Vladimir Putin’s state visit to India in early December 2025 was a meticulously coordinated diplomatic operation that showcased India’s institutional capacity for high-level engagement. Behind the ceremonial grandeur and bilateral summits stood a dedicated team of bureaucrats and diplomats whose strategic coordination ensured the visit’s seamless execution.

At the helm was National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, who initiated groundwork through Moscow meetings with Russian security officials. 

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri orchestrated the diplomatic protocols and briefed media on visit outcomes, while MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal managed communications through special press conferences.

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh spearheaded military cooperation discussions, negotiating critical agreements including S-400 air defence systems and advanced defence technology transfers. Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, co-chaired military working groups with Russian counterparts to structure defence engagement during the visit. 

On the diplomatic front, Indian Ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar played a crucial role, participating in preparatory talks with Putin, Security Council Secretary Shoigu, and Presidential Aide Ushakov in Moscow. Back home, Joint Secretary MEA Mayank Singh coordinated multilateral diplomatic dimensions and participated in special briefings.

This cohesive team—spanning security, defence, and diplomatic domains—reflected the whole-of-government approach essential for hosting a leader of Putin’s stature. Their coordination demonstrated how institutional expertise and diplomatic experience successfully navigate complex geopolitical terrain while strengthening India-Russia strategic partnership. But, as experts said, the key person was PM Modi who, for the last few months, himself kept close eyes at each and every preparation.

Due to a severe operational crisis, it is learnt that Pieter Elbers, CEO, IndiGo may resign from his post. The Govt has also taken a very serious view and asked the airline to give a detailed report about the chaos. A probe has already been ordered against the airline.

Grapevine has it that Bhushan Gagarani  is being appointed new Chairman of the Maharashtra Electricity Regularity Commission in a couple of months. He is 1990 batch IAS officer.

An exclusive WhatsApp group formed by senior IAS officers in a Southern state has brought political and bureaucratic storm. What made the matter curious is that all the heavyweights of key departments, including those from the CM Secretariat are members of the group. The senior officers, who have been excluded from the closed-door group alleged that the members are also discussing internal subjects of the governance. The matter has reached to the Chief Minister.

Vibhore R Goyal has been posted as Deputy Director in Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIUIND), Department of Revenue on deputation basis for a period of four years. He is a 2016 batch IRS (C&IT) officer.

Arvind Kumar, General Manager, OICL, has been selected for the post of Director (Finance), National Fertilizers Limited (NFL) at a Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) meeting held on December 6, 2025. As many as five persons were interviewed for the same.

The WAPCOS has decided to close offices at Chandigarh and Panchkula by December 31, 2025. The Chief Executive Director (E&CM) and Senior Executive Director (InfsII) have been asked to initiate the process and submit the plan for the completion of remaining projects/works from Headquarters to the competent authority.

The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) is holding interviews for the post of Director (Corporate Planning, Project & Business Development), Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) on December 10, 2025.

The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) is holding interviews for the post of Managing Director, Managing Director, Bengal Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Limited on December 11, 2025.

The Ministry of Ayush will be selecting a candidate for the post of Managing Director, Indian Medicine Pharmaceuticals Corporation Limited (IMPCL), Mohan, Almora, Uttarakhand through Search-cum-Selection Committee (SCSC).

Services of Vikas Gupta, Commissioner and Secretary, Haryana, Urban Local Bodies Department and Member Secretary. Kurukshetra Development Board, have been placed at the disposal of Government of India following his appointment as Commissioner, KVS (Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan). He is a 2001 batch IAS officer of Haryana cadre.

In a significant step toward strengthening NHAI’s asset monetization program, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has granted in-principle approval of registration to ‘Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust’ (RIIT) as an Infrastructure Investment Trust under the SEBI (Infrastructure Investment Trusts) Regulations, 2014. The InvIT aims to unlock the monetization potential of the National Highway assets while creating a high-quality, long-term investment instrument primarily targeting retail and domestic investors.

RM Bhadang, who is presently serving as Director (Finance), Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL), has been granted an extension of tenure from January 28, 2026 until his superannuation on May 31,  2026.

Alok Sahay, who is presently serving as Principal Chief Electrical Engineer (PCEE), East Coast Railway (ECoR), has been selected for deputation to Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) as Director (Operation & Maintenance) [Director (O&M)] for a period up to his superannuation on July 31, 2028. He is an Indian Railway Service of Electrical Engineers (IRSEE) officer.

Cadre of Ms Kashish Bakshi has been transferred from Odisha to Bihar on grounds of her marriage to IAS Virupaksh Vikram Singh. She is a 2024 batch IAS officer.

 Broader context from ongoing trends indicates 8 IAS officers in Haryana are slated for retirement throughout 2025, potentially accelerating promotions for Haryana Civil Service (HCS) officers (27 approved). This could influence Uttarakhand and Punjab due to inter-cadre mobility.

 Following a meeting between Assam Chief Secretary and LBSNAA Director Sriram Taranikanti, IAS, there are predictions of reviving the “North East Darshan” program for AGMUT and NE cadre trainees by early 2026. This could lead to short-term deputations (3-6 months) for 50+ IAS/IPS/IFoS officers to enhance field exposure in states like Nagaland and Sikkim. Whispers highlight focus on responsive governance amid border sensitivities with China/Myanmar.

 Predictions of increased IPS deputations to border areas (e.g., Arunachal-Nagaland) due to China claims.

Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) has advertised the post of Deputy General Manager (Civil Safety) for Surat project. Applications must reach latest by December 11, 2025.

Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) has advertised the post of Asst. Manager (Operations). Applications must reach latest by December 11, 2025.

Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) is seeking Additional General Manager, Joint General Manager, Senior Deputy General Manager and Deputy General Manager-Civil for Indore on deputation basis. Details can be availed from the ministry’s website.

World Bank is seeking WBG Director, Digital Access for Washington DC, United States. Applications must reach latest by December 17, 2026.

Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has invited applications for the filling up of two posts of Joint Director (Extension) and Joint Director (Farm Information), on deputation basis. Details can be availed from the ministry’s website.

World Bank is seeking Principal Communications Officer, LAC Region for Bogota, Colombia. Applications must reach latest by December 19, 2026.

World Bank is seeking HR Analyst for Washington, DC, United States. Applications must reach latest by December 19, 2026.

The Regional Conference on Environment – 2025, organized by the National Green Tribunal, Southern Zone Bench, Chennai, in collaboration with the Southern State Pollution Control Boards and Committees, was held on December 6, 2025 at Kalaivanar Arangam, Chennai. The event was conducted under the leadership of Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson, NGT, with the guidance of Mrs. Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana, Judicial Member, NGT, Southern Zone Bench. The Conference was formally inaugurated by Justice M M Sundresh, Judge, Supreme Court of India. The inaugural session commenced with Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana extending a warm welcome to the dignitaries and participants. In his address, Justice Prakash Shrivastava emphasized that environmental protection is not merely a constitutional mandate under Articles 21, 48(A), and 51(A)(g), but also a shared moral responsibility. He highlighted that the NGT’s initiatives extend beyond adjudication to creating awareness and guiding institutions toward sustainable environmental practices. Guest of Honour P S Raman, Advocate General of Tamil Nadu, stressed the need for strengthening environmental governance, quoting Hubert Reeves on human insanity and underscoring sustainable development. Thangam Thennarasu, Minister, Government of Tamil Nadu, spoke about the State’s evidence-based environmental journey, noting Tamil Nadu’s unique geographical identity and cultural ethos, and reaffirmed that environmental protection is deeply rooted in its tradition, ecological wisdom, and developmental priorities. Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava, Chief Justice of the High Court of Madras and Guest of Honour, expressed concern over the alarming global decline in wildlife populations, referencing a WWF report indicating an almost 69% decrease in populations of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians. He emphasized the need for preventive measures to safeguard humanity itself from becoming endangered, instead of relying only on judicial remedies. Special Guest Justice Aravind Kumar, Judge, Supreme Court of India, highlighted the gap between “law on paper and life on the ground” and proposed the idea of “cooperative ecological federalism” among the southern states, suggesting that the conference could mark the beginning of a “Southern Environmental Compact.” Justice M M Sundresh, in his address, stressed the significance of traditional wisdom and shared personal experiences concerning communities affected by dyeing industry pollution, stating that “when the environment is impacted, the world gets affected.” He also emphasized the urgent need to protect coastal zones.

Ms Sumathi Ravichandran has been promoted to the Higher Administrative Grade-Plus (HAG+) of Indian Postal Service with effect from May 3, 2021. Ms Ravichandran, who belongs to a 1987 batch, has been accorded promotion after retirement. 

Two officers of State Civil Service (SCS) of Sikkim: Sarika Pradhan and Norzing Tsering Shenga have been promoted to IAS for the Select List of 2024 and allocated Sikkim cadre.

Two IAS officers of 2001 batch in Bihar: Mayank Warwade and Rajesh Kumar have been promoted to Higher Administrative Grade (HAG) w e f January 1, 2026.

Senior Accounts Officer Chander Prakash has been posted in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Delhi, after returning from Deputation.

Aravind Kumar Agrawal, Director in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has been given premature repatriation to his parent cadre. He is a 1997 batch CWES officer.

Dheeraj Sinha is tipped for CEO of McCann Worldgroup India (Interpublic Group MNC, USA-based), marking a leadership upgrade in advertising with global Europe/UK implications.

Inc42 highlighted startup ecosystem shifts, including new labour codes adding ₹1,500 crore annual costs for MNCs like Zomato/Swiggy (with USA investors). No direct new joinings, but Junglee Games (gaming startup) laid off 350 amid Flutter Entertainment’s (UK/Ireland MNC) India reset—speculating talent upgradation to AI-focused roles.

Tosh Kumar Jain has been re-appointed as Managing Director of Desh Rakshak Aushdhalaya Limited.

Rahilahmed Jafarbhai Shaikh has been appointed as Managing Director of Panth Infinity Limited.

Prateek Bhansali has been appointed as Additional Director (Non-Executive Independent) of AAA Technologies Limited.

Ms Jyoti Torani has been appointed as Additional Director (Independent) of AAA Technologies Limited.

Mrs Rashmi H. Urdhwareshe has been re-appointed as Independent Director of Bimetal Bearings Limited for her second term, effective January 9, 2025.

Rakesh Agrawal has been appointed as Additional Director (Non-Executive Independent) of Lexoraa Industries Limited.

Ms Preeti Vijayvargia has been appointed as Additional Director (Non-Executive Independent) of Lexoraa Industries Limited.

Mrs Vandana Bhagavatula has resigned from the position of Non-Executive Woman Independent Director of Shakti Pumps India Limited.

Nabankur Sen has resigned from the position of Non-Executive Independent Director of AAA Technologies Limited.

Rajesh Chandra Verma has resigned from the position of Non-Executive Independent Director of AAA Technologies Limited.

Fostering indigenization

The present administration at the MoD has done a good job at fostering indigenization, but there is still the problem of integration. The DRDO-developed AIP is yet to be equipped on the Kalvari-class submarines despite being tested, while Pakistan is set to induct 8 AIP-equipped submarines by the end of this decade.

Kishore Anandan

Compulsory physical training for Police Personnel

Police personnel compulsory physical training and pot belly personnel should be placed on compulsory leave without pay until they reduce big bellies. All Police personnel should be physically fit and carry weapons at all times

Srinivasan

Is it mandatory to have SEBI registered license for teaching about stock market?

The Appellant filed an application seeking information whether it is mandatory to have SEBI Registered License with person or company who teaching about stock market and whether SEBI takes Complaint against stock market educator person or company who is Non Registered with SEBI. The PIO replied that it cannot be construed as "information", as defined u/s 2(f) of the RTI Act as it is in the nature of seeking clarification. The CIC observed that outstretching the interpretation of Section 2(f) of the RTI Act to include deductions and inferences to be drawn by the CPIO is unwarranted and upheld that reply provided by the PIO.

Comments

Under Section 6 of the RTI Act, an applicant is entitled to get only such information which can be accessed by the public authority under any other law for the time being in force. A public authority is not required to furnish information which require drawing of inferences and/or making of assumptions. It is also not required to provide `advice' or `opinion' to an applicant, nor required to obtain and furnish any `opinion' or `advice' to an applicant. The reference to `opinion' or `advice' in the definition of `information' in section 2(f) of the Act, only refers to such material available in the records of the public authority. Further, many public authorities provide advice, guidance and opinion to the citizens as a public relation exercise. But the same is purely voluntary and should not be confused with any obligation under the RTI Act.

Citation: Akshay Vasani v. Securities And Exchange Board of India, Second Appeal No. CIC/SEBIH/A/2024/644498; Date of Decision: 31.10.2025

Dr Anuradha Verma (dranuradhaverma@yahoo.co.in) is a RTI Consultant currently working with IIM Vishakhapatnam. She has co-authored the books PIO’s Guide to RTI and Right to Information – Law and Practice. Her weekly article is being published since 2008 on this site. She offers consultancy on RTI matters and third party audit to individuals / organisations. Her other articles can be read at the website of RTI Foundation at the link https://www.rtifoundationofindia.com

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