Babus, mantris & buzz: Modi government reshuffle chatter
· Free Press Journal
Modi government reshuffle chatter
Political circles are once again abuzz with speculation about a Union Cabinet reshuffle or reallocation of portfolios. With around 40% of ministers reportedly holding multiple portfolios, some may be relieved of their additional responsibilities. There is also speculation that Hardeep Singh Puri could be moved out of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas. The exclusion of Puri and Verma is being interpreted as a possible indication of an impending ministerial restructuring.
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Is the NC going to soften its stance on Article 370 in party constitution?
Seven years after the revocation of Article 370, administrative and constitutional changes in Jammu and Kashmir are influencing the ruling National Conference. To adapt to the new political reality, the party is preparing to amend its constitution. A draft amendment has been prepared and is awaiting approval from the executive committee. On Monday, NC President and former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah confirmed the proposed changes following a meeting with elected MLAs and district officials in Srinagar. Sources suggest that the party may soften its stance on restoring Article 370 and instead focus primarily on demanding the restoration of full statehood.
Where to house AICC Election Control Room now? Congress leaders brainstorm
The AICC Election Control Room has traditionally operated outside 24 Akbar Road to keep its staff away from daily visitors. However, when Indira Bhawan, the new Congress headquarters at 9A, Kotla Marg, was planned, no space was allocated for the war room in its present form. Congress leaders are now discussing where to accommodate it. The party has two options: create space within Indira Bhawan or find a suitable location at an MP's residence. The Control Room receives reports from election observers and handles confidential election-related work.
Bollywood star-turned-politician Mithun Chakraborty appointed Advisor to Govt of West Bengal (UPDATED)
Cine star Mithun Chakraborty has been appointed Advisor to the Government of West Bengal with the rank of Cabinet Minister.
BUREAUCRACY
Fight against drug mafia: Bihar IPS Swarn Prabhat's two-year crackdown yields 100 convictions, 64 sentences
In a major crackdown on the drug trade in East Champaran, Superintendent of Police Swarn Prabhat, IPS (2017 batch), has focused not only on arrests and seizures but also on effective investigation, prosecution and convictions.
Police records show that 100 accused in narcotics cases were convicted between September 16, 2024, and September 10, 2026. Of these, 64 received prison sentences of seven years or more, with the maximum sentence being 18 years. Around 500 other accused are still facing trial.
The achievement is particularly significant in a district close to the Nepal border, where police have been tackling interstate and cross-border drug trafficking networks.
Among the major convictions, Ussman Sheikh was sentenced to 18 years' imprisonment in a Banjariya police station case involving 26.434 kg of charas. Sagar Kumar Pandey received a 15-year sentence in a case involving 18.4 kg of charas, while Janglal Yadav was sentenced to 15 years in a Palanwa police station case involving 84 kg of ganja. Police records contain details of 100 convictions under various provisions of the NDPS Act.
The crackdown has also resulted in substantial drug seizures. In June 2026, Motihari police and the STF seized 10.54 kg of opium, 4 kg of ganja and 1.1 kg of doda, arresting seven people following leads reportedly obtained during interrogation.
According to police data released in September, drugs worth approximately Rs 52.66 crore were seized during the two-year campaign, while 531 drug-related cases were registered and 669 people arrested.
The seizures included 8,967.024 kg of ganja valued at Rs 44.84 crore, 117.7094 kg of charas worth Rs 2.94 crore, 52.516 kg of opium worth Rs 63 lakh, 22.379 kg of smack valued at Rs 2.91 crore and 2.6835 kg of brown sugar worth Rs 1.34 crore. Police also recovered 760 grams of hashish and 400.3 grams of heroin.
Swarn Prabhat has urged young people to stay away from the narcotics trade, warning that the prospect of quick financial gains could ultimately lead to imprisonment and severe punishment.
The figures highlight a policing strategy that treats arrests as the beginning of the process, with the ultimate objective of securing convictions through strong investigations and legally sustainable cases.
Dozen IRS officers in race for Member Central Board of Direct Taxes post
More than a dozen senior Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officers are reportedly in contention for elevation as Member of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). Among the potential candidates are several officers from the 1990 and 1991 batches currently serving as Principal Chief Commissioners or Principal Directors General.
Will a Joint Secretary from Rajya Sabha be repatriated?
If sources are to be believed, a Joint Secretary-rank officer currently on deputation to the Rajya Sabha is likely to be prematurely repatriated to his parent cadre. The officer belongs to a cadre service.
Permanand Sharma, IRSME appointed Secretary, Railway Board (UPDATED)
Permanand Sharma, an officer of the Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers (IRSME), has been appointed Secretary, Railway Board. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the proposal.
Cadre of IPS officer Suma H K transferred to Tamil Nadu
The cadre of Mrs Suma H K, IPS (Manipur: 2024), has been transferred from Manipur to Tamil Nadu on the grounds of her marriage to Venkateshwaran R, IAS (Tamil Nadu: 2024).
ACC approves extension in Maharashtra deputation tenure for Sumnesh Joshi
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the deputation of Sumnesh Joshi, ITS (1994), to the Government of Maharashtra for three years in relaxation of the deputation policy.
Aditya Singh's deputation tenure to Municipal Corporation of Delhi regularised
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the regularisation of the deputation tenure of Aditya Singh, Armed Forces Headquarters (AFHQ) Civil Services (SL: 2024), in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) from November 8, 2025, to April 22, 2026, in relaxation of the policy.
K Deepi Chanu, IAS transferred to Assam-Meghalaya cadre
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the Department of Personnel and Training's (DoPT) proposal for the inter-cadre transfer of Kshetrimayum Deepi Chanu, IAS (Tamil Nadu: 2024), from the Tamil Nadu cadre to the Assam-Meghalaya cadre.
Who will take over as J&K Chief Secretary? Will incumbent get an extension?
Speculation is rife that IAS officer Shaleen Kabra (1992-AGMUT) has emerged as a leading contender to succeed incumbent Atal Dulloo (1989-AGMUT) as Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir. However, no official appointment has been finalised. The question remains whether the Centre is considering potential successors or contemplating a one-year extension for Dulloo.
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