IAS officer Tina Dabi, known for topping the UPSC Civil Services Exam in 2015, has found herself at the center of a social media storm after a video showing her bowing to BJP leader Sathish Poonia went viral. The incident has sparked a debate about respectful gestures, power dynamics between politicians and civil servants, and the role of public figures in society.
Rajasthan witnessed a major bureaucratic reshuffle as the state’s personnel department transferred 58 IPS and 20 IAS officers. The transfers, announced late on Sunday, September 23, 2024, saw several key positions change hands, including the appointment of new district collectors and police superintendents. The reshuffle also saw the transfer of several Additional Director Generals (ADG) and Inspector General rank officers across different departments.
Bihar has witnessed a significant bureaucratic reshuffle, affecting numerous district magistrates and other key officials. This move involves transfers of 41 IAS officers across various departments, impacting administrative roles in education, agriculture, land records, and more. The changes aim to optimize efficiency and bring fresh perspectives to key positions.
The Central government has discharged controversial IAS officer Puja Khedkar with immediate effect. This decision comes after a series of controversies surrounding her conduct and performance.
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has penalized Shankar IAS Academy ₹5 lakh for making false claims about its success rate and course details in its advertisements for the 2022 civil service exam. The academy’s advertisements claimed high success rates and highlighted the achievements of students, but the CCPA investigation found that many of these students had only enrolled in free programs or short-term courses. The CCPA is also working on guidelines for IAS coaching institutes to ensure transparency in their advertising and protect students from misleading claims.
TV Somanathan, a distinguished IAS officer, has assumed the role of Cabinet Secretary for the Government of India, succeeding Rajiv Gauba. With a proven track record in economic reforms and public policy, Somanathan’s appointment comes at a crucial time as India aims for ambitious economic goals. His vast experience in finance, international development, and implementation of key government schemes makes him well-equipped to lead the nation’s bureaucracy.
The recent controversy surrounding lateral entry into the Indian civil services has sparked a debate on the need for specialized expertise versus the adherence to reservation policies. Retired IAS officer Ashok Vardhan Shetty and former CEO of Microfinance Institutions Network Harsh Shrivastava discuss the pros and cons of lateral entry, its potential impact on the civil service, and the implications of bypassing reservation norms.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has introduced Aadhaar authentication for candidates registering and appearing for exams, aiming to combat forgery and malpractice. This decision follows a recent case involving a former IAS probationer accused of cheating and abusing reservation quotas. The move highlights the UPSC’s commitment to ensuring fair and transparent examination processes.
Puja Khedkar, a former IAS probationer accused of cheating and fraud by the UPSC, has vehemently denied the charges. She argues that the UPSC lacks authority to disqualify her after she was appointed. The UPSC, however, maintains that Khedkar fraudulently availed attempts by faking her identity and has registered a police case. The Delhi High Court will hear the case on August 29.
Puja Khedkar, the former IAS trainee embroiled in controversy for allegedly faking her identity and misusing power, is set to appear before the Delhi High Court on August 12 for an anticipatory bail hearing. Ahead of the hearing, a letter surfaced where Khedkar accuses Pune Collector Suhas Diwase of subjecting her to insults and mistreatment during her training at the Pune District Collectorate.
