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Former ED officer known for high-profile probes resigns from IRS

In a significant development, IRS officer Kapil Raj (IRS-C&IT:2009) has resigned from government service. His resignation has been formally accepted with effect from July 17, 2025. At the time of his resignation, Raj was serving as Additional Director in the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI), Delhi. He had recently come back from a posting with the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

During his tenure at ED, Kapil Raj was involved in several politically sensitive investigations. He served at the rank of Additional Director, leading probes that often made national headlines and involved top political figures.

One of his most well-known cases was the Delhi Excise Policy case, which led to the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

He also led the probe into the Jharkhand Land Scam, where then Chief Minister Hemant Soren was arrested. The case looked into illegal land deals and misuse of government land.

Earlier, while posted in ED’s Mumbai office, Raj worked on the PNB scam involving Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi, who were accused of cheating the bank using fake documents.

His name is also linked to other major cases like the West Bengal coal smuggling scam and the Yes Bank fraud, both involving high-profile people.

PESB invites applications for Director (Market Operation), Grid-India

Grid India

The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) on Thursday (July 17, 2025) issued an advertisement inviting applications for the post of Director (Market Operation) at Grid Controller of India Limited (Grid-India).

As per the official notification, experienced professionals from both public and private sectors are eligible to apply. The last date for submission of applications is August 13, 2025.

The post fell vacant on May 1, 2025, following the appointment of Samir Chandra Saxena to the post of Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of Grid India. Saxena had originally been appointed as Director (Market Operation) in July 2024 for a five-year term. The PESB recommended his name for CMD on January 30, 2025, and his appointment was subsequently approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on April 29, 2025.

“We Wait for You Like Crops Wait for Rain” — Collector Durga Moorthy’s Heartwarming Surprise Visit to Namakkal School

In a gesture that brought hope, joy, and inspiration to young students, Durga Moorthy IAS Tamil Nadu, the District Collector of Namakkal, recently received a heartfelt letter from a student at Erumapatti Government School. The child wrote with poetic warmth: “We wait for you like crops wait for rain.” Touched by the sincerity of the words, the Collector arranged a surprise visit—and what unfolded was nothing short of magical.

Stepping into the classroom, she greeted the children sitting cross-legged in rows, joined them on a student’s chair, and connected with them as one of their own. She personally recognized the student who had written the letter, presenting him with a book as a token of appreciation and encouragement.

In that intimate moment, the students shared their dreams—many aspiring to become IAS officers, others determined to become scientists. Listening intently, Durga Moorthy IAS Tamil Nadu fondly recalled her own journey: studying at the Government Girls’ High School in Madurai, clearing the Group I exam at 23, serving as a Deputy District Collector, and, after years of dedicated service, being promoted as an IAS officer.

Answering a curious student’s question about her study routine, she said with honesty: “I studied at least four hours every day, but I also spent plenty of time with friends and on sports.” The balance of discipline and joy in her words surprised the children and gave them a refreshing perspective.

For Durga Moorthy, the surprise school visit was more than a formality—it was a heartfelt return to her roots and a reminder to students that leadership is grounded in empathy. “I received this beautiful letter the day after I assumed charge,” she revealed. “I was longing to visit the school and meet these young hearts.”

Her unannounced visit—without convoys, sirens, or pomp—has been widely appreciated among educators and locals, who see it as an inspiring example of people-first governance. Many say the gesture reflects the kind of leadership Tamil Nadu needs—leaders who listen, encourage, and sow seeds of hope in the youngest minds.

Chandran Durai Deniel selected as Director (Bulk Carriers & Tankers), SCI Limited

Chandran Durai Deniel has been selected for appointment as Director (Bulk Carriers & Tankers), The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) Limited at a Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) meeting held on July 17, 2025.

He is currently serving as General Manager Bulk carrier commercial and SVC commerical, SCI Limited

Following the selection, the PESB has recommended his name to the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) for final approval. His formal appointment will be subject to the receipt of necessary vigilance clearances and the ACC’s nod.

The following 06 applicants were interviewed in the selection meeting:

  1. Jayaraman Purushotham, General Manager (B&T-Tanker Technical), The Shipping Corporation of
    India Limited
  2. Chandran Durai Deniel, General Manager Bulk carrier commercial and SVC commerical, The
    Shipping Corporation Of India Limited
  3. Mahesh Kumar Balaraman, General Manager DY CVO, The Shipping Corporation Of India Limited
  4. Shishir Kumar, General Manager (Offshore), The Shipping Corporation Of India Limited
  5. Perwez Anwer Khan, General Manager “GM(BC-T)”, The Shipping Corporation Of India Limited
  6. Rajesh Kumar, Deputy General Manager (OSD), Mangalore Refinery & Petrochemicals Limited

Asheesh Kumar appointed Director (Business Development), Coal India Limited

Coal India Limited

Asheesh Kumar, currently serving as General Manager at Coal India Limited (CIL), has been appointed as Director (Business Development) in the company. His appointment is for a period of five years from the date of assumption of charge, or until superannuation, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

According to an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on Wednesday (July 16, 2025, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the Ministry of Coal’s proposal to elevate Kumar to the board-level post.

His selection follows a recommendation by the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB), which interviewed 12 candidates before finalizing his name on May 17, 2025.

Punjab: 3 IAS, 6 PCS officers shifted

The Punjab government on Thursday (July 17, 2025) issued transfer and posting orders for three IAS and six PCS officers, with immediate effect.

The names of the officers and their posting are as follows;

  1. Aravind Kumar MK (IAS:2011:PB), currently serving as Director, Treasury & Accounts, has been given additional charge as Special Secretary, School Education and Director General, School Education.
  2. Girish Dayalan (IAS:2011:PB), who held multiple roles including Director General, School Education; Director, Higher Education; and Special Secretary, School Education, has been posted as Registrar, Cooperative Societies.
  3. Harpreet Singh Sudan (IAS:2013:PB), presently Special Secretary, Revenue and Director, Sports & Youth Services, has been posted as Director, Sports & Youth Services and given additional charge of Director, Higher Education.
  4. Rakesh Kumar Popli (PCS:2012), Additional Chief Administrator (H.Q.), Punjab Urban Planning & Development Authority, has been assigned additional charge as Additional Chief Administrator, Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA), SAS Nagar.
  5. Amit Sareen (PCS:2012), Joint Secretary, Defence Services Welfare, has been given the additional charge of Secretary, Punjab Subordinate Service Selection Board.
  6. Ankur Mahindroo (PCS:2016), who was serving as Joint Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Ludhiana, and also as Chief Executive Officer, Ludhiana Urban Water & Waste Water Management Ltd., has been posted as Sub Divisional Magistrate, Mukerian.
  7. Vikas Hira (PCS:2016), Additional Chief Administrator (Policy), Punjab Urban Planning & Development Authority, has been given the additional charge of Additional Chief Administrator, Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority, Ludhiana.
  8. Harjot Kaur (PCS:2022), Assistant Commissioner (General), Ferozepur, and Chief Minister’s Field Officer, Ferozepur, has been posted as Sub Divisional Magistrate, Patiala.
  9. Gurdev Singh Dham (PCS:2023), Sub Divisional Magistrate, Patiala, has now been appointed as Chief Minister’s Field Officer, Ferozepur. He will also hold the additional charge of Assistant Commissioner (General), Ferozepur.

Nitin Gupta appointed NFRA Chairperson; three retired bureaucrats named Members

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on Wednesday (July 16, 2025) appointed Nitin Gupta (Retd. IRS-IT:1986), former Chairperson of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), as the new Chairperson of the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA).

According to an order issued by Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on Wednesday (July 16, 2025), Gupta will hold the position for a term of three years or until he turns 65, whichever comes earlier. Gupta had retired as CBDT Chairperson on June 30, 2024.

In the same order, the ACC appointed three retired officersSmita Jhingran (Retd. IRS-IT:1986), P. Daniel (Retd. IDES:1989), and Sushil Kumar (Retd. IA&AS:1993)— as full-time members of NFRA. They too will serve a term of three years or until the age of 65.

Smita Jhingran previously held senior roles in tax administration. P. Daniel served as a Secretary in the Central Vigilance Commission, while Sushil Kumar was Director General of Audit (Central Receipt).

NFRA, under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, is the apex regulatory authority for auditing and accounting oversight in India.

Haryana: Devender Singh appointed Advisor, Urban Development

The Haryana government on Wednesday (July 16, 2025) appointed retired IAS officer Devender Singh (IAS:1987:HY) as Advisor, Urban Development, relieving retired IAS officer and former Chief Secretary D S Dhesi (IAS:1982:HY) from the post.

According to an order issued by Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi on Wednesday (July 16, 2025), Singh will now oversee the overall superintendence and guidance of the Metropolitan Development Authorities in Sonipat and Hisar.

Devender Singh had retired in August 2022 after the Centre declined an extension request. Since retirement, he had been serving as Advisor, Irrigation, to the Chief Minister. His new appointment order states that detailed terms and conditions will be issued later.

Singh previously held several key positions in the Haryana Government, including as Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) in departments such as Public Health Engineering, Irrigation & Water Resources, Town & Country Planning, Urban Estates, and Skill Development & Industrial Training.

Tenure of Dr. Vaidya Rajeshwari Singh at WHO extended by one year

The international assignment tenure of Dr. Vaidya Rajeshwari Singh, Research Officer (Ayurveda) at the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), has been extended for another year as Consultant in Digital Health and Innovation (DHI) at the World Health Organization (WHO).

According to an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on Thursday (July 17, 2025), the competent authority has approved the Ministry of Ayush’s proposal to extend Dr. Singh’s tenure from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

CBDT reshuffles 23 Addl. CIT/JCIT grade officers

In a significant reshuffle, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on Wednesday (16 July, 2025) transferred 23 officers in the grade of Additional Commissioner / Joint Commissioner of Income Tax with immediate effect.

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