US Diplomat Arrives in India One Day After Putin’s Visit
Allison Hooker, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs arrived in India on Sunday, following Russian President Putin’s visit. During her stay, she will visit New Delhi and Bengaluru to hold discussions with senior Indian officials, including Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.Additionally, Rick Switzer, U.S. Deputy Trade Representative along with his team, is expected to arrive later this week for trade talks.
Modi and Putin shared ride: Use of a non-Western vehicle signals independent foreign policy?
The Russian President Vladimir Putin, on a two-day state visit to India received a warm red carpet welcome from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Their shared ride out of the airport caught attention worldwide. PM Modi and Putin left together in a white Toyota Fortuner (MH01-EN-5795) with the Russian President’s so-called “fortress on wheels” following them. The video quickly went viral. But choosing a Japanese-made SUV and not a European luxury vehicle like a Range Rover or Mercedes – sent a subtle diplomatic message. In the middle of complex geopolitics and Western pressure, a non-Western vehicle signalled an independent Indian foreign-policy.
BUREAUCRACY
Know the Indian officials Involved in Making Putin’s Visit to Delhi a successful show!
Vladimir Putin’s state visit to India in early December 2025 was a meticulously coordinated diplomatic operation showcasing India’s institutional capacity for high-level engagement. At the helm was National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, who laid the groundwork through meetings in Moscow with Russian security officials, while Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri handled protocols and media briefings, and MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal managed communications through special press conferences. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh led military cooperation talks, including negotiations on S-400 systems and advanced defence technology transfers, as Air Marshal Ashutoshhief of Integrated Defence Staff, co-chaired working groups to structure defence engagement. On the diplomatic front, Indian Ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar engaged in preparatory discussions with Putin, Security Council Secretary Shoigu and Presidential Aide Ushakov, while Joint Secretary Mayank Singh coordinated multilateral aspects and special briefings from New Delhi. This cohesive team, spanning security, defence and diplomacy, embodied a whole-of-government approach for hosting a leader of Putin’s stature and demonstrated how institutional expertise helps navigate complex geopolitical terrain to strengthen the India-Russia partnership. Yet, experts emphasized that the central figure ensuring every detail was Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who personally monitored preparations over the past several months.
CEO, IndiGo likely to resign
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.
Will Gagarani be Chairman of MERC?
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.
Secret WhatsApp group of IAS officers sparks controversy
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.
IRS officer posted in FIU
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 selected for Director (Fin), National Fertilisers Ltd
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.
WAPCOS closes Chandigarh and Panchkula offices
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.
Interviews for Director (CPP&BD), Goa Shipyard Ltd on Dec 10
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.
Interviews for MD, Bengal Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd on Dec 11
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.
Selection of MD, Medicine Pharmaceuticals Corporation Limited through SCSC
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 in Haryana placed at disposal of GoI
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.
NHAI receives in principle approval of Registration to Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust from SEBI
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 gets tenure extension as Dir. (Fin.), KRCL
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 appointed Dir. (O&M), BMRCL on deputation
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 Kashish Bakshi transferred to Bihar
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.
8 IAS officers in Haryana to retire in 2026
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.
Training Revival for North East Cadres
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.
Security-Development Nexus
Predictions of increased IPS deputations to border areas (e.g., Arunachal-Nagaland) due to China claims.
GMRC seeks DGM (Civil Safety)
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.
GMRC seeks Asst. Manager (Ops)
Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) has advertised the post of Asst. Manager (Operations). Applications must reach latest by December 11, 2025.
RVNL seeks AGM/JGM/ Sr DGM/DGM-Civil, Indore
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.
WBG Director, Digital Access for US sought
World Bank is seeking WBG Director, Digital Access for Washington DC, United States. Applications must reach latest by December 17, 2026.
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