The Government of India has appointed Puneet Kumar Goel as the new Chief Secretary of Manipur, effective July 16, 2025. This decision was announced through an order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Goel, an officer from the 1991 batch of the AGMUT cadre, replaces Prashant Kumar Singh, who is from the 1993 batch of the Manipur cadre.

Singh has been reassigned as the Secretary of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes. He previously took up the role of Chief Secretary of Manipur in January 2025, a position that demands significant administrative expertise and leadership within the state.

Background of the New Chief Secretary

Puneet Kumar Goel brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served in various capacities across different regions. His extensive background in administration is expected to enhance the governance structure in Manipur. The Chief Secretary plays a pivotal role in coordinating the activities of the state government and ensuring effective implementation of policies, making Goel’s experience particularly relevant in this context.

The appointment of Goel comes at a critical time for Manipur, which has been navigating various socio-economic challenges. With effective leadership, the government hopes to address pressing issues and foster development in the region.

Implications of Leadership Changes

The transition from Singh to Goel signifies a strategic move by the central government to bolster administrative efficiency in Manipur. Leadership changes at such levels often reflect broader governmental priorities and the need for fresh perspectives on state management.

Officials and stakeholders in Manipur will be observing how Goel’s approach influences governance and policy implementation. His success in this role will likely depend on his ability to engage with local leaders and address the unique challenges faced by the state.

The new appointment highlights the dynamic nature of administrative roles in India and the central government’s ongoing efforts to ensure effective governance across various regions.

Seth Rollins continues to hold the Money in the Bank (MITB) contract despite his recent injury. The WWE has not moved to strip him of this significant opportunity, which allows him until June 2026 to cash in. This decision reflects the company’s confidence in his potential return and the strategic value of maintaining his storyline presence in the championship picture.

One major factor is the belief that Rollins will recover and return to action well before the cash-in deadline. This timeline gives the WWE a sense of creative flexibility, allowing Rollins time to heal without losing momentum in his narrative arc. The organization has a history of not immediately utilizing the MITB contract, often opting for a slow-burn approach that can enhance storytelling.

The recent decision to keep the briefcase in Rollins’ possession indicates WWE’s long-term plans for him. Historically, the company has rarely stripped injured MITB holders of their contracts, and this precedent continues to hold true in Rollins’ case. His faction, which has generated considerable buzz since WrestleMania, remains a significant storyline element, even in his absence.

Adding to the intrigue, WWE’s Paul Heyman has been showcasing the MITB contract on weekly episodes of RAW. This ongoing promotion keeps Rollins’ faction relevant and maintains fan interest, suggesting that an impactful moment could occur at any time. The unpredictability associated with Rollins holding the briefcase creates tension around title matches, as fans remain engaged, eager to witness a potential cash-in.

One of the most compelling reasons for maintaining Rollins’ hold on the MITB contract is speculation regarding another major cash-in moment. Reports suggest that WWE may be planning a surprise akin to Rollins’ iconic WrestleMania 31 cash-in, which is widely regarded as one of the most memorable moments in WWE history. Whether this event unfolds at SummerSlam 2025 or WrestleMania 42, the potential for a dramatic surprise remains alive, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

In summary, WWE’s decision to retain Seth Rollins’ Money in the Bank contract is rooted in confidence regarding his recovery, strategic narrative planning, and a commitment to maintaining fan engagement. With unpredictability at its core, the potential for a significant moment makes the ongoing storyline one of the most exciting aspects of WWE programming today.

The Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker, S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan, has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of renowned marathon runner S. Fauja Singh. The news of Singh’s death, announced on July 15, 2025, has resonated deeply within the community and beyond, given his remarkable achievements in athletics.

A Trailblazer in Marathon Running

Born in Beas village, located in the Jalandhar district, Fauja Singh made history as the world’s first centenarian to complete a marathon. He accomplished this extraordinary feat during the Toronto Marathon, finishing in an impressive time of 8 hours, 11 minutes, and 6 seconds.

Singh’s dedication to running has inspired countless individuals, particularly the younger generation. In his tribute, Speaker Sandhwan highlighted Singh’s courageous spirit and enthusiasm for life, stating, “Let us take inspiration from his courageous and enthusiastic life to move forward and reach new heights.”

Expressions of Condolence

In his remarks, Sandhwan conveyed his deep sadness at the news of Singh’s passing. He offered prayers for the departed soul and expressed hope that the Almighty would provide strength to Singh’s family during this painful time. “I am deeply saddened to hear the news of his passing away, and I pray to God to grant peace to the departed soul. Almighty may give strength to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss in this hour of distress,” Sandhwan stated.

Fauja Singh’s legacy as a marathon runner and his indomitable spirit will continue to inspire athletes and non-athletes alike. His achievements serve as a powerful reminder that age is not a barrier to pursuing one’s passions and achieving greatness.

Officials in Assam have requested that the Election Commission (EC) consider the National Register of Citizens (NRC) during the upcoming Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. As the only Indian state to complete the NRC exercise, Assam’s government argues that the final NRC should be classified as a valid document for voter eligibility when determining the timeframes and necessary documentation for the SIR, according to The Indian Express.

This request arises amid ongoing controversy surrounding the SIR in Bihar, where opposition parties claim the process has transformed into a citizenship verification exercise, likening it to an “NRC through the backdoor.” They assert that this approach exceeds the EC’s mandate. Assam’s officials made their appeal following the EC’s announcement of a nationwide intensive revision of electoral rolls, which began with Bihar and could potentially delay the SIR in Assam.

The unresolved status of the NRC remains a significant issue. This initiative, monitored by the Supreme Court, aims to address longstanding demographic concerns in Assam. Since the release of the draft NRC in 2019, which excluded approximately 1.96 million out of 33 million applicants, the Registrar General of India has not officially notified the final version. Successive governments led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have criticized the current NRC, deeming it unacceptable.

Originally designed to distinguish Indian citizens from undocumented migrants in a politically sensitive region, the NRC has faced substantial scrutiny. The Assam government contends that the list contains considerable errors, notably excluding many “indigenous people” while including numerous “foreigners.” Officials assert that the actual number of individuals who entered Assam illegally after the NRC’s cut-off date of March 24, 1971, is significantly greater than 1.9 million.

Before the finalization of the 2019 NRC, the Central and state governments raised the issue of reverification, which the Supreme Court ultimately denied. On July 23, 2019, a Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi noted evidence submitted by NRC Coordinator Prateek Hajela, indicating that 27% of reverification had already been conducted during the claims and objections process. Consequently, the court ruled that further sample reverification was unnecessary.

Despite this, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated during a special Assembly session last month that the state government is pursuing 20% reverification in districts bordering Bangladesh and 10% in the remaining districts. Sarma emphasized that the NRC data, which has undergone both verification and reverification, would serve as a reliable document to prove citizenship and should be included in the intensive revision process.

A query directed to the EC regarding Assam’s request for electoral roll revision went unanswered. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sarma indicated that no formal “correspondence” with the EC has occurred on this matter. The EC’s decision to initiate the intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar has faced political opposition, with some parties challenging the move in the Supreme Court.

The controversy primarily revolves around the documentation voters must provide, especially those registered after 2003, to prove their age and citizenship. The year 2003 marks the last intensive revision in Bihar, where individuals listed during that period are presumed citizens and eligible for inclusion in the updated rolls. Petitioners have contested the EC’s authority to verify citizenship and have raised concerns about the timing and procedure of the current exercise.

While the Supreme Court declined to halt the revision process, it urged the EC to consider additional identification methods such as Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards alongside its original list of acceptable documents, which includes government-issued IDs, educational certificates, caste certificates, and the NRC where applicable.