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Nidhi Chhibber appointed interim CEO of NITI Aayog
1994-batch IAS officer gets additional charge after B.V.R. Subrahmanyam’s exit on 24 February 2026.
MUMBAI: NITI Aayog just got a steady hand at the wheel because when policy think tanks need direction, sometimes the best navigator is already in the back seat. The Centre has named 1994-batch Chhattisgarh cadre IAS officer Nidhi Chhibber as interim chief executive officer of NITI Aayog with immediate effect, following the completion of B.V.R. Subrahmanyam’s tenure on 24 February 2026. An Appointments Committee of the Cabinet order assigns her additional charge of the role until a regular incumbent is appointed or until further orders, whichever comes first.
Chhibber, currently director general of NITI Aayog’s Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO), brings deep familiarity with the think tank’s workings. DMEO serves as the institution’s evaluation arm, conducting third-party assessments, strengthening outcome-based governance, and helping ministries refine flagship programme delivery.
Her career spans senior administrative and policy roles across central and state governments. She previously chaired the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in 2022, oversaw key reforms as additional secretary at NITI Aayog, and had a brief stint as officer on special duty in the Ministry of Food Processing Industries in April 2025 (later cancelled when she returned to the think tank).
NITI Aayog, established in 2015 to replace the Planning Commission, acts as India’s apex public policy body fostering cooperative federalism, crafting long-term development strategies, monitoring major schemes, and coordinating between Centre and states. The CEO drives policy formulation, oversees sectoral verticals, and aligns reform priorities with national goals.
The interim arrangement ensures continuity at a time when multiple long-term reform and monitoring initiatives are under way. For an institution that shapes India’s development roadmap, Chhibber’s appointment keeps the engine running smoothly proving that sometimes the best way to steer policy is to promote the person who already knows every turn in the road.
MAM
8PM Packaged Drinking Water named Lead Trouser Sponsor for Sunrisers Hyderabad
Brand partners with IPL team for 2026 season with campaign ‘Rise in Orange, Celebrate with Black’.
MUMBAI: 8PM Packaged Drinking Water has found a clever way to stay in the game by hitching its wagon to one of cricket’s most exciting teams. The brand from Radico Khaitan Limited has announced its association with Sunrisers Hyderabad as the Lead Trouser Sponsor for India’s Premier Cricket League 2026. The partnership will see 8PM Packaged Drinking Water gain prominent visibility during the high-energy tournament.
To mark the collaboration, the brand has launched the campaign thought “Rise in Orange, Celebrate with Black.” The idea cleverly links the on-field intensity of Sunrisers Hyderabad’s iconic orange jersey with the off-field celebrations powered by 8PM Premium Black Packaged Drinking Water.
Radico Khaitan Limited chief marketing officer Kunal Madan said, “We are delighted to be associated with Sunrisers Hyderabad for the 2026 season. With the league’s unmatched reach and the team’s strong fan following, this is a great opportunity to connect meaningfully with consumers across the country.”
Sunrisers Hyderabad enters the season with a formidable lineup featuring players such as Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Travis Head, and Pat Cummins, making it one of the most watched teams this year.
A spokesperson from Sunrisers Hyderabad added, “We are pleased to welcome 8PM Packaged Drinking Water to the Sunrisers family. This association brings together shared values of energy, resilience, and excellence.”
The partnership underscores Radico Khaitan’s strategy of aligning with marquee sporting platforms to build contemporary, consumer-centric brands. By tapping into the emotional connect and massive viewership of the league, 8PM aims to deepen engagement and strengthen brand affinity during the cricket season.
In the fiercely competitive world of Indian cricket sponsorships, 8PM has chosen to play it smart, pairing the thrill of orange with the cool refreshment of black. As Sunrisers Hyderabad prepare for another exciting season, the brand is set to ride the wave of passion, performance, and celebration.
