Dr Suresh Mehrotra, Editor-in-chief, Whispers in the Corridors
OUR PREDICTION CAME TRUE
Kota Ravi selected for CMD, HAL on January 29
(WE SAID THIS ON DECEMBER 2, 2025)
Ravi K appears to be only Board level contender for CMD, HAL
Ravi K, Director (Operations), appears to be only internal candidate for the post of Chairman & Managing Director, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
POLITICS
Sharad Pawar to join NDA ?
Political observers believe that merger of two NCP is now on cards and Sharad Pawar is going to join the NDA. One can wait and Watch.
Tough action awaits Gogoi?
Gaurav Gogoi, Assam Congress President is likely to face tough action. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said the cabinet will take a formal decision on the future course of action on the SIT report on Gogoi's alleged links with Pakistan on February 7. Sarma alleged that Gogoi and his British wife have "direct links" with Pakistan as per a presentation made by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Assam Police.
FM to present record 9th Budget on Sunday
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is going to table her ninth consecutive budget on Sunday in the Parliament. She is the only woman finance minister in the country to achieve such a significant feat.
Budget to skip relaxation on Income Tax?
The upcoming Union Budget is unlikely to offer any major relief to taxpayers, breaking the trend seen in previous years. With the government focusing on fiscal consolidation and managing deficit targets, the priority appears to be on strengthening public finances rather than expanding tax benefits. Officials indicate that there will be no changes in income tax slabs or exemptions for individuals. The budget is expected to channel resources into infrastructure, manufacturing, and welfare schemes instead. Economists believe this cautious approach reflects the government’s effort to balance growth with fiscal discipline, especially ahead of big-ticket expenditure plans. As a result, taxpayers may have to wait longer for significant direct tax relaxations or increased rebates.
BUREAUCRACY
Major retirements of CMDs and MDs in PSUs in 2026
The terms of around two dozen CMDs and MDs of various Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) are due to expire in 2026. Accordingly, the terms of Jai Prakash Dwivedi, CMD, WCL; Tadi Lakshmi Narayan Reddy, MD, Hindustan Steelworks Constructions Limited; Sanjeev Kumar, CMD, TCL and Anurag Kumar, CMD, ECIL are ending in January while the terms of Sandeep Kumar Gupta, CMD, GAIL and Vartikca Shukla, CMD, EIL will be coming to an end in February and R K Tyagi, CMD, Powergrid is retiring in March. Similarly, CMDE A Madhavarao, CMD, BDL and D K Sunil, CMD, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited are due to end tenure in April; Tushar Tripathi, CMD, India Opetel Limited in May; Jitendra Kumar, MD, BIRAC; Sanjiv Kumar Singh, CMD, Hindustan Copper Limited; Pradip Kumar Das, CMD, IREDA; Hari Mohan Gupta, CMD, IRCON International Limited and Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, CMD, NLC in June; Gurdeep Singh, CMD, NTPC and Sanjay Swarup, CMD, CONCOR in July; Praveen Kumar, MD, DFCCIL, Sunil Date, CMD, Troop Comforts Limited and Ms Nirja Saraf, MD, Hindustan Antibiotics Limited in September; Rahul Mithal, CMD, RITES Limited and Sanjay Banga, CMD, CCIL in October and Rakesh Chhillar, CMD, BRC and Sanjay Kumar Jain, CMD, IRCTC and Prabhat Kumar Singh, MD, National Safai Karamcharis Finance & Development Corporation are ending their tenure in December in 2026.
Irked Chief Secretary writes letter to senior officers, points persistent administrative failure
The head of Bihar’s bureaucracy, Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit, has in a letter to all Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries of departments, senior Police leadership and every District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police, voiced his concern that the people visit the Government offices to get their work done but mostly officers are missing from the office. He wrote - several instances have come to notice where people approach Government offices with their problems, but the concerned officials are not present, causing unnecessary hardship. Suggesting remedy, he asked to fix two days every week—Monday and Friday—when officials across the administrative hierarchy must be physically present to meet the public.
Kota Ravi selected for CMD, HAL
Kota Ravi, Director (Operations), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, has been selected for the post of Chairman & Managing Director, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at a Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) meeting held on January 29, 2026. As many as eight persons were interviewed for the same.
(We said this on Dec 2, 2025)
Rajesh Gopalkrishnan in race for CMD, CSL
Rajesh Gopalkrishnan, Director (Technical), appears to be an eligible internal candidate for the post of Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD), Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL).
Vivek Kumar Gupta appointed as Member (Infra), Railway Board
Vivek Kumar Gupta, presently GM, Western Railway, has been appointed as Member (Infrastructure), Railway Board. He is a 1988 batch IRSE officer.
Ms Manjushah Jain appointed as Member (Fin), Railway Board
Ms Manjusha Jain, presently Additional Member (Budget), Railway Board, has been appointed as Member (Finance), Railway Board. She is a 1988 batch IRAS officer.
Ms Aruna Nayar appointed as DG (HR), Railway Board
Ms Aruna Nayar, Secretary, Railway Board, has been appointed as DG (HR), Railway Board. She is a 1987 batch IRPS officer.
Hitendrea Malhotra appointed as DG (Safety), Railway Board
Hitendra Malhotra, presently Member (Operations & Business Development) Railway Board, has been shifted as Director General (Safety), Railway Board. He is a 1987 batch IRSM officer.
Hari Shankar Verma appointed as Member (OBD), Railway Board
Hari Shankar Verma, presently DG (Safety), Railway Board, has been shifted as Member (Operations & Business Development), Railway Board. He is a 1987 batch IRSM officer.
Ms Wormila Jasmine Keishing posted as Director, Establishment (N), Railway Board
Ms. Wormila Jasmine Keishing, on return from deputation to the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), has been posted as Director, Establishment (N), Railway Board.
She is an Indian Railway Personnel Service (IRPS) officer.
Sangrah Maurya posted as DRM, Asansol, ER
Sangrah Maurya, who is presently posted in Northern Railway (NR), has been transferred to Eastern Railway (ER) and posted as Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Asansol. He is an Indian Railway Service of Engineers (IRSE) officer.
Services of Parveen Kumar placed at disposal of APS
The services of Parveen Kumar, Director (CCS), Himachal Pradesh Circle, are placed at the disposal of Army Postal Services (APS), consequent upon his Temporary Commissioning in the APS in the acting rank of Colonel. He is a 2011 batch officer of Indian Postal Service (IPoS).
PM Modi's special outreach with CEOs on AI highlights government push to increase private capex in Deeptech
Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with leading CEOs and experts from India’s AI sector ahead of the upcoming India AI Impact Summit in February. The meeting focused on strengthening India’s self-reliance and leadership in artificial intelligence. The Prime Minister emphasized building an AI ecosystem that is transparent, impartial, and secure, with no compromise on ethical standards. He urged greater adoption of indigenous technologies across key sectors to create global impact and inspire innovation. Industry leaders from Wipro, TCS, HCL Tech, Zoho, LTI Mindtree, Jio Platforms, AdaniConnex, Nxtra Data, and Netweb Technologies appreciated the government’s initiatives to position India as a global hub for AI research and deployment, reaffirming strong support for the country’s AI goals.
Tenure of Darpan Jain as Joint Secretary, Commerce extended
The central deputation tenure of Darpan Jain, working as Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce, has been extended for a period of one year beyond February 19, 2026. He is a 2001 batch IAS officer of Karnataka cadre.
SAI CVO returns to parent cadre
Ubhap Sengraj, CVO, Sports Authority of India (SAI), Delhi, has been given premature repatriation to his parent cadre. He is a 2005 batch IRS-C&CE officer.
Sudarshan Bhagat returns to parent cadre
Sudarshan Bhagat, Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Coal, has been given premature repatriation to his parent cadre on personal grounds. He is a 2012 batch IOFS officer.
Tenure of Ms Iva Ashish Srivastava as Director, Census Operations, Uttarakhand extended
The central deputation tenure of Ms Iva Ashish Srivastava working as Director, Census Operations, Uttarakhand has been extended upto December 31, 2027. She is a 2010 batch IAS officer of Uttarakhand cadre.
Manoj Tiwari gets proforma promotion to Addl CIT grade
Manoj Tiwari has been accorded proforma promotion to the grade of Additional Commissioner of Income Tax. He is an IRS-IT officer.
IIT Delhi Internship Program for Mentorship and Skill Development
IIT Delhi’s internship opportunities for mentorship and skill development, offering certificates, Letters of Recommendation (LORs), mentorship from experts, real-world experience, and goodies upon registration. This initiative targets skill-building beyond textbooks, potentially in research and development areas.
Agricultural Trends Show 65% Data-driven Farm Solutions
Key trends for 2026 in India’s agri-tech sector include over 65% of startups focusing on data-driven farm solutions, per market research. This reflects a shift toward technology integration in agriculture, potentially involving ICAR and related boards.
Reshuffles in Pharma & CROs To Affect Research Collab
Predictions for Q4 2025-Q1 2026 indicate significant workforce reshuffles in pharmaceuticals and CROs (Contract Research Organisations), which could indirectly affect research collaborations with ICMR or scientific units. This trend points to cost-cutting and restructuring amid economic pressures.
ITS officer to join TRAI
Sunil Kumar Ranjan, an ITS officer has been posted as Jt Advisor, TRAI RO, Bengaluru on deputation basis till March 31, 2028.
ITS officer appointed CVO, RITES
Vinod Kumar Sharma has been appointed as CVO, RITES for a period of three years. He is an ITS officer.
6 IIS officers granted NFSG
The MIB has granted six IIS officers to the JAG(NFSG). They are- Ashutosh Mohle, Ajay Joy, Joyce Philip, Mahar Singh, Anubhav Singh and Tariq AAhmed Rather.
2025 batch ItrS officer appointed as Probationer
Satyam Sudan, a 2025 batch ITrS officer has joined as Asstt DGFT and appointed as Probationer by the DGFT HQ.
3 IDAS officers promoted to HAG
Three 1996 batch IDAS Officers have been promoted to the HAG and posted as Pr CDAs.They are- Kanwaldeep Singh, Richa Mishra and Reena Tandon.
Last date to apply for Executive Director – Civil, RVNL is Feb 13
Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) is seeking the post of Executive Director – Civil on immediate absorption basis for all India location. Applications must reach latest by February 13, 2026.
CRIS advertises Director (Fin), New Delhi post
Centre for Railway Information System (CRIS) has advertised the post of Director (Finance), New Delhi. Applications must reach latest by February 26, 2026.
Sr Consultant (Logistics & Supply Chain Mgmt) for MoH&FW sought
National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHSRC), New Delhi is seeking Senior Consultant (Logistics & Supply Chain Management) RCH Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Applications must reach latest by February 10, 2026.
CMSS advertises Manager (Quality Assurance) post
Central Medical Services Society (CMSS) has advertised the post of Manager (Quality Assurance). Applications must reach latest by March 5, 2026. Details can be availed from www.cmss.gov.in and www.mohf.gov.in.
A K Shrivastava empanelled for appointment as IEM
Anil Kumar Shrivastava has been empanelled for appointment as IEM. He is a 1986 batch IFoS officer and retired as Principal Chief Conservator of Forest MD, MP Bhopal.
A K Ganeriwala empanelled for appointment as IEM
Anil Kumar Ganeriwala has been empanelled for appointment as IEM. He is a 1986 batch IFoS officer and retired as Principal Secretary, Gangtok, Govt of Sikkim.
Varma & Shukla empanelled for appointment as IEMs
Apurva Varma and Akhil Kumar Shukla have been empanelled for appointment as IEMs. Both are from Bengal Gas Company Limited (BGCL).
Vij & Dr Dhawan empanelled for appointment as IEMs
Mukesh Vij and Dr Gopal Dhawan have been empanelled for appointment as IEMs. Both are from Bhagyanagar Gas Ltd (BGL).
Interview dates for Scientific Officer posts, National Archives of India soon
Eight candidates have been selected for two posts of Scientific Officer in National Archives of India, Ministry of Culture. Interview dates will be announced shortly.
NCRTC seeks General Manager (Plng)
National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) is seeking to fill the post of General Manager (Planning) on deputation basis. Applications must reach latest by February 28, 2026.
14 senior IPS officers get new responsibilities in MP
Fourteen senior IPS officers have been given new responsibilities in MP. Pankaj Kumar Srivastava has been posted as Special DGP, CID, PHQ with additional charge of Special DGP, Vigilance, PHQ, while Anant Kumar Singh take over as Special DGP/MD, MP Police Housing Corporation upon return from Central Deputation and K P Venkateshwar Rao was made Additional DGP, Technical Services, PHQ and assigned additional charge of ADGP, Anti-Naxal Operation, PHQ. Similarly, Umesh Joga is posted as ADGP/Transport Commissioner, MP, Gwalior (handing services to Transport Department); D Srinivas Verma as ADGP, Narcotics with additional charge of ASGP, STF, PHQ; Vivek Sharma as ADGP, PTRI, PHQ; Anshuman Yadav as Director, Sports & Youth Welfare (handing over services to Sports Department); Rakesh Gupta as ADGP, Ujjain Zone; Abhay Singh as ADGP (Planning), PHQ; Harinarayan Chari Mishra as IGP, SCRB; Sanjay Kumar as Commissioner of Police, Bhopal; Sanjay Tiwari as IGP, Bhopal (Dehat) Zone; Ms Chaitra N as IGP, Shahdol Zone and Lalit Shakyawar will take charge as IGP, Balaghat Zone.
CORPORATE
Piyush Srivastava appointed MD & CEO, VST Industries
Piyush Srivastava has been appointed as an Additional Director and Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of VST Industries Limited.
B Thiagarajan re-appointed MD, Blue Star Ltd
B Thiagarajan has been re-appointed as Managing Director of Blue Star Limited with effect from April 1, 2026.
Mohit Sud appointed ED, Blue Star Ltd
Mohit Sud has been appointed as Executive Director of Blue Star Limited with effect from April 1, 2026.
MS Unnikrishnan appointed Ind. Director, Blue Star Ltd
M S Unnikrishnan has been appointed as Independent Director of Blue Star Limited.
Jay Chintan Patel appointed Addl. Director, Rekvina Laboratories
Jay Chintan Patel has been appointed as Additional Non-Executive Independent Director of Rekvina Laboratories Limited.
K. Ravishankar re-appointed Whole-Time Director, Styrenix Performance Materials Ltd
K. Ravishankar has been re-appointed as Whole-time Director of Styrenix Performance Materials Limited.
Munish Jain re-appointed ED, Capital Small Finance Bank Ltd
Munish Jain has been re-appointed as Whole-time Director, designated as Executive Director, Capital Small Finance Bank Limited.
Rakesh appointed Addl. Director, My Money Securities Ltd
Rakesh has been appointed as an Additional Director in the capacity of Independent Director on the Board of My Money Securities Limited.
Pitamber Shivnani appointed Ind. Director, APAR Industries
Pitamber Shivnani has been appointed as a Non-Executive Independent Director of APAR Industries Limited.
FORUM
“Mother of all deals”
A view has emerged that the Trade Agreement between India and the European Union could reshape global commerce, boost exports and counter rising protectionism worldwide. Further, the deal would help Europe achieve its objective of shrinking its reliance on China and diversifying its global supply chains. Europe will have the opportunity to access the big market in India.
Everyone in India and Europe seems in a celebratory mood. But, not President Trump. At least, so, it seems. He feels:”the deal amounts to European Union funding war against itself”.
Against this background, let us not forget, the deal is as much about geopolitics as it's about inter-continental business relations. It may face challenges in the fast-evolving geopolitical landscape and the unpredictability of the US administration that is using tariffs as a bargaining chip under the looming shadow of President Trump.
PM Modi feels "it is not just a trade agreement but a new blueprint for shared prosperity". President of the European Commission Ursula called the agreement as "the mother of all deals". Both see it as a win-win situation.
Let us wait and watch and hope the deal, which is still subject to ratification, assumes greater geopolitical significance ,as we go along. Let the ‘mother of all deals” turn into a game changer.
A K Saxena (Former civil servant)
Economic Survey
Economic survey confirmed the fears that reduction in corporate tax rates did not result in extra capital investment.the step increase profits and resulted in increasing income inequality.Therefore,the said corporate tax reduction should be withdrawn and matching relief should be given in individual tax rates so as to increase theis disposable income. As far as direct taxation is concerned,scruiny system should be scrapped altogether[as was done in Vajpeye government].Instead,NUGET approach be given wider adoption. Searches and subsequent assessments yield omly meagre extra revenue because post search assessments result in huge demand giving charge of tax terrorism and ultimately these demand gets knocked off in arduous and time consuming appeal proceedings.Instead,assese should be goaded into NUGET approach ,for this no penalty should be levied.