Rubina Ali (CSS) has been appointed Joint Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities.
An order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training on Monday (March 16, 2026) said the appointment has been made with immediate effect. She has been shifted on a lateral basis. She will continue in the post till December 31, 2026, which is her date of retirement, or until further orders.
Before this, Rubina Ali was serving as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Civil Aviation. She had been working there since March 2019. Her initial five-year term was later extended by two years. The extended tenure ended on March 10, 2026.
IAS officer Ajay Kumar (IAS:2006:GJ), who is now serving as Secretary to the Chief Minister of Gujarat, has been given relief from the extended cooling-off period. An order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training on March 16, 2026 said the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the proposal of the Gujarat government. The Centre has relaxed the extended cooling-off condition after his early return to the state.
Ajay Kumar was on central deputation from August 2, 2019. His five-year term was to end in August 2024. It was later extended in July 2024 till August 2026. But he was sent back to Gujarat in November 2025, before completing the extended term.
As per rules, IAS officers at Joint Secretary level have to complete a three-year cooling-off period in their cadre before going on central deputation again. Since he returned early, his cooling-off period would have increased by around nine months.
Now, with this relaxation, he will not have to wait for the extra period. He will be eligible for future central postings without that delay.
The journey of becoming an IAS officer is never easy, but some individuals achieve this milestone at a very young age. When we talk about the youngest IAS officers in India, one name that stands out is Ansar Shaikh, who made history with his incredible achievement.
Who is the Youngest IAS Officer in India?
Ansar Shaikh is widely known as the youngest IAS officer in India. He cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2016 at just 21 years of age and secured an All India Rank (AIR) of 361.
Coming from Jalna district in Maharashtra, Ansar’s journey was not easy. He belonged to a financially weak background, but his strong determination and focus helped him overcome all challenges. His success proves that age and background cannot stop someone who is truly dedicated to their goal.
Ansar Shaikh’s Success Story
Ansar Shaikh’s story is one of hard work and persistence. Despite financial struggles, he never gave up on his dream of becoming an IAS officer. He prepared with full dedication and made smart choices during his preparation.
He chose Marathi as his medium for the UPSC Mains exam and interview, and Political Science as his optional subject. His strategy, combined with consistent effort, played a key role in his success.
He also received support from friends and his coaching institute, which helped him stay motivated during difficult times. His journey is a perfect example of how the right mindset and support system can lead to success.
Why IAS Officers Inspire Aspirants
Stories of the youngest IAS officers in India inspire thousands of students every year. They show that:
Age is not a barrier to success
With the right planning, goals can be achieved early
Hard work and consistency always pay off
Ansar Shaikh’s achievement especially motivates young aspirants to start early and stay focused on their goals.
Youngest Female IAS Officers in India
When discussing the youngest IAS officers in India, it is important to highlight female achievers as well.
Tina Dabi became one of the youngest IAS officers at the age of 22 after securing AIR 1 in 2015. She later served as District Collector in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
Smita Sabharwal, from the 2001 batch, also achieved success at a young age and is known for her excellent administrative work.
These women prove that success in civil services is not limited by gender. Their achievements continue to inspire many young girls across the country.
The Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) has come out with conduct guidelines for newly selected civil service candidates outlining how they should behave both online and in public life. The Academy’s guidelines for newly recruited bureaucrats focus on discipline, integrity, and responsible use of social media from the very beginning of their careers.
As part of a modern code of conduct, candidates have been asked to give priority to institutional integrity over individual promotion. The Academy has also asked them to wear modest and sober clothing and refrain from using any intoxicants in public.
The LBSNAA, which trains India’s civil servants, sent detailed instructions to all 958 selected candidates, including 659 males and 299 women, after the announcement of the Civil Services Examination 2025 results on March 6.
By doing it, the Academy aims to discourage self-promotional or potentially harmful social media activity. While recognising the importance of digital platforms in administration, candidates have been advised to pause and reflect before posting so that misunderstandings and professional criticism can be avoided.
The guidance teaches them the importance of maintaining high moral standards in personal life. The Academy has said that understanding and following conduct guidelines is essential.
The Madhya Pradesh government has announced the constitution of the Sixth Finance Commission under the chairmanship of former minister Jaibhan Singh Pawaiya.
The govt issued a notification in this regard on Thursday. Retired IAS officer K. K. Singh (IAS:1985:MP) will be its member, while Virendra Kumar has been named the Member Secretary.
The Commission will be reviewing the financial position of municipalities and panchayats and recommending the distribution of the state’s taxes, duties, tolls, and fees between panchayats and municipalities.
The term of the Commission will expire on October 31, 2026, unless it is extended.
Uttar Pradesh seems to be fated to continue with a stop-gap arrangement with the DGP post, as its attempt to appoint a permanent DGP has been put on hold by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The commission returned its proposal for the empanelment process of a regular DGP on Thursday, saying the proposal did not comply with the 2025 guidelines and established procedures and should be resubmitted in accordance with the set standards.
The state government had submitted the names of over 35 IPS officers from the 1990 to 1996 batches to the UPSC for the post of DGP. The UPSC was required to shortlist a panel of three officers based on seniority and service records and forward it to the state government to pick one of them as a regular DGP. However, the UPSC did not accept this panel and returned the proposal.
Despite being the largest state in the country, UP has been one of the several states that have been managing the policing works with acting DGPs. UP has been doing it for the last four years.
The Supreme Court had slammed several states in October last year, like UP, Rajasthan, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Bengal, Bihar, and Jharkhand, for having acting DGPs and had even issued notices to them to initiate the process for appointing regular DGPs.
Besides, the UP govt had also framed its law for independently appointing its DGP. According to it, a six-member Selection Committee was to be formed under a retired High Court judge. Yet, the state govt went ahead and appointed IPS officer Rajeev Krishna (IPS:1991:UP) as an acting DGP in May 2025.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time that the UPSC has rejected a proposal from the UP govt. In 2022 also, the commission had raised several objections regarding the selection process and adherence to established guidelines. Since then, a permanent DGP has not been appointed in Uttar Pradesh, and the police department continues to rely on an acting DGP.
Now, the state govt has no option left except preparing a fresh proposal and submitting it to the UPSC for empanelment. Only then can the process of appointing a permanent DGP proceed. According to officials, this process may be delayed for a few months, as the preparation of a new panel based on seniority, eligibility, and other criteria is necessary. The responsibility lies with the state Home Department to prepare a fresh list of eligible IPS officers to be sent to the UPSC for consideration.
March 19, New Delhi: In a powerful showcase of India’s energy transition, the REC Limited Pavilion was officially inaugurated at the Bharat Electricity Summit by Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Prahlad Joshi, and Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shripad Naik.
The event was attended by Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal, REC Limited Chairman and Managing Director Jitendra Srivastava, and other senior officials from the Ministry of Power and REC.
Envisioned as a contemporary, technology-driven space, the pavilion brings to life the theme “Financing India’s Energy Abundance.” It is anchored by the core philosophy of the “Green Multiplier”—a central thought reflecting REC’s role in amplifying the impact of sustainable initiatives. By multiplying access, opportunity, and clean energy adoption, REC is enabling a truly green life for all Indians.
The pavilion’s design and vibrant colors symbolize renewable energy, growth, and stability, creating an environment that mirrors India’s rapid shift toward a low-carbon economy.
*The Heart of the Pavilion: Solar Empowerment
A striking sun and solar panel installation serves as the centerpiece, inspired by the vision of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. This installation reinforces REC’s pivotal role in decentralized power and democratizing energy.
Driving the Net Zero 2070 Vision
The narrative extends to REC’s diverse financing portfolio, which acts as the financial backbone for India’s Net Zero 2070 goals. Beyond traditional power, the pavilion highlights REC’s support for electric mobility and inclusive transition.
A High-Tech Experiential Journey
Strongly technology-oriented, the pavilion offers an immersive experience through anamorphic LED Walls & Kinetic Displays, RFID-based storytelling and innovation hubs.
Through this experiential pavilion, REC Limited reaffirms its legacy and leadership as a true Green Multiplier, powering the infrastructure and innovations necessary for India’s sustainable tomorrow.
The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) has recommended Satish Kumar Sinha for appointment as Director (Finance) of GAIL (India) Limited. The recommendation was made following interviews conducted by the board on March 17, 2026.
Sinha is currently serving as Executive Director (Finance & Accounts) at GAIL (India) Limited. His name will now be forwarded to the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) for final approval, subject to vigilance clearance and completion of other prescribed formalities.
If approved, Sinha will succeed Rakesh Kumar Jain, who is scheduled to retire on June 30, 2026. Jain has been serving as Director (Finance) of GAIL (India) Limited since December 1, 2021.
Notably, the PESB had invited applications for the post on October 27, 2025, with November 17, 2025 set as the deadline for submission through its portal, keeping in view the upcoming vacancy.
The following 12 applicants were interviewed in the selection meeting :
The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) has recommended Satyabrata Mukherjee for appointment as Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL).
The recommendation was made following interviews conducted by the board on March 16, 2026.
Mukherjee is currently serving as Director (Operations) at AVNL. His name will now be forwarded to the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) for final approval, subject to vigilance clearance and completion of other prescribed formalities.
If approved, Mukherjee will succeed Sanjay Dwivedi, who has been holding the post since July 2023.
Notably, only one other candidate appeared for the interview—S Subbaraj, Executive Director at Alloy Steels Plant, Durgapur, under the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL).
The Haryana government on Thursday (March 19, 2026) carried out changes in the police administration, assigning new responsibilities to 18 IPS officers and 4 HPS officers. As part of the reshuffle, several officers have been given fresh postings, while a few have also been promoted and posted accordingly.
The names of the officers and their postings are as follows;
Kala Ramachandran (IPS:1994:HY), Director, Haryana Police Academy (HPA), Madhuban, has been given additional charge of Director, Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), Madhuban, Karnal.
Sanjay Kumar (IPS:1997:HY), ADGP, Law & Order and ADGP, State Crime Branch, has been given additional charge of ADGP, Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau, Karnal (HSNCB).
Sibash Kabiraj (IPS:1999:HY), Commissioner of Police, Panchkula and holding additional charge of IG, Cyber and Director SCRB, has been promoted and will continue as Commissioner of Police, Panchkula, with additional charge of ADGP, Cyber and Director, SCRB, Haryana.
Rajshree Singh (IPS:1999:HY), Commissioner of Police, Jhajjar, has been promoted and will continue as Commissioner of Police, Jhajjar in the rank of ADGP.
Abhishek Jorwal (IPS:2011:HY), DCP (HQ), Faridabad, has been promoted and posted as DIG, Law & Order, PHQ, Panchkula.
Rajender Kumar Meena (IPS:2011:HY), SP/Commando, Newal, Karnal, has been promoted and posted as Joint Commissioner of Police, Sonipat with additional charge of DCP (HQ), Sonipat.
Manbir Singh (IPS:2011:HY), SP/ERSS, has been promoted and posted as DIG, Police Training College (PTC), Sunaria, Rohtak.
Virender Vij (IPS:2011:HY), Commandant, 1st IRB Bhondsi with additional charge of SP, RTC, Bhondsi, has been promoted and posted as DIG, State Crime Branch, Panchkula.
Dheeraj Kumar (IPS:2013:HY), awaiting posting, has been posted as AIG, Training, PHQ, Panchkula.
Anshu Singla (IPS:2014:HY), SP, State Vigilance & Anti-Corruption Bureau, has been posted as SP/RTC Bhondsi with additional charge of Commandant, 1st IRB Bhondsi, Gurugram.
Narendra Bijarnia (IPS:2015:HY), SP, Karnal, has been given additional charge of SP/Commando, Newal, Karnal.
Himadree Kaushik (IPS:2019:HY), awaiting posting, has been posted as DCP, Crime, Faridabad with additional charge of DCP (HQ), Faridabad.
Mayank Gupta (IPS:2019:HY), awaiting posting, has been posted as SP, Cyber, Panchkula.
Ms. Uttam (IPS:2022:HY), ASP, Ambala, has been promoted and posted as Additional SP, Hisar.
Faisal Khan (IPS:2022:HY), ASP, Sirsa, has been promoted and posted as Additional SP, Narnaul at Mahendragarh.
Ayush Yadav (IPS:2022:HY), ASP, Nuh, has been promoted and posted as Additional SP, Rohtak.
YVR Sashi Sekhar (IPS:2022:HY), ASP, Rohtak, has been promoted and posted as Additional SP, Nuh.
Kaanchi Singhal (IPS:2022:HY), ASP, Karnal, has been promoted and posted as Additional SP, Karnal.
Mukesh Kumar (HPS), DCP, Crime, Faridabad, has been posted as Commandant, 2nd HAP, Madhuban, Karnal.
Siddharth Dhanda (HPS), SP, Law & Order, PHQ, Panchkula, has been given additional charge of SP, ERSS, Panchkula.
Nupur Bishnoi (HPS), SP, ERSS and SP, Women Safety, has been transferred as SP, Women Safety at PHQ, Panchkula.
Jai Veer Rathi (HPS), DCP, Traffic, Faridabad, has been given additional charge of DCP, NIT Faridabad.
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