Will there be another split in Shiv Sena (UBT)?
Political observers believe that there is again going to be a split in Uddhav Thakre led Shiv Sena. One can wait and watch.
BUREAUCRACY
IPS Harvinder Singh Strengthens Night Policing in Bokaro with ‘Rakshak Riders’
IPS Harvinder Singh, a 2018-batch officer of the Jharkhand cadre, is currently posted as the Superintendent of Police in Bokaro, Jharkhand. Recognising the district’s long-standing challenges, he has placed strong emphasis on proactive policing through night vigilance and community engagement.
At the centre of his efforts is the recently launched “Rakshak Riders”, a motorcycle-based night patrol unit aimed at enhancing safety during late hours and deterring crime. “It is a team of bike-borne Quick Response Teams (QRTs) called ‘Rakshak Riders’. Their primary responsibility is night patrolling, especially between late evening and early morning hours,” he explained.
The initiative’s core objective is to curb property-related offences such as house trespassing and burglaries, which have been a persistent concern in Bokaro district. It seeks not only to strengthen law enforcement but also to instil a sense of security among citizens and build public confidence in the police.
Beyond this, Singh is also focusing on preventive policing through a structured community outreach programme. “Under this, officers in uniform visit schools and interact with students to spread awareness about cyber safety, road safety and the provisions of the POCSO Act,” he noted.
Through these initiatives, IPS Harvinder Singh is strengthening police presence on the ground, promoting public awareness, ensuring quicker response, and helping build a safer and more informed Bokaro.
Will ISRO get new Chairman?
After successive launch failures, the grapevine is that the ISRO Chairman V Narayanan whose term ends next year may may be retired early. The Director of the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) J. Asir Packiaraj, Director of ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) M. Mohan, and Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) A. Rajarajan, three important centres of rocket programme, are rumoured to be in the race for the top post. However, insiders point out that the best possible candidate for present ISRO Chairman Narayanan’s immediate replacement is N M Desai, Present Director of Space Applications Centre.
Maharashtra Bureaucracy abuzz with new realities of Mumbai Politics as “All of Shiv Sena” lost against BJP emerging as Party No.1
Maharashtra’s top bureaucracy is quietly abuzz after the BJP’s emergence as the undisputed number one party in the BMC polls, where Shiv Sena factions—UBT, Shinde, and even Raj Thackeray’s MNS—faltered badly against the saffron surge. Officers who long cultivated ties with Mumbai’s original Shiv Sena heavyweights, leveraging their local heft for postings and influence, now face a stark recalibration. Speculatively, many are rethinking allegiances, eyeing closer alignment with Fadnavis’s administration to safeguard careers amid BJP’s consolidating dominance across state civic bodies. Whispers in Mantralaya hint at discreet outreach to BJP channels, signaling a pragmatic pivot in this power realignment.
Valsa Nair-Singh is new chairperson of MERC
Valsa Nair-Singh is the new Chairperson of the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC). She is a 1991 batch IAS officer.
Telangana: Centre considering increase in IPS posts
The long pending proposal to increase the number of posts in the Telangana IPS cadre is under active consideration of the centre. The union Government is considering a proposal to increase the cadre strength by 29 posts. The centre is busy in consultation with the concerned stakeholders. The Telangana IPS cadre review was due in 2021. The last review was done in 2016 when the number of post increased from 106 to 139. As per Rule 4(2) of the Indian Police Service (Cadre) Rules 1954, the union Government shall, ordinarily at the interval of every five years, re-examine the strength and composition of each such cadre in consultation with the state Government.
For second time, Centre revises IAS cadre strength in Telangana
The Central Government is increasing IAS cadre strength from 208 to 218 in Telangana and this is the second time the state’s IAS cadre strength has been increased since the formation of Telangana. Soon after the state’s formation, the central Government allocated 163 IAS officers to Telangana. In 2016, the cadre strength was increased to 208. According to a gazette notification, 16 IAS duty posts have been removed from the list and 23 Collector level posts have been added to the existing strength.
Deepak Gupta yet to get orders for CMD, GAIL (India) Ltd
The Government of India is yet to issue orders of Deepak Gupta, Director (Projects), GAIL (India) Limited, for the post of Chairman & Managing Director, GAIL (India) Limited. However, a vacancy of this post is arising on March 1 with the expiring term of incumbent Sandeep Kumar Gupta.
State Bureaucracy vs Cabinet emerges in J&K?
A fresh tension between the J&K state government and bureaucracy has surfaced, with Cabinet Minister Satish Sharma lashing out at “arrogant” officers obstructing elected authority. On January 15, 2026, responding to delays in compassionate appointments under SO12 at the Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation, Sharma accused post-2019 bureaucrats of clinging to a Union Territory mindset, unwilling to yield to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s government. Sharma declared no room for dual power centers, warning that bureaucratic “expiry” looms as J&K eyes full statehood restoration. He hinted at personal calls to errant officials and alleged some are sabotaging the regime after failed political bids worth crores. Speculatively, this could trigger transfers, CM-led probes, or Delhi intervention, testing the fragile elected-bureaucrat balance amid restoration talks—exposing deeper governance fault lines in the region.
Speculations over IPS reshuffles in Karnataka
Whispers suggest IPS reshuffles in Karnataka by late January 2026, driven by election-year pressures and a trend toward appointing younger officers. Similar IAS and IPS postings are anticipated in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, potentially causing 5-10 reassignments by end-January 2026, as a ripple effect from recent changes. Discussions emerged about potential harassment via transfers for a Karnataka IAS officer who praised a political figure, highlighting political influences on bureaucracy.
Defence Ministry approved formation of four Integrated Battle Groups
The Defence Ministry approved formation of four Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) as part of a broader restructuring of the Indian Army’s strike corps. This includes over 30 organisational changes to improve agility and response times. The focus is on merit-based promotions for senior officers, with a new quantified assessment system for lieutenant generals set to begin in April 2026, aligning with Navy and Air Force practices.
Global Conflicts Involving India Worst in Decades
Predictions from ‘10 Conflicts to Watch in 2026’ speculate on India-Pakistan escalation, with exchanges of fire noted as the worst in decades.
Predictions on Security Reforms
Discussions highlight MHA’s push for reforms in policing, including reduced training times and entry criteria adjustments, potentially integrating more personnel quickly but raising safety concerns. Predictions suggest this trend could lead to broader cadre changes in BSF/CRPF by mid-2026.
Tamil Nadu Assured Pension Scheme (TAPS) Launched
The State government launched Tamil Nadu Assured Pension Scheme (TAPS), effective from January 1, 2026. TAPS replaces the Contributory Pension System (CPS) for new government employees joining from January 1, 2026, offering an assured pension of 50% of last-drawn salary (including DA), family pension at 60% upon death, gratuity up to Rs 25 lakh, and minimum pension provisions. Existing CPS employees retiring on or after January 1, 2026, can opt for TAPS or equivalent CPS benefits, while pre-2026 CPS retirees get a special compassionate pension. This initiative addresses long-standing demands for pension security and reflects a trend toward hybrid OPS-NPS models in southern states.
IRCON seeks CGM-Civil for Sivok-Rangpo Rail Project, WB
IRCON International Limited has advertised the post of Chief General Manager-Civil for Sivok-Rangpo Rail Project, Siliguri, West Bengal on deputation basis. Applications must reach latest by February 8, 2026.
RVNL seeks GM-Elec for Corporate office
Rail Vikas Nigam Limited has advertised the post of General Manager (Electrical), Corporate Office, New Delhi. Details can be availed from www.rvnl.org.
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