The central deputation of Manoj Sethi (ICAS:1993), Joint Secretary and Financial Adviser in the Department of Fertilizers, has been extended by one year.
An order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training on Tuesday (February 17, 2026) said the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the extension. His tenure has been extended beyond February 4, 2026, for one more year or until further orders, whichever comes first.
Manoj Sethi has been working in the Department of Fertilizers since September 2023. His central deputation was earlier set to end on February 4, 2025. It was then extended till February 4, 2026. With the latest order, he will now continue till February 4, 2027, unless the government decides otherwise.
Before joining the Department of Fertilizers, he was on central deputation in the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. He joined there as Joint Secretary and Financial Adviser on February 4, 2020, for a five-year term.
Gamini Singla IAS is a 2021 batch Indian Administrative Service officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre who secured All India Rank 3 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2021. She became one of the top achievers in the country and gained national attention for her dedication and strong preparation strategy. Many UPSC aspirants search online about her journey, background, and especially about Gamini Singla IAS Posting and Gamini Singla IAS Current Posting, as she represents a young and inspiring face of Indian administration.
Early Life and Family Background
Gamini Singla was born in Anandpur Sahib, Punjab. She was just 23 years old when she cleared the UPSC examination with a top rank. She belongs to a highly educated and supportive family. Her father, Dr. Alok Singla, and her mother, Dr. Neerja Singla, are both medical professionals. Her brother, Tushar Singla, is an IIT Kharagpur graduate. Growing up in such an academic environment helped Gamini develop discipline, focus, and a strong interest in learning from an early age.
She completed her schooling at Mount Carmel School in Anandpur Sahib. During her school years, she was known as a bright and hardworking student. Her strong academic foundation played an important role in shaping her future success.
Gamini Singla IAS Education
When people search for Gamini Singla IAS Education, they often want to know about her technical background. After completing school, Gamini pursued a B.Tech degree in Computer Science Engineering from Punjab Engineering College (PEC), Chandigarh. She graduated in 2019.
During her engineering studies, she proved herself as a talented and capable student. As part of her course curriculum, she completed an internship with JP Morgan, a well-known multinational company. Her performance during the internship was impressive, and she even received a job offer from the company.
Turning Point: Choosing Civil Services Over Corporate Job
A simple visit to a government office changed Gamini’s career path. When she went to obtain her driving licence, she interacted briefly with a district collector. That interaction left a deep impact on her. She was inspired by the authority, responsibility and ability of an IAS officer to bring real change in society.
After that experience, she decided to decline the corporate job offer and prepare for the Civil Services Examination. It was a bold decision because she chose public service over a secure and high-paying private job.
UPSC Journey and Hard Work
The journey to becoming an IAS officer was not easy. In her first attempt, Gamini could not clear the examination. However, she did not lose hope. Instead of giving up, she analyzed her mistakes and improved her strategy.
She followed a disciplined routine and studied around 9 to 10 hours daily. She focused on understanding concepts rather than just memorizing facts. She chose Sociology as her optional subject because she wanted to understand society and governance more deeply.
Her hard work paid off in the Civil Services Examination 2021. The final results were declared on May 30, 2022. That year was special because the top three ranks were secured by women candidates. Shruti Sharma secured AIR 1, Ankita Agarwal secured AIR 2, and Gamini Singla secured AIR 3.
She scored a total of 1045 marks out of 2025. This included 858 marks in the written Mains examination and an impressive 187 marks in the Personality Test (Interview). Her strong interview performance showed her clarity of thought, confidence, and balanced personality.
Gamini Singla IAS
Gamini Singla IAS Posting and Current Role
After her selection, Gamini was allocated the Uttar Pradesh cadre. Many people frequently search for Gamini Singla IAS Posting details to know where she is serving.
As part of her administrative career, she has been serving in Uttar Pradesh and is currently posted as Chief Development Officer, Badaun. Prior to this assignment she was Joint Magistrate in Sultanpur since June 30, 2024.
In this role, she is responsible for maintaining law and order, supervising development projects, implementing government schemes, and ensuring smooth district administration. The position of Joint Magistrate is important because it involves direct interaction with the public and solving their everyday problems.
Inspiration for UPSC Aspirants
The story of Gamini Singla IAS is especially inspiring for young students who are confused between corporate careers and civil services. She had a high-paying job opportunity from a multinational company, yet she chose the challenging path of UPSC preparation.
Her journey teaches three important lessons:
Clear purpose is important for success.
Failure in the first attempt does not mean the end.
Discipline and consistency can lead to top results.
She studied regularly, improved her weak areas, and stayed focused on her goal. Her success proves that with proper planning and dedication, even engineering graduates can excel in humanities-based subjects like Sociology in UPSC.
A Young Officer with Big Responsibilities
Today, Gamini Singla IAS represents a new generation of civil servants who are educated, confident, and committed to public service. Her background in engineering helps her understand technology and digital governance, while her Sociology optional gives her a deeper understanding of society.
From Anandpur Sahib to becoming AIR 3 in UPSC and serving in Uttar Pradesh, her journey shows determination and courage. Her story continues to motivate thousands of civil services aspirants across India who dream of wearing the IAS badge one day.
In simple words, Gamini Singla’s life is a perfect example of how hard work, right guidance and strong willpower can turn dreams into reality.
Destiny has brought unforgettable moments to the lives of five retired Kerala State Police Service officers, who are going to don their uniforms again. And that too, with an added glory, as they will now wear a different badge—the glowing badge of IPS on their shoulders. Thanks to the Home Ministry, which has decided to confer them with IPS rank after retirement?
There are virtually a total of 10 such officers from the Kerala police service, five serving and five retired, who have been awarded IPS in recognition of their meritorious service, drawn from the 2023 and 2024 select lists, according to a top officer with the police department.
Among the retired state police service officers who have been conferred with the IPS title are B Krishnakumar, Prejish Thottathil, E N Suresh, and A U Sunil Kumar (2023 list) and C S Shahul Hameed (2024 list).
Among serving officers are Nasim (SP, Marine Enforcement—2023 list), N Rajan (SP, KSEB Vigilance), G Sabu (SP, Special Branch, Kozhikode), P Vikraman (Vigilance Officer-excise), Jossy Cherian (pending clearance in disciplinary proceedings)—all from the 2024 list
According to an officer, all the retired officers in the list have happily expressed their willingness to rejoin the force. Some have already rejoined and are now awaiting formal appointments after the gazette notification. There is a lone exception of Jossy Cherian, as he is yet to receive official clearance due to a pending inquiry.
As per a govt source, as the retirement age for state service officers in Kerala is 56, many officers miss the opportunity of being conferred with the IPS rank before retirement. That is the reason why most officers on the current conferred IPS list are aged between 56 and 58. Thus, this move gives them an opportunity to serve the force for another two to four years, as the retirement age for an IPS officer is 60.
A media report quoting a source with the Kochi city police said the delay in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) approving the select lists for 2023 and 2024 resulted in the setback of promotions and appointments under the conferred IPS category. Such delays, he pointed out, have occurred in the past as well, and at times, have extended even longer than the present instance.
A well-placed officer confided that those who are awarded the conferred IPS while still in service gain the added benefit of service extension, along with the prescribed pay scale and allowances. However, those who receive it after retirement will have a break in their service record, though they are entitled to the pay scale and other allowances of an IPS-ranked officer.
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mission Karmayogi is pushing ahead with civil services reforms. The focus is on better training for government officials. Digital tools and artificial intelligence are being used for learning.
At the India AI Impact Summit 2026, the mission is showcasing its work at a special pavilion in Bharat Mandapam from February 16 to 20, 2026. The aim is to show how AI can help improve governance and public service delivery.
The stall has been set up by the Capacity Building Commission and Karmayogi Bharat. It presents AI-based learning tools linked to the iGOT Karmayogi platform. These tools offer role-based and personalised courses in different languages. The idea is to make learning part of daily office work.
Some of the tools on display include AI-based capacity-building plans that study an officer’s role and skills. There is AI Sarthi for answering queries, AI Tutor for help during courses, and an automated system that provides transcripts with subtitles in many languages. A recommendation system also suggests courses for regular upskilling.
The pavilion also features courses focused on AI. These courses aim to improve digital skills and basic understanding of AI in government. Topics include use of AI in governance, strategy and risks linked to new technologies.
On February 20, a panel discussion titled “AI for Viksit Bharat: The Capacity Building Imperative” will be held at the summit. Experts and senior officials will discuss how AI-based learning can support governance reforms. Earlier, a pre-summit discussion on AI and capacity building was held at Vigyan Bhawan.
Mission Karmayogi is one of the largest civil services reform programmes in the world. It moves the system from rule-based working to role-based skill development. The iGOT Karmayogi platform now has over 1.4 crore users from central ministries, departments, states and union territories. It offers more than 4,300 courses for continuous learning.
The mission’s presence at the summit highlights the government’s focus on using AI responsibly to improve administrative capacity and governance.
The journey by a senior Bihar IAS officer on a charter plane from Delhi to Patna has caused a storm in Bihar politics with a battle line drawn between the government and the opposition. It happened because the opposition raised serious questions over it in the Legislative Council. The nature of the discussion and its futility apart, this charter plane incident has brought fame to the officer by generating widespread public interest in knowing who this IAS officer is.
So first let us know this man. He is Nilesh Deore, a 2011 batch IAS officer of the Bihar cadre. He is currently posted as Secretary of Tourism under the Bihar government.
Originally belonging to Maharashtra, Deore is a doctor by profession. He did his MBBS from Terna Medical College and Hospital in Mumbai before joining the IAS in 2011. This issue of charter plane travel came into sharper focus after RJD MLA Rahul Kumar raised it in the Assembly.
When Rahul Kumar raised the issue of Deore traveling on a charter plane with family, Bihar’s Rural Works Minister Ashok Choudhary took up the cudgels on behalf of the state government to counter the opposition’s allegations. He categorically said that this incident is not new but dates back to July last year and went on to clear the air by saying that at that time, he himself was traveling on the same charter plane with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. According to him, two events were scheduled during the trip: one government event and the other a private event at JD(U) MP Devesh Chandra Thakur’s residence. The minister clarified that as the plane was returning empty, there was nothing wrong if the officer was traveling on it.
Being an astute politician, Chaudhary played out political cards by linking the matter to Dalits and backward classes in the House.
President Droupadi Murmu on Monday (February 16, 2026) was called on by officer trainees of the Indian Audit & Accounts Service, Indian Trade Service and Defence Aeronautical Quality Assurance Service at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The President congratulated them on joining the services. She said getting into these services is a big achievement. Many candidates prepare for years, but only a few succeed. She asked them to work with honesty and become role models in public life.
She said public service should always focus on people’s welfare. If officers work with dedication, it will make the country stronger and improve India’s position in the world. She added that young officers have the energy and ideas needed to shape the country’s future.
Speaking to the Indian Audit and Accounts Service trainees, she said they play a key role in maintaining financial discipline. Their work helps protect public money. She said good coordination between audit bodies and the government leads to better use of funds and better results. She asked them to always follow constitutional values and service traditions.
To the Indian Trade Service officers, she said they have an important role in boosting trade, investment and jobs. Their decisions and negotiations affect India’s global trade position. She advised them to keep national interest at the centre of their work.
Addressing the Defence Aeronautical Quality Assurance Service trainees, the President said quality in defence equipment is crucial. Their work supports national security. She encouraged them to focus on innovation and help build strong and modern armed forces.
C Neelakanta Reddy, Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) of National Mineral Development Corporation Limited (NMDC), Hyderabad, has been entrusted with the additional charge of CVO of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), Visakhapatnam.
According to an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on Monday (February 16, 2026), the competent authority has approved the proposal to assign the additional charge to him for a period of one year from the date of assumption of charge of the post, or until the appointment of a regular CVO, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) has recommended Sunil Kumar Nagdawne for the post of Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of Pawan Hans Limited. The recommendation was made after interviews conducted by the board on February 16, 2026.
He is currently serving as General Manager (Aviation), Western Region, Indian Oil Corporation Limited.
A total of six candidates were considered for the post. These included;
Chandra Pratap Dwivedi, General Manager & Airport Director, Patna, Airports Authority Of India
Sunil Kumar Nagdawne, General Manager (Aviation), Western Region, Indian Oil Corporation Limited
Kundan Kumar Mishra, Additional General Manager, NTPC Limited
Bijendra Nath Tripathee, General Manager, Steel Authority Of India Limited
Nishant Kumar Singh, General Manager (MS-WH)/ RO/NR/DELHI/ SAIL- CMO, Steel Authority Of India Limited
Manoj Kumar Das, Deputy General Manager (IED) ISP Burnpur, Steel Authority Of India Limited
In a fresh development at the top of the indirect tax department, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet on Thursday approved the appointment of two senior Indian Revenue Service (Customs & Indirect Taxes) officers — Sanjay Mangal and Abhai Kumar Srivastav — as CBIC Members.
The appointments come after interviews were held to fill three vacant CBIC Members post. Fifteen shortlisted officers appeared before the selection panel.
Mangal is currently serving as Chief Commissioner, Meerut GST & CX Zone. Srivastav is Director General of the Directorate General of Revenue Intelligence.
Mangal will remain in service till January 2027. Srivastav is set to retire in February 2028.
The selection process started in the last week of December 2025 and ended in the third week of January 2026. The vacancies were created after the retirement of Sanjay Kumar Agrawal (IRS-C&IT:1988), Shashank Priya (IRS-C&IT:1988) and Aruna Narayan Gupta (IRS-C&IT:1989).
While two posts have now been filled, one Member position is still vacant in the CBIC. This has led to speculation that internal review is still underway before the final decision is taken.
Shruti Sharma is a 2021-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Uttar Pradeshcadre who secured All India Rank 1 in the Civil Services Examination 2021, earning national recognition for her academic excellence and determined preparation journey.
Shruti Sharma IAS Biography: Short Info
Category
Details
Name
Shruti Sharma
Batch
2021 Batch IAS Officer
Cadre
Uttar Pradesh
UPSC Rank
All India Rank (AIR) 1 – Civil Services Examination 2021
Birthplace
Basta village, Bijnor district, Uttar Pradesh
Father
Sunil Dutt Sharma (Architect)
Mother
Rachna Sharma (Former Teacher)
Sibling
Brother – State-level Cricketer
Interests
Reading, Exploring Cultures, Watching Films
Schooling
Cambridge Primary School, New Delhi; Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, New Delhi
Missed Interview Stage by 1 mark due to technical issue (exam medium)
Optional Subject
History
Total Marks
1105 / 2025
Written Marks
932
Interview Marks
173
Initial Posting
Assistant Collector, Meerut
Current Posting (2026)
Joint Magistrate & Sadar SDM, Deoria
Key Responsibilities
Law & Order, Welfare Scheme Implementation, District-level Governance Coordination
Notable Traits
Strong Humanities Background, Disciplined Preparation, Focus on Responsive Governance
Shruti Sharma Early Life
She was born in Basta village of Bijnor district in Uttar Pradesh. Her father, Sunil Dutt Sharma, is an architect, while her mother, Rachna Sharma is a former teacher. Her brother is a state-level cricketer. Shruti’s interests include reading, exploring cultures, and watching films, reflecting her strong inclination toward the humanities.
Shruti Sharma IAS with her family
Education and Academic Journey
She completed her schooling in New Delhi at Cambridge Primary School and Sardar Patel Vidyalaya. She then pursued a Bachelor’s degree in History from St. Stephen’s College.
For higher studies, she continued her academic focus at the Delhi School of Economics, where she studied Sociology. She prepared for the civil services examination at the Residential Coaching Academy of Jamia Millia Islamia.
Shruti Sharma Achievement
Shruti secured AIR-1 in her second attempt at the UPSC Civil Services Examination. In her first attempt, a technical issue related to the examination medium led to her missing the interview stage by just one mark.
With History as her optional subject, she scored 1105 marks out of 2025 including 932 in the written examination and 173 in the personality test topping the national merit list.
Shruti Sharma Current Posting
Allocated to the Uttar Pradesh cadre, she began her field career as Assistant Collector in Meerut. In a recent bureaucratic reshuffle carried out in April 2026, she has been posted as Chief Development Officer (CDO), Hapur. Prior to this, she served as Joint Magistrate and Sadar Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in Deoria district, where she handled responsibilities related to law and order, implementation of welfare schemes, and coordination of district-level governance initiatives.
With a strong humanities background, disciplined preparation journey, and early administrative exposure, Shruti Sharma represents a new generation of IAS officers focused on responsive governance, social development, and effective district administration.
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