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Former home secretary Rajiv Mehrishi takes over as CAG

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Mehrishi

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The 1978-batch retired IAS officer succeeds Shashi Kant Sharma, will be in office for a three-year term

Former home secretary Rajiv Mehrishi took over as the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, on Monday. Mehrishi, a 1978-batch IAS officer who had retired from bureaucratic service last month after serving for two years as the Union home secretary succeeds Shashi Kant Sharma, who demitted office on Friday.

President Ram Nath Kovind administered the oath of office and secrecy to the 62-year-old Mehrishi at a function in Rashtrapati Bhavan, which was attended by Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi among other dignitaries.

Mehrishi’s appointment was recently cleared by the Modi government. Common Cause, an NGO that played a critical role in transforming the way natural resources are allocated by filing PILs in the coal block allocations and 2G spectrum allocation cases – both issues that were highlighted by the CAG and caused major embarrassment for the then UPA government – has criticised the Narendra Modi government on the procedure it followed for Mehrishi’s appointment.

A report in The Wire has quoted a statement from Common Cause stating: “Modi government, which claims to have zero tolerance for corruption, has missed a golden opportunity to set a high benchmark to fight systemic corruption by putting in place an objective and accountable system of appointment for the crucial constitutional post (of the CAG).”

The NGO has argued that “by following the footsteps of the UPA, the NDA government has lost an opportunity to create an institutional criteria to make the selection process impartial and transparent in order to fight the systemic corruption.”

The NGO’s statement, issued by its president Kamal K. Jaswal, vice president B.P. Mathur and director Vipul Mudgal, says the government followed an opaque and arbitrary method” to appoint Mehrishi.

Claiming that Mehrishi’s appointment raises the issue of a possible conflict of interest, Common Cause says: “Apart from the fact that the person appointed as the CAG should have a thorough knowledge of audit and accounts, the appointment of an IAS officer who has held the post of Secretary to Government in a sensitive department is likely to lead to a conflict of interest, as the CAG may be called upon to audit the decisions made by him earlier in the capacity of secretary.”

The CAG is appointed for a term of six years or till the incumbent attains the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. As a constitutional functionary, the CAG is primarily entrusted with the responsibility of auditing the accounts of the Union government and of the state governments. CAG reports are laid before Parliament and legislatures of the states.

Mehrishi, who hails from Rajasthan, holds Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow (UK). He also possess Master of Arts (MA) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees from Delhi University.

Mehrishi has held several posts in both his state cadre Rajasthan and in the Centre. Before his appointment as the home secretary, he worked as economic affairs secretary and chief secretary of Rajasthan. Mehrishi has also worked as secretary in departments of chemicals and fertilisers, and Overseas Indian Affairs.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

India News

Who is Rinku Majumdar? Former Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh ties the knot at 60

The wedding was an intimate affair, attended by close family members. Senior BJP leaders, including state president Sukanta Majumdar, visited Ghosh’s New Town residence earlier in the day to extend their congratulations.

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Dilip Ghosh, a prominent figure in West Bengal’s BJP, tied the knot with Rinku Majumdar, a fellow party member, in a private ceremony on Friday evening in New Town.

The 60-year-old Ghosh, who has been acquainted with Majumdar since 2021, shared that the marriage fulfils his late mother’s wish. He emphasised that his personal life will not affect his commitment to politics, stating, “I will remain as dedicated to my political responsibilities as ever.”

Ghosh, a long-time member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) since his youth, joined the BJP in 2015. As the former state president of the Bengal BJP, he played a pivotal role in elevating the party to the primary opposition force in West Bengal, overtaking the CPI(M).

Known for his candid and humorous remarks, Ghosh previously represented Kharagpur as a Member of Parliament and is expected to be a key player in the state’s upcoming 2026 assembly elections.

The wedding was an intimate affair, attended by close family members. Senior BJP leaders, including state president Sukanta Majumdar, visited Ghosh’s New Town residence earlier in the day to extend their congratulations.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee conveyed her heartfelt congratulations to Ghosh and his bride, Rinku Majumdar, on their marriage. According to reports, Banerjee sent a floral bouquet along with a warm message to Ghosh’s home in New Town, Kolkata, with the delivery facilitated by local police.

Several prominent Trinamool Congress members, including Kunal Ghosh, Debangshu Bhattacharya, and Kalyan Banerjee, also joined in offering their best wishes to the couple, reports said.

Reports indicate that the marriage proposal originated from Majumdar’s side. A party insider revealed that the decision was finalised earlier this month during an IPL match both attended, sparking their mutual agreement to tie the knot.

Who is Rinku Majumdar?

Rinku Majumdar, who has been active in the BJP since 2013, has held significant roles in the party’s Mahila Morcha (women’s wing), OBC front, and handloom cell. This is her second marriage, and she has a son employed at an IT company in Kolkata’s Salt Lake area. Speculation about their relationship grew after they were seen together at Eden Gardens on April 3, watching an IPL match.

Reflecting on their connection, Rinku shared with a news outlet, “I’ve worked with the BJP at the grassroots level since 2013. My first conversation with Dilip happened just before the 2021 elections at Eco Park—it was very brief. We spoke more during this year’s Lok Sabha elections, but it was always professional.”

She added, “In September, when I was considering settling down, I proposed to him. I wanted someone from New Town who would respect my political career. Dilip stood out as an honest, principled, and strong individual—qualities I admire. I thought, why not him?”

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Bollywood news

FIR filed against Sunny Deol, Randeep Hooda for hurting sentiments of Christians in Jaat

The creators of “Jaat” have exciting news: a sequel to the popular action drama has been officially announced! The Bollywood film, featuring Sunny Deol, debuted in theatres on April 10, 2025.

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An FIR has been filed against actors Sunny Deol, Randeep Hooda, and three others following a complaint that a scene in the film ‘Jaat’ has “hurt the sentiments” of the Christian community, police reported on Friday (April 18, 2025).

According to the complaint submitted by a leader of the Christian community, the film, which premiered on April 10, features scenes that allegedly disrespect Jesus Christ and Christian religious practices.

Viklav Gold, the complainant, has also pointed out the controversial timing of the film’s release, coinciding with Good Friday, observed on April 18 of this year.

The FIR, lodged on Wednesday evening at the Jalandhar Cantt police station by Sanjeev Kumar, the station house officer, names actors Sunny Deol, Randeep Hooda, and Vineet Kumar, as well as director Gopichand and producer Naveen.

“The FIR was filed under Section 299 of the IPC, which pertains to deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings by insulting a religion or its beliefs,” the SHO stated.

The creators of “Jaat” have exciting news: a sequel to the popular action drama has been officially announced! The Bollywood film, featuring Sunny Deol, debuted in theatres on April 10, 2025.

Directed by the talented Gopichand Malineni, “Jaat” is produced by Mythri Movie Makers and People Media Factory. The production team took to social media to tease the sequel, stating, “This time, the mass spectacle will be even bigger, bolder, and wilder.”

“Jaat” unfolds the story of a village in Andhra Pradesh beset by injustice and brutality, longing for a hero. Enter Jaat, an outsider who learns of the village’s plight and resolves to confront the corrupt system.

The film also boasts an impressive cast, including Randeep Hooda, Vineet Kumar Singh, Regina Cassandra, and Saiyami Kher in key roles. In its review, The Hindu commented, “The violence is overt, with severed heads featured prominently, and it exploits crimes against the vulnerable to provoke the audience. If you’re willing to set aside your discerning taste, this mass spectacle is yours to enjoy.”

At the box office, “Jaat” earned an impressive ₹20 crore within its first two days in India and was approaching ₹60 crore by the end of its first week. Meanwhile, Sunny Deol is currently busy filming “Border 2,” the follow-up to the iconic 1997 war drama, as well as “Lahore 1947,” directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and produced by Aamir Khan, featuring Preity Zinta.

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India News

Seelampur murder: AAP slams BJP over law & order situation in Delhi

While reassuring the public that the assailants will be apprehended and face severe repercussions, Tiwari also called for calm, urging that police operations not be obstructed.

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The tragic stabbing of a 17-year-old boy in the Seelampur area of northeast Delhi has ignited a heated exchange between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Opposition Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday, April 18. Both parties are pointing fingers at each other regarding the city’s declining law and order situation. The incident occurred on Thursday, April 17, in the J-Block locality of New Seelampur.

Atishi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Assembly and a senior AAP leader, accused the BJP-led Central Government and the Delhi Police of failing to protect citizens. “The murder of this 17-year-old in Seelampur highlights the worsening law and order in Delhi,” she stated in a post on X.

She questioned, “What is the Delhi Police doing? What is Home Minister Amit Shah’s response? What is the double-engine government up to?” referencing the BJP leadership in both the central government and the local police force. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta promised that the victim’s family would receive justice.

“I have spoken with the Commissioner of Police, and all efforts are being made. I hope the perpetrators will be caught soon, and we will ensure justice for the victim’s family,” she remarked.

In response to the Opposition’s criticism, BJP MP Manoj Tiwari, representing North East Delhi, condemned the incident and stated that law enforcement is treating the matter with utmost seriousness.

“The murder of Kunal, a 17-year-old Dalit youth in Seelampur, is deeply concerning, and the residents’ anger is understandable,” he posted on X. “I’ve been in touch with senior police officials since last night. Many suspects have been identified, and a thorough investigation is currently underway,” he added.

While reassuring the public that the assailants will be apprehended and face severe repercussions, Tiwari also called for calm, urging that police operations not be obstructed.

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