Tickets distributed by RJD but were then taken back?

RJD’s ticket distribution for the 2025 Bihar Assembly election sparked a major controversy after party chief Lalu Prasad Yadav distributed tickets and party symbols to several candidates from his Patna residence, only to abruptly recall them later that night. The dramatic reversal occurred just hours after his son, Tejashwi Yadav, returned from Delhi and flagged concerns over the hasty distribution. Tejashwi reportedly told Lalu that issuing tickets publicly, before seat-sharing agreements within the INDIA bloc were finalized, could create friction among alliance partners and undermine coalition discipline.

The episode unfolded amid highly visible confusion, with crowds of hopefuls gathering outside Rabri Devi’s bungalow—some emerging briefly as apparent nominees before receiving phone calls telling them to return their party symbols due to “technical issues”. This turbulence was compounded by mounting legal pressures on the Yadav family, with criminal charges in the IRCTC land-for-hotels scam being framed against Lalu, Rabri Devi, and Tejashwi Yadav just days before the poll campaign intensified. The ticket reversal reflects both internal coordination challenges in the RJD and the wider impact of ongoing court cases on the party’s election strategy
 
SIR likely to roll out in phases

The Election Commission is likely to roll out pan-India Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voters' list in phases beginning with a group of states, including those where assembly polls are due next year, officials said. The ECI may announce the SIR schedule after the Bihar assembly polls are over. The primary aim of the SIR is to weed out foreign illegal migrants by checking their place of birth.

IAS Kunal Yadav is a 2021 Batch officer of AGMUT cadre and is currently posted as Deputy Commissioner of  Longding District, Arunachal Pradesh. Known for his innovative and community driven approach, Yadav has launched a transformative initiative ‘Tribal Udaan’ a multi-purpose sports hub and recreational park designed to reshape district's social and developmental landscape.

Recognizing the district challenges of  insurgency, drug abuse, gender gaps, and lack of community infrastructure, Tribal Udaan seeks to transform this narrative by channeling the energy of its youth into positive and constructive pursuits. “Longding’s greatest strength is its youth. By channelling their energy into sports and community spaces, we are building resilience, unity, and hope for a brighter tomorrow.” He shared The initiative creates an inclusive public space that welcomes children, women, elderly fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose. It goes beyond infrastructure and has positively contributed in community participation, encouraging women-led sports teams and cross-border social harmony.

Under Yadav’s leadership, the project was completed in just 112 days through efficient interdepartmental coordination using low-cost, eco-friendly, and climate appropriate development methods.

To ensure long term sustainability, Tribal Udaan follows a user-pay model offering facilities at nominal charges. Within just four months,it generated ₹2.5 lakh reducing dependence on government funds. The governance model is managed by a registered society chaired by the ADC of Kanubari, with active participation from local youth and clearly defined by-laws to ensure transparency and accountability.

Additionally the initiative designed with scalability in mind. It serves as a replicable model leveraging local resources, repurposing existing land and adaptive infrastructure.Future plans include expanding amenities like a cafe, sports shop, integrating school, youth programs and replicating the model across other circles of the district.

IAS Kunal Yadav’s initiative Tribal Udaan stands as a testament of how strategic public investment, inclusive design and community participation can come together to uplift communities and inspire lasting change.

In case Pankaj Joshi is denied extension Manoj Kumar Das is  expected to be new Chief Secretary of Gujarat. He is 1990 batch IAS officer.

Predictions indicate rising NPAs in PSBs from populist schemes like PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, with 70-80% of ~6 lakh loans (totaling ₹10,900 crore) already turning non-performing. Bankers whisper of “political ATMs” where PSBs bear recovery risks, potentially leading to stricter lending norms or government recapitalisation by Q1 2026.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent remarks about the threat posed by illegal immigration from Pakistan and Bangladesh have triggered a series of urgent high-level briefings at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), with an explicit focus on demographic instability. The ministry is assembling top scholars and senior bureaucrats, many of whom are frequently cited in policy circles for their expertise in demographic analysis and security management, to assess the scale and nuances of the issue. There is growing evidence that the Home Minister is personally involved, engaging directly with officials to formulate potential legislative solutions rooted in “detect, delete, and deport” principles, aiming to prevent illegal immigrants from influencing voter rolls and social structures. The conversations now center on establishing a legal and administrative framework to systematically undo the demographic harms, with recommendations ranging from stricter verification of identities to targeted regional interventions in border states suffering high infiltration rates. The government is expected to officially announce the composition and mandate of a high-level law-making committee soon, marking a significant step in recalibrating India’s demographic security approach.

Informal predictions suggest the new PSB WTD guidelines could trigger a “talent reshuffle” by December 2025, with private sector executives eyeing SBI roles for prestige, though unions whisper resistance over “diluting public ethos.”

Rajeev Khillan, CGM, NALCO & In-charge MECON Bengaluru, has been selected for the post of Director (Projects), MECON Limited at a Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) meeting held on October 14, 2025. As many as 10 persons were interviewed for the same.

Raj Kumar Arora, Special CGDA, has been appointed as Financial Advisor, Defence Services in the Ministry of Defence. He is a 1990 batch IDAS officer.

Under Operation Rainbow (ongoing October 2025), DRI seized narcotics worth ₹40 crore in Delhi. S-CORD integrates AI for predictive intel.

A 120-member Indian Army contingent from the Gorkha Rifles departed for Australia on October 11, 2025, for Exercise AUSINDEX until October 26. This bilateral drill focuses on amphibious operations and humanitarian aid, with whispers of expanded scope to include AI-driven simulations in future iterations.

Notification for 32,438 Level-1 posts (Group D) released, targeting track maintenance, station staff, and helpers. Online registration: January 23 to March 1, 2026.

IAF flying instructors are being deployed as trainers to the Royal Air Force (RAF), marking a first for cross-training exchanges. This involves senior squadron leaders and wing commanders, enhancing global interoperability.

The Navy is upgrading engines via a $334 million deal, potentially leading to new postings for engineering admirals.

Awadhesh Kumar has been promoted to HAG+ on regular basis and has been posted as Addl CHCA at the HQ New Delhi. He is an IP&TFAS officer.

The DoT has transferred three ITS officers. Accordingly, Manoj Kumar Pandey has been posted at the HQ as Director while Tushar Rastogi and Dhrupad Gupta will join the Digital Bharat Nidhi.

Heera Lal, a 2015 batch IRS(C&IT) officer, will join as Deputy Secretary in the Department of Higher Education, under the Central Staffing Scheme on deputation basis for a period of four years.

The Haryana police bureaucracy has been deeply shaken by a series of high-profile incidents exposing alleged corruption, harassment, and abuse of power within its ranks, culminating in the suicide of senior IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar. His death sent shockwaves through police and administrative circles, as Kumar left behind a note accusing top officers of caste-based discrimination, public humiliation, and systematic harassment. The controversy has further escalated after another police officer, ASI Sandeep Kumar, also died by suicide, leaving behind a video and note that leveled serious allegations of corruption against the late IPS officer Kumar himself.

These developments have created an unprecedented atmosphere of distrust and anxiety within the Haryana Police. The suicide cases are seen as symptomatic of deeper institutional malaise—where personal vendettas, workplace pressure, and alleged abuse of anti-corruption statutes have triggered public and bureaucratic outcry. Kumar’s family, including his IAS officer wife, has accused senior police officials such as DGP Shatrujeet Kapur and Rohtak SP Narendra Bijarniya of mental harassment and conspiracy, demanding criminal proceedings and refusing last rites until arrests are made. Under mounting political and public pressure—including calls from opposition leaders and social justice activists—the Haryana government has sent DGP Kapur on leave, transferred senior officers, and faces growing demands for judicial probes and strict action to signal a commitment to clean governance.

In summary, the Haryana police system is under intense scrutiny, rocked by allegations from both within and outside the force. The response from the state government and political establishment will be critical in addressing the crisis and restoring faith in police governance.

Analysts predict the Navy’s fleet will reach 230 combatants by 2037, with a $15-20 billion Su-57E deal for Pakistan sparking whispers of accelerated Rafale-M inductions (26 aircraft by 2030). A NOTAM for a missile test in the Bay of Bengal (October 15-17, 2025) fuels speculation of hypersonic trials.

Days after an officer of Central Secretariat Service (CSS) attempted suicide alleging workplace harassment by senior officers in Social Justice Ministry, the CSS officers staged a protest at Shastri Bhawan demanding action and FIR against the officers involved in the same.

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is seeking to fill existing/ anticipated vacancies. Details for four posts of Assistant Registrar can be availed from https://nhrc.nic.in.

Applications for Consultant-Public Health Programme Analyst (NHM-I) for Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoH&FW) on contractual basis have been advertised. Applications must reach latest by October 28, 2025.

Post of Director (Commercial), Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) fell vacant on July 1, 2025. Applications must reach latest by November 12, 2025.

Applications for post of Member (Traffic & Logistics), Inland waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Noida (lWAl) on deputation have been invited by Ministry of Ports, Shipping, Waterways. Applications must reach latest by November 11, 2025.

Post of Assistant Director (Official Language), in the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), Dhanbad in the Ministry of Labour & Employment has been advertised. Details can be availed from https://labour.gov.in. Applications must reach latest by December 4, 2025.

National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRC) is seeking applications from All India Railway Services except IRPF and IRHS for the post of Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO), New Delhi on deputation basis. Applications can be emailed to usd@rb.railnet.gov.in.

World Bank has advertised the post of Senior Financial Assistant-Data Analyst in Banking Relations and Cash Management for Sofia, Bulgaria. Applications must reach latest by October 31, 2025.

Shailendra Kumar, who is presently posted in Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), has been transferred to Southern Railway (SR) and posted in the cadre. He is an Indian Railway Service of Signal Engineers (IRSEE) officer.

Ms Justice J Nisha Banu, Judge of the Madras High Court, has been transferred as Judge of the Kerala High Court.

Justice Subhendu Samanta, Judge of the Calcutta High Court, has been transferred as Judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court.

Justice Sanjay Kumar Singh, Judge of the Allahabad High Court, has been transferred as Judge of the Patna High Court.

Justice Sandeep Natvarlal Bhatt, Judge of the Gujarat High Court, has been transferred as Judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court.

Justice Donadi Ramesh, Judge of the Allahabad High Court, has been transferred as Judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court.

Justice Dinesh Mehta, Judge of the Rajasthan High Court, has been transferred as Judge of the Delhi High Court.

Justice Cheekati Manavendranath Roy, Judge of the Gujarat High Court, has been transferred as Judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court.

Ms. Justice Chandrasekharan Sudha, Judge of the Kerala High Court, has been transferred as Judge of the Delhi High Court.

Justice Arun Monga, Judge of the Delhi High Court, has been transferred as Judge of the Rajasthan High Court.

Ms Justice Tara Vitasta Ganju, Judge of the Delhi High Court, has been transferred as Judge of the Karnataka High Court.

Justice Avneesh Jhingan, Judge of the Rajasthan High Court, has been transferred as Judge of the Delhi High Court.

Five IAS officers have been given new assignments in Karnataka. Nitesh Patil has been posted as Regional Commissioner, Mysuru Division, relieving Venkat Raja of the concurrent charge, while Randeep D was assigned the charge of Secretary, Social Welfare Department, relieving Major Manivannan P from concurrent charge. Similarly, M S Diwakar takes over as Director, Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre, with additional charge of Director, Atal Jan Snehi Kendra, Bengaluru; Ramachandra R is appointed as Executive Director, Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust, Bengaluru and Dr Satish B C is now Director, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Department of Commerce and Industry.

Cadre of Sumit Kumar Pandey has been transferred from Tripura to Madhya Pradesh on grounds of marriage to IPS Ms Mini Shukla. He is a 2021 batch IAS officer.

Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL), a Miniratna Schedule ‘A’ PSU under the Department of Telecommunications, has received the HR Excellence Award at the Fortune Leadership Awards 2025, held on October 11 at Radisson Blu Plaza, Delhi. The award honors TCIL’s exemplary HR practices, employee development, innovation, and inclusivity. The award was presented by Dr. Dinesh Upadhyay, Former Member, Ministry of AYUSH, and M S Nethrapal, IRS, & accepted by Shri P. Suresh Babu, CGM (HR), in the presence of distinguished leaders from across sectors. From 2021 to 2025, TCIL implemented wide-ranging HR reforms to build a future-ready, empowered workforce, aligned with Mission Karmayogi. Key initiatives included a comprehensive HR policy, function-wise restructuring for accountability, merit-based promotions, timely DPCs, a performance-linked management system, reward mechanisms, and digitization through E-Office and ERP. TCIL emphasized skill-building, with 58 executives earning global certifications in cybersecurity, networking, and auditing, enhancing delivery on high-value projects. These efforts have strengthened organizational performance and business growth. By fostering inclusivity, transparency, and innovation, TCIL has created a people-first culture that supports national priorities like Digital India, Smart Cities, and BharatNet. Its HR strategy—integrating policy, technology, and talent—positions TCIL as a PSU role model advancing India’s digital transformation. Sanjeev Kumar, Chairman & Managing Director, TCIL, stated, "This HR Excellence Award is a proud milestone reflecting our team's dedication. At TCIL, we nurture an innovative, inclusive workforce aligned with Digital India. It strengthens our drive for sustainable growth and a connected nation."

Subsequent to reconsideration sought by the Government, the Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the transfer of Justice Atul Sreedharan, Judge, Madhya Pradesh High Court, to the Allahabad High Court instead of the Chhattisgarh High Court.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested an Executive Director and Regional Officer, National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), Regional Office, Guwahati while accepting a bribe of Rs. 10 lakh from a private person.

Sangram Kumar Mishra, DGM, Engineers India Limited, has recently taken over the charge as Chairman & Managing Director, Hindustan Organic Chemicals Limited (HOCL).

Two IAS officers in Rajasthan have been given additional charge. Mrs Shuchi Tyagi, Secretary, Transport, gets additional charge of Secretary, Personnel, while Dr Samit Sharma, Secretary, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Gopalan, will concurrently hold charge of Secretary, Devasthanam. 

Ms Aparajita Mridha has been posted as ADG (DAC-2), Postal Directorate. She is a 2018 batch officer of the Indian Postal Service (IPoS).

Sagar Appasaheb Mudhole, Chief General Manager Chief General Manager (F) Marketing Head Office Mumbai, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, has been selected for the post of Director (Finance), Munitions India Limited at a Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) meeting held on October 15, 2025. As many as 10 persons were interviewed for the same.

NPCI announced three UPI updates effective October 22, 2025: Enhanced fraud alerts, faster refunds, and biometric authentication for PSB apps. Trending for fintech integration, benefiting PSB digital transactions (projected 50% volume growth).

Manish Aggarwal has been appointed as Additional Director (Non-Executive & Non-Independent) of Unifinz Capital India Limited.

Mrs. Ritu Sharma has been appointed as Additional Woman Director (Non-Executive & Non-Independent) of Unifinz Capital India Limited.

Shubh Charn Bansal has been appointed as Additional (Non-Executive Independent) of Unifinz Capital India Limited.

Dr. Ganesh Natarajan has been appointed as Independent Director of Cyient DLM Limited.

Ms. Sheetal Rajmal Luniya has been appointed as Additional Independent Woman Director of Seven Hill Industries Limited.

Vrushab Hiralal Singhvi has been appointed as Additional Non-Executive Non-Independent Director of Seven Hill Industries Limited.

Atul Gupta has been appointed as Additional Independent Non-Executive Director of Seven Hill Industries Limited.

R. Sarathkumar has been re-designated from Whole-Time Director to Non-Executive Director of Radaan Mediaworks India Limited.

Ms. Vishaka Beriwala has resigned from the post of Non-Executive Non-Independent Director of Vipul Limited.

You’re Great Fun dear DT

After several weeks of delivering trade shock after tariff bombardments, you have shown your Great sense of humour signing a WH photo with prime minister Narendra Modi in unctuous compliment “Mr Prime Minister you are great…”. Only you are capable of wrapping frighteningly serious matters in humour. I’m so amused to find another jewel from you in “highly respected President Xi ….”.Your critics might highlight your message in these words: “…he doesn’t want depression for his country, and neither do I. The US wants to help China, not hurt it!!! Critics of the Great are ever prompt to smear Great achievements, like the one you have done out of sheer jealousy, in bringing peace between Israel and Hamas! In the past too I had come across such infectious humour offering aid for reconstruction of a devastated country after carpet bombing for years. You’re always right, only if they tried to understand! Take the Nobel Prize for Peace as an example. Everyone seemed to think you have gone mad begging for a Nobel. You proved them so out of tune with your great Sense of Humour. I never thought even for a moment that you won’t know such a simple piece of wisdom. I knew you were exposing earlier recipients such as Barack Hussein Obama and Malala Yousafzai, who contributed nothing like what you have done for peace by enforcing the Gaza Peace Plan. Osama’s whereabouts were known to the American establishment for several years but still they spent several billions of the American tax payers’ money in hunting for him (was it 80:20 between A & P agents?). You don’t need no Noble as you are already known as the Great POTUS of MAGA. You knew it for certain that India did not stop firing because of your mediation, but who can deny that Pakistan indeed obeyed you and surrendered to India because you severely reprimanded them for the terrorist attack on innocent tourists in Pahalgam without your prior approval and humiliated them worse than Zelensky. As an act of atonement for being incalcitrant, they recommended you for the award of Nobel For Peace to get pardon from you, which you granted being Great, but not without wrapping it in humour: a first in world military history, you made a defeated Army Chief a Field Marshal of Pakistan! One thing I know, if the Gaza Peace really gets established you will be remembered as a Great POTUS when nobody will even care to find if you were keen on that piece of gold!

M L Gupta

Copy of statement recorded by the Police

The Appellant contended during telephonic hearing before CIC that he had sought the statements dated 13.09.2023 collected by the Delhi Police, but the same had been denied to him by the Police authorities under the pretext that it had been submitted before the Court. But the statements were not available even in the Court records. The Respondent agreed to search the said statements in their records and make the same available for the Appellant. The CIC directed the PIO, O/o ACP Kalyanpuri to grant inspection of the relevant records pertaining to the queries raised by the Appellant, specifically the statements recorded by the Delhi Police on 13.09.2023, on a mutually convenient date and time. The CIC directed that copies of documents identified by the Appellant shall be provided to him upon payment of fees as stipulated under the Act. The Respondent were given the liberty to deny records containing any information which is expressly barred under Section 8 or 9 of the RTI Act and also apply provisions of Section 10 of the RTI Act to redact any third party information if deemed necessary while disclosing the records as sought by the Appellant.

Comments

While replying to an application, the veracity of facts must be verified by the PIO. A vigilant PIO would have exercised due caution before informing the RTI applicant that the documents have been submitted to the Court which was subsequently found to be factually incorrect, saving an embarassment.

Citation: Shri Vikrant v. Delhi Police, Second Appeal No.  CIC/DEPOL/A/2024/643049; Date of Decision: 21.08.2025

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