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Friday, August 15, 2025
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

Trump is swinging on Russia again. What this means for Europe’s security architecture

The dynamics between Europe and Russia have gone so south that mending fences looks like an uphill task—even as the US swings between sanctions and olive branches.

Slashing GST on waste can unlock Rs 1.8 lakh crore, high tax hurting circular economy goals—CSE

Centre for Science and Environment in new report makes case for rationalising GST on waste material, saying most informal operators can’t afford high tax & it also hinders recycling.

President awards 1st set of Sarvottam Yudh Seva medals since Kargil, 7 honoured for leading Op Sindoor

This year, the Indian Air Force received four of the seven awards, followed by the Indian Army with two medals, and the Indian Navy with one. 

Modi’s ready to risk it all for farmers. Farm reform can answer Trump with new Green Revolution

Standing up to America is usually not a personal risk for a leader in India. Any suggestions of foreign pressure unites India behind who they see as leading them in that fight.