Babus, mantris & buzz: Modi and Rahul failed to catch peoples' pulse!
· Free Press Journal
Modi and Rahul failed to catch peoples' pulse!
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What has emerged as a common thread between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi? A veteran politician observed that, for once, both leaders failed to gauge the public mood as they remained deeply engaged in day-to-day politics centred around caste, religion and history. Both misread public sentiment, which contributed to the rise of Gen Z agitation and actor-turned-politician C. Vijay Joseph, who went on to become Tamil Nadu Chief Minister.
Is Kiran Rijiju most trusted Minister to PM Modi?
Political observers believe that Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiran Rijiju has emerged as one of the most trusted Ministers of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He has reportedly become the government’s key troubleshooter. The question remains whether this perception holds true.
Middle East Crisis: Will there be a rise in crude prices this week?
The instability in the Middle East has triggered speculation over a possible rise in global crude oil prices this week. In India, prices are likely to cross ₹100 this week. Observers are closely watching the situation.
Punjab DA row: Employees escalate strike over unpaid dues
State government employees across Punjab have launched a state-wide pen-down strike, disrupting public services and shutting down official computers over long-pending demands. The strike, called by the Punjab Sanjha Mulazam Manch, seeks immediate clearance of an 18% dearness allowance (DA) backlog, assured career progression benefits and full implementation of the old pension scheme.
The protest continued despite Minister Aman Arora declaring the strike illegal and warning of action. The employees’ union, meanwhile, has threatened to directly target Ministers from September 12.
Although the administration recently increased DA from 42% to 60% for around 85,000 recruits appointed after July 2020, employees recruited before 2020 remain excluded. The employees are demanding payment of full arrears following a Punjab and Haryana High Court directive.
The state government has approached the Supreme Court, arguing that clearing the ₹14,191 crore DA arrears within two weeks is financially and constitutionally unviable.
Mumbai top cop under lens over lapses in PM's security!
The detention of an impostor posing as a Prime Minister’s Office official, accompanied by an armed bodyguard, inside the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre has exposed major vulnerabilities in Mumbai’s security arrangements.
The incident occurred ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled arrival and has put Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti under scrutiny. As the head of Greater Mumbai Police, Bharti will have to explain serious lapses in VVIP security protocol, including how two unauthorised individuals, one carrying a firearm, managed to breach advance security arrangements.
BUREAUCRACY
IAS Aparna Gupta reviving Rajasthan’s traditional water heritage through community action
In Rajasthan, where water scarcity has remained a long-standing challenge, Kotputli-Behror district is focusing on reviving its traditional water systems. Under District Collector Aparna Gupta, a 2018-batch IAS officer, the district administration has launched a community-led initiative to restore stepwells, ponds and other water bodies.
“Our historic stepwells (bawdis), ponds and wells are not merely ancient structures; they are living proof of centuries-old scientific water management systems. When restored through active community participation, they can play a decisive role in mitigating future water crises,” said Aparna Gupta.
The campaign began with a major cleanliness, voluntary labour and public awareness drive at the historic Shiv Mandir Talab Bawdi (Ganga Sagar Talab). Organised by District Administration Kotputli-Behror and Kotputli Municipal Council, with support from UNICEF and Bawdi Baisa, the event witnessed widespread participation.
Students, youth, social organisations and local residents came together to remove waste and contribute to the restoration effort.
“The objective is not only to conduct a cleanliness campaign at one place, but to develop a permanent and participatory system of water conservation across the district,” she said.
A phased plan is being prepared to clean, restore and maintain historical water bodies across the district. Regular Shramdaan (voluntary labour) drives will involve local communities, youth and NGOs.
Beyond restoration work, the campaign also focuses on promoting rainwater harvesting, responsible water use and keeping local water sources free from plastic and pollution.
The initiative aims to achieve two objectives — water conservation and preservation of cultural heritage. It has also received appreciation at the state level, with Rajasthan Chief Secretary V. Srinivas describing it as an inspiring model of water conservation and public participation that can serve as an example for other regions.
Director General of Police, West Bengal set to retire in October
West Bengal Director General of Police (DGP) Siddh Nath Gupta is scheduled to retire on October 31. He is a 1992 batch IPS officer of the West Bengal cadre.
Ashish Kumar Gupta repatriated to parent cadre (UPDATED)
Ashish Kumar Gupta, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation, has been prematurely repatriated to his parent cadre. He is a 2002 batch officer of the Indian Ordnance Factory Service (IOFS).
Satya Pratap Singh repatriated to parent cadre (UPDATED)
Satya Pratap Singh, Joint Secretary, Department of Justice, has been prematurely repatriated to his parent cadre. He is a 2003 batch officer of the Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS).
A rarity in Maharashtra: CS possesses no immovable property in Mumbai
A discussion doing rounds in Maharashtra’s bureaucratic circles about Chief Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal suggests that he is among the few senior officials who neither owns immovable property nor is a member of any housing society in Mumbai. This is being seen as an indication that he may not be seeking any extension.
India to appoint Defence Attaché in Brussels
India has announced its decision to appoint a Defence Attaché in Brussels, complementing Belgium’s Defence Attaché presence in New Delhi. The move is aimed at expanding bilateral defence production and military cooperation.
Gina Uika will be next High Commissioner to Botswana (UPDATED)
Ms Gina Uika (IFS: 2006), presently Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, has been appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Botswana.
Chhattisgarh HC gets 3 judges (UPDATED)
Three judicial officers have been appointed as Judges of the Chhattisgarh High Court. They are Santosh Sharma, Ms. Sushma Sawant and Sudhir Kumar.
Gauhati HC gets 2 additional judges (UPDATED)
Two persons have been appointed as Additional Judges of the Gauhati High Court. They are Nchumbemo Mozhui, an advocate, and Ms. Helen Dawngliani, a judicial officer.
Punjab & Haryana HC gets 1 judge (UPDATED)
Justice Rohit Kapoor, Additional Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, has been appointed as a Judge of that High Court.
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