The central government on Monday (23.10.2023) granted approval for the voluntary retirement of VK Pandian (IAS:2000:OD), an Odisha cadre IAS officer who currently holds the position of Private Secretary to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. The Department of Personnel and Training has transmitted an official communication to the additional chief secretary of Odisha’s general administration department regarding this decision.
“In reference to letter No.GAD-SER1-PERS-0100-2014 dated 20.10.2023 from Government of Odisha on the above mentioned subject, I am directed to convey the approval of the competent authority for acceptance of voluntary retirement of Shri V Kartikeya Pandian, IAS(OD-2000) under Rule 16(2A) of All India Services (Death-cum-Retirement benefits) Rules, 1958 with waiver of the notice period as recommended by the State Government,” reads the Centre’s letter.
Pandian, who has been serving in his current capacity since 2011 and wields significant influence within the political landscape of Odisha, recently gained public attention due to his extensive travels to various districts within the state utilizing a government helicopter. Both the opposition parties, the BJP and Congress, have criticized Pandian, a native of Tamil Nadu, for alleged violations of service conditions.
REC Limited has achieved a significant milestone by securing a coveted position in the esteemed Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Global Standard Index, effective from September 1, 2023,
A recent report by Nuvama Alternative & Quantitative Research underlined REC’s strong potential as a contender for the November 2023 review. Projections from Nuvama Alternative & Quantitative Research suggest that REC could witness inflows of approximately $184 Million.
The inclusion of REC in the MSCI index solidifies its standing as a key player in the financial sector and the broader market. This achievement not only expands REC’s global reach but also highlights its remarkable influence and reputation on an international scale.
It is noteworthy that the value of REC’s stock has more than doubled over the past year, surging from Rs 100.20 on August 10, 2022, to Rs 216.65 on August 10, 2023.
The MSCI Global Standard Index, crafted by MSCI Inc., comprises a series of international equity indexes widely employed by investors, fund managers, and financial experts to gauge the performance of global equity markets.
The MSCI Global Standard Index is a comprehensive collection of international equity indexes developed by MSCI Inc. These indexes serve as a prominent benchmark utilized by investors, fund managers, and financial experts for assessing and gauging the performance of global equity markets.
The Union government on Sunday notified the appointment of new Chief Justices in six High Courts. The Ministry of Law and Justice notified the appointment of six high courts namely Delhi, Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan and Gauhati.
Following judges have been appointed as Chief Justices of 6 different high courts:
Justice Satish Chandra Sharma, Chief Justice of Telangana High Court, has been transferred to Delhi High Court as Chief Justice.
Justice Ujjal Bhuyan of the Telangana High Court has been elevated as the Chief Justice of Telangana High Court.
Justice Amjad Ahtesham Sayed of Bombay High Court has been appointed as Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court.
Justice Vipin Sanghi, Acting Chief Justice of Delhi High Court has been appointed as Chief Justice of Uttarakhand High Court.
Justice Shinde Sambhaji Shiwaji of Bombay High Court has been appointed as Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court.
Justice Rashmin Manharbhai Chhaya of Gujarat High Court has been appointed as Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court.
Bengaluru, May 21, 2025: In a key development, the Karnataka government on Wednesday assigned senior IPS officer Dr. MA Saleem (IPS:1993:KN) the concurrent charge of Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP) and Head of Police Force (HoPF) of the state. He will continue to hold his existing role as DGP, CID, Special Units & Economic Offences.
Dr. Saleem officially took charge on Wednesday afternoon, following the retirement of incumbent DGP Alok Mohan (IPS:1987:KN), who superannuated the same day.
What has caught many by surprise is the nature of the appointment—it is a concurrent charge rather than a full-time designation. Sources indicate that the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has shortlisted a panel of three officers from the names sent by the state government and returned the panel for the state’s final selection of the DGP. The list is understood to include the names of Prashanth Thakur and Dr. MA Saleem.
As previously reported by www.legendofficers.com, the state government was said to be leaning toward appointing Dr. MA Saleem as the next DGP. However, the decision to assign him only concurrent charge indicates that intense lobbying and ongoing internal deliberations may be delaying a permanent appointment to the top police post.
New Delhi, May 21, 2025: The Supreme Court on Wednesday struck down a Madhya Pradesh government order that allowed Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers to review the performance appraisal reports of Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers, calling the directive “contemptuous” and a clear violation of earlier court rulings.
A bench comprising Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih ruled that the state’s June 29, 2024 order was contrary to the apex court’s decision dated September 22, 2000. That judgment had laid down that performance assessments of IFS officers up to the rank of Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests must be done by their immediate superiors within the forest department itself.
The only exception, the 2000 verdict stated, was for the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, who may be reviewed by a non-forest service officer, as there is no higher-ranking IFS officer.
Madhya Pradesh had continued the practice of allowing IAS officers—including district collectors and higher-ranking administrative officials—to record annual confidential reports (ACRs) of IFS officers, despite the Supreme Court’s explicit directions.
“Such a government order is not only in breach of this Court’s decision but is rather contemptuous, issued without even seeking any clarification or modification from this Court,” the bench observed in its judgment.
While acknowledging that most states had complied with the 2000 ruling, the court expressed concern that Madhya Pradesh remained an exception. Though the court noted it had grounds to initiate contempt proceedings, it chose restraint. “We refrain from doing so,” the bench said, instead quashing the order and instructing the Madhya Pradesh government to amend its rules within a month in strict adherence to the court’s earlier directive.
The judgment clarified that states could, if required, ask IAS officers such as collectors and commissioners to provide input on the implementation of developmental works involving IFS officers. However, such feedback must be submitted separately and evaluated by a superior IFS officer, not incorporated directly into the appraisal process.
The court also noted that the now-quashed order required forest officials, such as conservators or chief conservators, to seek performance notes from district collectors before preparing appraisals of Divisional Forest Officers. This, it said, further underlined the procedural flaws.
The Department of Personnel and Training had earlier clarified in 2004 that the Supreme Court’s 2000 order applied specifically to IFS officers posted within the forest department and not to those serving outside it.
With this ruling, the court reaffirmed the autonomy of the Indian Forest Service in managing its internal assessments and upheld the principle that performance reviews should be handled within the same cadre to maintain administrative discipline and functional integrity.
New Delhi, May 21, 2025: In a significant development, the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) has not recommended any candidate for the post of Chairman & Managing Director (CMD), NTPC Limited.
At the selection meeting held on May 21, 2025, PESB interviewed 12 candidates but found none suitable for the coveted position. Subsequently, it advised the Administrative Ministry/Department to explore alternative options, including setting up a Search-cum-Selection Committee (SCSC) or any other appropriate course of action with the approval of the competent authority.
The decision delays the appointment of a new CMD at NTPC, one of India’s largest power producers, and brings into focus the challenge of finding a leadership fit for such a critical role in the public sector.
During the selection meeting, the following 12 candidates were interviewed:
Shivam Srivastava, Director (Fuel), NTPC Limited
Bhupender Gupta, Director(Technical), THDC India Limited
Ravindra Kumar, Director (Operations), NTPC Limited
Shaswattam, Executive Director, NTPC Limited
Somes Bandyopadhyay, Managing Director, GSECL (on deputation from NTPC), NTPC Limited
Kapil Kumar Gupta, Director (Finance), MMTC Limited
Mukesh Choudhary, Director(Marketing), Coal India Limited
Ajit Kumar Panda, Director (Project & Services), Container Corporation Of India Limited
Thangarajan Subash Chandra Bosh, Executive Director, Chief Executive Officer, Rec Power Development & Consultancy Limited
Rajil Srivastava, Executive Director Asset Management, Power Grid Corporation Of India Limited
Sanoj Kumar Jha (IAS), Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Government of India,
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, currently serving as Secretary in the Ministry of Ayush, has been granted a one-year extension on a contractual basis. According to an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on Tuesday (May 20, 2025), the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the extension of his tenure beyond June 28, 2025, up to June 28, 2026.
This marks his fourth extension in the role.
Kotecha is among a select group of lateral entrants appointed by the Centre for their subject-matter expertise. Breaking with the tradition of appointing career bureaucrats to such roles, the government had brought him in as Special Secretary in 2017. He was later elevated to the position of Secretary in the Ministry of Ayush (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy).
He received two-year extensions in 2020 and 2022, followed by a one-year extension in June 2024, which was set to expire in June 2025.
Prior to his appointment in the ministry, Kotecha served as the chief consultant at Chakrapani Ayurveda Clinic in Jaipur.
The Ministry of Ayush was established on November 9, 2014, with the objective of revitalizing India’s traditional systems of medicine and promoting education and research in these disciplines.
IAS officer Tamboli Ayyaj Fakirbhai (IAS:2009:CG), currently serving as Director in the Cabinet Secretariat, has been appointed as Joint Secretary in the same department. According to an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on Tuesday (20.05.2025), the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved his appointment for an overall tenure of five years—up to March 20, 2029—or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Fakirbhai had joined central deputation as Director in the Cabinet Secretariat on March 20, 2024, following his appointment to the post on March 14. He was relieved by the Chhattisgarh government on March 16.
Notably, he was empanelled for holding Joint Secretary or equivalent positions in the Government of India on March 21, 2025. His elevation as Joint Secretary comes shortly after that empanelment.
New Delhi, May 21, 2025: Rituraj Mishra (IRPS:2010) has been appointed as the Private Secretary to Satish Chandra Dubey, Union Minister of State for Coal & Mines. His appointment is specifically pertains to the Ministry of Coal.
According to an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on Tuesday (20.05.2025), the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved appointment of Mr. Mishra to the post for a period upto March 30, 2028 (i.e. combined tenure of 07 years on CSS & PS posts put together) or on a co-terminus basis with the Minister, or till he ceases to function as Private Secretary to the Minister or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
It’s worth noting that prior to this appointment, Rituraj Mishra was serving as Director in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways under the central staffing scheme. However, his tenure in this role was curtailed due to his new appointment as the Private Secretary to MoS Satish Chandra Dubey.
Gandhinagar, May 21, 2025: In a key administrative move, the Gujarat government on Tuesday appointed Vikrant Pandey (IAS:2005:GJ) as Secretary to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. Pandey, who is currently serving as the state’s Resident Commissioner in New Delhi, will assume charge at the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) in Gandhinagar.
He replaces Avantika Singh Aulakh (IAS:2003:GJ), who had held the post since September 2021. Aulakh has now been promoted and re-designated as Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister.
With this change, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) will now have three senior IAS officers, including Additional Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Das (IAS:1990:GJ), the senior most among them, who has been serving in CMO since August 2024.
Pandey is an experienced officer who has previously served as Collector of Ahmedabad, Bharuch, and Valsad. He was also conferred the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration during his tenure as Bharuch Collector.
New Delhi, May 21, 2025: State-owned hydropower major NHPC reported a 52% year-on-year rise in consolidated net profit to Rs 919.63 crore for Q4 FY25, driven by higher income. In the same quarter last year, it posted Rs 605 crore profit. Revenue grew to Rs 2,672.11 crore from Rs 2,320.18 crore.
However, for FY25, net profit fell 15% to Rs 3,411.73 crore from Rs 3,999.54 crore in FY24.
The board recommended a final dividend of Re 0.51 per share (₹10 face value), in addition to the interim dividend of Rs 1.40 per share paid in March 2025.
During FY25, NHPC commissioned the 800 MW Parbati-II hydro project and 107.14 MW of the 300 MW Karnisar Solar Plant. The company faced asset and generation losses at Teesta projects due to flash floods (Oct 2023) and a landslide (Aug 2024). Insurance claims have been filed under its Mega Policy.
Resulting compensation from the insurer was recognised under ‘Other Income’—Rs 44.34 crore in Q4 and Rs 108.59 crore for FY25. Additionally, NHPC received Rs 111.52 crore (Q4) and Rs 409.02 crore (FY25) towards business interruption.
NHPC, under the Ministry of Power, is India’s largest hydropower developer.
Jaipur, May 21, 2025: The Rajasthan government on Tuesday (20.05.2025) issued transfer and posting orders for four IPS officers, including the appointment of new Superintendents of Police (SPs) in three districts.
The names of the officers and their postings are as follows;
Lokesh Sonewal (IPS:2015:RJ), SP, SOG, Jaipur, has been transferred and posted as SP, Jhunjhunu.
Shailendra Singh Indolyia (IPS:2017:RJ), awaiting posting orders, has been posted as DCP, Hqrs & Traffic, Police Commissionerate, Jodhpur.
Hari Shankar (IPS:2019:RJ), SP, Balotra, has been transferred and posted as SP, Hanumangarh.
Amit Jain (IPS:2020:RJ), DCP, Hqrs & Traffic, Police Commissionerate, Jodhpur, has been transferred and posted as SP, Balotra.
Lucknow, May 21, 2025: Nearly three weeks after www.legendofficers.com reported that Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) Deepak Kumar (IAS:1990:UP) would be given charge of Agriculture Production Commissioner (APC) following the retirement of Monika S Garg (IAS:1989:UP), the prediction has come true.
On April 3, www.legendofficers.comhad stated that Kumar was the frontrunner for the powerful APC post after Garg’s scheduled retirement on April 30. As anticipated, he was formally given the additional charge of the post 20 days later.
In the interim, a stop-gap arrangement was made, with Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh (IAS:1988:UP) temporarily holding the APC charge after Garg’s superannuation.
The APC position is regarded as one of the most influential posts in Uttar Pradesh’s bureaucratic setup—second only to the Chief Secretary. Naturally, any appointment to this role draws wide attention among the state’s bureaucrats.
Deepak Kumar, already a senior figure in the state administration, currently holds the charge of Additional Chief Secretary, Finance; Institutional Finance & External Aided Project Department; Commissioner, Finance; Secondary Education; Basic Education; and Chairman, State Vigilance Commission & Administrative Tribunal-I, Lucknow.
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