Babus, mantris & buzz: Who will be the new Governor of West Bengal?

Who will be the new Governor of West Bengal?

It is widely believed that R N Ravi will continue as Governor of West Bengal. However, if a change is made, the name of Lt Gen KJS Dhillon is reportedly being considered, particularly in view of issues concerning Bangladesh. Another name doing the rounds is that of Prof. Ashok Sen.

Aggressive pitch: Deepak Mhaskey reshapes BJP’s IT Cell strategy

Deepak Mhaskey, who took charge of the BJP’s IT Cell and Social Media Department on August 17, 2026, ending Amit Malviya’s 11-year tenure, has reportedly introduced major changes to its functioning. According to insiders, Mhaskey has moved away from the department’s traditional, regimented posting system, adopting a more aggressive and unconventional approach to digital engagement.

The revamped strategy focuses on rapid agenda-setting, real-time responses to news developments and influencing online narratives rather than conventional political messaging. It also places greater emphasis on promoting the party’s core message instead of merely highlighting political personalities. The use of sharp humour, satire and memes is aimed at increasing engagement and making the BJP’s social media campaigns more dynamic and effective.

Media groups challenge privacy law amid talks with I&B Minister

A coalition of 21 major Indian news publishers has approached the Supreme Court, challenging the country's new digital privacy law over the absence of specific exemptions for journalists. The coalition, which includes Mukesh Ambani's Network18 and Gautam Adani's NDTV, argues that stringent consent requirements could hamper investigative journalism, compromise confidential sources and allow influential individuals to seek the removal of factual reports. Meanwhile, discussions are underway between media representatives, the Information and Broadcasting Minister and key figures, including Nishikant Dubey, to resolve the issue. The talks are aimed at striking a balance between protecting individual privacy and safeguarding press freedom.

Two 1994-batch IRS officers elevated as Chief Commissioners/DG

Two senior Indian Revenue Service (Customs and Indirect Taxes) officers of the 1994 batch, serving under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), have been promoted to the rank of Chief Commissioner/Director General on an in situ basis. Rakesh Goyal has residual service until December 2029, while Rajeev Yadav's tenure extends until December 2028. Both officers are expected to assume charge of their promotional posts shortly.

Three IRS officers promoted to Principal Chief Commissioner grade (UPDATED)

Three Indian Revenue Service (Customs and Indirect Taxes) officers, S K Vimalanathan, Vimal Kumar Srivastava and Rajendra Singh, have been promoted to the grade of Principal Chief Commissioner/Principal Director General of Customs and Indirect Taxes in Level 17 of the Pay Matrix (Apex Scale) against the panel year 2026.

Deepak Ranjan appointed Director, Ministry of Corporate Affairs (UPDATED)

Deepak Ranjan, IES (2012), has been selected for appointment as Director in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Delhi, under the Central Staffing Scheme for a period of five years.

Rajasthan IAS officer Shikhar Agrawal placed on Awaiting Posting Orders

The Rajasthan Department of Personnel has placed 1993-batch IAS officer Shikhar Agrawal on Awaiting Posting Orders (APO), relieving him of his Industries and MSME portfolio and several additional responsibilities. The order cited administrative reasons for the decision. Media reports have linked the timing of the move to allegations concerning property transactions. However, these allegations have not been established.

UP facing pressure to reshuffle IAS and IPS officers

The Uttar Pradesh administration is reportedly under pressure to implement the Election Commission of India's (ECI) directive to transfer IAS and IPS officers who have completed more than three years at one posting. However, the exercise is proving difficult, as several senior bureaucrats are said to have strong connections with influential figures. Sources suggest that these factors have contributed to delays in implementing the transfer orders.

Helpless DGP unable to act against SPs, targets SHOs

Uttar Pradesh DGP Rajeev Krishna is reportedly facing difficulties in taking action against senior police officers despite complaints against them. According to sources, the DGP wanted to initiate action against nearly half a dozen Superintendents of Police (SPs) after complaints against them were reportedly found to be valid.

However, before any action could be taken, the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) allegedly intervened. Subsequently, action was reportedly initiated against around a dozen Station House Officers (SHOs) facing complaints.

Sources claim that the DGP, expressing his frustration during a private conversation, remarked, "Look at my position, I am now DGP of SHOs."

Shalini Verma takes charge as CVO, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited

Dr Shalini Verma, a 2004-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer and MBBS graduate, assumed charge as Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), Mumbai, on October 26.

She has previously served as Commissioner of Income Tax and Special Secretary in the Arunachal Pradesh Government, handling important portfolios, including Home Affairs, Health and Social Welfare. Her appointment is expected to strengthen BPCL's focus on integrity, transparency, preventive vigilance and good governance.

Bhaskar Verma granted pro-forma promotion to HAG

Bhaskar Verma, a 1996-batch ICAS officer currently serving on Central Deputation as Member Secretary, National Monuments Authority, has been granted pro-forma promotion to the Higher Administrative Grade (HAG) of ICAS.

TN govt transfers two senior IPS officers of DGP rank

The Tamil Nadu government on Thursday transferred two senior IPS officers, including one holding the rank of Director General of Police.

Sandeep Rai Rathore (IPS 1992; TN), Director General of Police, Prisons and Correctional Services, has been transferred and posted as DGP/Chief Vigilance Officer, TANGEDCO, Chennai.

Sanjay Mathur (IPS 1994; TN), Director General of Police, Office of DGP and HoPF, Chennai, has been transferred and posted as DGP, State Crime Records Bureau, Chennai, following the upgradation of the post.

TN govt transfers five IPS officers; K Shankar posted as ADGP, Correctional Services

The Tamil Nadu government has transferred five IPS officers, including K Shankar (IPS 1996; TN), Additional Director General of Police, Enforcement Bureau, CID, Chennai, who has been transferred and posted as ADGP, Correctional Services, Chennai. Other officers transferred include Sonal Chandra (IPS 2008; TN), Inspector General of Police, State Crime Records Bureau (SCRB), who has been posted as IGP, Police Headquarters, Office of DGP. B Raghupathy (IPS 2020; TN), Deputy Commissioner of Police, Pallikaranai, Tambaram, has been transferred and posted as Superintendent of Police, Karur. R. Stalin (IPS 2020; TN), Superintendent of Police, Economic Offences Wing, North Zone, Chennai, has been transferred and posted as SP, Tenkasi. S Ashok Kumar (IPS 2019; TN), Superintendent of Police, Tenkasi, has been transferred and posted as SP, Anti-Terrorism Squad, Madurai.

Kamal Dayani, Rajesh Ranjan appointed IEMs of BEML

Kamal Dayani and Rajesh Ranjan have been appointed Independent External Monitors (IEMs) of Bharat Earth Movers Ltd (BEML).

Ashwini Kumar, Dr Malakondaiah and Jha appointed IEMs of BEL

Ashwini Kumar, Dr M Malakondaiah and Anil Kumar Jha have been appointed Independent External Monitors (IEMs) of Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL).

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