Dilemma of 75 : Shall PM Modi Step Down?

Every era in politics raises a question larger than any leader: when is the right time to step aside for a political leader? Prime Minister Narendra Modi,who has spent over two decades in top leadership and more than a decade as India’s Prime Minister, is now nearing the age of 75.This moment carries added weight as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological parent of the BJP has long held an informal rule that leaders should retire from active politics at this age,a principle that has seen senior figures step aside in the past.

Now the question that lingers in the minds of every Indian, be it political enthusiasts or not is whether this milestone will mark the end of Modi's active role or will he continue to serve the nation further. 

What the People Say 

A survey conducted by Whispers in the Corridors asked people a simple yet powerful question to capture public opinion: “Shall PM Modi step down after 75?”.In first part of the survey respondents were asked a yes or no, and in second part to further explain their reasoning. 

To find out more, read  full story in the September issue of Whispers in the Corridors about Indian’s opinion and the larger debate about age, leadership, and the future of Indian politics.

Prime Minister to Visit Manipur soon

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Manipur in the second week of this month. He may also go to Mizoram.

Pakistan’s treatment of ADB isn’t different than IMF

Next-gen taxation reforms are set to go beyond mere slab rationalisation, aiming at structural changes that simplify GST and improve compliance. The upcoming GST Council meeting is expected to discuss a two-rate structure and related measures that indicate a broader reform trajectory rather than a narrow rate tweak . Sources indicate this GST round could catalyse long-horizon tax changes focused on ease of doing business and clarity in classifications . The reform push is framed around three pillars: structural fixes, rate rationalisation, and ease of living, signalling a comprehensive policy reset . Analysts and officials suggest these moves are designed to spur domestic consumption, with simplified taxes expected to lift spending momentum. soverall, the GST meet could act as a trigger for durable tax reforms aimed at boosting demand and supporting growth beyond immediate rate cuts.

Nagma Mohamed Mallick is likely to succeed Sibi George as Indian Ambassador to Japan. She is a 1991 batch IFS officer.

FSIB had recommended the appointment of Asheesh Pandey as the MD & CEO of Union Bank of India (UBI) in June. His appointment has so far not been cleared. Any reason.

The FSIB is expected to hold interviews for the post of MD and CEO of the Canara Bank in a couple of weeks.

Sanjay Kumar Singh, Director (Projects), NHPC, has taken over an additional charge of Chairman & Managing Director, NHPC Limited.

Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary Culture, will continue holding an additional charge of Secretary, Ministry of Tourism upto September 7, 2025. He is a 1994 batch IAS officer of MP cadre.

Vedant Kanwar has been appointed as Superintendent of Police in Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a period of three years. He is a 2016 batch IRS-IT officer.

Kavinder Singh Negi has been appointed as Superintendent of Police in Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a period of four years. He is a 2015 batch IRS-IT officer.

Big moves against infiltration are predicted by the winter parliamentary session, following PM Modi’s Red Fort address on demographic changes. Top Ministry of Home Affairs bureaucrats are involved, with potential legislation mobilising border states like Punjab, Haryana, and Jammu and Kashmir. This could lead to IPS upgrades in security roles. In the northeast (with spillover to northern borders), intel foiled an ISI-backed plot, fuelling predictions of heightened vigilance and officer redeployments.

Three vacancies of Director (Strategy & Corporate Affairs), Director (Finance) and Director (Production) are arising in Oil & Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) in 2026.

Speculations are rife that Indian security sources have expressed concerns about China potentially supplying hypersonic weapons to Pakistan by mid-2026. However, the deal has not been officially confirmed.

Dr Deepak Mittal has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the United Arab Emirates. He is a 1998 batch IFS officer.

Dr Jaideep Kumar Mishra has been posted as Principal Chief Controller of Accounts (Pr. CCA), CBDT, New Delhi with additional charge of Pr. CCA, MHA, New Delhi. He is a 1993 batch ICAS officer.

Rajesh Kumar has been posted as Principal Chief Controller of Accounts (Pr. CCA), CBIC, New Delhi. He is a 1994 batch ICAS officer.

Dr Ajay Shanker Singh has been posted as Chief Controller of Accounts (CCA), Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi. He will take charge as Principal Chief Controller of Accounts (Pr. CCA), MHA, on his promotion to HAG. He is a 1994 batch ICAS officer.

Deputation tenure of G Hukugha Sema will continue with the State Government of Nagaland for a period up to September 17, 2026. He is a 2004 batch IRS (IT) officer.

Inter cadre transfer of Nivranshu Hans, from Nagaland to Assam Meghalaya cadre, has been approved on the grounds of his marriage with IAS Mrs Shivani Jerngal. He is a 2021 batch IPS officer.

Rishikesh Pandey has been appointed as JCIT (OSD) in the office of Pr.CCIT, Bihar & Jharkhand, Patna region. He is an IRS-IT officer.

The Ran Samvad 2025 extensively discussed lessons from Operation Sindoor, a tri-service operation in May 2025 targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) following the Pahalgam terror attack (April 22, 2025). Key points included:

•  Air Power as Primary Option: CDS General Anil Chauhan and Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh highlighted air power’s shift from a supporting role to India’s primary kinetic option, demonstrated by precision strikes within a 23-minute window.

•  BVR and Stand-Off Capabilities: Operation Sindoor showcased India’s use of BrahMos, SCALP, Rampage, and Crystal Maze missiles, achieving strikes at 250–450 km ranges and neutralizing Chinese HQ-9 air defence systems. The integration of Russia’s R-37M hypersonic missile and indigenous Astra missile (with RF seeker) was noted as a game-changer.

• Drone Warfare: Over 1,000 drones, including Israeli Harop, Harpy, and indigenous Nagastra-1, were used, marking South Asia’s first formal drone war. The Bhargavastra counter-drone system was tested successfully to counter swarm attacks.

The Ministry of Defence identified 15 geostrategic rail lines near China, Pakistan, and Nepal borders for rapid troop deployment. As of now, four lines are under construction, with DPRs prepared for three others, though progress on seven lines remains stalled.

The Karnataka government announced plans to initiate recruitment for approximately 2.76 lakh vacancies across 40 departments to implement internal quotas for Scheduled Castes, potentially drawing from SC/ST/SP funds to cover costs for new recruits and postings. This move is part of broader administrative adjustments to fill positions in various state services, including potential IAS and IPS roles.

There are ongoing discussions about pending retirement benefits like gratuity and leave encashment for state employees, with whispers of around ₹20,000 crore still due, potentially affecting morale and future IAS/IPS postings in administrative roles.

The Telangana government abolished all Transport Department check posts, shifting to online permits and tax payments via the VAHAN system. Staff were redeployed for enhanced tax and safety enforcement, with new mobile squads, ANPR cameras, and e-enforcement measures introduced to monitor violations.

DFCCI is developing 3,300 km of freight corridors, with 1,724 km commissioned already. These corridors will transition into high-speed rail routes in the future.

As many as 62 Scientists/Engineers/Professors have been promoted from the grade of Scientist ‘SG’/’Professor’ to the grade of Scientist ‘G’/’Sr Professor’.

As many as 20 Scientists/Engineers/Professors have been promoted from the grade of Scientist ‘G’ & ‘G/H’ to the grade of ‘Outstanding Scientist’/’Outstanding Professor’.

Three Scientists have been promoted from the grade of ‘Outstanding Scientist’ to the grade of ‘Distinguished Scientist’.

Dr Ravindra H Dholakia, Director, Central Board of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been reappointed on the Board of Directors of National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) w.e.f. October 6, 2025 for a period of three years or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

World Bank has invited applications for the post of Chief/ Principal Investment Officer, Tokyo, Japan. Applications must reach latest by September 5, 2025.

World Bank has invited applications for the post of Finance Analyst, Nairobi, Kenya. Applications must reach latest by September 16, 2025.

World Bank has invited applications for the post of ET Consultant, Chennai. Applications must reach latest by September 16, 2025.

National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) is seeking to fill two posts of Data Analyst on contractual basis. Applications must reach latest by September 27, 2025.
 

Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) the post of Manager (Law) for Delhi on deputation basis. Applications must reach latest by September 26, 2025.

Post of Senior Police Adviser (P-5) in UNFICYP has been advertised by Ministry of Home Affairs. Applications must reach latest by September 10, 2025.

Department of Consumer Affairs is seeking to engage Senior Young Professionals (YPs) for Publicity Department, New Delhi on contract basis. Applications must reach latest by September 6, 2025.

Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) is seeking to fill the posts of Deputy General Manager, Senior Manager and Manager-Finance posts for Corporate Office/ Kolkata on deputation basis. Details can be availed from website.

Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) has advertised the posts of Deputy Chief Electrical Engineer -TRD and operation for Belapur and Navi Mumbai on deputation basis. Applications must reach latest by September 25, 2025.

Last date to apply for the posts of Assistant Director in National Fire Service College, Ministry of Home Affairs and Lecturer in School Education Department, Administration of Union Territory of Ladakh, has been extended. The revised date is September 4, 2025.

Asthananda Pathak, who is presently serving in Modern Coach Factory (MCF), has been transferred to Indian Railways Institute of Transport Management (IRITM) and posted as Professor (Finance & Accounts). He is an Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS) officer.

Mukesh Karidhal, who is presently serving in Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW), has been transferred to Modern Coach Factory (MCF) and posted in the cadre. He is an Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers (IRSME) officer.

Shri Anil Kumar Singh, who is presently serving in Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW), has been transferred to East Central Railway (ECR) and posted in the cadre. He is an Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers (IRSME) officer.

Vivek Mishra, who is returning from deputation to National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), has been posted on South Central Railway (SCR) in the cadre. He is an Indian Railway Service of Electrical Engineers (IRSEE) officer.

IAS officers have been reshuffled in Karnataka. Rajendra Cholan P, Secretary to Deputy CM, is placed in concurrent charge of Commissioner, Bengaluru Central City Corporation, Greater Bengaluru Authority, Bengaluru, while Ramesh D S has been posted as Commissioner, Bengaluru East City Corporation, Greater Bengaluru Authority, Bengaluru and Pommala Sunil Kumar will take charge as Commissioner, Bengaluru North City Corporation, Greater Bengaluru Authority, Bengaluru. Similarly, Ramesh K N has been appointed as Commissioner, Bengaluru South City Corporation, Greater Bengaluru Authority, Bengaluru; Latha R as Additional Commissioner, Development, Bengaluru North City Corporation, Greater Bengaluru Authority, Bengaluru; Dr Rajendra K V as Commissioner, Bengaluru West City Corporation, Greater Bengaluru Authority, Bengaluru; Pandve Rahul Tukaram as Additional Commissioner, Development, Bengaluru South City Corporation, Greater Bengaluru Authority, Bengaluru; Lokhande Snehal Sudhakar as Additional Commissioner, Development, Bengaluru East City Corporation, Greater Bengaluru Authority, Bengaluru; Digvijay Bodke as Additional Commissioner, Development, Bengaluru West City Corporation, Greater Bengaluru Authority, Bengaluru and Rahul Sharanappa Sankanur has been appointed as Additional Commissioner, Development, Bengaluru Central City Corporation, Greater Bengaluru Authority, Bengaluru.

The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the names of fourteen Judicial Officers for appointment as Judges of the Allahabad High Court. They are: Dr. Ajay Kumar, Chawan Prakash, Divesh Chandra Samant, Prashant Mishra, Tarun Saxena, Rajeev Bharti, Padam Narain Mishra, Lakshmi Kant Shukla, Jai Prakash Tiwari, Devendra Singh, Sanjiv Kumar, Ms. Vani Ranjan Agrawal, Achal Sachdev, and Ms. Babita Rani.

The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the names of twelve Advocates for appointment as Judges of the Allahabad High Court. They are: Vivek Saran, Adnan Ahmad, Vivek Kumar Singh, Ms. Garima Prashad, Sudhanshu Chauhan, Abdhesh Kumar Chaudhary, Ms. Swarupama Chaturvedi, Jai Krishna Upadhyay, Siddharth Nandan, Kunal Ravi Singh, Indrajeet Shukla, and Satya Veer Singh. 

Madhya Pradesh, Minister Prahlad Singh Patel, a devoted Narmada pilgrim, has channeled his two sacred circumambulations of the river into ‘Parikrama’—a book blending memoir, spirituality, and environmental advocacy. Set for release on September 14, 2025, by RSS chief Dr. Mohan Bhagwat, the launch symbolizes a fusion of cultural heritage and urgent conservation efforts.

The book’s significance lies in its call to action: Patel, having visited 98 river origins with a goal of 108, underscores how safeguarding small tributaries like Sagar and Kuno ensures the vitality of mighty rivers such as Narmada and Godavari. Amid climate change and water crises, ‘Parikrama’ inspires a grassroots movement, reminding readers that rivers are civilization’s soul—if unprotected, they doom future generations to a parched world. Patel’s words echo: “Touching the source feels like conversing with eternity.”

MOIL has sustained its performance momentum by achieving its highest-ever August production of 1.45 lakh tonnes in August 2025, registering an impressive 17% growth over the corresponding period last year (CPLY). On the sales front, the company also delivered strongly with 1.13 lakh tonnes of sales in August 2025, reflecting a remarkable 25.6% growth year-on-year.Further, during April–August 2025, MOIL recorded its best-ever performance with 7.92 lakh tonnes of production (up 9.3% y-o-y) and 50,621 meters of exploratory drilling (up 8.6% y-o-y). Ajit Kumar Saxena, CMD, congratulated team MOIL for this record performance and appreciated their relentless efforts to achieve growth in production and sales, even under challenging weather conditions.

Rokhum Lalremruata has been posted as Joint Controller General of Accounts, Office of CGA, New Delhi and assigned additional charge of Director, INGAF, Aizawl. He is a 1996 batch ICAS officer.

Reports suggest that Haryana government has taken a heavy handed approach against the Bureaucracy due to bad management of river water in Gurugram. High level meetings are being held and change in the top ranks of the bureaucracy is expected.

The 57th edition of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme for overseas professionals, sponsored by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, was organised by Human Settlement Management Institute (HSMI- the research and training wing of HUDCO) from 20th August – 2nd September 2025. The two-week programme on ‘Making Cities Sustainable’, brought together 24 participants from 22 different countries including Ghana, Iraq, Jordan, Zimbabwe, Uganda, etc. Sanjay Kulshrestha, CMD HUDCO, addressed the participants at the inaugural and valedictory sessions and highlighted the challenges that cities are facing due to rapid urbanisation. He emphasized the efforts being made to ensure better quality of life in cities through green initiatives. Over the two weeks, thematic lectures on urbanisation, sustainability, affordable housing, green mobility, etc. were organised to exchange knowledge and share global best practices. The participants also went on study visits, participated in group exercises and made country specific presentations, apart from catching a glimpse of Indian culture and heritage.

Inter cadre transfer of Mrs Anushtha Kalia from AGMUT cadre to Rajasthan has been approved on the grounds of her marriage with IPS Vishal Jangid. She is a 2022 batch IPS officer.

Rohit Rathish, presently Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, has been appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Seychelles. He is a 2006 batch IFS officer.

Kunj Bihari Agarwal has been re-appointed as Managing Director of Rupa & Company Limited with effect from April 1, 2026.

Ghanshyam Prasad Agarwala has been re-appointed as Whole-time Director of Rupa & Company Limited with effect from April 1, 2026.

Vilas Potdar has been appointed as Chairman of Virat Industries Limited.

Vijay Sane has been appointed as Non-Executive Non-Independent Director of Virat Industries Limited.

Bhavook Chandraprakash Tripathi has been appointed as Non-Executive Non-Independent Director of Virat Industries Limited.

Ms Namrata Dudaney has been appointed as Non-Executive Non-Independent Director of Virat Industries Limited.

Vilas Potdar has been appointed as Non-Executive Independent Director of Virat Industries Limited.

Ms Neha Tikam has been appointed as Non-Executive Independent Director of Virat Industries Limited.

Prasad Reddy Sabbella has been re-appointed as Managing Director of Sharat Industries Limited with effect from April 1, 2026.

Harihar Venkata Muthyam has been re-appointed as Non-Executive Independent Director of Sharat Industries Limited.

Sharat Reddy Sabbella has been re-appointed as Whole-time Director of Sharat Industries Limited with effect from April 1, 2026.

Arun Govil has been re-appointed as Managing Director of Ducon Infratechnologies Limited.

Harish Shetty has been re-appointed as Whole-time Director of Ducon Infratechnologies Limited.
 

Dr. Raghavendra Rao Hosakote Shamarao has been re-appointed as Chairman and Managing Director of DCX Systems Limited.

Gopinath Vedaprakash has been appointed as Whole-time Director of DCX Systems Limited.

Lava Ramesh Katti has been re-appointed as Managing Director of UR Sugar Industries Limited with effect from September 9, 2025.

Puskur Ram Mohan Rao has been appointed as Additional Non-Executive Independent Director of Padmalaya Telefilms Limited with effect from September 2, 2025.

Rishabh Singhavi has been appointed as Additional Non-Executive Independent Director of Chandni Machines Limited.