Babus, mantris & buzz: How IAS Akansha Konde Is Boosting Incomes Through Medicinal Farming in Bageshwar, Uttarakhand
· Free Press Journal
Keralam: UDF unlikely to win
The political scenario in Keralam is reportedly not clear. Sources said the UDF is facing infighting and that can affect its chance of cake walk.
Keralam: Either LDF or hung Assembly?
As per latest indications, one should not be surprised if LDF gets a third chance. Otherwise the state may see a hung Assembly.
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BUREAUCRACY
How IAS Akansha Konde Is Boosting Incomes Through Medicinal Farming in Bageshwar, Uttarakhand
Akansha Konde, a 2018-batch IAS officer of the Uttarakhand cadre and currently serving as Collector of Bageshwar, is driving an impactful grassroots initiative by promoting medicinal plant cultivation as a sustainable source of income for local communities; using medicinal plants as a dual-purpose strategy to boost livelihoods while supporting better health, she emphasizes the idea of utilizing existing natural resources more effectively for the benefit of people; recognising the region’s ecological potential, farmers are being encouraged to cultivate crops such as Kapur Kachri and Kutki, which are naturally suited to the terrain, with Kutki being especially valued for its medicinal properties related to liver health and its economic significance; a large-scale plantation initiative involving nearly 11 lakh Kutki plants has been envisioned to create long-term livelihood opportunities; under her leadership, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have been strengthened, with some groups generating close to ₹55 lakh annually through medicinal farming; additionally, Bageshwar’s traditional identity as a tea-growing region is also being leveraged to enhance economic development, and through this holistic approach, IAS Akansha Konde is transforming one of India’s remotest districts into a growing hub of opportunity and sustainable progress.
IPS officers of 1992 batch enjoying police power in 11 States
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Ø Arun Dev Gautam, Chhattisgarh
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Ø Gaurav Yadav, Punjab
Ø Dr K Laxmi Narayan Rao, Gujarat
Ø Harish Kumar Gupta, Andhra Pradesh
Ø Ajay Singhal, Haryana
Ø Siddh Nath Gupta, West Bengal
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60 Amrit Bharat Express Services
Non-AC, modern trains with 11 General + 8 Sleeper coaches, pantry, etc. operational as of March 18, 2026. Recorded 100% occupancy in FY 2025-26. Full list includes routes like Lokmanya Tilak–Saharsa, Gaya–Delhi, Darbhanga–Anand Vihar, etc. (Southern Railway runs 14). Features of the train are Vande Bharat-like aesthetics, jerk-free couplers, CCTV, improved toilets/lighting/charging, fire suppression, etc. Minister highlighted acceptance for affordable travel.
S K Das & U Chandrasekhar empanelled for appointment as IEMs
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A Varma & B P Singh empanelled for appointment as IEMs
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P R Acharya empanelled for appointment as IEM
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Pradeep Kumar empanelled for appointment as IEM
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