scorecardresearch
Add as a preferred source on Google
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
TopicPMO series

Topic: PMO series

Brajesh Mishra was the most powerful principal secretary in any PMO

From overseeing planning of Pokhran tests to mending ties with the US, Pakistan and China, Brajesh Mishra implemented the foreign policy sketched out by the Vajpayee government.

Indian economy would’ve liberalised long before 1991. But Bofors scandal stalled it

The whole truth regarding the 1991 reforms is that India was in the process of revamping its industrial and trade policies from the last years of Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure.

‘Sonia wouldn’t become PM’—Congress ‘whisper campaign’ that denied PC Alexander President post

The irony with PC Alexander was that when Indira Gandhi returned to power in 1980, she handpicked him as Principal Secretary and he became her political adviser, conscience keeper and administrative trouble-shooter.

Morarji Desai, principal secretary V Shankar gave PMO its name. Then the office was downsized

The Morarji Desai PMO was divested of the IB, the R&AW, and the Foreign Investment Promotion Board. But the civil servants still looked up to V Shankar for guidance and advice.

‘Coup’ against LK Jha, tussle between PN Haksar and PN Dhar—Indira Gandhi PMO was never dull

PN Haksar emerged as Indira Gandhi's ideological beacon and moral compass, playing a pivotal role in ‘Garibi Hatao’ and transformed her image from a 'goongi gudiya' to an 'Iron Lady'.

LK Jha to PN Haksar & PK Mishra, how PMO became India’s power hub

It’s ironic that the PMO, often accused of giving India a de facto presidential form of governance, was created by one of the most consultative prime ministers, Lal Bahadur Shastri.

On Camera

Don’t ask what to do with boys who rape. Ask what turned them into assaulters in the first place

Young boys who should be sweating about schoolwork are learning how to corner women. Are we now supposed to add children to the list of people we need to protect ourselves from?

Floundering PM Internship Scheme has seen 44% drop out since 2024 launch. Budget deals drastic blow

Only 21 percent of interns complete programme as Centre slashes budget by over 50% after poor joining and high attrition.

Defence budget through the years: Big leap for 2026-27, but what numbers since 1999 reveal

ThePrint’s analysis of all budgets from 1999-2026 shows the years with highest capex as total share of defence budget was the highest under UPA I & II. Multifold jump in pension outlays.

Swiss report should now close Op Sindoor debate. Knowing when to stop the fight is key too

The key to fighting a war successfully, or even launching it, is a clear objective. That’s an entirely political call. It isn’t emotional or purely military.