling a more calibrated yet ambitious semiconductor push in the upcoming fiscal.
Suvasish Das empaneled as Joint Secretary in GoI
Suvasish Das has been empaneled for holding Joint Secretary and Joint Secretary equivalent posts in the Government of India. He is a 2005 batch IAS officer of Assam-Meghalaya cadre.
V S Senthil Kumar empaneled as Joint Secretary in GoI
V S Senthil Kumar has been empaneled for holding Joint Secretary and Joint Secretary equivalent posts in the Government of India. He is a 2005 batch IAS officer of AGMUT cadre.
Pankaj Gupta returns to parent cadre
Pankaj Gupta, CVO, Directorate of Ordnance, Kanpur, has been given premature repatriation to his parent cadre. He is a 1995 batch ITS officer.
Additional charge of CEO, Coconut Dev Board to Prabhat Kumar extended
Additional charge of CEO, Coconut Development Board (CDB) to Prabhat Kumar, Horticulture Commissioner, has been extended till the appointment of a regular incumbent.
Tenure of Ms Noorin Bux as Director, Health extended
The central deputation tenure of Ms Noorin Bux working as Director in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has been extended for a period of two years till April 22, 2028. She is a 2010 batch IOFS officer.
Ms Nitika Pawar appointed as GM, Regional office, FCI, Chandigarh
Ms Nitika Pawar has been appointed as General Manager, Regional office, Chandigarh, FCI. He is a 2012 batch IAS officer of AGMUT cadre.
Ms M Anitha appointed as Director, Defence
Ms M Anitha has been appointed as Director in the office of Defence. She is a 2007 batch IRS-IT officer.
Sandeep Sudhakar Paranjape takes over as Director (Tech), WCL
Sandeep Sudhakar Paranjape, GM, SECL, has taken over the charge as Director (Technical), Western Coalfields Limited.
SECL CMD gets additional charge of CMD, WCL
A vacancy of Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) is arising on February 1, 2026 with the expiring term of incumbent Jai Prakash Dwivedi. The Government of India is yet to find his successor. Meanwhile, the Government of India has assigned an additional charge of CMD, WCL to Harish Duhan, CMD, SECL.
SEBI gives NOC to NSE IPO
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has granted its no-objection certificate (NOC) to the National Stock Exchange (NSE) for pursuing its long-awaited public listing. This marks a major regulatory milestone in NSE’s plan to go public, nearly two decades after it became India’s largest stock exchange. With SEBI’s NOC in place, NSE can now proceed to file a draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) with the market regulator for its initial public offering (IPO). The exchange aims to list its shares to provide liquidity to existing shareholders, enhance transparency, and strengthen corporate governance. The nod also signals regulatory confidence in NSE’s compliance and operational systems after years of delays following governance-related probes.
Ms Bhawna Gulati returns to parent cadre, gets posting
Ms Bhawna Gulati has been appointed as Additional CIT(OSD) in the office of Pr.CCIT, Delhi region, Delhi on return from deputation.
VRS of 2 ITS officers accepted
The DoT has accepted the VRS of two ITS officer, They are- Kerundkar V,CGM,ITPC, Pune. he is a 1990 batch officer. Simultaneously, Sangeeta Asrani, GM Bengaluru LSA has also taken VRS. she is a 1999 batch officer.
Agricultural Sector Milestone For India
India officially surpassed China as the world’s largest rice producer, per an IRRI (International Rice Research Institute) study. This shift, announced in media, reflects developments in agricultural research, potentially involving ICAR collaborations. Predictions include lower rice prices by 2026 due to increased production.
Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor Takes Over As IAF Vice-Chief
Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor assumed the role of Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS). Air Marshal Tejinder Singh took over as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the South Western Air Command. Air Marshal S Shrinivas was appointed as AOC-in-C of the Training Command. These changes reflect ongoing leadership transitions to enhance operational readiness.
Hari Shankar Verma appointed Member (O & BD), Railway Board
Hari Shankar Verma, who is presently serving as Director General (Safety), Railway Board, has been appointed as Member (Operations and Business Development), Railway Board and Ex-officio Secretary to the Government of India.
Hitendra Malhotra appointed DG (Safety), Railway Board
Hitendra Malhotra, who is presently serving as Member (Operations and Business Development), Railway Board, has been appointed as Director General (Safety), Railway Board.
Vivek Kumar Gupta appointed Member (Infra), Railway Board
Vivek Kumar Gupta, who is presently serving as General Manager, Western Railway, has been appointed as Member (Infrastructure), Railway Board and Ex-officio Secretary to the Government of India.
Ms Manjusha Jain appointed Member (Fin), Railway Board
Ms. Manjusha Jain, who is presently serving as Additional Member (Budget), Railway Board, has been appointed as Member (Finance), Railway Board and Ex-officio Secretary to the Government of India.
Ms Aruna Nayar appointed Director General (HR), Railway Board
Ms. Aruna Nayar, who is presently serving as Secretary, Railway Board, has been appointed as Director General (Human Resources), Railway Board.
Sanjay Mishra appointed Addl. Member (T&C), Railway Board
Sanjay Mishra, who is presently serving as Principal Executive Director (Safety), Railway Board, has been promoted to Level-16 and appointed as Additional Member (Tourism & Catering), Railway Board with effect from the date of assumption of charge of the post on or after February 1, 2026. He is an Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) officer.
Vikram Yadav appointed GGM (Procurement & Tendering), IRCTC
Vikram Yadav has been selected for deputation to Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. (IRCTC) as Group General Manager (Procurement & Tendering) at Corporate Office, New Delhi, for a period of three years. He is an Indian Railway Service of Signal Engineers (IRSEE) officer.
Bajrang Goyal appointed Chief Engineer (Civil), DDA
Bajrang Goyal has been selected for deputation to Delhi Development Authority (DDA) as Chief Engineer (Civil) for a period of three years. He is an Indian Railway Service of Signal Engineers (IRSE) officer.
P. Ananth to look after duties of GM, SWR
P. Ananth, who is presently serving as Additional General Manager (AGM), South Western Railway (SWR), has been delegated the administrative and financial powers of the post of General Manager, South Western Railway (SWR), till the posting of a regular incumbent or until further orders. He is an Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers (IRSME) officer.
Saharsh Bajpai posted as PCPO (CHOD), Western Railway
Saharsh Bajpai, who is presently serving in Central Railway (CR), has been transferred to Western Railway (WR) and posted as Principal Chief Personnel Officer (PCPO) (CHOD). He is an Indian Railway Personnel Service (IRPS) officer.
Prateek Goswami delegated powers of GM, CR
Prateek Goswami, who is presently serving as Additional General Manager (AGM), Central Railway (CR), has been delegated the Administrative and Financial powers of the post of General Manager, Central Railway (CR), till posting of a regular incumbent. He is an Indian Railway Service of Stores (IRSS) officer.
Pradeep Kumar delegated powers of GM, WR
Pradeep Kumar, who is presently serving as Additional General Manager (AGM), Western Railway (WR), has been delegated the Administrative and Financial powers of the post of General Manager, Western Railway (WR), till posting of a regular incumbent or until further orders. He is an Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers (IRSME) officer.
Sr Consultant (Vaccine & Logistics) for MoH&FW sought
National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHSRC), New Delhi is seeking Senior Consultant (Vaccine & Logistics) RCH Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Applications must reach latest by February 3, 2026. Details are available at http://nhsrcindia.org.
Inspector (Enemy Property) in CEPI, Kolkata sought
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is seeking to fill the post of two Inspector (Enemy Property) in the Office of the Custodian of Enemy Property for India (CEPI), Branch Office, Kolkata on deputation basis. Applications must reach latest by February 8, 2026.
A K Sharma empanelled for appointment as IEM
Anil Kumar Sharma has been empanelled for appointment as IEMs. He is a 1981 batch IRSME officer and retired as CME M/o Railway.
Animesh Chauhan empanelled for appointment as IEM
Animesh Chauhan has been empanelled for appointment as IEMs. He retired as MD & CEO, Oriental Bank of Commerce.
Julka & Prasad empanelled for appointment as IEMs
Bimal Julka and Shyam Nandan Prasad have been empanelled for appointment as IEMs. Both are from Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).
Singh & Rawal empanelled for appointment as IEMs
Sanjaya Singh and Ravindra Singh Rawal have been empanelled for appointment as IEMs. Both are from Bharat Broadband Network Ltd (BBNL).
NCRTC seeks Assistant Managers (HR)
National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) is seeking three Assistant Manager (Human Resource) on immediate absorption basis. Applications must reach latest by February 2, 2026.
Braithwaite & Co Ltd advertises GMs/AGMs for Raipur, Vishakhapatnam & Kolkata
Braithwaite and Company Limited has advertised one each post of General Managers/ Assistant General Managers for Raipur, Vishakhapatnam and Kolkata on deputation basis. Details can be availed from www.braithwaiteindia.com.
IRCTC seeks GGM/GM-Fin for New Delhi
Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) Limited has invited applications for the posts of Group General Manager/ General Manager (Finance), Corporate Office, New Delhi on deputation basis. Applications must reach latest by February 26, 2026.
YPs for Hyderabad Regional Passport Office sought
Ministry of External Affairs is seeking to engage Young Professionals for Regional Passport Office, Hyderabad on contract basis. Applications can be emailed at rpo.hyderabad@cpo.gov.in.
Paralegal post in US advertised
World Bank is seeking to fill the Paralegal post in Washington, DC, United States. Applications must reach latest by February 11, 2026.
Minor reshuffle of IPS officers in West Bengal
As many as six IPS officers have been given new assignments in West Bengal. Accordingly, Manoj Kumar Verma has been appointed as Director, Security, while Supratim Sarkar was made Commissioner, Kolkata and Vineet Kumar Goyal is now ADG, Law and Order with additional charge of ACB. Similarly, Jawed Shamim has been appointed as ADG, STAF with charge of ADG, IB; Ajey Mukund Ranade as ADG, Telecommunications and Vishal Garg was made ADG, Cyber Cell.
Three IAS officers get new responsibilities in Haryana
Three IAS officers have been given new responsibilities in Haryana. Dr Raja Shekhar Vundru has been appointed as Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department and will continue to hold his charge as ACS, Transport Department, while D Suresh, Resident Commissioner. Haryana Bhawan, New Delhi, has been assigned additional charge as Principal Secretary, Fisheries Department and relieved of the responsibility of PS, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department. Additionally, Shashwat Sangwan is posted as Mission Director, Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban).
Three members of Non- SCS of Maharashtra promoted as IAS
Three members of Non-State Civil Service (Non-SCS) of Maharashtra: Satyajit Devidas Bade, Sunil Shivram Bhokre and Rahul Vijay Kulkarni have been promoted as IAS against the Select List of 2024 and allocated Maharashtra cadre.
CORPORATE
Chirag C. Doshi re-appointed MD & CEO, Walchandnagar Industries Ltd
Chirag C. Doshi has been re-appointed as Managing Director & CEO of Walchandnagar Industries Limited with effect from April 1, 2026.
Mrs. Prathima Madineni appointed MD, UVS Hospitality And Services Ltd
Mrs. Prathima Madineni has been was appointed as an Additional Director (Executive) ane Managing Director of UVS Hospitality And Services Limited
Parth Seth appointed CEO, Orbit Exports Ltd
Parth Seth has been appointed as Whole-time Director designated as Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer of Orbit Exports Limited.
Aditya Jain appointed Ind. Director, Orbit Exports Ltd
Aditya Jain has been appointed as an Independent Director of Orbit Exports Limited.
Vijay Aggarwal re-appointed MD, Him Teknoforge Ltd
Vijay Aggarwal has been re-appointed as Managing Director of Him Teknoforge Limited.
Mathew Jose re-appointed MD, Odigma Consultancy Solutions Ltd
Mathew Jose has been re-appointed as Managing Director of Odigma Consultancy Solutions Limited.
Ms Jagennath Jayanthi re-appointed Ind. Director, LIC Housing Finance Ltd
Ms. Jagennath Jayanthi has been re-appointed as an Independent Director of LIC Housing Finance Limited with effect from February 5, 2026.
Harish Chander Khurana appointed Addl. Director, iStreet Network Ltd
Harish Chander Khurana has been appointed as an Additional Independent Director of iStreet Network Limited.
Shreyaan Manish Gupta appointed Addl. Director, Gujarat Ambuja Exports Ltd
Shreyaan Manish Gupta has been appointed as an Additional Director designated as Whole-time Director of Gujarat Ambuja Exports Limited.
Raj Bipin Gandhi appointed Addl. Director, Aadi Industries Ltd
Raj Bipin Gandhi has been appointed as an Additional Non-Executive Director of Aadi Industries Limited.
Sriganesh Padmanabhan appointed Ind. Director, Tamil Nadu Newsprint & Papers Ltd