Ashwini Bhide appointed Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner
Ashwini Bhide has been named Mumbai’s first woman Municipal Commissioner, announced on 31 March 2026. She succeeds Bhushan Gagrani and will serve until 2030. An experienced IAS officer from the Maharashtra cadre, Bhide is known for steering major infrastructure projects and urban planning. Her appointment marks a milestone for gender representation in top civic administration. Her tenure is expected to emphasize timely project delivery, urban transport planning, and improved municipal governance in Mumbai’s metropolitan framework.
Appointment announced on 31 March 2026.
First woman Municipal Commissioner of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
Term through 2030; aims for efficient governance and infrastructure delivery.
Bhide previously led large urban projects and transport planning.
Apr 01, 2026
Dr. Thomas Pucadyil appointed Director of BRIC-NCCS Pune
Dr. Thomas Pucadyil has been appointed Director of the BRIC-NCCS, Pune, strengthening India’s leadership in biomedical research. The appointment elevates the National Centre for Cell Science’s Biotechnology Research Innovation Council to guide strategic research in cell biology and related innovation. Pucadyil is known for his independent work at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Pune, where he served as Professor in Biology. As BRIC-NCCS Director, he is expected to enhance research infrastructure, foster collaboration, and accelerate translation of basic science into healthcare solutions. The move aligns with India’s broader push to advance life sciences and strengthen the national innovation ecosystem.
Dr. Thomas Pucadyil named Director of BRIC-NCCS, Pune.
Background: Professor, Biology, IISER Pune; membrane biology focus.
Role includes strengthening research capabilities and innovation.
Part of India’s strategy to elevate biomedical research on the global stage.
Mar 26, 2026
Stuti Pradhan to represent India at World Youth Parliament 2026
Stuti Pradhan, a young leader from Sikkim, has been chosen to represent India at the World Youth Parliament 2026. The selection follows her success as the winner of the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament in 2025. The World Youth Parliament brings together young minds from dozens of countries to discuss global challenges and propose youth-driven policy solutions. Participants have come from South Korea, the UAE, Kuwait, Chad, Thailand, and Yemen, among others. The Indian delegation sees Stuti's debate skills and leadership as a platform to influence cultural exchange and international governance. The event serves as a training ground for future policymakers.
Individual: Stuti Pradhan, from Sikkim
Selected for World Youth Parliament 2026
Winner of Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament 2025
Event includes participants from multiple countries
Focus on youth policy and international governance
Opportunity for cross-cultural exchange
Mar 25, 2026
Kalpana Soren wins Women Empowerment Trailblazer Award at BRICS CCI WE Summit 2026
Kalpana Soren, MLA from Gandey in Jharkhand, was honoured with the Women Empowerment Trailblazer Award at the BRICS CCI WE Summit 2026 in New Delhi. The award recognises her efforts to promote women-led development and grassroots empowerment, enabling women to become entrepreneurs and active contributors in rural and tribal areas. The Women Empowerment Trailblazer Award was presented during the BRICS CCI WE Annual Women Summit and Felicitation 2026, honouring individuals who have advanced women’s empowerment at the grassroots level. The recognition aligns with BRICS WE’s broader mission of gender equality and inclusive growth across member countries.
Recipient: Kalpana Soren, Gandey, Jharkhand MLA
Event: BRICS CCI WE Summit 2026, New Delhi
Award: Women Empowerment Trailblazer Award
Focus: promoting women-led development and entrepreneurship
Context: BRICS CCI WE Annual Summit and Felicitations 2026
Significance: highlight for grassroots women empowerment
Mar 23, 2026
Krishna Kumar Thakur Appointed as Director (Personnel) at NMDC
Krishna Kumar Thakur, a 1998 batch officer, has assumed charge as Director (Personnel) at NMDC Limited, India's largest iron ore producer. Thakur previously served in the Indian Railways Personnel Service and brings over two decades of HR experience across public sector entities. His appointment signals a drive to modernise human resources, boost employee engagement and implement policy reforms within NMDC. As Director (Personnel), he will oversee recruitment, learning and development, industrial relations and performance management. Thakur’s public-sector HR background is expected to support a more efficient, people-centric organisation at NMDC.
Thakur is a 1998 batch officer from Indian Railways Personnel Service.
Took charge as NMDC Director (Personnel) on 20 March 2026.
Brings over two decades of HR experience in PSUs and Railways.
Will oversee recruitment, training, IR and performance management.
Aim is to enhance employee engagement and productivity.