India will train 175 Maldivian civil servants in specialized programs over the next five years, as part of a renewed partnership focused on capacity building and strengthening ties between the two nations. This initiative builds upon a successful five-year program that saw the training of 1,000 Maldivian civil servants.
Rahul Gandhi’s recent remarks on the lack of Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) representation in the 2024 Budget framing process highlight a larger issue: the continued dominance of upper castes in senior positions within the Indian civil service. This article argues that the current age-based retirement system inherently disadvantages SC/ST and OBC candidates, hindering their ability to rise to leadership positions. It proposes a fixed tenure system for all civil servants, irrespective of their age of entry, as a potential solution to promote social justice and inclusivity within the bureaucracy.
Sue Gray, a prominent figure in British politics, has transitioned from her role as a senior civil servant to a key advisor for Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Known for her effectiveness and decisiveness, Gray has also garnered both admiration and criticism for her leadership style. This article examines Gray’s impact on the new government, highlighting her potential influence on the civil service and the challenges she faces in navigating a complex political landscape.
Saumya Sharma, a deaf IAS officer, defied all odds to achieve an All India Rank of 9 in the UPSC exam on her first attempt. Her journey, marked by resilience and determination, showcases the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.
Three civil service aspirants tragically died in a coaching center basement in Delhi after heavy flooding. Enraged students protested, demanding justice and action against negligence. The mayor ordered an investigation and immediate action against illegal basement businesses.
The West Bengal Public Service Commission (WBPSC) has announced the results for the West Bengal Civil Service (WBCS) preliminary exam 2023. A total of 4,960 candidates have qualified for the final written exam.
Grant Shapps, Minister of Defence, faced intense questioning from Sally Nugent on BBC Breakfast over potential budget cuts to the civil service. Shapps’ suggestion that the civil service would be reduced by 72,000 to accommodate increased defence spending drew a sharp reaction from Nugent, leading to viewer outrage. Some viewers expressed dissatisfaction with the perceived bias and aggressiveness of BBC Breakfast’s presentation and threatened to switch to GB News. Despite the criticism, one viewer defended the BBC, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives and the need to avoid echo chambers.
In response to global threats, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has unveiled a significant increase in defence spending, allocating an additional £75 billion by 2030. To fund this pledge without increasing borrowing, around £3 billion will be saved by reducing the civil service to pre-pandemic staffing levels. The move has been welcomed by senior Tories, who advocate for investing in military capabilities rather than bureaucracy. Sunak’s announcement comes during a whistle-stop European visit where he pledged further military aid to Ukraine and emphasized the need for allies to enhance their defence spending.
Liz Truss criticized President Biden for intervening in her mini-budget and called for the UK to adopt the U.S. system of appointing senior civil servants. She also attacked international bodies like the UN and WHO, arguing that decisions should be made by democratically elected officials.
Pramod Kumar Mishra, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s principal secretary, emphasized the critical juncture India faces in its socio-economic development and global prominence during a virtual address to the Central Training Institution (CTI) Workshop on Capacity Building Needs of India’s Civil Service. Mishra stressed the importance of empowering civil servants to drive change, uphold good governance, and deliver efficient services to citizens, as envisioned by Prime Minister Modi’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ (‘Developed India’) by 2047.
