Babus, mantris & buzz: 37 Rajya Sabha seats declared; 26 elected unopposed
· Free Press Journal
37 Rajya Sabha seats declared; 26 elected unopposed
Results for 37 Rajya Sabha seats have been declared, with 26 candidates elected unopposed and voting held for the remaining 11 seats. Of the 26 members elected unopposed, 14 are from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), including seven from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), while 12 are from the Opposition. Elections were held for five Rajya Sabha seats in Bihar, all of which have gone to the BJP-led alliance. In Odisha, the BJP won all four seats, with cross-voting reported. In Haryana, the BJP and the Congress secured one seat each. Overall, the NDA has gained nine seats.
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Ranjan Gogoi’s term ends
Former Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi’s term as Rajya Sabha MP has ended on March 16.
Trump-Xi Summit Unlikely Amid Hormuz Tensions
In a fresh twist to escalating global tensions, US President Donald Trump has indicated that he may delay his planned summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping unless Beijing helps ease the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, the Financial Times reported. Trump’s remarks, suggesting that China should demonstrate greater expeditionary naval capability to ensure maritime stability, mark an unusual linkage between Indo-Pacific strategy and Gulf security. Diplomatic sources, however, indicated that in the current atmosphere, an on-schedule meeting between the two leaders appears highly unlikely. Both Washington and Beijing remain preoccupied with regional pressures, the US with Iran and instability in the Middle East, and China with economic concerns and military recalibration. The uncertainty underscores deepening strains in US-China engagement, with global markets and strategic watchers closely monitoring whether dialogue gives way to another phase of geopolitical brinkmanship.
India to Draft New Safe-Passage Policy for Gulf Energy Shipping as MEA Churns for Crisis Management?
India is drafting a new framework to secure safe passage for ships carrying critical energy cargo from the Persian Gulf, against the backdrop of the Hormuz crisis and tensions in West Asia.
The move comes as the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which is operating 24x7 crisis management mechanisms for Gulf contingencies, faces internal deliberations over how far India should go in strengthening its maritime security posture while preserving ties with Iran and key Gulf suppliers.
The proposed approach under discussion goes beyond ad hoc vessel-by-vessel clearances and aims to institutionalise a lighter version of escort plus diplomacy, involving coordinated naval presence, sharper risk advisories and standing protocols with Iran, Gulf states and major shippers.
With a large share of India’s crude oil and LPG still routed through the Strait of Hormuz, the policy push is being driven at the highest political level, even as differences within the MEA over risk, bandwidth and signalling slow its finalisation.
BUREAUCRACY
Who will be CBI Chief (2)
Process to select new CBI Chief has started. A Panel of eligible candidates for the post is now prepared.Who will make it ?
India’s Faces in Key War Nations
Amid the ongoing war, three Indian diplomats have been actively handling the situation on the ground. J.P Singh, India’s Ambassador to Israel (IFS: 2002 batch), Rudra Gaurav Shresth, India’s Ambassador to Iran (IFS: 1999 batch) and Vinay Mohan Kwatra, India’s Ambassador to the United States (IFS: 1988 batch).
MEA to make diplomatic maneuvers with Iran, to counter conditional safe passage of Indian Cargo?
As tensions simmer in the Gulf, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is engaging in delicate diplomatic maneuvers with Tehran after Iran reportedly set two conditions for ensuring safe passage of Indian ships through the Strait of Hormuz. According to Reuters, Iran has asked New Delhi to release three Iran-linked tankers seized in February over allegations of illegal ship-to-ship transfers and identity concealment. It has also sought supplies of medicines and medical equipment. The MEA is said to be weighing a calibrated response, balancing enforcement of maritime security with the need to safeguard vital energy and trade flows through the region's most strategic waterway. New Delhi is expected to leverage its longstanding ties with Iran and its reputation as a regional stabilizer to de-escalate maritime tensions while maintaining pressure on compliance with international norms.
Subrat Das appointed as Secretary, Posts
Subrat Das, Member (Technology & Estates), Posta Services Board, has been appointed as Secretary, Department of Posts. He is a 1991 batch officer of Indian Postal Service.
Tenure of Piyush Anand as DG, NDRF extended
The tenure of Piyush Anand working as Director General, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), has been extended for a period of one year beyond March 30, 2026. He is a 1991 batch IPS officer of UP cadre.
Tenure of S Suresh as ADG, SPG extended
Deputation tenure of S Suresh working as ADG, SPG, has been extended upto December 31, 2026. He is a 1995 batch IPS officer of Kerala cadre.
Ms Rubina Ali appointed as Joint Secretary, Welfare of Persons with Autism
Ms Rubina Ali has been appointed as Joint Secretary & CEO, National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism. She is a CSS officer.
Ms Renuka Tripathi appointed as Deputy Director, National Archives of India
Ms Renuka Tripathi has been appointed as Deputy Director at Director level in the National Archives of India. She is a 2010 batch IRPS officer.
Tenure of Santosh Gopal Ajmera as Joint Secretary, UPSC extended
The central deputation tenure of Santosh Gopal Ajmera working as Joint Secretary at Director level, UPSC has been extended for a period of two years upto February 25, 2028. He is a 2008 batch IIS officer.
Tenure of Pramod Kumar Meherda as Additional Secretary, Agriculture extended
The central deputation tenure of Pramod Kumar Meherda working as Additional Secretary, Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, has been extended upto September 2, 2028. He is a 1997 batch IAS officer of Odisha cadre.
Santosh Kumar Singh appointed as DIG, CISF
Dr. Santosh Kumar Singh has been appointed as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) on deputation basis. He is a 2011 batch IPS officer of Chhattisgarh cadre.
Cadre of Ishita Bhatia transferred to MP
Cadre of Mrs Ishita Bhatia has been transferred from Uttarakhand to Madhya Pradesh on grounds of her marriage with 2021 batch IFoS officer Himanshu Tyagi. Ishita is a 2024 batch IPS officer ofUttarakhand cadre.
IAS officer reinstated in UP
2006-batch Uttar Pradesh cadre IAS officer Abhishek Prakash has been reinstated by the Government. He was suspended last year.
Resignations on the rise, 2,333 quit in 2025
In response to another question, Minister Rai laid out the resignation data for the CAPFs. According to the data presented, resignations have been on the rise since 2021, as in 2025, there were 2,333 resignations compared to 1,255 in 2021. The data shows that there were 1,183, 2,037, and 2,724 resignations in 2022, 2023, and 2024, respectively. The data presented also shows that there has been a decline in the number of suicides, fratricides, and voluntary retirements in the paramilitary forces.
Satyabrata Mukherjee selected as CMD, AVNL
Satyabrata Mukherjee, Director (Operations), Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), has been selected for the post of Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL) at a Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) meeting held on March 16, 2026. Only two persons were interviewed for the same.
DGP and CP Kolkata shifted in West Bengal
Siddh Nath Gupta has been appointed DG & IGP (in-charge) while Ajay Mukund Ranade was posted as ADG (L&O) and Ajay Kumar Nand is now Kolkata Police Commissioner in West Bengal.
Vinod Kumar Tripathi is also CVO, SAIL
Vinod Kumar Tripathi, Joint Secretary, Steel, has been assigned an additional charge of Chief Vigilance Officer, Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL). He is a 1995 batch IRSE-Civil officer.
Profit Boom and Valuation Shifts in PSBs
A new trend shows PSBs narrowing the valuation gap with private banks, with stocks like SBI up 23% YTD and Union Bank up 26%. However, predictions suggest private banks may outperform post-H1 FY27 with higher earnings CAGR (21% vs. 11% for PSBs). Trending news highlights PSBs’ sustainability challenges despite record profits, with focus on reforms for long-term competition.
Media persons can't enter in the ministry of finance !
Media persons who are having the PIB card can not enter into the Kartavya Bhawan 1 which is the new address of the ministry of finance.
IFS Anita Shukla appointed the next Ambassador to Ecuador
IFS officer Anita Shukla appointed the next Ambassador to Ecuador, while IFS Suneet Mehta (High Commissioner to Fiji) received additional charge of Tonga. These are peripheral stations and do not signal any broader reshuffle.
India’s Envoys Focused On Energy Security, Diaspora Welfare
The diplomatic machinery is in a holding pattern ahead of the bigger 2026 reshuffle. With global oil volatility and West Asia tensions dominating headlines, India’s envoys in key capitals are quietly focused on energy security, diaspora welfare, and positioning India as a reliable partner. The absence of last-minute postings in the past three working days suggests a deliberate pause before the major wave expected later this year — one that will likely elevate the 1992–94 cohort and further embed economic diplomacy at the heart of every mission.
No empanelment at ADG level from Jharkhand cadre
No IPS officer of 1998 batch from Jharkhand cadre has been empanelled for holding Additional Director General (ADG) and Additional Director General (ADG) equivalent posts in the Government of India.
When will PSB open its branch in Kartavya Bhawan?
PSU Banks Branches find no place in newly constructed Kartwaya Bhawan, instead Axis Bank opens its first Branch. At present three KBs are functional. KB three started functioning last year in May. But the PSB branch is yet to open.
National Intelligence Grid seeks Dy Director (BMS Data Centre), Delhi, Bengaluru
Ministry of Home Affairs has advertised the post of Deputy Director (BMS Data Centre) (Delhi, Bengaluru) in National Intelligence Grid. Details can be availed from the Ministry’s website.
RLDA advertises Chief Project Manager, Mumbai post
Rail Land Development Authority has invited applications from IRSE officers for the post of Chief Project Manager, Mumbai on deputation basis. Applications must reach latest by April 10, 2026.
IRCTC to fill various senior posts for P&T dept, Corporate Office
Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited has advertised the post of Assistant Manager/ Manager/Deputy General Manager in Procurement and Tendering (P&T) department, Corporate Office, New Delhi on deputation basis. Applications must reach latest by April 9, 2026.
Madhu Sharma empanelled for appointment as IEM
Madhu Sharma has been empanelled for appointment as IEM. She is a 1986 batch IFoS officer and retired as Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Evaluation, Working Plan, Bengaluru.
Madhusudan Prasad empanelled for appointment as IEM
Madhusudan Prasad has been empanelled for appointment as IEM. He is a 1981 batch IAS officer and retired as Secretary M/o UD, New Delhi.
A Javed & N A J Deva empanelled for appointment as IEMs
Ahmad Javed and Nirmal Anand Joseph Deva have been empanelled for appointment as IEMs. Both are from Hindustan Organic Chemicals Ltd (HOCL).
B Shankar, Capt A K Sharma & R Ranjan empanelled for appointment as IEMs
Bhagwan Shankar, Capt Anoop Kumar Sharma and Rajesh Ranjan have been empanelled for appointment as IEMs. Both are from Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL).
Consultant for Passport Seva Prog Division sought
Ministry of External Affairs has advertised the post of Consultant in Passport Seva Programme (PSP) Division. Applications must reach latest by April 6, 2026.
ET Consultant for United States sought
World Bank has advertised the post of ET Consultant for Washington, DC, United States. Applications must reach latest by March 27, 2026.
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