The financial grapevine is abuzz — Ajay Seth, the current Economic Affairs Secretary, is rumoured to be the frontrunner for SEBI’s top job as Madhabi Puri Buch’s term ends in February. Seth’s regulatory expertise could make him the perfect fit to steer India’s booming capital markets, say North Block observers.

Meanwhile, whispers suggest Debasish Panda might stay on as IRDAI Chief beyond March. An extension would signal the government’s trust in his leadership during crucial times for the insurance sector.

If the whispers turn out to be true, these moves promise stability at the helm of two key regulators.

Tatas’ marathon man

At a fireside chat in Chennai at the global alumni meet of NIT Trichy, of which Tata Sons’ Chairman N Chandrasekaran is an alumnus, Ravi Viswanathan, MD & CEO of TVS Supply Chain Solutions, asked Chandra how he took to running.

Chandra said he picked up running in 2007 as his family has a history of diabetes and his doctor advised him to be smart about it. So, Chandra made a commitment to start running and enjoyed it so much he took to marathons. In six months he had run his first marathon and to date he has run 19 full marathons and twice as many half marathons! And, yes, he reversed his diabetes!

The résumé wars

India Inc. is in damage control mode after a KPMG survey revealed 30 per cent of executives falsify résumés — faking degrees, masking shady exits, and inflating achievements. The fallout? Silent firings, legal hush-ups, and HR teams scrambling to contain the chaos.

From misrepresented MBAs to conveniently erased lawsuits, corporate corridors are rife with whispers of deception. Insiders say this is just the beginning — executive credibility is under the scanner like never before.

As skeletons tumble out, one thing is clear: trust can’t be faked, even with the most polished CV. Who’s next in line? Only time will tell.

Cut down to size?

For a senior Congress leader in Karnataka who takes pride in being called the party’s ‘trouble shooter’ things haven’t been going right for the past couple of months. His alleged clandestine meeting with a senior BJP leader from the state, who plays a national role in the saffron party, has set tongues wagging whether a Eknath Shinde act is being planned.

In response opponents within the party, have asked that ‘one man, one post’ role be enforced as he holds two heavyweight positions. The Congress leader also believes that it was internal sabotage which led to his brother’s defeat in the LS polls.

He has tried to explain away his meeting with the senior BJP leader, as prelude to ensuring a smooth sailing for the upcoming IPO of a real estate player.

Whether his past demonstrations of loyalty to the high command will stand him in good stead remains to be seen.

Published on January 5, 2025