Kerala Pro-Congress bureaucracy irked by the open sidelining of Shashi Tharoor by Rahul Gandhi?
Kerala’s traditionally pro-Congress bureaucracy is growing restless over Rahul Gandhi’s overt sidelining of Shashi Tharoor, a key bridge between the party and administrative circles. The January 19 Kochi ‘Maha Panchayath’ snub—where Rahul named other leaders but ignored the four-time MP and CWC member—culminated in Tharoor skipping the high command’s January 23 Delhi meet on Kerala polls strategy. Sources say repeated slights, despite Wayanad thaw, have irked IAS veterans who value Tharoor’s urbane influence amid LDF dominance. This risks eroding Congress’s bureaucratic goodwill crucial for 2026 assembly wins.
UP Government vs Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand is making RSS uncomfortable?
Within the Sangh ecosystem, the Magh Mela stand‑off between Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand and the Uttar Pradesh government is being watched with quiet discomfort, if not open endorsement. While RSS functionaries have avoided a frontal rebuke of the Yogi Adityanath administration, the absence of strong public backing for the state’s hard line suggests unease over images of a top seer and his disciples being restrained at the Sangam. Ideologically, the Sangh can ill afford an all‑out rift with Shankaracharyas just as it seeks wider Hindu consolidation, so backstage persuasion, not public confrontation, is likely to be the preferred course.
Why Shankaracharya is gaining so much prominence in media?
A new wave of coverage around the Shankaracharya issue, along with a visible media backlash targeting Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has emerged. This has raised questions in the power circles: who is behind it, the Lucknow lobby or the Delhi lobby?
BUREAUCRACY
UP bureaucracy under stress post face-off with Shankaracharya, as top bureaucrats move to save government’s face!
Uttar Pradesh’s bureaucracy is under severe stress after a heated face-off with Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand during the Magh Mela in Prayagraj. On January 18, 2026, police halted his chariot procession for a holy dip on Mauni Amavasya, sparking scuffles, detentions, and charges of humiliation from the seer, who launched a dharna and hunger strike. The Mela authority’s notice questioning his title—amid a Supreme Court dispute—has fueled protests, opposition attacks from Akhilesh Yadav, and a human rights complaint. Top IAS officers are discreetly weighing de-escalation options like inquiries or conciliatory gestures to defuse tensions, protect the Yogi Adityanath government from religious backlash, and maintain administrative immunity ahead of political scrutiny, even as Deputy CM Keshav Maurya signals internal divisions by advocating saintly respect.
Chahal Appointed Chairman of Mumbai Police Housing Township Project with MoS Rank
I S Chahal who is retiring on January 31 has been named as chairman of the Mumbai police Housing Township Project with MoS rank. He is 1989 batch IAS officer.
Ms. Sudha Ramachandran quits Indian Revenue Service-IT
Ms. Sudha Ramachandran, CIT, Mumbai, has resigned from the Indian Revenue Service of Income Tax.
CJ of Rajasthan HC is yet to be appointed
Chief Justice in the Kolkata High Court has been appointed. The post of Chief Justice in Rajasthan High Court is still lying vacant.
Pankaj Joshi is now Chairman of GERC
Pankaj Joshi, former Chief Secretary of Gujarat has taken over as the Chairperson of the Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC). He is former 1989 batch IAS officer.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) gears up for big moves in India Energy Week!
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) gears up for major announcements at India Energy Week 2026 in Goa, starting January 27. Key deals include a MoU between Oil India Limited (OIL), Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL), and TotalEnergies to evaluate opportunities in the LNG market, boosting India’s gas infrastructure.Another pivotal MoU links NRL and TotalEnergies for a 200 KTPA Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) project at Paradip, Odisha, advancing net-zero aviation goals. ONGC will ink two shipbuilding contracts with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines for Very Large Ethane Carriers, enhancing petrochemical feedstock supply via specialized vessels. These MoUs and contracts underscore MoPNG’s push for energy security, green fuels, and global partnerships during the four-day event.
Inter deputation cadre tenure of Askshay Labroo to AGMUT extended
The inter cadre deputation tenure of Askshay Labroo from Tripura to AGMUT cadre in Jammu & Kashmir segment has been extended for a period of one year beyond February 17, 2026. He is a 2018 batch IAS officer of Tripura cadre.
12 IPS officers of AGMUT cadre shifted to different segments
As many as 12 IPS officers of AGMUT cadre have been shifted to different segments in the cadre. Accordingly, Mangesh Kashyap has been shifted to Arunachal Pradesh, while Rajiv Ranjan Singh was posted to Chandigarh and Prashant Priya Gautam is shifted to Jammu & Kashmir segment. Similarly, Sandhya Swamy, Achin Garg have been transferred to Arunahchal Pradesh; Deependera Kumar Singh, Suma Madda, Sunil, Rahul Vikram and Neeraj Tokas to A&NI and Ptel Nirav Kumar and Ishan Bhardwaj were shifted to Lakshadweep.
Over 2 Lakh Startups in India
DPIIT-recognized startups reached 200,000 plus by December 2025, with projections for more launches in 2026. Focus on health, wellness, food, pet care, fashion. Combined valuation of unicorns: $350B plus.
Restructuring in Sony Pictures Networks India
Sony Pictures Networks India (India-based) restructured leadership team after strategic review, including new roles for Phaneesh Murthy (Advisor), Harmeet Bhatia (Chief Revenue Officer), Opal Perry (Independent Director).
DoT advertises Legal Consultant post
Department of Telecommunication (DoT) has advertised the post of Legal Consultant on contractual basis. Applications must reach latest by January 31, 2026.
MeitY seeks Engagement Manager for Bangalore
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is seeking Engagement Manager for Bangalore, Karnataka. Details can be availed from www.meity.gov.in & www.dic.gov.in, https://bhashini.gov.in/ and www.negd.gov.in.
Last date to apply for Chief Admin Officer in AJNIFM, Faridabad revised
Last date to apply for the post of Chief Administrative Officer in Arun Jaitley National Institute of Financial Management (AJNIFM), Faridabad has been extended. The revised date is February 16, 2026.
IRCTC Jt GM, East Zone
Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) Limited has invited applications for the post of Joint General Manager, Area Office Ranchi, East Zone on deputation basis. Applications must reach latest by February 21, 2026.
Executive Member for NCVET sought
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has invited applications for the post of Executive Member in National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET). Applications must reach latest by March 9, 2026.
A K Shukla empanelled for appointment as IEMs
Akhil Kumar Shukla has been empanelled for appointment as IEMs. He is a 1986 batch IPS officer and at the time of retirement served as Director General of Police, Tripura.
A Kumar empanelled for appointment as IEMs
Akhilesh Kumar has been empanelled for appointment as IEMs. He is a 1981 batch CES officer and retired as Special Director General, CPWD.
Arvind Gupta & S K Gupta empanelled for appointment as IEMs
Arvind Gupta and Sunil Kumar Gupta have been empanelled for appointment as IEMs. Both are from Balmer Lawrie & Co Ltd.
Meena & Rangarajan empanelled for appointment as IEMs
Madan Lal Meena and Srinivasan Rangarajan have been empanelled for appointment as IEMs. Both are from Bangiya Gramin Vikash Bank (BGV Bank).
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