Babus, mantris & buzz: Will Parliament session be convened this month?
· Free Press Journal

Will Parliament session be convened this month?
There is a strong rumour among political observers that the government is likely to convene a special session of Parliament for two days around September 25 this month. However, the agenda for the session is yet to be announced and there has been no official confirmation regarding the same.
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Is BJP internal survey & GenZ disconnect holding up Modi Cabinet reshuffle?
The much-anticipated reshuffle of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Cabinet has reportedly hit a roadblock due to concerns raised in an internal survey. The confidential assessment is said to have highlighted administrative backlogs and growing public disengagement with the BJP across several constituencies.
The ongoing CJP protests have further added to these concerns, with the findings reportedly pointing towards a disconnect between the government and sections of the public. The survey has also suggested that several BJP MPs are relying heavily on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s personal appeal for electoral support rather than their individual performance or local connect.
Recognising the risks of such dependence, the leadership has reportedly paused earlier plans and assigned a new group to reassess the situation. The group will review the proposed Cabinet reshuffle and work on restructuring the team.
Can Europe turn to India for affordable missiles amidst stockpile shortages?
The prolonged war in Ukraine has forced European militaries to reassess their defence strategies as rising ammunition consumption puts pressure on existing stockpiles. With defence manufacturing capacities struggling to meet demand, countries are increasingly looking towards cost-effective and scalable weapon systems.
Amid this situation, India is emerging as a potential defence partner for European nations seeking affordable missile solutions. India has developed indigenous defence platforms designed for cost-effective production, including the Akash surface-to-air missile, Astra air-to-air missile, Pralay tactical ballistic missile and Nag anti-tank missile systems.
A partnership with New Delhi could help European countries strengthen their ammunition reserves while also supporting India’s growing role in the global defence export sector.
Unverified reports claim Xi Jinping suffered stroke at BRICS Summit!
Speculations over Chinese President Xi Jinping’s health have resurfaced following his early departure from the BRICS Summit and absence from official dinners. The rumours are based on unverified claims made by Wanjun Xie, chairman of the China Democracy Party, who alleged on social media that Xi suffered a severe ischemic stroke and fainted during the summit in New Delhi.
According to Xie’s claim, Xi refused emergency medical treatment at an Indian hospital due to security concerns and was flown back to China, where he was allegedly taken to Beijing’s 301 Hospital by military helicopter.
However, the allegations remain unconfirmed. Neither Chinese state media nor India’s Ministry of External Affairs has issued any statement confirming or denying the claims. Official summit timelines indicate that Xi participated in bilateral meetings and delivered remarks during the event.
Punjab Police & BSF crackdown on new drug threat 'Pharma Pills'
While Punjab Police and the BSF have effectively curbed cross-border heroin smuggling through an advanced anti-drone network, authorities are now facing a new challenge in the form of illicit pharmaceutical drugs.
Using technologies such as Baaj Akh and Drone Sense D200 Pro, security agencies have intercepted 486 Pakistani drones and made 80,000 arrests since March 2025, leading to a decline in street-level heroin availability.
However, smugglers have shifted focus to prescription pills trafficked from neighbouring states, including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Delhi and Himachal Pradesh.
With more than 11.54 lakh illicit tablets and capsules seized since 2025, Punjab’s law enforcement agencies are now focusing on dismantling the growing inter-state pharmaceutical drug supply network.
West Bengal closes 252 madrasas following statewide infrastructure review
The West Bengal government has ordered the closure of 252 madrasas across the state following a review of their infrastructure, management and approval status. Around 100 other institutions have also received show-cause notices seeking valid authorisation to avoid similar action.
Officials clarified that madrasas with proper approvals and adequate facilities will not be affected by the decision.
The statewide review, which began in June, resulted in the highest number of closures in Malda, Uttar Dinajpur and South 24 Parganas districts. The move has triggered a political debate, with BJP leaders supporting action against unauthorised institutions, while opposition parties have criticised it, alleging that it targets the minority community.
Who will be the DRDO-CEPTAM Chairperson?
The official DRDO appointment notice for the post of Chairperson, CEPTAM-DRDO, closed on September 16. While the notice confirms that the selection process was underway from August 25, it does not indicate the final appointment.
The appointment will require formal review and approval by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC). The post has remained vacant since Dr. Samir V. Kamat retired on May 31, with Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh holding additional charge.
The names of two Scientists, B.K. Das and Prateek Kishore, have emerged as the leading contenders for the position.
SC examining Home Ministry’s deployment of IPS officers to CAPF
The Supreme Court is examining the Ministry of Home Affairs’ deployment of IPS officers to Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), despite its earlier direction to gradually reduce such deputations.
According to an affidavit filed by the MHA, 46 IPS officers have been deputed to CAPFs since the May 2025 judgment. Of these, 13 officers are with the BSF, 11 with the CISF, nine with the CRPF, six with the ITBP and seven with the SSB.
The Supreme Court has sought an explanation from the MHA on why such appointments continued despite its earlier directions to reduce deputation positions. The next significant judicial hearing is scheduled for September 22, 2026.
CRPF VIP security wing is getting a new IG?
There is speculation that V.K. Birdi, IPS (2003), has been appointed as Inspector General, CRPF VIP Security, replacing CRPF cadre officer Sunil Joon.
Sunil Joon has reportedly moved to the CRPF Officers Academy, Gurugram.
Govt accepts resignation of IPS officer Jagmohan Meena
The President has accepted the resignation of Jagmohan Meena, IPS (Odisha: 2013), from the Indian Police Service with effect from September 11, 2026.
Sudha Singh appointed as IG, NCRB (UPDATED)
Ms Sudha Singh, IPS (Odisha: 2006), has been appointed as Inspector General in the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) on a deputation basis.
Govt revokes suspension of CRPF Deputy Inspector General Patra
The President has approved the revocation of the suspension of CRPF DIG Bidhan Chandra Patra, who was suspended in June following social media posts related to the CAPF legislation.
The CRPF issued the reinstatement order after the Ministry of Home Affairs directed the withdrawal of the suspension on August 27.
The Patra episode, coming amid the ongoing debate over CAPF cadre issues and IPS deputations, has brought renewed focus on career progression, service conditions and disciplinary procedures within CAPFs.
Directorate of Enforcement under direct judicial scrutiny
The Supreme Court has questioned why IPS officers continue to be deployed in CAPFs and whether the forces themselves had requested such appointments.
The court also examined whether CAPFs have an adequate pool of qualified cadre officers to handle senior managerial positions.
Ministry of Power appoints Sagar Singh Kalsi as Director
Sagar Singh Kalsi, IPS (AGMUT: 2010), currently serving as Director in the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, has been appointed as Director in the Ministry of Power on a lateral shift basis.
His tenure will continue up to February 23, 2030, covering the balance period of his five-year deputation tenure under the Central Staffing Scheme at the Director level.
Govt repatriates Jaya Chandra Bhanu Reddy, IAS to parent cadre, TN
The Competent Authority has approved the proposal of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying for the premature repatriation of V Jaya Chandra Bhanu Reddy, IAS (Tamil Nadu: 2011), Director, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, to his parent cadre on personal grounds.
2 Central Secretariat Service officers join DGFT
Two Central Secretariat Service officers have joined the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) headquarters as Deputy DGFTs.
The officers are Mrs Sneh Kaler and Pyare Lal Meena.
3 Indian Defence Estates Service officers transferred
The Directorate General Defence Estates (DGDE) has transferred three Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES) officers to new postings.
N V Satyanarayana, 1997 batch, has been posted as Director, DE, Northern Command, Jammu, while Pushpendra Singh, 1998 batch, has been posted to Headquarters as Additional DG.
Yogesh Kumar, 1998 batch, has been transferred from Chandigarh and posted as Director, DE, Central Command, Lucknow.
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