Babus, mantris & buzz: Did Rahul Gandhi confidant ask Priyanka to skip CJP protest?
· Free Press Journal
Did Rahul Gandhi confidant ask Priyanka to skip CJP protest?
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Speculation is mounting in political circles after reports claimed that a close confidant of Rahul Gandhi advised Priyanka Gandhi Vadra against attending the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar.
The demonstration, organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), features climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for 15 days, demanding the immediate resignation of the Union Education Minister over recent examination irregularities.
Sources said Priyanka Gandhi was keen to visit the protest site to express solidarity with Wangchuk and the students. However, she was reportedly advised against doing so to avoid politicising the citizen-led movement or creating conflicting narratives within the Congress leadership.
While several Opposition leaders have extended support to the protest, the Congress high command's decision to maintain a measured distance has sparked speculation. Observers are debating whether the move was aimed at keeping the focus on student accountability or reflected broader internal political calculations.
Karnataka cabinet expansion: Siddaramaiah eyes bigger say
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah have arrived in Delhi for crucial consultations with the Congress high command over the long-pending state cabinet expansion.
The two leaders are expected to meet Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi to finalise the expansion.
Reports suggest Siddaramaiah is pushing for more cabinet berths for his loyalists to strengthen his influence within the government, while Shivakumar is expected to back candidates from his own camp.
With several ministerial positions still vacant, the expansion is considered crucial for ensuring smooth governance and maintaining regional and caste balance within the ruling party. The Congress leadership is expected to strike a balance between the rival factions while preserving party unity.
Goa gets its youngest district collector
Egna Cleetus, Collector of South Goa, has become the youngest district collector in the state.
Born in 1995, Cleetus belongs to the 2020 batch of the AGMUT cadre.
Cabinet Secretary likely to get one-year extension
Cabinet Secretary T. V. Somanathan is widely expected to receive a one-year extension, in line with his predecessors.
A 1987-batch IAS officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre, Somanathan currently holds the country's top bureaucratic post. At present, no other name has emerged as a serious contender, making an extension the most likely outcome.
T. Chitraa appointed Deputy Director of Enforcement
Ms. T. Chitraa, currently serving as Senior Divisional Finance Manager (Sr. DFM), Salem, Southern Railway, has been appointed Deputy Director of Enforcement in the Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
She has been appointed on deputation for a period of three years. Chitraa is an Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS) officer.
Rahul Himalian gets additional charge of IRCTC CMD
Rahul Himalian, Director (Tourism & Marketing), Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), has been given the additional charge of Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), IRCTC.
The arrangement will take effect from July 20, 2026, for a period of three months, in addition to his existing responsibilities.
Panchayati Raj Secretary to retire this month
Vivek Bhardwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR), is set to retire later this month.
He is a 1990-batch IAS officer of the West Bengal cadre.
Srinivasa Kumar Tummala appointed Earth Sciences Secretary
Dr Srinivasa Kumar Tummala, Head of the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (IOTWMS) Secretariat under UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission in Perth, Australia, has been appointed Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences.
He has been appointed for a tenure of two years.
Two women appointed President's ADCs for first time
For the first time in India's history, two women have been appointed as Aides-de-Camp (ADCs) to the President.
Major Navya Shekhawat of the Indian Army has become the first woman Army officer to serve as the President's ADC, while Lieutenant Commander Yashasvi Solankee of the Indian Navy was earlier appointed as the first woman naval officer to hold the post.
Their appointments mark a historic milestone for women's representation at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
ECIL advertises Director (Technical) post
The Public Enterprise Selection Board has invited applications for the post of Director (Technical) at Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL).
The last date for submitting applications is August 6, 2026.
Government tightens ISRO exit rules
The Department of Space (DoS) has tightened the exit policy for Group 'A' scientific and technical personnel at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) following a sharp rise in voluntary retirement and resignation requests.
A directive issued on July 14, 2026, instructs major ISRO centres, including the UR Rao Satellite Centre and the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, not to routinely approve exit requests, particularly for personnel associated with the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme and other critical national missions.
The move follows reports of more than 100 scientists resigning or opting for early retirement in recent months. Under the revised guidelines, all resignation and voluntary retirement requests will now require approval from the Department of Space, replacing the 2020 system under which individual ISRO centre directors had the authority to approve such requests.
Manish Mishra appointed Deputy Secretary
Manish Mishra has been appointed Deputy Secretary in the Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals under the Central Staffing Scheme for a period of four years.
He is a 2015-batch IAS officer of the West Bengal cadre.
Sahil Goyal appointed Water Resources Director
Sahil Goyal has been appointed Director in the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation under the Central Staffing Scheme for a period of five years.
He is a 2011-batch Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS) officer.
Raval Hamendra Kumar posted as Director
Raval Hamendra Kumar has been appointed Director in the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation under the Central Staffing Scheme for a period of five years.
He is a 2011-batch IAS officer of the Tripura cadre.
Voluntary retirement of ITS officer accepted
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has accepted the voluntary retirement of Sushil Kumar, a 1995-batch Indian Telecom Service (ITS) officer, with effect from July 31, 2026.
He is currently posted as PGM (NWPSP) at BSNL Corporate Office.
Ports Ministry invites consultant applications
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has invited applications from retired Central Government employees for the post of Consultant.
Interested candidates can find details on the ministry's website. Applications must be submitted by July 24, 2026.
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