New Delhi: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on Thursday approved the appointment of Dr Srinivasa Kumar Tummala as Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) while also extending the foreign deputation of Hemang Jani as Senior Adviser to the Executive Director at the World Bank in Washington, D.C.
The decisions were notified by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions on July 16, 2026.
Dr Srinivasa Kumar Tummala Appointed Earth Sciences Secretary
The ACC approved the appointment of Dr Srinivasa Kumar Tummala, who is currently serving as the Head of the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (IOTWMS) Secretariat under the UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) in Perth, Australia, as Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences.
According to the official notification, Dr Tummala will hold the post for a tenure of two years from the date of assumption of charge, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Dr Tummala brings extensive international experience in oceanography, tsunami early warning systems and disaster risk reduction, having led the UNESCO-backed Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System Secretariat.
Hemang Jani Gets One-Year Extension at World Bank
In a separate order, the ACC approved the proposal of the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance, to extend the foreign deputation of Hemang Jani as Senior Adviser to the Executive Director, World Bank, Washington, D.C., USA.
His tenure has been extended by one year beyond July 16, 2026, and will now continue until July 16, 2027, or until his successor assumes charge, whichever is earlier.
The extension will enable Jani to continue representing India’s interests and providing advisory support at the World Bank.
ACC Continues Key Leadership Appointments
The latest approvals are part of the Centre’s ongoing exercise to fill senior leadership positions across ministries and international institutions.
While Dr Srinivasa Kumar Tummala will now lead the Ministry of Earth Sciences at a time of increasing focus on climate science, weather forecasting and ocean research, Hemang Jani will continue his assignment at one of the world’s leading multilateral financial institutions.
