Preeti Sudan: New UPSC Chairperson, Leadership Transition

Preeti Sudan has been appointed as the new UPSC chairperson, taking over from Manoj Soni, who resigned in July. Sudan has extensive experience in finance, planning, disaster management, tourism, and agriculture.

Appointment and Transition

Preeti Sudan appointed as new UPSC chairperson
Will assume charge on August 1, 2024
Replaces Manoj Soni, who resigned earlier in July
Sudan's tenure to continue until April 29, 2025, or until further orders
Appointment accepted by President Droupadi Murmu

Preeti Sudan's Background and Qualifications

Born on April 30, 1960
1983 batch (retired) IAS officer of Andhra Pradesh cadre
Former Union Health Secretary (2017-2020)
Served in Women and Child Development and Defence Ministries
Experience in finance, planning, disaster management, tourism, and agriculture
Degree in Economics and Social Policy and Planning from London School of Economics
Trained in public finance management in Washington

Career Highlights and Contributions

Played crucial role in strategic response to COVID-19 pandemic as Health Secretary
Instrumental in planning and implementing Ayushman Bharat Yojana
Served as Secretary of Department of Food and Public Distribution
Consultant at World Bank
Member of Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response (IPPR)
Board member of Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health (PMNCH)

Context of Leadership Change

Manoj Soni resigned almost five years before his tenure end (2029)
Resignation amid controversy involving probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar
Khedkar allegedly used fraudulent disability and caste certificates
Sources claim Soni's resignation unrelated to the controversy
Leadership change occurs during ongoing UPSC recruitment process scrutiny

UPSC Overview and Responsibilities

Constitutional body established under Articles 315-323 Part XIV Chapter II
Conducts various examinations for Union government
Organizes annual civil services examinations
Recommends candidates for IAS, IFS, IPS, and Central Services Group A and B
Led by Chairperson with maximum of 10 members

India Revives Sawalkote Dam Project

India has recently revived the Sawalkote Dam Project, a major hydropower initiative on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir. This project, first proposed over six decades ago, had been stalled du

Amit Shah’s Legacy as Home Minister of India

In a major political milestone, Amit Shah, the current Home Minister of India, became the longest-serving Home Minister of India on August 6, 2025. He surpassed senior BJP leader L.K. Advani by co

MCA Internship Scheme Sees 41% Rise

The MCA Internship Scheme, launched by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), is a national initiative under the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme (PMIS). It is designed to provide hands-

Indian Army Agnishodh

In a groundbreaking move, the Indian Army has launched two major technological initiatives — Indian Army Agnishodh and Project SAMBHAV. These projects represent a significant step in mo

SPYDER Missile System 2025

The SPYDER Missile System (Surface-to-air PYthon and DERby) is a highly advanced air defence system developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems of Israel. This surface-to-air missile (SAM) system

ISRO HOPE Mission in Ladakh

The ISRO HOPE Mission has captured national attention after the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched a 10-day high-altitude isolation experiment on August 1, 2025. This mission, cond

Bhutan Hydropower Project with Tata Power

The Bhutan hydropower project has emerged as a critical development in regional affairs with the launch of the Dorjilung Hydropower Project—a joint venture between Bhutan’s Druk Green

India’s Samarth Scheme for Textiles

The Samarth Scheme for Textiles is a flagship skill development initiative launched by the Government of India to strengthen the human resource foundation of the Indian textile industry. In 2

OTT Content Regulation in India

With the rapid growth of digital streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ Hotstar, OTT content regulation has become a key area of governance in India. The government has i

Saksham Niveshak Campaign 2025 by MCA

What is the Saksham Niveshak Campaign? The Saksham Niveshak Campaign is a 100-day national awareness drive launched by the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) under the Min