Babus, mantris & buzz: BJP roping community leaders in TN
· Free Press Journal
BJP roping community leaders in TN
In Tamil Nadu, the BJP left no stone unturned to grab the power in Tamil Nadu. According to sources, the party is in touch with important leaders of all communities and is trying to bring them into the NDA umbrella.
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Will two dozen MLAs leave DMK?
One should not be surprised if around two dozen MLAs leave the party. Sources said that those who will not get the ticket are bound to leave the party.
India-France Maintenence Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Partnership on Horizon?
India is poised to secure a strategic partnership with France for establishing Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities within the country, sources indicate. This collaboration aims to bolster India's aerospace and defense aviation ecosystem by leveraging French expertise in aircraft maintenance. The partnership builds on deepening India-France ties, including Rafale deals and joint military exercises. French firms like Dassault Aviation and Safran are likely partners, targeting MRO for fighter jets, helicopters, and civil aircraft amid India's push for Atmanirbhar Bharat in defense.Key benefits include technology transfer, job creation, and reduced turnaround times for fleet readiness. Facilities could be set up in Uttar Pradesh or Karnataka, aligning with PM Modi's recent France visit and the 2026 "Year of Innovation." This move positions India as a regional MRO hub.
Will Sanjay Solanki be new NSUI President?
Sanjay Solanki is said to be ahead in the race for the post of President National Students Union of India (NSUI).
BUREAUCRACY
IAS Himanshu Aggarwal’s CHETNA Model in Jalandhar, Preparing Youth for the Real World
While academic excellence remains the foundation of growth, true education lies in preparing students to navigate real-world challenges with confidence. IAS officer Himanshu Aggarwal of the 2014 Punjab cadre, currently serving as Deputy Commissioner of Jalandhar, has launched Project CHETNA (Children’s Health, Education, Training and Nutritional Assistance), a district-wide initiative designed to bridge the gap between classroom theory and practical life readiness. By integrating essential life skills into the formal school system, Jalandhar is preparing its youth not just to pass exams but to thrive as informed and resilient citizens. While interacting with government school students, Aggarwal observed that although students were academically capable, many lacked exposure to essential life skills. He recognised that even simple adult responsibilities such as filling out bank forms, understanding salary slips or handling financial transactions appeared intimidating to students. Moreover, in emergency situations like road accidents or medical crises, students often lacked hands-on knowledge of first aid or CPR. The growing digital landscape added another layer of vulnerability as students were not adequately trained to navigate cyber threats, phishing scams or online exploitation. Additionally, limited awareness around gender sensitivity, hygiene and career planning highlighted the need for a more holistic educational approach. To address these gaps, Project CHETNA has institutionalised life-skills education across more than 70 government and private schools, benefiting over 15,000 students. The curriculum is structured around six key pillars: digital literacy and safety, financial awareness, gender sensitivity, sanitation and hygiene, first aid and emergency response, and career guidance. Adding to the initiative is its “Say-Do-Ask” methodology, designed at the district level by Assistant Commissioner IAS Mukilan, ensuring that learning is active rather than passive. Under this experiential learning approach, students first understand concepts in simple terms, then practise them through simulations such as performing CPR or enacting banking procedures, and finally reflect on how these lessons apply to their daily lives. To further increase exposure, visits to administrative offices and premier institutions are also arranged to enhance students’ experience. These visits humanise the administration, teaching students how public systems work and encouraging them to take ownership of their role in a democracy. To ensure sustainability, Project CHETNA has been incorporated as a weekly session led by trained teachers rather than as a one-time workshop. The success of the initiative was demonstrated during the Chetna Confluence: Skill and Survival, where students showcased their preparedness and learning through real-world competitions. Today, the legacy of Project CHETNA extends beyond the school gates, with students acting as change agents within their own families by sharing knowledge on financial security and medical safety. By combining administrative vision with community-wide engagement, Project CHETNA has set a new standard for holistic education in India.
India’s only surviving 1948 batch IPS officer HM Joshi turns 100
At 99 and set to attain 100 on March 5, H M Joshi, India’s lone surviving member of the first post-Independence IPS batch and former Director General of Police of Madhya Pradesh, continues to inspire. Residing in Bhopal, the veteran officer who tamed the dreaded Chambal dacoits spoke exclusively to Whispers in the Corridors, recounting his service and voicing hopes for a communal hatred-free, peaceful society.
Joshi joined the Madhya Pradesh cadre in September 1948 as Probationary Assistant Superintendent of Police in Sagar, performing duties from Sepoy to Sub-Divisional Officer. As DIG Gwalior Range in 1969, he crafted a humane anti-dacoity strategy — “no fake encounters” — that led to real operations and, in the 1980s, the surrender of over 400 dacoits. For his gallantry, he received the President’s Police Medal.
Now frail, with weakened eyesight and hearing, Joshi still begins each day with a walk and reads newspapers voraciously, having stopped watching TV five years ago.
On policing, he is candid: “Madhya Pradesh Police still has a good name, but with the commissioner system and big officers, we need more Investigation Officers. Every Thana must have at least three IOs; strengthen the sub-inspector who does the real work.”
He advocates devolving power to people on the mayoral model of America, England and Germany. While appreciating RSS discipline and its organisational strength that helped it dominate 15 states, Joshi laments excessive political mudslinging. “Gandhiji is dragged into controversy — one side calls him Bapu, the other criticises him. Modi ji quotes him ten times, yet some from his party insult him. This hurts,” he said.
Above all, the centenarian prays for peace. “Seventy-five years after Independence, we should have understood: call it water, jal, pani or nira — it is the same. Hindu, Muslim, Jain — what difference? The Gita is a textbook on yoga, not religion; teach it to remove discrimination. Let there be no communal hatred. This is my only wish.”
MoHUA reconstituted the Board of Hemisphere Properties India Limited, appoints IAS Pradeep Kumar Jha & IAS Shyam Lal Poonia as new Directors
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has reconstituted the Board of Hemisphere Properties India Limited. It has appointed IAS officers Pradeep Kumar Jha and Shyam Lal Poonia as new Directors on the company’s Board. They will serve in place of outgoing Directors Smt. Manasi Sahay Thakur and Smt. Tanvi Garg, who have been relieved of their Board responsibilities. This change reflects a routine restructuring of government representation on the Board of the Central Public Sector Enterprise, aimed at aligning it with current administrative priorities and responsibilities. The appointments take immediate effect as per the Ministry’s order, and the company will update statutory records and regulatory filings to reflect the new Board composition.
Orders of MD and CEO Canara Bank delayed?
Orders of Brijesh Kumar Singh for the position of MD & CEO of the Canara Bank have been delayed despite his selection on December 22. Any reason?
PM forms Committee to enquire Mission failures
After ISRO’s PSLV-C62 mission failed in February 2026 from Sriharikota Prime Minister himself took notice of it.Now he has reportedly formed a committee to enquire. The committee includes: Prof. K Vijay Raghavan (former Principal Scientific Adviser to PM) as Chairman and S Somanath (former ISRO Chairman) as Vice Chairman.
Young and senior officers to counter high threat perceptions?
Amid heightened security concerns, sources indicate that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has asked a select group of senior and young officers to remain on standby and prepare contingency measures following fresh intelligence inputs suggesting a high threat perception. While official confirmation is awaited, the move points to a possible escalation in security preparedness across sensitive regions and vital installations. The directive is said to involve enhanced coordination between intelligence agencies and state police units. Though details remain confidential, the urgency of the instructions suggests the government is taking no chances in view of recent developments, fueling speculation of potential security challenges that could necessitate immediate operational readiness.
Govt Aims for World-class PSBs by 2026
Government aims for world-class PSBs by 2026 to support Viksit Bharat by 2047, with discussions involving RBI and banks. Merger buzz resurfaced during Budget 2026, linked to UFBU’s push for 5-day banking.
Bulk shifting of IAS & IPS officers on the cards in Rajasthan
Large number of officers of Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) including district Collectors and SPs are expected to be shifted soon in Rajasthan.
No Joint Secretary level empanelment of 2010 batch from Punjab
No Joint Secretary level empanelment belonging to 2010 batch IAS officers has been made from Punjab cadre.
CBIC Members continue holding additional charges
Sanjay Mangal, Member, CBIC, will continue holding the charge of Chief Commissioner, Meerut GST & CX Zone and Abhai Kumar Srivastav (CBIC) looks after the charge of DG, Revenue Intelligence, Delhi and GST Intelligence.
Prof Amritanshu Prasad appointed as Director, IMSc, Chennai
Prof Amritanshu Prasad, Professor H, IMSC, Chennai, has been appointed as Director, Institute of Mathematical Sciences (IMSc), Chennai.
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