Babus, mantris & buzz: Rahul Gandhi emerges as opposition's undisputed leader?

Rahul Gandhi emerges as opposition's undisputed leader?

The public rally organised by opposition parties demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Guyanesh Kumar has strengthened Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's position as a key opposition figure. Leaders of 20 opposition parties shared a common platform, signalling their support for Gandhi's leadership. Political observers believe the rally could prove to be a turning point in Indian politics.

Amit Shah steps in to strengthen BJP after UP MLC setback?

Following recent setbacks and a decline in vote shares in key MLC strongholds such as Varanasi and Lucknow, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has stepped in to strengthen the BJP's grassroots organisation in Uttar Pradesh. Addressing party workers in Lucknow, Shah emphasised restructuring booth-level management, resolving internal differences and sharpening ideological messaging ahead of the crucial 2027 Assembly elections.

VP's remarks on Tamil PM spark speculation over Vijay's rise

Vice President CP Radhakrishnan's assertion in Madurai that a Tamilian could become India's Prime Minister has triggered political speculation. Referring to past Prime Ministers from Karnataka and Gujarat, he highlighted the possibilities offered by India's democracy. Although the remark was presented as a general observation, its timing has drawn attention amid actor Thalapathy Vijay's political emergence. Leaders of Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) have interpreted the statement as an endorsement of their leader's potential, further fuelling speculation about his national political ambitions.

Punjab turmoil: More AAP MLAs likely to quit party

The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is reportedly facing growing political uncertainty in poll-bound Punjab. According to available information, three AAP MLAs have already left the party, while more than a dozen others may follow. A state Congress leader has claimed that over 30 AAP MLAs could eventually quit the party.

BUREAUCRACY

1999-batch IPS officers likely to be empanelled as ADGs

Officers belonging to the 1999 batch of the Indian Police Service (IPS) are likely to be empanelled for the rank of Additional Director General (ADG) in the Government of India in November. The empanelment process is currently underway.

10 ITS officers empanelled for Joint Secretary-level posts at Centre

Ten officers belonging to the 1997 batch of the Indian Telecommunications Service (ITS) have been empanelled for appointment to posts of Joint Secretary or equivalent at the Centre. They are Ashok Kumar, Mehul R Joshi, Neeraj Naruka, Rakesh Shrivastava, Ritu Pande, Sandeep Arya, Sumit Mishra, Vijay Agarwal, Y Sreenivasa Rao and Yashwant Kumar.

Four ISS officers empanelled for Joint Secretary-level posts at Centre

Four officers belonging to the 2006 batch of the Indian Statistical Service (ISS) have been empanelled for appointment to posts of Joint Secretary or equivalent at the Centre. They are Akhilesh Kumar, Kanishk Kant Srivastava, Kedar Nath Verma and Rajeev Kumar.

Two IA&AS officers empanelled for Joint Secretary-level posts at Centre

Two officers belonging to the 2006 batch of the Indian Audit & Accounts Service (IA&AS), Deepna Gokulram and Priya Parikh, have been empanelled for appointment to posts of Joint Secretary or equivalent at the Centre.

Santosh Kumar Rajula empanelled for Joint Secretary-level post at Centre

Santosh Kumar Rajula, a 2006-batch officer of the Indian Railway Service of Electrical Engineers (IRSEE), has been empanelled for appointment to a post of Joint Secretary or equivalent at the Centre.

Three IRAS officers empanelled for Joint Secretary-level posts at Centre

Three officers belonging to the 2006 batch of the Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS) have been empanelled for appointment to posts of Joint Secretary or equivalent at the Centre. They are Mohammad Faisal, Prateek Kumar Singh and Pratima Tripathi.

Four IRSS officers empanelled for Joint Secretary-level posts at Centre

Four officers belonging to the 2006 batch of the Indian Railway Stores Service (IRSS) have been empanelled for appointment to posts of Joint Secretary or equivalent at the Centre. They are Akash Deep, Ankur Srivastava, Dilip Gupta and Rajendra Solanki.

Ravi Kumar empanelled for Joint Secretary-level post at Centre

Ravi Kumar, a 2006-batch officer of the Indian Railway Personnel Service (IRPS), has been empanelled for appointment to a post of Joint Secretary or equivalent at the Centre.

Sanjeev Verma empanelled for Joint Secretary-level post at Centre

Sanjeev Verma, a 2003-batch officer of the Indian Railway Stores Service (IRSS), has been empanelled for appointment to a post of Joint Secretary or equivalent at the Centre.

Four IRSME officers empanelled for Joint Secretary-level posts at Centre

Four officers belonging to the 2006 batch of the Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers (IRSME) have been empanelled for appointment to posts of Joint Secretary or equivalent at the Centre. They are Kapil Jambhulkar, Shoorvir Singh Chauhan, Tarun Kumar and Vivek Varshney.

Rakesh Kumar empanelled for Joint Secretary-level post at Centre

Rakesh Kumar, a 2005-batch officer of the Indian Trade Service (ITrS), has been empanelled for appointment to a post of Joint Secretary or equivalent at the Centre.

10 IRS (C&IT) officers empanelled for Joint Secretary-level posts at Centre

Ten officers belonging to the 2006 batch of the Indian Revenue Service (Customs & Indirect Taxes), IRS (C&IT), have been empanelled for appointment to posts of Joint Secretary or equivalent at the Centre. They are Akshay Joshi, Arvind Kumar, Ashok Kumar, Gaurav Singh, Gautam Wahi, K Kalimuthu, K Padmavathy, Kotraswamy M, P Vinitha Sekhar and Senthil Nathan S.

PESB to interview 12 candidates for Director (HR), Central Coalfields Limited

The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) has shortlisted 12 candidates for the post of Director (Human Resources) at Central Coalfields Limited. The interviews are scheduled to be held on November 10, 2026.

Government extends Brij Mohan Mishra's deputation tenure as Joint Secretary

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved a six-month extension of the central deputation tenure of Brij Mohan Mishra, IAS (AGMUT: 2008), Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce, beyond November 16, 2026, or until he is relieved to take up his new assignment as Minister (Commercial) at the Embassy of India in Tokyo, Japan, whichever is earlier.

Rajesh Kumar repatriated to parent cadre, posted as DGP Arunachal Pradesh

Rajesh Kumar, IPS (UT: 1995), Special DG, CRPF, has been prematurely repatriated to his parent cadre following approval from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC). Following his repatriation, he has been posted as Director General of Police (DGP), Arunachal Pradesh.

MEA prepares diplomatic strategy ahead of US midterm elections?

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has reportedly prepared a contingency strategy to assess the possible diplomatic implications of the US midterm elections. The plan considers three scenarios: a Democratic sweep, a divided Congress and continued Republican control.

It outlines possible responses to changes in tariffs, immigration and visa policies, and Indo-Pacific defence commitments. While a divided US Congress could complicate trade negotiations, the strategy reportedly prioritises bipartisan cooperation under the Quad framework and stronger supply chains to safeguard bilateral relations.

Three officers senior to newly appointed J&K Chief Secretary remain in Secretariat

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has ordered the transfer of Shaleen Kabra, a 1992-batch AGMUT-cadre IAS officer, and posted him as Director General of the Jammu and Kashmir Institute of Management, Public Administration & Rural Development. Kabra is senior to the newly appointed Chief Secretary, Dr Sajjan Singh Yadav, a 1995-batch AGMUT-cadre officer.

Kabra was serving as Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary) in the Jal Shakti Department, besides holding additional responsibilities. Five other IAS officers were transferred under the same order.

Earlier, two IAS officers senior to the new Chief Secretary, Ashwani Kumar (1992 batch) and Dr Ashish Chandra Verma (1994 batch), were transferred to Delhi with immediate effect.

However, three other senior bureaucrats remain in the Union Territory's administrative hierarchy. They are Dheeraj Gupta (1993 batch), Shailendra Kumar and Anil Kumar Singh, both belonging to the 1995 batch. Shailendra Kumar has been appointed Acting Chief Secretary until Dr Yadav assumes charge.

Civil Secretariat shifts from Srinagar to Jammu for winter

The Civil Secretariat, which houses the offices of the Chief Minister, Ministers and senior bureaucrats, has resumed functioning in Jammu following the annual Darbar Move from Srinagar to the winter capital.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was accorded a guard of honour as the Secretariat reopened. He also visited various offices and interacted with officials.

The 154-year-old Darbar Move tradition was introduced by the Dogra rulers in 1872. The practice involved shifting the seat of administration between Srinagar in summer and Jammu in winter to avoid extreme weather conditions and ensure administrative accessibility in both regions.

The Lieutenant Governor's administration discontinued the practice in 2021, citing the transition to e-office operations and the need to save crores of rupees in annual expenditure. The practice was subsequently revived.

Why has newly appointed J&K Chief Secretary Dr Sajjan Singh Yadav not joined yet?

Dr Sajjan Singh Yadav has been appointed Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir but did not assume charge on Monday. Consequently, the Jammu and Kashmir Government assigned the additional charge of Chief Secretary to Shailendra Kumar, a 1995-batch AGMUT-cadre IAS officer, until Dr Yadav joins.

According to an order issued by the General Administration Department, Shailendra Kumar will continue to discharge the duties of Chief Secretary until Dr Yadav assumes office.

The Ministry of Home Affairs had appointed Dr Yadav as the new Chief Secretary with effect from November 1 or the date of his assumption of charge, whichever is later. His delayed joining has triggered speculation within the Jammu and Kashmir bureaucracy, particularly following the retirement of the previous Chief Secretary.

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