Babus, mantris & buzz: Will Sharad Pawar bless the NCP reunion?

Will Sharad Pawar bless the NCP reunion?

Speculation over a possible reunification of the two Nationalist Congress Party factions has intensified in Maharashtra's political circles. Following a series of backchannel discussions, sources suggest that a blueprint for the merger is ready, but the final decision rests with party patriarch Sharad Pawar. Sources indicate that Pawar has delayed taking a final call as he assesses leadership equations and the possible political fallout. While party workers are eagerly awaiting a reunion, the delay has stalled crucial negotiations, raising questions about whether his hesitation is a tactical move or reflects genuine reluctance.

Parliament's Monsoon Session Part II likely from November 30

According to sources, the second part of Parliament's Monsoon Session is likely to be held from November 30 to December 18. The Monsoon Session, which ended on August 13, has yet to be prorogued.

Is Karnataka's ruling Congress divided into three groups?

The ruling Congress in Karnataka is reportedly divided into three groups, each led by a senior leader. According to sources, two prominent groups have the support of more than 30 leaders each. Political observers believe that internal factionalism contributed to the party's humiliating defeat in the recently held Graduate and Teacher constituency elections.

Sonia Gandhi's 'Belonging': A political memoir caught between personal history and controversy

Sonia Gandhi's much-awaited memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love, released on November 10, has generated considerable political debate, although its revelations appear less sensational than the pre-publication speculation suggested. Rather than disclosing major political secrets, the 544-page book revisits familiar episodes, offering Gandhi's perspective on the Congress years, her relationship with Manmohan Singh and her interactions with political adversaries. The timing of its release is politically significant. Against the backdrop of an increasingly polarised political environment, the memoir offers Gandhi an opportunity to present her account of the UPA years and counter allegations that she exercised power without constitutional responsibility. Her references to Pranab Mukherjee's prime ministerial ambitions, her limited interactions with Narendra Modi and prominent personalities, including the Bachchans, may attract attention but do not necessarily constitute major revelations. However, several apparent factual discrepancies have raised questions about the book's editorial accuracy. The memoir reportedly dates the Anna Hazare movement to 2012 instead of 2011, gives the RSS's founding year as 1921 rather than 1925 and records Ahmed Patel's death in 2022 instead of 2020. It also identifies Ahmedabad as Gujarat's capital, although Gandhinagar has held that status since 1970.

Ultimately, the memoir's political significance lies more in Gandhi's interpretation of events than in its revelations. The apparent historical inaccuracies, however, risk shifting attention from her political arguments to questions about the book's factual credibility.

BUREAUCRACY

IAS Shashank Shubhankar to launch local-language app for government services and grievance redressal in Gaya, Bihar

Gaya Collector Shashank Shubhankar, IAS (2014 batch), has initiated the development of Gaya Sahayak, a mobile application in the local Magahi language aimed at improving access to government services and grievance redressal for the district's population of more than 60 lakh. The initiative seeks to address difficulties faced by residents in obtaining information about government schemes, application procedures and the status of their applications. "In Bihar, many people do not even know which services are available to them or how they can get help. Even after submitting an application, they are unable to track what has happened to it or at which level it is pending. There is still a big digital divide," he explained. The app will bring information about various government services onto a single platform, enabling residents to learn about available schemes, application procedures and assistance mechanisms. It will also feature a WhatsApp chatbot through which users can seek information in their local language. Another important feature will be complaint registration and application tracking, allowing residents to monitor the progress of their applications without repeatedly visiting government offices. A dedicated control room is also being established to handle complaints and ensure timely redressal. The administration plans to communicate updates on action taken in Magahi. "The idea is to make an app in the local Magahi language so that people can easily understand the information and access the services available to them," Shubhankar said. Recognised under a Government of India programme, the initiative has received financial support from the Centre. Gaya Sahayak aims to bridge the digital divide and make government services more accessible and inclusive.

Interviews for CMD and ED posts in banks soon

The Banks Board Bureau is preparing to conduct interviews for the posts of Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of UCO Bank and Punjab & Sind Bank, along with eight Executive Director (ED) positions in various banks, over the next couple of months.

Will Delhi get a woman Chief Secretary?

Speculation is rife that a woman officer may be appointed Chief Secretary of the Delhi government in December. The possible appointment has generated considerable interest in bureaucratic circles, although the identity of the officer remains uncertain.

CAPFs: Greater inter-force recognition and coordination

An event in Bastar brought together personnel from the CRPF, CoBRA, BSF, ITBP, SSB, state police and other security units, highlighting the importance of coordination among central and state forces in maintaining internal security.

Half a dozen IPS officers apply for Parliament CSO post

Around half a dozen IPS officers have reportedly applied for the post of Chief Security Officer (CSO) of Parliament. The position is equivalent to the rank of Inspector General (IG) and has remained vacant following the departure of Ashok Agrawal, who took over as DGP, Meghalaya.

Jobi V P recommended as Director (Personnel), CCL

The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) has recommended Jobi V P, General Manager (HR), for appointment as Director (Personnel) of Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), a Schedule B public sector enterprise.

Pandi Selva Durai's tenure as CVO of CSL extended

The competent authority has approved a two-year extension of the tenure of Pandi Selva Durai C., a 2009-batch Indian Ordnance Factories Service (IOFS) officer, as Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) of Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi. His tenure has been extended beyond March 26, 2027, until March 26, 2029.

35 IRS (C&IT) officers transferred

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has transferred 35 Indian Revenue Service (Customs and Indirect Taxes) officers to new postings. Of these, five are Additional Commissioners, while the remaining officers are Joint Commissioners.

DGDE promotes IDES Group 'A' officers to HAG

The Directorate General of Defence Estates (DGDE) has issued orders promoting Group 'A' officers of the Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES) to the Higher Administrative Grade (HAG), Level 15 of the Pay Matrix. The promotions are accompanied by consequential transfers and postings.

Andhra Pradesh extends suspension of IPS officer N. Sanjay

The Andhra Pradesh government has extended the suspension of senior IPS officer N. Sanjay (1996 batch, AP cadre) until his retirement on March 31, 2027, or the conclusion of criminal proceedings against him, whichever is earlier. Chief Secretary G. Sai Prasad issued the government order following the Review Committee's recommendation on November 6. Sanjay was suspended in December 2024 over allegations of misappropriation and misuse of public funds in the development and maintenance of the AGNI NoC web portal during his tenure as Director General of State Disaster Response and Fire Services.

President Murmu urges young IPS officers to remain alert to cyber threats

President Droupadi Murmu, addressing IPS probationers of the 78 RR (2025 batch) at Rashtrapati Bhavan on November 10, 2026, urged young officers to adopt citizen-centric policing, remain vigilant against emerging cyber threats and uphold public trust. She emphasised that police personnel at all levels represent the government to ordinary citizens and that public confidence in governance depends significantly on their conduct and responsiveness to grievances.

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