Babus, mantris & buzz: Will a TV news anchor enter the UP poll arena?
· Free Press Journal

Will a TV news anchor enter the UP poll arena?
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Grapevine has it that a well-known TV news anchor will soon join politics and contest the Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha elections. Guess the name?
Karnataka MLC polls: DK Shivakumar up for a big fight?
The ruling Congress and the formidable BJP-JD(S) alliance are locked in a fierce battle for four Karnataka Legislative Council seats. Polling is scheduled for October 23 in the South-East and West Graduates' constituencies and the North-East and Bengaluru Teachers' constituencies, with counting of votes scheduled for October 27. The elections are seen as a crucial test of strength for both sides. Besides testing the Congress party's grassroots support among graduates and teachers, they present a major political challenge for Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. The high-profile contest is expected to test his leadership and alliance-management capabilities as the opposition alliance seeks to challenge the state government's political momentum.
BUREAUCRACY
Who will be the new Chief Secretary of J&K?
If the present J&K Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, is not granted an extension, Shaleen Kabra, a 1992-batch IAS officer, is likely to be appointed the new Chief Secretary.
Centre approves second six-month extension for Andhra Pradesh CS Sai Prasad
The Centre has approved a second six-month extension for Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary G Sai Prasad, extending his tenure until May 31, 2027. Prasad, a 1991-batch IAS officer, was earlier granted a six-month extension from June 1 to November 30. The Andhra Pradesh government had written to the Centre in the last week of September, seeking an extension for Sai Prasad.
Yatindra Mohan to be CMD of BHEL
The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) has recommended the name of Yatindra Mohan, Executive Director (PS-WR), for the post of Chairman & Managing Director (CMD), Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL).
MP government recommends panel of 12 IPS officers for selection as DGP
The Madhya Pradesh government is believed to have sent a panel of 12 senior IPS officers to the Centre for the selection of the state's next Director General of Police. The list includes Varun Kapoor, Upendra Jain, Pragya Richa Shrivastava, Pankaj Shrivastava, Adarsh Katiyar, G. Akheto Sema, Anil Kumar, Ravi Gupta, Anand Kumar Singh, Manmeet Singh Narang, Rajababu Singh and D.P. Gupta. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is expected to shortlist three officers for consideration by the state government.
Richa Gupta repatriated to parent cadre (UPDATED)
Ms Richa Gupta, a 2010-batch officer of the Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS), currently serving as Director, Ministry of Textiles, has been prematurely repatriated to her parent cadre on personal grounds.
Three Assistant Accounts Officers transferred (UPDATED)
Three Assistant Accounts Officers (AAOs) have been transferred. Manoj Chopra and Nishant Jayaswal have been transferred to the Office of CGA, Delhi, while Krishna Kumar Tiwari has been posted to the Ministry of Education, Delhi.
K Ravi Kumar appointed PCE, Southern Railway
K Ravi Kumar, presently serving as Chief Administrative Officer (Construction)/Road Safety Projects (CAO(C)/RSP), Southern Railway (SR), has been posted as Principal Chief Engineer (PCE) on the same Railway. He is an Indian Railway Service of Engineers (IRSE) officer.
Rikhai Prasad Nirala posted as CAO(C)/RSP, Southern Railway
Rikhai Prasad Nirala, presently serving as Chief Engineer (Track Machine Cell) (CE/TMC), Southern Railway (SR), has been posted as Chief Administrative Officer (Construction)/Road Safety Projects (CAO(C)/RSP) on the same Railway. He is an Indian Railway Service of Engineers (IRSE) officer.
6 IRHS officers appointed to officiate in JAG under DACP scheme
As many as six Indian Railway Health Service (IRHS) officers have been appointed to officiate in the Junior Administrative Grade (JAG) under the Dynamic Assured Career Progression (DACP) Scheme, with effect from October 23, 2026.
CD Balaji appointed IEM of West Bengal Gramin Bank
Cadaba Devnath Balaji has been appointed Independent External Monitor (IEM) of West Bengal Gramin Bank (WBG Bank).
Ashok Kumar, Ms Bhanumathi appointed IEM of BNPM
Dr. Ashok Kumar Verma and Ms Melattur Viswanathan Bhanumathi have been appointed Independent External Monitors (IEMs) of Bank Note Paper Mill India Private Limited (BNPM).
India–Fiji ties get a new connect: Dr. Ram Boddapati appointed Honorary Consul
India's engagement with Fiji and the wider Pacific region has gained another point of contact with the appointment of Dr. Seetharamaiah Boddapati as Honorary Consul of the Republic of Fiji, based in Hyderabad, with jurisdiction over Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. The appointment comes at a time when India is expanding its engagement with Pacific Island countries in areas such as trade, investment, healthcare, technology, capacity-building and people-to-people relations. Dr. Boddapati, a medical professional and entrepreneur, is expected to explore opportunities to strengthen Fiji–India cooperation, particularly in facilitating healthcare access for Fijian patients seeking specialised treatment in India, pharmaceutical and medical technology partnerships, and business and investment linkages. India's strengths in pharmaceuticals, life sciences, biotechnology, information technology and advanced healthcare offer considerable scope for collaboration. Fiji's strategic location in the South Pacific also presents opportunities for Indian businesses seeking to expand their presence in the wider Pacific Islands region. Operating from Hyderabad, Dr. Boddapati's consular jurisdiction across three southern states provides a platform to connect Fiji with India's business, healthcare and innovation ecosystems.
Will the govt merge branches of SBI?
There is strong speculation that the government may merge some State Bank of India (SBI) branches in Delhi. Almost all major government Bhawans in the national capital have SBI branches. With the construction of Kartavya Bhawans, several old buildings, including Nirman Bhawan, Udyog Bhawan and Shastri Bhawan, are being dismantled, raising questions about the future of these branches.
Since all the branches cannot be accommodated in Kartavya Bhawans, there are reports that some may be merged with nearby branches. According to sources, the Shastri Bhawan branch is likely to be merged with the Rail Bhawan branch, while its staff may be transferred to nearby branches.
The Parliament Complex also houses two SBI branches. However, the government has yet to issue any official orders in this regard.
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