Below the Line

It is believed that Piyush Goyal could be shifted in the upcoming reshuffle
| Photo Credit:
ANI

Has the nomination of Piyush Goyal as the BJP treasurer taken the US by surprise? It is believed that Goyal could be shifted in the upcoming reshuffle and the US may have to wait to sign the trade deal with India. Meanwhile, the US is making curious political remarks pertaining to India. US ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, has said that Jammu and Kashmir is an important part of India. All these, it appears, are pointers that the US is concerned over its trade deal with India.

Will the next Commerce Secretary be from the Foreign Service? A source says this is likely given the current geopolitical situation.

With India signing free trade agreements with many countries, the Commerce Ministry should see things in geopolitical context rather than bilateral trade relations alone.

A foreign service candidate may have helped India sign at least a mini trade deal with the US, says the source.

In discussions over an industry issue, it is said that there is a difference between some people claiming to be backing or being part of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). “There are two types of RSS people. One is before 2014, and the other is after 2014. The ones before 2014 are those who matter,” an insider observed.

Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe is in the news virtually everyday.

Whether it’s the ongoing campaign against unhygienic hotels, the drive against adulteration or notices to film stars for surrogate advertising, Mundhe’s actions have won him support from ordinary citizens. Twitterati is loving it too. “In Mumbai instead of Michelin star restaurants we must have Mundhe star restaurants,” said one user. Another one commented those restaurants passing the inspection should write ‘Tukaram Mundhe was here’. “It is their best ad,” he wrote.

The latest doing the rounds on social media says: “Eateries in Mumbai were having a ball. They thought every day was a Sunday and then came Mundhe.”

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