News for 'The Union Public Service Commission'

Power of Constitution: Cong on govt's lateral entry roll-back

Power of Constitution: Cong on govt's lateral entry roll-back

Rediff.com20 Aug 2024

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi asserted that the Congress will protect the Constitution and the reservation system at all costs and foil "conspiracies" of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

SC to hear plea against current practice to appoint CAG

SC to hear plea against current practice to appoint CAG

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court will hear a plea seeking an independent selection process for the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) on March 17. The PIL, filed by the Centre for Public Interest Litigation, argues that the current system of appointment solely by the executive and the prime minister violates the Constitution and undermines the CAG's independence. The petition calls for a transparent process involving the prime minister, Leader of the Opposition, and Chief Justice of India. The PIL contends that the CAG's role as a watchdog over government finances requires a fair and non-arbitrary appointment procedure.

'Character of services being changed': 82 ex-babus write to Prez

'Character of services being changed': 82 ex-babus write to Prez

Rediff.com25 May 2023

In an open letter, they appealed to her to convey their concerns to the Union government and caution them that the attempt to change the character of the civil services is fraught with extreme danger and will 'spell the death of the constitutional government in India'.

DU women graduates secure top ranks in UPSC exam

DU women graduates secure top ranks in UPSC exam

Rediff.com30 May 2022

Shruti Sharma, a student of history, has topped the civil services examination 2021, with the first three rank holders being women in results announced by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Monday.

DU women graduates secure top ranks in UPSC exam

DU women graduates secure top ranks in UPSC exam

Rediff.com30 May 2022

Shruti Sharma, a student of history, has topped the civil services examination 2021, with the first three rank holders being women in results announced by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Monday.

Puja Khedkar summoned back to academy, training put on hold

Puja Khedkar summoned back to academy, training put on hold

Rediff.com17 Jul 2024

The government on Tuesday put on hold the district training programme of controversial Indian Administrative Service officer Puja Khedkar, who is under the scanner for allegedly forging disability certificates to clear the Civil Services examination.

Wangchuk awaits word on meeting with country's top leadership

Wangchuk awaits word on meeting with country's top leadership

Rediff.com7 Oct 2024

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Monday said he and his supporters will stay put at the Ladakh Bhawan till the authorities tell them when they will be able to meet the country's top leadership.

Shubham Kumar Tops UPSC Exam

Shubham Kumar Tops UPSC Exam

Rediff.com24 Sep 2021

A total of 761 candidates -- 545 men and 216 women -- have cleared the examination as per results announced on Friday.

How To Crack UPSC 2023

How To Crack UPSC 2023

Rediff.com17 Feb 2023

It is recommended to allocate a minimum of 3 to 4 hours for studying over the weekdays and maximise effort during the weekends, suggests Sarmad Mehraj, teacher and VP, product (UPSC) at BYJU'S.

What Ails India's Civil Service

What Ails India's Civil Service

Rediff.com3 Oct 2023

'A large portion of youngsters who aspire to join the civil services are not motivated by the spirit of public service and idealism of which the civil services offer in abundance.' 'When they join the mandarin club they look for the loaves and fishes of office, rather than make a difference and wipe what Mahatma Gandhi called 'every tear from every Indian',' points out Rup Narayan Das.

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.

No evidence of paper leak in NEET-UG: Pradhan

No evidence of paper leak in NEET-UG: Pradhan

Rediff.com13 Jun 2024

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday rejected allegations of paper leak in medical entrance exam National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET-UG), saying there is no evidence of it.

Why removing govt officers isn't easy

Why removing govt officers isn't easy

Rediff.com17 Nov 2023

Compulsory retirement is part of a half-yearly exercise now for cases where government wants to weed out officers, but without taking the disciplinary proceedings route.

CEC Rajiv Kumar, a strong critic of exit polls, demits office

CEC Rajiv Kumar, a strong critic of exit polls, demits office

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Rajiv Kumar, the 25th chief election commissioner of India, has demitted office after a nearly three-year tenure marked by both electoral successes and allegations of bias from opposition parties. Kumar oversaw the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and the Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls, among other major elections. During his tenure, he implemented reforms across various aspects of the Election Commission's functioning, including structural, technological, capacity development, communication, international cooperation, and administration. However, he faced criticism from opposition parties and activists on several issues, including the efficacy of Electronic Voting Machines, alleged fudging of voter data, and being "lenient" on the ruling BJP. While the Commission responded to the allegations, Kumar often defended himself and the poll authority through poetry. In his farewell address, Kumar expressed concerns about the timing of petitions raising doubts over poll processes and the impact of freebie promises on the fiscal health of the state. He also criticized the practice of showing early trends on counting day by news channels, calling it "nonsense". Kumar's tenure was marked by numerous controversies, with opposition parties and activists alleging bias and irregularities. While the Election Commission defended its actions, the allegations cast a shadow over his time in office.

Telangana's Durishetty Anudeep tops civil services exam 2017

Telangana's Durishetty Anudeep tops civil services exam 2017

Rediff.com27 Apr 2018

Anu Kumari and Sachin Gupta stood second and third respectively, the Union Public Service Commission announced on Friday.

RJD MP Pappu Yadav throws paper confetti at LS Speaker

RJD MP Pappu Yadav throws paper confetti at LS Speaker

Rediff.com1 Aug 2014

Bihar lawmaker and Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav threw paper confetti at Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on Friday.

UPSC withdraws mandatory English norm in mains exam

UPSC withdraws mandatory English norm in mains exam

Rediff.com28 Mar 2013

Amid a nation-wide controversy, the Union Public Service Commission has withdrawn changes suggested by it in civil services mains examination, dropping mandatory English language paper requirement.

Finance Secretary TK Pandey is new Sebi chairman

Finance Secretary TK Pandey is new Sebi chairman

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

The Indian government has appointed Finance Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey as the new chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Pandey, a 1987-batch IAS officer, will replace Madhabi Puri Buch, whose three-year tenure ends on February 28. Pandey's appointment comes at a time when the markets are experiencing bear pressure due to withdrawals by foreign institutional investors (FIIs). Pandey has extensive experience in the finance ministry, having served as the longest-serving secretary in the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) and the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE). He also played a key role in the framing of the 2025-26 Budget and the drafting of the new Income Tax Bill. Pandey's appointment is for an initial period of three years.

'Second Coming' For TN's Autonomy Panel, But...

'Second Coming' For TN's Autonomy Panel, But...

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Given the possibilities that next year's assembly elections could throw up, Stalin told the state assembly that an interim report had to be submitted by January 2026. The outcomes may well find its way into the DMK's poll manifesto, thus seeking to keep the electoral focus still on the BJP-ruled Centre and Prime Minister Modi, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Shah Rukh Khan ordered to give money back to Byju's student

Shah Rukh Khan ordered to give money back to Byju's student

Rediff.com28 Apr 2023

In its order passed on Wednesday, the commission said Rs 1.08 lakh in fees deposited by complainant Priyanka Dixit at the time of admission in 2021 must be returned along with 12 per cent annual interest, while Rs 5,000 must be given to her as litigation cost and Rs 50,000 as compensation for financial and mental agony.

Article 370 Constitution bench to hear Delhi services row

Article 370 Constitution bench to hear Delhi services row

Rediff.com20 Jul 2023

A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and justices P S Narasimha and Manoj Misra said the detailed order referring the case to a larger bench will be uploaded on the apex court website later in the day.

US Firms Back Trump's India Tariffs

US Firms Back Trump's India Tariffs

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

Industry associations and companies in the United States, including the US Chamber of Commerce, Coalition of Services Industries and the iconic bike company Harley Davidson have called on the Donald Trump dispensation to push India to reduce tariffs, non-tariffs, and regulatory barriers to boost American exports.

'Ladakh got nothing after repealing Article 370'

'Ladakh got nothing after repealing Article 370'

Rediff.com6 Feb 2024

'If the central government does not give rights to the people of Ladakh, then it won't be good for our country.'

After 3 years, a bureaucrat to head Sebi

After 3 years, a bureaucrat to head Sebi

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

Seasoned bureaucrat and a stickler for rules Finance Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey will be at the helm of capital market regulator, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), for three years. The 1987-batch Odisha-cadre Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, Pandey, would replace Madhabi Puri Buch, whose three-year term ends on Friday.

Meet Chitraang Murdia, the IIT-JEE topper

Meet Chitraang Murdia, the IIT-JEE topper

Rediff.com20 Jun 2014

He has also also cleared the Olympiads in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Astronomy.

Liberation of Balochistan and Sindh must top the agenda

Liberation of Balochistan and Sindh must top the agenda

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

Terrorism and insurgency in J&K had subsided when India demolished East Pakistan -- for the simple reason that Pakistan understands power. We need to follow Chanakya's dictum of Saam, Daam, Dand, Bhed for strategising against Pakistan, asserts Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (Retd). The ground truth is that unless we are prepared to acknowledge our shortcomings, including massive intelligence failures, punish those responsible and take corrective actions, we will continue in the same vein, asserts Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (Retd).

UPSC changes anti-non Hindi candidates: Jaya to PM

UPSC changes anti-non Hindi candidates: Jaya to PM

Rediff.com13 Mar 2013

Terming as "retrogade" and "highly discriminatory" the recent Union Public Service Commission notification on regional langauges, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Wednesday said they appeared "to be calculated to bias the system against Civil Service aspirants from non-Hindi speaking regions".

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.

Centre expands talent pool, to induct 17 private sector experts

Centre expands talent pool, to induct 17 private sector experts

Rediff.com30 May 2023

This is the fourth such recruitment drive proposed to be undertaken by the Narendra Modi government which had in 2018 initiated lateral entry.

IAS candidate commits suicide after 'goof up' in UPSC results

IAS candidate commits suicide after 'goof up' in UPSC results

Rediff.com12 May 2013

A 24-year-old Indian Administrative Service aspirant allegedly committed suicide, with the police stating that he was upset over a 'goof-up' in the Union Public Service Commission results published in Bangalore.

Corruption can't be erased in one day: IAS topper

Corruption can't be erased in one day: IAS topper

Rediff.com10 May 2013

Cuttack-based medical graduate Sriram Venkitaraman, who came second in this year's Union Public Services Commission examination says he has "realistic expectations" of his IAS career.

'BJP following up regional languages issue in UPSC'

'BJP following up regional languages issue in UPSC'

Rediff.com11 Mar 2013

The Bharatiya Janata Party has opposed the scrapping of regional language paper in the Union Public Service Commission examination and is likely to take up this issue firmly with the Centre shortly.

UPSC, CVC chief, members to get higher salary

UPSC, CVC chief, members to get higher salary

Rediff.com15 Jan 2009

The pay scales of heads and members of Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) have been revised.

Ranked 131 last yr, TN candidate tops IAS

Ranked 131 last yr, TN candidate tops IAS

Rediff.com12 May 2005

In his first attempt at the IAS exams last year, he was ranked 131 and was selected for Indian Railway Traffic Service.

UPSC IES, ISS exam

UPSC IES, ISS exam

Rediff.com15 Jun 2009

The Union Public Service Commission will hold the Indian Economic Service/Indian Statistical Service Examination, 2009 commencing from November 21, 2009 for recruitment to Grade IV of the Indian Economic Statistical Service.

SC seeks govt reply on plea against CAG appointment process

SC seeks govt reply on plea against CAG appointment process

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India has sought the government's response on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that challenges the appointment process of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), arguing it's unconstitutional. The PIL, filed by the Centre for Public Interest Litigation, claims the current process, solely through executive appointment by the Prime Minister, undermines the CAG's independence and violates constitutional principles. The court, while acknowledging the importance of institutional trust, questioned the extent to which it should intervene in the appointment process and whether this would constitute rewriting constitutional provisions. The PIL suggests the CAG's appointment should be similar to other independent bodies, with a selection committee comprising the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, and Chief Justice of India. The case has implications for the independence and transparency of India's audit system.

UPSC's new exam format: Get your FACTS right!

UPSC's new exam format: Get your FACTS right!

Rediff.com12 Mar 2013

Students will mostly benefit from the new format, says Ajit Padwal, Founder, Lakshya IAS Academy, Mumbai. He decodes what the new paper holds for aspirants and tells us why the UPSC, barring a few exceptions, has mostly got it right.

Committee formed to expedite vigilance cases

Committee formed to expedite vigilance cases

Rediff.com14 May 2010

A three member high-powered Committee of Experts was constituted on Friday with the approval of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to suggest measures to expedite process involved in disciplinary and vigilance proceedings.

UPSC exam for IES, ISS

UPSC exam for IES, ISS

Rediff.com3 Jul 2008

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will hold the Indian Economic Service/Indian Statistical Service Examination, 2008 commencing from November 22, 2008.

Revealed: How IFS officers are groomed

Revealed: How IFS officers are groomed

Rediff.com30 Aug 2011

Here's how an Indian Foreign Service officer climbs the career ladder.