The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has proposed new recruitment rules for the positions of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Additional Chief Executive Officer (Additional CEO) at the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), a move aimed at enhancing the country's cybercrime response mechanism. Under the proposal, the ministry plans to create one CEO post at Pay Matrix Level-15, equivalent to the rank of Additional Secretary, and three Additional CEO posts at Pay Matrix Level-14, comparable to the rank of Joint Secretary, within the Senior Administrative Grade (SAG).
The MHA has invited comments and suggestions from stakeholders on the draft recruitment rules until August 14, after which the rules will be finalized. These positions will be part of the I4C, functioning under the Cyber and Information Security (CIS) Division of the ministry. The appointments will be made on a deputation basis under the Non-Central Staffing Scheme and will not come under the jurisdiction of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
Candidates will be selected through a Search-cum-Selection Committee headed by the Union Home Secretary, with final approval from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On July 14, the ministry circulated an official memorandum to stakeholders seeking their feedback. The document stated that the MHA intends to frame recruitment rules for the CEO and Additional CEO positions in I4C and requested stakeholders to submit their observations to the Under Secretary (Cyber Crime), Cyber and Information Security Division, by August 14, 2026.
According to the draft proposal, the number of posts may change in the future depending on operational needs. Initially, one CEO post and three Additional CEO posts have been proposed for 2026. All four positions will be classified as Group 'A', Gazetted, Non-Ministerial posts. The ministry has proposed filling these roles solely through deputation, with no provision for direct recruitment, promotion, probation, or regular selection.
For the CEO position, officers from the All India Services, organised Group 'A' services, Central and state governments, Union Territories, autonomous or statutory bodies, public sector enterprises, universities, and recognised research institutions will be eligible. Applicants must either hold an equivalent post or have completed at least three years of regular service in Pay Matrix Level-14 or an equivalent grade.
The minimum educational qualification for the CEO role is a bachelor's degree from a recognised university or institution, along with at least five years of experience in cyber security, cybercrime investigation, cyber forensics, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), or internal security. Preference will be given to candidates with postgraduate qualifications in fields such as Computer Applications, Law, Cyber Law, Cyber Forensics, Computer Science, or Information Technology.
Eligibility for the Additional CEO posts has been broadened. Applicants may hold an equivalent post or have completed two years of regular service in Pay Matrix Level-13A or three years in Level-13. They must possess a bachelor's degree and at least 10 years of experience in administration, establishment, procurement, finance, vigilance, or legal matters, including a minimum of three years in cyber security, cybercrime investigation, cyber forensics, ICT, or internal security. Similar postgraduate qualifications have been listed as desirable for these posts as well.
The draft rules also specify that the deputation period, including any previous deputation in another ex-cadre post immediately before the appointment, will generally not exceed five years. The upper age limit for deputation, including short-term contract appointments, has been set at 55 years as of the application deadline. The memorandum further clarifies that no Departmental Promotion Committee will be constituted for these appointments and that consultation with the UPSC will not be required.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Doctors at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi have successfully carried out a rare and highly intricate lung surgery on a four-month-old infant born with a congenital lung defect affecting both lungs. The baby recovered well and was discharged just two days after the procedure.
According to AIIMS, the infant had been diagnosed before birth with Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformation (CPAM), an uncommon condition in which sections of the lungs develop abnormally, creating cyst-like, non-functional tissue. Unlike most CPAM cases that involve only one lung, this child's condition affected both lungs, making the surgery significantly more complex.
To preserve as much healthy lung tissue as possible, the surgical team opted for a segmentectomy instead of removing an entire lung lobe. Surgeons removed only the diseased portions—segments 9 and 10 of the right lower lobe—which are among the most technically demanding areas of the lung to operate on.
Dr. Sandeep Agarwala, Head of the Department of Pediatric Surgery at AIIMS, described the procedure as a major technical accomplishment. He said performing minimally invasive keyhole surgery on a four-month-old infant required exceptional teamwork and was made possible by the expertise of the medical staff and the institute's advanced infrastructure for complex pediatric surgeries.
The operation was led by Professor Vishesh Jain from the Department of Pediatric Surgery. A crucial element of the surgery's success was the use of selective lung ventilation, a specialized anaesthesia technique that enables surgeons to operate on one lung while the other continues to support breathing. The anaesthesia team was led by Dr. Abhishek from the Department of Anaesthesia.
The surgery was completed without any complications, allowing the infant to return home just two days later. Because the congenital abnormality affects both lungs, doctors treated only the right lung during this operation. AIIMS said the child will undergo a second procedure on the left lung after recovering from the initial surgery. The institute noted that this case highlights the growing feasibility of lung-preserving surgery in very young infants. By removing only the diseased segments instead of an entire lobe, surgeons can potentially improve long-term lung function while reducing the loss of healthy tissue in carefully selected pediatric patients.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
India has said that the ongoing protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) are a result of long-standing grievances arising from what it described as systemic exploitation, poor governance, and neglect of the region. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) called for greater international attention to the situation, stating that Pakistan must be held accountable for the conditions faced by people living in PoK.
The MEA said the unrest in the region should not be viewed as an isolated development but as an outcome of years of dissatisfaction among residents over economic difficulties, lack of development, and administrative issues. According to New Delhi, the protests highlight the growing frustration of people who have been demanding better governance, improved public services, and greater accountability from authorities.
The statement came amid reports of demonstrations in PoK, where residents have raised concerns over issues affecting their daily lives, including economic hardships, unemployment, rising costs, and shortages of essential facilities. The protests have drawn attention to broader questions surrounding governance and resource distribution in the region.
India has consistently accused Pakistan of failing to ensure adequate development and political rights for people in areas under its control. The government has argued that decades of neglect have contributed to public dissatisfaction and unrest in PoK. MEA officials said the international community should take note of the situation and examine the challenges faced by the people of the region. India has maintained that issues related to human rights, economic opportunities, and public welfare should receive global attention.
The latest remarks also come against the backdrop of the long-running India-Pakistan dispute over Jammu and Kashmir. India has repeatedly stated that the entire Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, including territories currently under Pakistan’s control, is an integral part of the country. Pakistan, however, continues to contest India’s position on the matter.
Experts believe that the protests in PoK reflect wider concerns about governance and economic stability in the region. They say addressing public grievances, improving infrastructure, and ensuring meaningful participation in decision-making processes will be crucial for restoring confidence among residents. India’s call for global accountability adds another dimension to the ongoing diplomatic debate between the two neighbouring countries. As protests continue to draw attention, the response of Pakistani authorities and their approach toward addressing local demands will remain closely watched.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from AFP.
Walking remains one of the most common modes of transport in India, yet pedestrian infrastructure across much of the country continues to lag behind, raising fresh concerns over road safety, accessibility and urban planning. Whether commuting to work, heading to school, visiting local markets or accessing public transport, millions of Indians rely on walking every day. However, experts say roads in many cities are still largely designed with motor vehicles in mind, leaving pedestrians to navigate broken footpaths, blocked sidewalks, unsafe crossings and heavy traffic.
The issue has gained renewed attention following recent observations by the Supreme Court, which emphasized that safe and accessible footpaths are not merely an urban convenience but an essential component of citizens' right to move freely and safely. The court underlined that governments and civic authorities have a responsibility to ensure pedestrian-friendly infrastructure is developed and maintained.
Across major metropolitan areas as well as smaller towns, pedestrians frequently encounter missing or damaged pavements, illegally parked vehicles occupying footpaths, construction debris, open drains and inadequate street lighting. In many locations, people are forced to walk on busy roads due to the absence of continuous sidewalks, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.
Road safety advocates have repeatedly pointed out that pedestrians remain among the most vulnerable road users in India. Despite various initiatives aimed at improving traffic management, the lack of dedicated walking infrastructure continues to contribute to road crashes involving people on foot. Urban planners argue that improving pedestrian facilities does not necessarily require large-scale infrastructure projects. Relatively simple measures such as repairing sidewalks, installing clearly marked zebra crossings, improving street lighting, adding pedestrian signals and ensuring barrier-free access for senior citizens and persons with disabilities can substantially improve safety.
Experts also note that walkable cities encourage greater use of public transport, reduce dependence on private vehicles and contribute to cleaner air and healthier lifestyles. Better pedestrian infrastructure also benefits local businesses by making commercial areas easier to access on foot. As India's cities continue to expand, the debate over urban mobility is increasingly shifting beyond vehicles to include the needs of people who walk. Every commuter, regardless of how they travel, begins or ends a journey as a pedestrian, making safe walking infrastructure a fundamental part of an efficient transport system.
Urban development specialists say future city planning must prioritize people alongside vehicles, ensuring roads serve all users equally. They argue that investing in pedestrian-friendly infrastructure is not only a matter of convenience but also one of public safety, accessibility and sustainable urban growth. With India's urban population expected to rise steadily in the coming years, the demand for safer, more inclusive streets is likely to become an increasingly important policy priority for governments and civic bodies across the country.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.
Former Israel Defense Forces chief Gadi Eisenkot has emerged as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s strongest challenger ahead of Israel’s October 27 election, with recent polls showing his newly formed Yashar party narrowly leading Netanyahu’s Likud. Eisenkot, 66, entered politics after losing his son and two nephews during the Gaza war, saying he wants to help rebuild a country exhausted by years of conflict. He has ruled out joining a coalition led by Netanyahu and has pledged to replace the current government. A former military commander and son of Moroccan immigrants, Eisenkot supports universal military service and a strong national security policy. However, he faces a difficult path to forming a coalition in Israel’s fragmented political landscape, even if his party finishes first in the election.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Bloomberg.
Counter-terrorism officers have assumed responsibility for the investigation into the death of former MP and Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe after authorities said new information and evidence emerged during the inquiry. Police arrested a 28-year-old white British man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on Saturday on suspicion of murder. The development was discussed by Lucy Hough and The Guardian's head of national news, Archie Bland, in a video available on YouTube.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
On the July 13 edition of Open For Business, Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman spoke with Mel Siew, Head of Asia Public Credit at Muzinich & Co., to examine the latest market trends. The discussion covered the resilience of Asian credit markets, growth opportunities in AI infrastructure, and the potential inflationary impact of rising oil prices on the global economy.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
With just one week remaining before the World Cup champion is decided, the tournament has delivered plenty of memorable moments, including Donald Trump's unexpected intervention this week that stunned the football community.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
British politics is once again making headlines with an unexpected electoral contest. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is preparing to defend his political standing in a by-election that could see him face just one challenger: the satirical candidate Count Binface. The unusual matchup has attracted widespread attention, highlighting both the serious political issues surrounding the vote and the growing role of political satire in modern democracy.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The guardian.
