Babus, mantris & buzz: China’s Dams on Brahmaputra: AI Ambitions Behind Water Power?

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**China’s Dams on Brahmaputra: AI Ambitions Behind Water Power?**

Speculation is growing in strategic circles that China’s rapid dam-building along the Brahmaputra and in Tibet may not be driven by hydropower needs alone. According to diplomatic sources, the energy generated from these projects could eventually feed massive data centers aimed at powering China’s AI revolution.

The scale of electricity required for such centers has prompted questions about Beijing’s infrastructural choices and long-term ambitions. Indian officials, aware of these developments, are said to have raised concerns with their Chinese counterparts. Quietly, New Delhi has also been sharing limited water-related information with close allies, including the United States, to alert them to the larger implications.

Sources suggest India fears that what appears to be a “run-of-the-river” hydropower initiative could, in reality, be laying the groundwork for AI-centric data infrastructure. While China has officially denied any diversionary intent, analysts point to the strategic coupling of water, energy, and technological power as part of Beijing’s future roadmap.

The Brahmaputra’s waters may thus be flowing into a much larger story—one that merges geopolitics, climate security, and the global contest for artificial intelligence dominance.

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**India’s Security Apparatus Watches Pakistan’s Nuclear Pact with UAE Closely**

In a significant development, Saudi Arabia and nuclear-armed Pakistan have signed a formal mutual defense pact, marking a major deepening of their long-standing security partnership. The agreement commits both nations to enhanced defense cooperation and joint deterrence, with a declaration that any aggression against one will be treated as aggression against both. This move aims to bolster their regional and global security profile.

India’s security establishment is closely monitoring the development. Sources indicate that New Delhi has initiated high-level consultations to assess the pact’s strategic implications. According to senior officials, calls have already been made at the highest levels of government to evaluate how this renewed Riyadh-Islamabad security axis may alter the regional balance and affect India’s broader strategic interests.

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### Bureaucracy Updates

**About 30 IAS Officers of 1995 Batch to be Empanelled**

Around 30 IAS officers from the 1995 batch are likely to be empanelled to the rank of Secretary in the Government of India. Currently, about 20 IAS officers from this batch are posted in the GoI.

**Addl Secretary Post Vacant in Higher Education Department**

Following the departure of Sunil Burnwal to the Ministry of Health, the position of Additional Secretary in the Department of Higher Education remains vacant.

**Renu Raj Receives Fulbright Scholarship**

Dr. Renu Raj, a 2015 batch Kerala cadre IAS officer, has been awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study Public Health at Harvard University.

**Khushboo Goel Choudhary Proposed as Karnataka IT Secretary**

Khushboo Goel Choudhary is reportedly being strongly backed by Minister Priyank Kharge to become the next IT Secretary of Karnataka. She holds a degree in public policy from Harvard and is considered close to Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh.

**Varun Kumar Shukla Selected as CMD, Hindustan Salts Ltd**

Varun Kumar Shukla, GM at Richardson & Cruddas Limited, has been selected as Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Hindustan Salts Limited. The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) held a meeting on September 17, 2025, during which seven candidates were interviewed.

**Manikumar Sivaramakrishnan Recommended for DMD, IFCI Ltd**

The name of Manikumar Sivaramakrishnan has been recommended for the position of Deputy Managing Director of IFCI Limited.

**Bipul Pathak Appointed as Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Delhi Govt**

Bipul Pathak, a 1992 batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre, has been appointed as the Additional Chief Secretary/Principal Secretary (Home), Government of Delhi.

**Ms. Manisha Sinha Returns to Parent Cadre**

Ms. Manisha Sinha, Additional Secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs, has been given premature repatriation to her parent cadre.

**VRS of Four Senior IRS Officers Accepted**

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has accepted the Voluntary Retirement Scheme applications of four senior IRS (C&IT) officers:

– Dr. J. Michael Kennedy, 1993 batch, Principal Additional Director General
– Ms. Sudha Koka, IRS (C&IT), 1995 batch, Principal Additional Director General
– Shaik Khader Rahman, IRS (C&IT), 1992 batch, Chief Commissioner
– Mrinal Chatterjee, 2018 batch, Deputy Director

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**India’s Home Ministry Commissions Study on Protest Financing, Sops to Shield Internal Stability Expected**

India’s Ministry of Home Affairs has directed the Bureau of Police Research & Development to undertake an in-depth study of post-Independence protest movements, with a special focus on the period after 1974. The study aims to map reasons, patterns, outcomes, behind-the-scenes actors, and funding trails.

This effort, linked to the recent National Security Strategies Conference 2025 in New Delhi, will culminate in standard operating procedures (SOPs) to pre-empt mass agitations driven by vested interests. The mandate includes inter-agency coordination with financial intelligence and tax bodies to trace protest-linked money flows. Parallel frameworks will also be developed by central agencies to disrupt terror financing networks and tackle extremism-crime nexuses impacting public order and national security.

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### Other Key Appointments and Developments

– **Hemant Kumar Das in Race for CMD, Coal India Ltd**
Hemant Kumar Das, ED (Projects) at Power Finance Corporation, is among the contenders for the post of Chairman-cum-Managing Director at Coal India Limited.

– **Mangesh Ghildiyal’s Tenure Extended as Deputy Secretary, PMO**
The central deputation tenure of Mangesh Ghildiyal, a 2012 batch IAS officer of the UD cadre working as Deputy Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, has been extended till March 31, 2026.

– **Ashok Kumar Appointed as Director, Consumer Affairs**
Ashok Kumar, a 2012 batch Indian Engineering Services officer, has been appointed Director in the Department of Consumer Affairs.

– **Raj Kumar Chaudhary Appointed Chairperson, JERC (J&K and Ladakh)**
Raj Kumar Chaudhary, retired Chairman and Managing Director of NHPC Limited, has been appointed Chairperson of the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) for the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

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*Disclaimer: The correctness of this content is the responsibility of the author. Published in arrangement with whispersinthecorridors.com.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/corporate-gallery/babus-mantris-buzz-chinas-dams-on-brahmaputra-ai-ambitions-behind-water-power

NEET PG 2025: Supreme Court Hearing Today On Answer Key Dispute; Counselling Schedule Awaited

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**NEET PG 2025 Counselling: Supreme Court to Hear Petitions on Answer Key Transparency**

The Supreme Court is set to hear petitions related to the NEET PG 2025 counselling today, September 19. Originally slated for September 12, the hearing will now be conducted by a bench comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice KV Viswanathan, according to media reports.

### Petitioners Raise Concerns Over Transparency

The petitions have been filed by NEET PG aspirants along with the United Doctors Front (UDF), who are strongly opposing the answer key released by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS). This is the first time NBEMS has published an answer key following a directive from the Supreme Court.

However, candidates argue that the answer key format is not transparent. The key includes only question IDs and answer key IDs, without the actual questions. Students claim this restricts their ability to verify their answers effectively, defeating the purpose of publishing the answer key in the first place.

The petitioners are urging the Supreme Court to direct NBEMS to publish the complete set of question papers along with detailed answer explanations. They believe this will ensure a fair and equitable verification process.

### NEET PG 2025 Counselling Schedule Awaited

While the Supreme Court examines the matter, thousands of aspirants eagerly await the release of the NEET PG 2025 counselling schedule, which will be announced shortly by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC).

The schedule will outline important details including registration procedures, choice filling, and dates for seat allotment results. Shortlisted candidates will need to register on the MCC website, submit their applications, and select their preferred courses and institutions.

Seat allocation will be carried out based on merit, candidate preferences, and seat availability across medical colleges.

### Potential Impact of the Supreme Court Verdict

The Supreme Court’s decision on the transparency of the NEET PG answer key could have significant implications for future medical entrance examinations. It may set new standards for accountability and fairness in postgraduate medical admission processes, enhancing trust in the system for aspirants nationwide.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/education/neet-pg-2025-supreme-court-hearing-today-on-answer-key-dispute-counselling-schedule-awaited

“Holy sh**!” – MLB wives react as Alex Bregman’s spouse Reagan stuns in black netted dress on New York City streets

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Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman is married to Reagan, a woman of many talents.

Reagan is not only a devoted mother to their two sons but also a successful entrepreneur.

Her diverse interests and commitment to family life make her an inspiring figure both on and off the field.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/baseball/news-holy-sh-mlb-wives-react-alex-bregman-s-spouse-reagan-stuns-black-netted-dress-new-york-city-streets

Lagos fire incident at Afriland Towers, not UBA House

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Fire Incident at UBA House Marina, Lagos

A fire has broken out at UBA House Marina in Lagos. Details about the cause of the fire and any casualties are yet to be confirmed.

Emergency response teams are reportedly on the scene working to control the situation. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

https://africacheck.org/fact-checks/meta-programme-fact-checks/lagos-fire-incident-afriland-towers-not-uba-house

DUSU Election Results 2025 Today: Counting Underway, High Court Bars Victory Processions In Delhi

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DUSU Election Results 2025: Vote Counting Underway Amid High Security

The eagerly-awaited vote counting for the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) Election 2025 began on Friday morning at the North Campus Convention Centre, with heavy security in place. Chief Election Officer Prof. Raj Kishor Sharma announced that the process started promptly at 8 AM after the strong rooms were opened in the presence of contesting candidates. He added that the counting is expected to continue through 18–20 rounds before final results are declared by evening.

High Voter Turnout This Year

This year, over 2.75 lakh students were eligible to vote across 52 centres and 195 booths using 711 Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The overall voter turnout was 39.45 percent, marking a nearly 4 percent increase compared to last year. This rise in participation is being seen as a sign of renewed interest in campus politics among students.

21 Candidates in the Fray

A total of twenty-one candidates are contesting for the four key positions: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Joint Secretary. Among these, nine candidates are vying for the president’s post, which remains highly competitive. The central battle is primarily between the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), which is backed by the Congress party.

Delhi High Court Issues Curbs

In light of the intense contest, the Delhi High Court has stepped in to ensure peace in the city. On Wednesday, the court ruled that no victory processions will be allowed anywhere in Delhi following the announcement of results, citing concerns over maintaining law and order.

Results Expected by Evening

With a record number of security personnel deployed to maintain order and transparency, the DUSU 2025 results are anticipated to be announced by this evening. These outcomes are expected to set the tone for student politics in the upcoming academic year.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/education/dusu-election-results-2025-today-counting-underway-high-court-bars-victory-processions-in-delhi

Mumbai Shocker: Class 7 Student Suffers Spinal Injury After Birthday Bumps At Malad School, Parents Allege Negligence

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**Mumbai: Class 7 Student Suffers Spinal Injury Following Birthday Bumps at Malad School**

A Class 7 student from Vibgyor Roots and Rise, an international school in Malad, reportedly sustained a serious spinal injury after classmates gave him birthday bumps inside the classroom. What was meant to be a joyful birthday celebration turned into a distressing incident for the young boy and his family.

**Incident Details**

According to the parents, one of the classmates gave the child birthday bumps with such force that it resulted in significant damage to his spinal cord. The injury was confirmed after the boy was immediately taken for medical attention.

**Parents Allege Negligence by School**

The boy’s parents claim that they approached the school administration immediately following the incident but received no response. Feeling ignored, they lodged a complaint at the local police station in Bangur Nagar. However, the parents allege that when police authorities visited the school, the seriousness of the matter was downplayed and no proper follow-up occurred.

**Calls for Accountability**

The parents have demanded that the school take responsibility for failing to prevent such accidents and for their silence after the injury occurred. They emphasized the need to strictly regulate birthday traditions like “birthday bumps” to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The parents have stated they will wait for a week to receive a response from the school management. They will decide their next course of action based on the administration’s reply.

**Safety Concerns Raised**

This accident has raised broader concerns among parents regarding student safety on school premises. Many now call for stricter monitoring of informal celebrations and increased vigilance to ensure the wellbeing of children.

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https://www.freepressjournal.in/education/mumbai-shocker-class-7-student-suffers-spinal-injury-after-birthday-bumps-at-malad-school-parents-allege-negligence

Supreme Court Lifts 25-Year Construction Ban In MP’s Pachmarhi Cantonment

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**Supreme Court Lifts 25-Year Ban on Construction in Pachmarhi Cantonment, Allows G+3 Floors**

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court has lifted a 25-year-old ban on construction in the Pachmarhi cantonment area. The court’s ruling now permits the construction of houses up to ground plus three floors (G+3), bringing much-needed relief to approximately 12,000 residents living within the 1,000-hectare cantonment zone.

Senior advocate Vivek Tankha, representing the Cantonment Board, highlighted the challenges posed by the earlier restrictions. He explained that the small plot sizes in the cantonment—some as tiny as 200 to 300 square feet—made construction practically impossible under the previous regulations.

The Supreme Court has directed the implementation of the G+3 construction plan for all new buildings in the region. This move follows recommendations made in March 2018 by a Supreme Court-appointed committee, which advocated permitting G+3 structures to address the ongoing difficulties faced by residents.

The original construction ban was imposed in 2000. Since then, the Cantonment Board had actively sought relief, including filing an intervention application in 2008 against restrictions imposed by the Supreme Court’s empowered committee. This committee was initially set up to monitor and curb illegal constructions in national parks.

Commenting on the recent verdict, Tankha tweeted that the decision would be a source of long-awaited relief for Pachmarhi’s residents. Additionally, Lovekesh Sahu, the office superintendent of the Cantonment Board, stated that the Supreme Court ruling resolves the long-standing challenges faced by those owning small plots in the area.

This development promises to pave the way for improved housing opportunities and better urban planning within the Pachmarhi cantonment, benefiting its thousands of inhabitants.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/supreme-court-lifts-25-year-construction-ban-in-mps-pachmarhi-cantonment

Supreme Court Lifts 25-Year Construction Ban In MP’s Pachmarhi Cantonment

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**Supreme Court Lifts 25-Year Ban on Construction in Pachmarhi Cantonment**

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The Supreme Court has lifted the 25-year-old ban on construction in the Pachmarhi cantonment area, permitting houses up to ground plus three (G+3) floors. This significant move is expected to benefit approximately 12,000 residents living within the 1,000-hectare cantonment zone.

Senior advocate Vivek Tankha, representing the Cantonment Board, highlighted the challenges faced by residents due to earlier restrictions. He pointed out that the small plot sizes—sometimes as little as 200 to 300 square feet—made construction virtually impossible under the previous regulations.

The Supreme Court has directed the implementation of the G+3 plan for all new constructions in the cantonment area, marking a progressive change in building norms. The original ban on construction had been imposed back in 2000.

In March 2018, a committee appointed by the Supreme Court had recommended allowing G+3 construction, paving the way for this recent decision.

Expressing optimism about the ruling, Vivek Tankha tweeted that it would bring much-needed relief to the residents of Pachmarhi.

Lovekesh Sahu, office superintendent of the Cantonment Board, noted that the Supreme Court’s decision resolves the long-standing challenges faced by residents owning small plots in the region.

The Cantonment Board had earlier filed an intervention application in 2008 against restrictions imposed by the Supreme Court’s empowered committee, which was initially formed to monitor illegal constructions in national parks.

This landmark verdict is expected to spur development and improve living conditions in Pachmarhi cantonment after more than two decades of construction restrictions.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/supreme-court-lifts-25-year-construction-ban-in-mps-pachmarhi-cantonment

Karnataka’s New Backward Class Survey Raises Questions On Quotas, Accuracy And Social Justice

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In a bid to resolve the Karnataka caste conundrum, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has mandated yet another survey of backward classes, the fifth since 1975. But if competing interest groups can strong-arm a state government into rejecting survey data, can the exercise result in an objective identification of socially and economically backward groups?

The move brings into focus the increasing complexity of India’s quota system and the urgent need for rationalisation based on accurate data.

### The Karnataka Backward Classes Survey Controversy

In Karnataka, the 2015 Kantharaj Commission conducted an exhaustive survey that covered almost the entire population of the state. However, its report was kept in abeyance until 2024. The full data is not yet available, but politically influential communities such as the Lingayats and Vokkaligas have complained about massive undercounting of their respective populations.

Media reports citing earlier commissions — the 1986 Venkataswamy and 1990 O Chinnappa Reddy commissions — allege a sharp decline in the share of the Lingayat population, from 17% in 1986 to 11% in 2015. To avert a political firestorm, the state government has ordered a fresh survey.

Meanwhile, the opposition has highlighted the lack of transparency regarding the Kantharaj Commission’s findings. They also point out that a pan-India caste census is scheduled for the coming year, questioning the justification for spending Rs 420 crore of taxpayers’ money on a fresh survey.

### Challenges in Census Data and Quota Systems

Further complications may arise if the data from the pan-India caste census does not match that of the state backward class commission survey.

Similar challenges have occurred elsewhere. In Telangana, the state caste census evoked criticism over alleged unscientific methodology, data manipulation, and undercounting of backward classes and other communities. The debate also reignited discussions on whether non-Hindus should be included in the caste census, since caste stratification is not recognised by religions other than Hinduism.

Telangana has justified a quota for Muslims on the grounds of ‘backwardness’ rather than religion. This argument implicitly recognises the de facto existence of caste among Muslim communities, although social equality is a core tenet of Islam. It remains for the courts to make a final ruling on this matter.

### Political Pressures and Judicial Caps on Quotas

Caste census data is bound to be controversial as competing interest groups jostle to claim a larger share of the population, and therefore quotas. State governments must summon the political will to resist such pressures and act judiciously on the data.

The basic objective of the caste census is to promote social justice. This means not just identifying communities under-represented in education, employment, and political representation, but also formulating policies based on hard data.

Typically, this translates into allocating larger quotas for these communities in government institutions and representative bodies. However, increasing the quota for one community generally means reducing it for another, something no state government is prepared to do.

For example, after the 2022 Bihar caste census, the state government expanded quotas for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and Economically Backward Classes (EBCs) to a combined 65% by amending existing reservation statutes. But in June 2024, the Patna High Court set aside these amendments on constitutional grounds, and the Supreme Court refused to intervene, leaving quotas capped at 50%.

Similarly, courts in other states have enforced the 50% cap on caste-based quotas. The Chhattisgarh High Court struck down an order increasing quotas to 58% in 2022. The Bombay High Court has invalidated quota expansions exceeding 50% and is hearing petitions against renewed attempts. The Rajasthan and Orissa High Courts have also rejected quota increases beyond the 50% ceiling.

### Moving Beyond Inflating the Reservation Pie

State governments should not view the caste census merely as a tool to inflate the size of the reservation pie. Instead, this valuable data has multiple applications.

Firstly, it can guide a fairer distribution of quotas within categories. States can implement quotas within quotas, even for Scheduled Castes.

For instance, the Rohini Commission highlighted how dominant OBC groups corner benefits to the detriment of others — revealing that a third of OBCs had received no benefits at all. This underscores the acute need for reservation reforms based on accurate census data.

However, slicing quotas more finely may provoke social unrest. This has intensified pressure on the judiciary to either lift the 50% cap on quotas or to extend reservations to the private sector. Both options carry potential downsides, including exacerbating the ‘brain drain’ as talent leaves India — a risky outcome as the nation seeks to leverage its human capital for development.

### Using Census Data to Enhance Welfare Measures

Another significant application of caste census data lies in formulating welfare measures. Accurate numbers enable better targeting of subsidies, community development programmes, and financial allocations to the most underprivileged groups.

Vote bank politics often leads to haphazard tinkering with quotas, resulting in chaotic outcomes. States should await the comprehensive caste census data and use it constructively to rationalise the quota system and target genuinely underprivileged communities more effectively.

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**About the Author:**
Bhavdeep Kang is a senior journalist with 35 years of experience working with major newspapers and magazines. She is currently an independent writer and author.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/analysis/karnatakas-new-backward-class-survey-raises-questions-on-quotas-accuracy-and-social-justice