National

Ajay Bhadoo Appointed as CEO of Government e-Marketplace

Published

2 years ago

March 5, 2025

The government has appointed Ajay Bhadoo, an Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce, as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), effective March 3. He will undertake this new role while continuing his current duties within the Department of Commerce.

Ajay Bhadoo is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the 1999 batch, hailing from the Gujarat cadre. He brings over 20 years of experience in policy development and implementation across various sectors, notably in urban infrastructure.

In August 2024, Bhadoo took on the role of Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce. Prior to that, he served as the Deputy Election Commissioner at the Election Commission of India and worked as Joint Secretary to former President Ram Nath Kovind. His leadership experience includes positions such as CEO of the Gujarat Maritime Board and Commissioner for both Rajkot and Vadodara Municipal Corporations.

Bhadoo holds a degree in Civil Engineering and a Master’s in Business Law from the esteemed National Law School of India University in Bengaluru. His appointment as CEO of GeM, India’s largest electronic marketplace for government purchases, comes at a crucial time as the platform transitions to an advanced digital marketplace developed in collaboration with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).

Currently, GeM has achieved a Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of ₹4.58 lakh crore, reflecting a remarkable year-on-year growth of 28.65%.

National

Couple Uses Dupatta to Rescue Biker from Flash Flood

Published

5 days ago

September 1, 2026

Namma Kudla

National: A family in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba risked their lives to rescue a biker trapped in a flash flood following heavy rainfall.

The incident occurred on the Kakiara-Tunuhatti road in the Bharmala area of Bhatiyat. Heavy rain caused water to flood the road, creating a strong and dangerous current.

The biker struggled to stay safe as he was caught in the fast-flowing water. Two women, including a newlywed woman, quickly used a dupatta as a makeshift rope to rescue him.

The biker held onto the dupatta while the family members pulled him towards safety. Another person also joined the rescue effort.

A video of the incident has gone viral on social media. The family’s courage and quick thinking have received widespread praise online.

National

Two Arrested for Alleged Assault on Minor Girl in Moving Bus

Published

6 days ago

August 31, 2026

Namma Kudla

Noida: Two men, including a bus driver and conductor, have been arrested for allegedly gang-raping a 16-year-old girl on a moving sleeper bus in Greater Noida.

Police said the incident occurred on August 4 when the girl boarded an empty bus while travelling to Noida Sector 63.

The accused allegedly assaulted the girl and later abandoned her near Kashmere Gate in Delhi, around 40 kilometres away.

Following the survivor’s complaint, police launched an investigation and arrested both accused from Timarpur in North Delhi.

The bus has been seized, and CCTV footage and forensic evidence are being examined.

Further investigation is underway.

National

21-Year-Old Model Murdered Inside Home, Gym Trainer Accused

Published

1 week ago

August 27, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: A 21-year-old woman was allegedly stabbed to death inside her home in West Delhi on Wednesday. The police suspect her gym trainer, identified as Imran, in the case.

The victim, identified as Muskan, was a student and model. She was reportedly alone at her home on the second floor of a building in Tilak Nagar when the incident took place.

According to the police, Imran allegedly attacked Muskan with a knife. He then fled from the spot.

Neighbours heard Muskan’s screams and rushed to her house. They found her lying in a pool of blood.

The neighbours immediately took her to a nearby hospital. However, she died while undergoing treatment.

Police teams have launched a search for the accused. Investigators are also checking CCTV footage from the area to trace his movements.

Muskan’s friend Aman said she was the youngest of three sisters. He said her elder sister, who is in Chandigarh, called him after learning about the attack.

Aman said he immediately asked another friend to reach the house and take Muskan to the hospital. By the time he arrived, an ambulance had already taken her away.

He also claimed that Muskan’s sisters had earlier told him that Imran used to harass her. He said Imran had allegedly behaved in a similar manner in the past.

The police are investigating the exact motive behind the murder. Further details are awaited.