News for 'Indian Civil Service'

Air India will increase its global coverage: CEO Wilson

Air India will increase its global coverage: CEO Wilson

Rediff.com1 Jan 2025

Air India has covered a lot of ground since privatisation and its global coverage will further increase in the years ahead, the airline's chief Campbell Wilson said on Wednesday. He also said the interior refit of the single-aisle fleet, serving domestic and short-haul international destinations, is underway, and will be completed by mid-2025.

Republic Day: CRPF awarded highest number of 21 gallantry medals

Republic Day: CRPF awarded highest number of 21 gallantry medals

Rediff.com25 Jan 2025

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has been awarded the highest number of police gallantry medals, 21, including two Shaurya Chakras, on the eve of Republic Day. A total of 95 bravery medals were awarded to personnel from state and central police forces, fire service, home guard, civil defence, and correctional services. The CRPF's medals included 11 for operations in Jammu and Kashmir, seven for anti-Maoist operations, and one for an operation in the northeast. The second-highest number of medals went to Uttar Pradesh (17), followed by Jammu and Kashmir (15), Chhattisgarh (11), and the Border Security Force (5).

Gyanesh Kumar appointed as next CEC

Gyanesh Kumar appointed as next CEC

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Gyanesh Kumar, a 1988-batch Kerala Cadre IAS officer, has been appointed as the next Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India. Kumar, who was previously an Election Commissioner, will serve until January 26, 2029. His appointment comes amidst controversy as the Congress party demanded the government defer its decision until the Supreme Court concludes its hearing on a petition challenging the composition of the selection panel. Kumar's tenure will see him oversee several state assembly elections, including Bihar, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.

Ambedkar's legacy sparks fierce political clash on his birth anniversary

Ambedkar's legacy sparks fierce political clash on his birth anniversary

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

The birth anniversary of Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, whose political influence has surged with the passage of time, on Monday was marked by bitter trading of charges between the ruling BJP and opposition parties as they fought for his legacy.

Ilker Ayci is first foreign-national to head Air India

Ilker Ayci is first foreign-national to head Air India

Rediff.com14 Feb 2022

The Air India board met on Monday afternoon to consider the candidature of Ilker Ayci and after due deliberations approved the appointment of Ayci as the CEO & MD of Air India, Tata Sons said in a statement.

Ilker Ayci is first foreign-national to head Air India

Ilker Ayci is first foreign-national to head Air India

Rediff.com14 Feb 2022

The Air India board met on Monday afternoon to consider the candidature of Ilker Ayci and after due deliberations approved the appointment of Ayci as the CEO & MD of Air India, Tata Sons said in a statement.

Hasina's UK travel plans hit roadblock, to stay in India

Hasina's UK travel plans hit roadblock, to stay in India

Rediff.com6 Aug 2024

Hasina was set to travel to London from India but is now contemplating other options after the British government indicated she may not get legal protection in the UK against any possible investigation, they said.

Transfers of civil servants reflect Modi's priorities

Transfers of civil servants reflect Modi's priorities

Rediff.com8 Feb 2016

The ministries and departments, where bureaucrats are parked after being moved out of key positions, reflect the priorities of the government.

'I'm Dying So That Others Are Saved'

'I'm Dying So That Others Are Saved'

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

'I am committing suicide because I was subject to torture and humiliation in the police station.'

Govt unveils major reforms in bureaucracy under Mission Karmayogi

Govt unveils major reforms in bureaucracy under Mission Karmayogi

Rediff.com2 Sep 2020

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved 'Mission Karmayogi', dubbed as the biggest bureaucratic reform initiative, aimed at capacity building of government employees to make them more "creative, proactive, professional and technology-enabled". The core guiding principles of the competency-driven programme will be to support a transition from "rules based to roles based" HR management to prepare the Indian civil servant for the future, according to a government statement.

National interest must guide your every decision, Modi tells bureaucrats

National interest must guide your every decision, Modi tells bureaucrats

Rediff.com21 Apr 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday urged bureaucrats to make national interest the sole basis of their every decision, saying the country has put its faith in them and they must uphold that trust.

'We Have An Indian Tiger That Needs To Be Uncaged'

'We Have An Indian Tiger That Needs To Be Uncaged'

Rediff.com10 Oct 2024

'What's sad today is that there are so many people who cannot find work, not because the country is devoid of that opportunity, but because we are not doing enough in the country.'

The Politics of A Caste Census

The Politics of A Caste Census

Rediff.com2 May 2025

While data can empower communities, it reinforces identities, making local politics more caste-centric, with decisions increasingly contested on the grounds of representation.

Such dynamics could lead to shifting alliances and, in the worst case, local governance getting paralysed as each group demands proportional power-sharing, explain Amitabh Kundu and Mehebub Rahaman.

A Tale Of Two Modi Decisions

A Tale Of Two Modi Decisions

Rediff.com11 Sep 2024

Why did the political system in the country react to these two decisions of the Modi government in a diametrically opposite manner? asks A K Bhattacharya.

Adani Charges Test For US Legal System

Adani Charges Test For US Legal System

Rediff.com25 Nov 2024

US prosecutors' case against Gautam Adani and others may stumble on the extraterritorial application of American law.

SC to hear plea on role for specially-abled in IAS in January

SC to hear plea on role for specially-abled in IAS in January

Rediff.com2 Nov 2022

The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday asked the Centre to examine how people with disabilities can be put under different categories in civil services.

UPSC topper's family celebrates stellar results

UPSC topper's family celebrates stellar results

Rediff.com7 May 2010

Mubeena, mother of Shah Faisal, in Srinagar was elated when her son was declared the topper.

Army ramps up ops in Jammu, to boost military-civilian relations

Army ramps up ops in Jammu, to boost military-civilian relations

Rediff.com22 Dec 2024

The Indian Army has increased its operational footprint in the Jammu region, including the strategic occupation of the upper reaches of the Pir Panjal range, a senior officer said. The army is playing a pivotal role in military-civilian coordination in creating a stable environment in the region, the officer said, adding that the force will continue its efforts to promote peace, security, and development in the area.

'India's growth is propelled by its youth'

'India's growth is propelled by its youth'

Rediff.com17 Jul 2009

Shashi Tripathi, member of India's Union Public Service Commission discusses India's changing demographics with Ajit Jain.

India lists theatre commands, simpler defence procurement for 2025

India lists theatre commands, simpler defence procurement for 2025

Rediff.com1 Jan 2025

India has declared 2025 as the year of defence reforms, aiming to establish integrated theatre commands to enhance synergy among the three armed forces and transform the military into a technologically-advanced combat-ready force. The reforms will also focus on streamlining acquisition procedures, promoting collaboration, and leveraging emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and robotics.

America is a nation of immigrants: Biden aid amid H-1b debate

America is a nation of immigrants: Biden aid amid H-1b debate

Rediff.com11 Jan 2025

Ahead of Trump's inauguration here on January 20, the debate on foreign guest workers visas for highly skilled professionals, the H-1B, has intensified which has literally created divisions in both the Democratic and the Republican parties.

Airbus to source more components from India, says CEO

Airbus to source more components from India, says CEO

Rediff.com7 Oct 2024

Airbus will increase sourcing of components from India, which offers plenty of opportunities, according to the aircraft maker's CEO Guillaume Faury. The European major, which has bagged huge aircraft orders from IndiGo and Air India, doubled its sourcing of components and services from India to 1 billion euros during the period from 2019-2023, he said.

All-India IAS topper's fairytale story

All-India IAS topper's fairytale story

Rediff.com13 Jun 2014

He quit a lucrative investment banking job in Hong Kong for the love of his country. Now, after acing one of India's most competitive exams, Jaipur boy Gaurav Agrawal is all set to serve his motherland.

Who's Sitting Behind Modi?

Who's Sitting Behind Modi?

Rediff.com9 Sep 2023

As Modi spoke, two Cabinet ministers sat behind him as did senior diplomats and civil servants. National Security Adviser Ajit K Doval -- a regular attendee alongside Modi at such international gatherings -- was intriguingly seated behind the Cabinet ministers and the PM's principal secretary.

'Pakistan army is a dishonourable bunch of people'

'Pakistan army is a dishonourable bunch of people'

Rediff.com24 Jan 2013

Naresh Chandra, bureaucrat, diplomat and administrator, shares an 'insider's view' on the India-Pakistan peace process in an exclusive interview with Rediff.com's Sheela Bhatt.

Murthy, Subrahmanyan Aren't Wrong About Long Hours

Murthy, Subrahmanyan Aren't Wrong About Long Hours

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

Leaders who built and manage these incredible global companies cannot be tyrants, slave-drivers, or idiots. Essentially what they are saying falls under the definition of rallying the troops, inspirational talk, like the usual coach-speak with the team before a match, asserts Shekhar Gupta.

'Some home ministers, DGs corrupt; auction police stations'

'Some home ministers, DGs corrupt; auction police stations'

Rediff.com17 Nov 2023

'Earlier in my career DGs were nearly 100 per cent honest.' 'By the time I retired, many DGs have not been honest.' 'One DG asking me to go and meet a home minister whom everybody knew is a corrupt guy.' '

Lok Sabha approves Delhi services bill by voice vote, AAP cries foul

Lok Sabha approves Delhi services bill by voice vote, AAP cries foul

Rediff.com3 Aug 2023

The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which will replace an ordinance promulgated for handling the transfers and postings of senior officers in the city government, was passed in the Lok Sabha on Thursday amid a walkout by opposition parties.

Telcos to stop high-frequency band 5G services in and around airports

Telcos to stop high-frequency band 5G services in and around airports

Rediff.com30 Nov 2022

Telecom operators will need to shut down 5G services in high-frequency bands in and around airports following restrictions imposed by the Department of Telecom at the request of the civil aviation ministry, according to sources. Based on buffer and safety zone details provided by the aviation ministry, the DoT has asked telecom operators to not install 5G base stations in the 3.3-3.6 Ghz band in the area of 2.1 kilometres from both ends of the runway and 910 meters from the centre line of the runway of Indian airports with immediate effect. "Telecom operators will need to shut down 5G service in the 3.3-3.6 Ghz band only in and around airports based on the order.

'History Will Remember Him With Gratitude'

'History Will Remember Him With Gratitude'

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

'During his stint as prime minister, he got 270 million people out of poverty.' 'This, according to the World Bank, is the fastest compression of poverty anywhere in the world.' Arvind Mayaram, the former finance secretary, recalls his encounters with Dr Manmohan Singh.

Indian-American couple jailed for forcing relative to work at gas station

Indian-American couple jailed for forcing relative to work at gas station

Rediff.com26 Jun 2024

A United States court has sentenced an Indian-American couple to prison for coercing their relative to work at their gas station and convenience store for over three years by bringing him to the United States on the pretext of helping enrol him in a school.

Can We Fight China, Pakistan With What We Have?

Can We Fight China, Pakistan With What We Have?

Rediff.com30 Nov 2024

Everybody talks of China as the real threat, but we aren't even building a decisive capability against Pakistan, asserts Shekhar Gupta.

Prayagraj Airport handling 40 VIP flights daily

Prayagraj Airport handling 40 VIP flights daily

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

The Prayagraj airport in India is experiencing a surge in air traffic due to the Maha Kumbh, a major religious festival. The airport is handling an average of 40 non-scheduled charters and private jets daily, with figures reaching 70 on weekends. This is in addition to the average 148 scheduled commercial passenger aircraft operating daily. The airport recently received a contingent of about 180 politicians from Rajasthan and has seen corporate bigwigs like the Ambani brothers, Gautam Adani, and Pawan Munjal pass through. The airport has also hosted four international flights since the beginning of the Maha Kumbh, including a flight carrying Laurene Powell Jobs, the wife of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. The airport is currently undergoing an upgrade and expansion, and officials are looking forward to the government's plans to integrate Prayagraj with the airports at Kashi and Ayodhya to promote tourism in the region.

How I Became A Coorg By Order!

How I Became A Coorg By Order!

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

'After his warm and affectionate farewell speech, the Chief of Staff of the formation asked me, "So, now you are off to Coorg to look after your coffee estates?"' For the last time, in Army uniform and much to his surprise, I replied, "Sir, I am not from Kodagu.".'

'I Want To Forget The Horror Of This War'

'I Want To Forget The Horror Of This War'

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

'While I would never wish for anyone to go through what we are, it has brought out the best in us by making each one of us a better version of ourselves.' 'Being courageous, fighting for freedom, taking the burden of responsibility to help each other...' 'I know hundreds and hundreds of examples where Ukrainians are risking their lives for complete strangers and it is only in moments like this that we truly understand what it means to be human.'

'For The Longest Time, I Avoided Acting'

'For The Longest Time, I Avoided Acting'

Rediff.com19 Sep 2024

'I had got some offers from the South and most of them were negative roles.' 'I used to think that whatever I would play, the character would stay inside me and corrupt my value system.' 'So I was very scared of getting out of character, especially negative roles.'

U'khand avalanche: 4 labourers die, 50 rescued; search for 5 on

U'khand avalanche: 4 labourers die, 50 rescued; search for 5 on

Rediff.com1 Mar 2025

The avalanche hit the BRO camp between Mana and Badrinath between 5:30 am and 6 am on Friday, burying the workers inside eight containers and a shed, according to the Army.

Manipur: Army launches intense search for missing man

Manipur: Army launches intense search for missing man

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

The Indian Army has launched a massive search operation for a man who went missing from the fringe areas of the Imphal Valley two days ago. Laishram Kamalbabu Singh, a works supervisor for a contractor working with the Military Engineering Services (MES) in Leimakhong Military Station, disappeared after leaving home on Monday afternoon to report for work. The Army is using all its resources, including tracker dogs, drones, and aerial platforms, to locate Singh. The incident has led to tensions in the area, with hundreds of people from the Meitei community demanding information about Singh's whereabouts.

'No government ever stooped so low'

'No government ever stooped so low'

Rediff.com30 Oct 2023

'It is violation of the Model Code of Conduct.' 'It is a penal offence under the IPC to exert undue influence on voters.' 'Under the election law, it is a corrupt practice.'

Rau's IAS Study Circle: What You Must Know

Rau's IAS Study Circle: What You Must Know

Rediff.com1 Aug 2024

Rau's felt the need to be where the action was.
The institute that once drew largely elite students also decided to expand its base and cater to a wider pool.