Shri Nirmal Adhikari IAS (Tripura 2013) presently Director – Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Tripura with additional charge of Controller, Legal Metrology, Tripura is transferred and posted as Director – OBC Welfare, Tripura, Agartala. He will also hold the charge of Managing Director, OBC Welfare Co-operative Development Corporation Ltd., Agartala.
IndianBureaucracy.com wishes Shri Nirmal Adhikari the very best.
NHPC, India’s premier hydropower company and NTPC, India’s largest integrated power utility, commemorated their 50th Raising Day and entry into the Golden Jubilee year with a grand joint celebration at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi on 9th November 2024. The event marked a significant milestone for both the utilities which were incorporated on November 7th 1975.
Shri Manohar Lal, Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs graced the event as Chief Guest. Shri Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary (Power), Government of India was the Special Guest on the occasion. Shri R K Chaudhary, CMD, NHPC and Shri Gurdeep Singh, CMD, NTPC were present on the occasion along with Shri R.P. Goyal, Director (Finance), Shri Uttam Lal, Director (Personnel), Shri Sanjay Kumar Singh, Director (Projects & Technical) and Shri Santosh Kumar, CVO from NHPC and Shri Jaikumar Srinivasan, Director (Finance), Shri Shivam Srivastava, Director (Fuel), Shri K.S. Sundaram, Director (Projects), Shri Ravindra Kumar, Director (Operations) and Shri A K Jadli, Director (HR) from NTPC.
In his address Shri Manohar Lal, Hon’ble Union Minister of Power, Housing and Urban Affairs extended his heartfelt congratulations to both the organizations and expressed his delight in being part of this historic occasion. The Hon’ble Minister said that the unparalleled contribution made by NHPC and NTPC to the Indian power sector over the past five decades is a matter of pride for us and their dedication and commitment towards providing a stable and continuous power supply have been instrumental in the sustainable development of the country.
In his address Shri Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary (Power), Government of India highlighted the remarkable achievements of NTPC and NHPC. He said that NTPC and NHPC have played a key role in transforming India’s energy sector over the past 50 years. He further added that both organizations have been integral to India’s energy security and economic growth and also acknowledged the critical role both organizations are playing in promoting clean energy solutions.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri R.K. Chaudhary, CMD, NHPC extended his best wishes to both NHPC and NTPC employees for entry into Golden Jubilee year. Shri Chaudhary enumerated upon the various achievements of NHPC since its inception in 1975 in terms of power generation and profitability. CMD, NHPC said that NHPC’s successes are numerous and we have not only achieved excellence in the implementation of hydropower projects from concept to commissioning, but have also adopted the principles of sustainable development. He also said that NHPC’s 50th Raising Day has become extra special as NHPC has achieved Navratna company status on August 30th this year which reflect our hard work, dedication and commitment to high standards. CMD, NHPC informed that currently the total installed capacity of NHPC is more than 7000 MW and NHPC is constantly moving towards green energy generation and striving to touch new heights.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Gurdeep Singh, CMD, NTPC congratulated each and every employee of NTPC and NHPC and their family members on this historic occasion. The CMD said the dedication and resilience of our workforce have been instrumental in achieving this remarkable feat. This year, as we honor our legacy, we also resolve to embrace innovation and set new standards of performance, safety, and environmental stewardship, he said. NTPC has consistently demonstrated its commitment to provide reliable, affordable, and sustainable power to the nation. We acted as a growth engine for the nation’s progress over the years, evolved continuously and made a long-lasting impact on the country’s growth story. Today, when people think of electricity in the country, they instantly think of NTPC, which gives us a feeling of pride and puts additional responsibility on us, he added.
During the event, Shri Manohar Lal, Hon’ble Union Minister of Power, Housing and Urban Affairs released two special publications namely NHPC’s comic book, “Jal se Jyoti” and NTPC’s coffee table book, “Samathvam”. NHPC’s comic book, “Jal se Jyoti” aims to educate children about the importance and process of hydropower generation through engaging storytelling and vibrant illustrations. NTPC’s coffee table book, “Samathvam,” chronicles the rich history of NTPC through stunning visuals and inspiring stories. “Samathvam,” a Sanskrit word meaning equanimity and balance, encapsulates NTPC’s philosophy over the last 50 years. The book highlights NTPC’s journey from a single thermal power plant to India’s largest integrated power utility, showcasing its contributions to energy security, environmental sustainability, innovation, community empowerment, and biodiversity.
A special highlight of the event was a musical performance by renowned playback singer Shri Abhijeet Bhattacharya, whose enthralling melodies mesmerized the audience and added a special touch to the celebration.
With Cabinet approval, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology created, Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) by subsuming the 14 Autonomous Institutions (AIs) on 10th November, 2023. Under the exemplary leadership and vision of the Minister of State (IC) for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, BRIC is pivotal in driving excellence and innovation in biotech sector.
The first foundation day of BRIC was celebrated at BRIC-National Institute of Immunology (NII) on 9th – 10th November, 2024. Shri Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa was the Guest of Honor for the event and also delivered the foundation day lecture. Dr Anand Deshpande, Persistent Systems was the Special Guest. Dr. Rajesh S Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology and DG BRIC, Directors of iBRIC and Officials from DBT and BIRAC, researchers and students from various iBRIC Institutions participated.
On 9th November, 2024, a competition named as “Race from Science to Entrepreneurship (RaSE) was organized to encourage young talent pool being nurtured in iBRIC+ institutes to develop their entrepreneurial skills by exposing them to issues involved in commercialization of biosciences especially in the thematic areas mentioned in BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) Policy. Students from all the fifteen iBRIC+ Institutes participated in the Competition.
On 10th November, 2024, a sports meet and a get-together for iBRIC+ institutes and DBT was planned to foster harmony, promote physical fitness, teamwork, and bonding among DBT-iBRIC+ family. The sports meet encompassed events like Cricket, Badminton, Table Tennis and Chess.
BRIC has been instrumental in bringing together scientists and researchers across the institutions and is expected to achieve laudable outcomes for catapulting the Indian Biotechnology sector.
Speaking at the occasion Dr Gokhale mentioned that “BRIC is playing a pivotal role in enhancing the value and impact both in the context of bringing research synergy, enhancing and transforming the power of Science, Technology and Innovation”. Guest of Honor Sh Amitabh Kant appreciated the efforts of the Department and mentioned that “BRIC would be a landmark institution for the country”.
A meeting was convened at the Commission chaired by the Chairperson of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). The purpose of the meeting was to review the progress and effectiveness of the actions being implemented under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), particularly in air pollution hotspots and other designated priority areas across Delhi.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Secretary of Delhi, senior officials from key departments and agencies of the GNCT of Delhi, including Environment, Transport, MCD, Traffic Police, Delhi Jal Board, PWD and DSIIDC besides other organizations like the CPWD, NDMC, NHAI, DMRC, DDA, NCRTC and NBCC.
During the meeting, it was strongly reiterated that all relevant departments, authorities, and agencies are required to strictly implement the directions issued by the Commission, in its letter and spirit. The importance of strict and uncompromising enforcement was underscored and it was emphasized that immediate and firm action must be taken against any violators, ensuring accountability at all levels.
Key preventive actions to be undertaken / intensified during Stage-I and Stage-II of the GRAP were reiterated during the meeting as under:
GRAP Stage I
GRAP Stage II
The following were highlighted towards a comprehensive approach to enhance coordination, ensure timely action and improve the overall effectiveness of the measures to control air pollution in the region:
The Commission expressed concern regarding the slow pace of resolution and the growing backlog of pending complaints being handled by the respective agencies. It was strongly emphasized that every case of violation must be treated with urgency and addressed promptly to ensure swift resolution. The Commission underscored the need for a more proactive approach in dealing with complaints, as delays in resolving issues also hinder the effective implementation of air quality management measures. It was clearly stated that agencies must take immediate and decisive action in resolving pending cases and preventing further accumulation of unresolved complaints. The Commission also reminded the authorities that timely resolution is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the enforcement process and for achieving the broader objectives of air pollution control. MCD was specifically instructed to comprehensively review the parking fee structure in public parking spaces as called for by the Commission vide Direction No. 82 dated 20.08.2024. This directive mandates rationalization / review of parking fees for private vehicles in order to encourage the use of public transportation.
The meeting also focused on strict discipline and measures to guard against unauthorized/ haphazard parking of private vehicles on metaled roads, markets, public spaces etc. leading to vehicular congestion and high levels of pollution, particularly in winters and called for strict action against violators including for violations of Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate regime.
The Commission directed for intensified actions to liquidate the large fleet of highly polluting End-of-Life (EoL) Vehicles (more than 15 years for Petrol vehicles and 10 years for Diesel vehicles) still reported to be plying in Delhi.
Key actions reported to enforce the GRAP in Delhi include hotspot-specific action plans and measures in other identified priority areas, augmenting public transport and improving traffic management, preventing open biomass/MSW burning during the winters and enhanced public awareness, among other initiatives.
The meeting further stressed the need for targeted action in coordination with all relevant agencies at key hotspots and other priority areas to effectively tackle air pollution. It was emphasized that a collaborative and focused approach is essential to ensure the successful implementation of pollution control measures and to achieve meaningful improvements in air quality.
The QS World University Rankings: Asia 2025 reflect the dynamic landscape of higher education across the continent, spotlighting the top institutions excelling in academic and research excellence, innovation, and internationalization. This year’s rankings emphasize the growing competition among Asian universities and showcase the region’s commitment to advancing global educational standards.
This edition highlights India’s impressive upward trajectory in higher education across the continent. India boasts two institutions within the top 50 and seven in the top 100 of the QS Asia Rankings 2025, with the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD) leading at 44th place. The University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES) achieved the most significant improvement among Indian institutions, climbing 70 spots to 148th, driven by notable advancements in nine of the 11 ranking metrics, especially in International Research Network, Citations per Paper, and Papers per Faculty. India’s strongest average indicator scores are in Papers per Faculty and Staff with PhD.
Key Insights from QS World University Ranking: Asia 2025
This ranking assesses 984 institutions covering 25 countries in Eastern, Southern, South-Eastern and Central Asia. The QS World University Rankings: Asia 2025 allows institutions and students to make direct comparisons on institutional performance within their region, with a more granular approach to metrics. Ranng
The Indian education sector has made impressive strides, both globally and within Asia, as evidenced by the QS World University Rankings 2025. India earlier saw the inclusion of 46 institutions in the 2025 edition compared to just 11 in 2015 edition showcasing a 318 per cent increase in last 10 years among G20 nations. This growth underscores India’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and enhancing global competitiveness. India’s educational landscape shines as a model of growth and resilience at Asia level also with two institutions in the top 50 and seven in the top 100 in Southern Asia region. Led by the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD), ranked 44th, India showcases strengths in key areas such as “Papers per Faculty” and “Staff with PhD,” underlining its dedication to quality education and impactful research. This achievement emphasizes India’s ability to balance research productivity with high-caliber teaching, establishing it as a formidable competitor among global education powerhouses and solidifying its reputation as an emerging hub for higher learning in Asia.
The Department of Pharmaceuticals actively participated in the Special Campaign 4.0 of the Government from 2nd October, 2024 to 31st October, 2024. Special focus was given on activities of organisations of the Department, namely National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA); National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs) at Ahmedabad, SAS Nagar, Rae Bareli, Hajipur, Kolkata, Guwahati and Hyderabad; Pharmaceutical & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI); and three PSUs, namely Bengal Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Limited (BCPL) Kolkata, Hindustan Antibiotics Limited(HAL) Pune and Karnataka Antibiotics & Pharmaceuticals Limited (KAPL), Bangalore.
The Department was able to successfully meet and also exceed some of the pre-defined targets set during the Preparatory Phase of the Campaign. 100% disposal of pending MP references & State Government references has been achieved. All 21 Public Grievances and 25 Public Grievance Appeals pending as on 30th September have been disposed of. Theres is Zero pendency in PMO Reference and IMC Reference.
The Department had set a target of 11,046 cleaning sites covering the length and breadth of the country. By the end of the Campaign on October 31st, the Department exceeded the target by having 11,127 sites cleaned. This includes 11, 000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras cleaned with initiative and close support of PMBI, which not only helped to create an awareness on importance of clean and hygienic environment among all, but also re-enforced the presence of the flagship scheme of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Yojana among the general public.
During the special campaign 5667 physical files were reviewed out of which 1544 files weeded out. Under e-cleaning, 4671 `Parked’ e-Files were reviewed and decisions taken to retain for future reference. 26 e-files were closed. In the campaign, revenue of Rs.42673/- was generated from scrap disposal.
Four Best Practices that have been implemented during the Campaign period each from NIPER SAS Nagar, NIPER-Ahmedabad, NIPER-Hajipur and HAL, Pune on data backup and archiving and reclaiming of office space.
Shri Muhammad Sajad P IAS (Tripura 2019 ) presently Director – Skill Development, Tripura with additional charges of Mission Director, Tripura Bamboo Mission; Director of OBC Welfare and Managing Director- OBC Welfare Co-operative Development Corporation Ltd is relieved from the additional charges of Director – OBC Welfare and Managing Director- OBC Welfare Co-operative Development Corporation Ltd.
IndianBureaucracy.com wishes Shri Muhammad Sajad P the very best.
Indian Bureaucracy, Bhopal, November 11, 2024| The Madhya Pradesh Government has recently transferred eight senior officers at the ranks of Additional, Deputy, and Joint Collectors across various districts, marking a redeployment across key divisions within the state. Below is a detailed list of the officers and their new assignments.
Shri Sarodhan Singh SAS (Madhya Pradesh 2001), presently Additional Collector, Dindori District, Madhya Pradesh, is transferred and appointed as the Additional Collector – Shahdol District, Madhya Pradesh.
Shri Kamlesh Puri SAS (Madhya Pradesh 2006), presently Deputy Collector, Mauganj District, Madhya Pradesh, is transferred and appointed as the Deputy Collector – Anuppur District, Madhya Pradesh.
Shri Anil Banwaria SAS (Madhya Pradesh 2014), presently Joint Collector, Ashoknagar District, Madhya Pradesh, is transferred and appointed as the Additional Commissioner – Indore Municipal Corporation, Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
Shri Akhilesh Kumar Singh SAS (Madhya Pradesh 2016), presently Joint Collector, Singrauli District, Madhya Pradesh, is transferred and appointed as the Joint Collector – Rewa District, Madhya Pradesh.
Shri Rishabh Kumar Jain SAS (Madhya Pradesh 2016), presently Joint Collector, Mandla District, Madhya Pradesh, is transferred and appointed as the Joint Collector – Jabalpur District, Madhya Pradesh.
Shri Brij Bihari Lal Srivastava SAS (Madhya Pradesh 2016), presently Joint Collector, Datia District, Madhya Pradesh, is transferred and appointed as the Joint Collector – Ashoknagar District, Madhya Pradesh.
Smt Deepshikha Bhagat SAS (Madhya Pradesh 2017), presently Joint Collector, Anuppur District, Madhya Pradesh, is transferred and appointed as the Joint Collector – Mauganj District, Madhya Pradesh.
Smt Arti Yadav SAS (Madhya Pradesh 2017), presently Joint Collector, Maihar District, Madhya Pradesh, is transferred and appointed as the Joint Collector – Sagar District, Madhya Pradesh.
IndianBureaucracy.com wishes all the officers the very best.
The 21st edition of India – US Military Cooperation Group (MCG) meeting was conducted from 05 to 06 November 2024 at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi. The meeting covered a wide range of topics, including capacity building, training exchanges, defence industrial cooperation and the advancement of joint exercises that bolster preparedness for conventional and hybrid threats.
NAZM.jpg "21st Edition of India – US Military Cooperation Group meeting 3")
The meeting was co-chaired by Chief of Integrated Defence Staff Lieutenant General JP Mathew, representing India and Deputy Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command Lieutenant General Joshua M Rudd, representing the US. Senior officials from both countries took the opportunity to review the ongoing initiatives and explore new areas of cooperation.
Both sides emphasised the importance of the Indo-US defence partnership and committed to strengthening this strategic relationship through proactive engagement and enhanced interoperability. They also reaffirmed their commitment to expanding the scope of Indo-US military cooperation with a shared understanding of the dynamic challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region.
The MCG is a landmark forum aimed at enhancing defence cooperation and fostering strategic and operational defence collaboration between the Armed Forces of both countries. The 21st MCG meeting represents a step forward in advancing the shared objectives of India and US to ensure regional and global security, counter emerging threats and build mutual capabilities.
The fourth edition of the AIM-ICDK Water Innovation Challenge 4.0 successfully concluded at the 2024 Next Generation Digital Action (NGDA) in Copenhagen, Denmark, marking a significant achievement in the growing Indo-Danish Green Strategic Partnership.
This year’s challenge reinforced its position as a premier platform for fostering innovative and sustainable solutions to global water issues. The challenge brought together key collaborators, including Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, Innovation Centre Denmark (ICDK), and DTU Skylab under the DTU Next Generation Action Program, alongside invaluable support from the International Centre for Clean Water (ICCW), the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the Embassy of Denmark, Denmark’s Environmental Protection Agency, and the DANIDA Fellowship.
The partnership between India and Denmark has proven instrumental in driving impactful innovation. The AIM-ICDK Water Innovation Challenge has been particularly effective in empowering young innovators from both countries to address urgent environmental challenges.
Mission Director of Atal Innovation Mission Dr. Chintan Vaishnav, emphasized the importance of this initiative “The AIM-ICDK Water Challenge, now in its fourth year, exemplifies India and Denmark’s commitment to fostering sustainable, innovative solutions for global water challenges. Our young innovators’ remarkable achievements at the Next Gen Digital Action 2024 in Copenhagen underscore the power of international collaboration in addressing pressing environmental issues.”
The challenge encourages not only technological innovation but also practical solutions with the potential for long-term impact. Teams from both India and Denmark showcased groundbreaking solutions to improve water management, conservation, and accessibility. This year’s event highlighted the growing synergy between the two nations in technology, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.
Consul General and Head of Trade and Innovation at the Consulate General of Denmark in Bangalore Eske Bo Rosenberg, shared his optimism about the collaboration and said “India’s participation at the Next Generation Digital Action and Digital Tech Summit showcases the strength of Indo-Danish relations in addressing global challenges. It is inspiring to see young entrepreneurs developing solutions that embody the spirit of global cooperation, advancing our shared goals for sustainable development and innovation.”
The Indian delegation included five startup teams that participated in the global Next Generation Digital Action program, engaging with young talents from leading universities and innovation hubs in 10 countries. Among them, the three university teams — Clim8 (VIT Vellore), Checkmate (VIT Vellore), and Qualgrip (IIT Madras) — alongside early-stage startups Navmarg and Scrapify, developed promising solutions that tackle critical global water challenges.
Notably, Clim8, a team of three young innovators from VIT Vellore, won the Acceleration Award for the challenge posed by South Africa on ‘Leveraging Machine Learning and AI for Infrastructure Pricing’. They were also recognized with the Best Startup Award in the national category.
The Indian delegation was honored with a reception hosted by Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Denmark, H.E. Manish Prabhat, where he praised the contributions of the young innovators. He said “The success of this collaboration highlights the growing partnership between India and Denmark in tackling environmental and technological challenges. The achievements of the AIM-ICDK Water Innovation Challenge reflect our joint commitment to fostering sustainable solutions and supporting the next generation of innovators who will shape the future.” The delegation also participated in the Tech Bazaar organized by DTU Skylab, bringing together diplomats, industry leaders, and innovators from around the world.
Over the course of the week, the participating teams attended intensive boot camps and pitch sessions, culminating at the Digital Tech Summit held from October 30-31, 2024, in Copenhagen city ,Denmark. The success of this year’s AIM-ICDK Water Innovation Challenge strengthens the Indo-Danish partnership and sets the stage for future collaborations that will continue to drive impactful, scalable solutions for global sustainability.
National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL), a CPSE under the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to provide internship opportunities to Under Graduate (UG)/ Post Graduate (PG) students. The MoU was jointly signed by Shri Nitin Sharma, Executive Director, NHIDCL and Dr Buddha Chandrasekhar, Chief Coordinating Officer, AICTE.
Dr Krishan Kumar, Managing Director, NHIDCL launched an online portal for the Internship Program. This program aims to offer experiential learning opportunities to UG and PG students nationwide specially in the North-Eastern Region, UTs of J&K and Ladakh and A&N Islands. The portal was inaugurated in the presence of officials from both NHIDCL and AICTE.
The MoU was signed for a period of five years, outlines the roles and responsibilities of AICTE and NHIDCL. AICTE will provide technical support for the platform, while NHIDCL will oversee programmatic and non-technical support for the programme. Both NHIDCL and AICTE, as premier National Organisations in their respective fields, are committed to working together as a team to achieve national objectives of skilling and providing opportunities to UG/ PG students in the Country.
Shri Sumit Lodh TCS SSG presently Additional Secretary- Revenue Dept, Tripura is transferred and posted as Director – Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Tripura, Agartala. He will also hold the charge of Controller, Legal Metrology, Tripura.
IndianBureaucracy.com wishes Shri Sumit Lodh the very best.
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