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

S-400 Missile System India 2025

India has once again demonstrated its growing technological and strategic might with the effective deployment of the S-400 missile system, India 2025. This state-of-the-art air defence syst

Indian Rupee Fall 2025

The recent Indian Rupee fall 2025 has drawn major attention from economists, traders, and policymakers. Triggered by escalating India-Pakistan tensions under Operation Sindoor, this sharp depre

Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan 2025

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan led the Ministry of Agriculture to start the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan 2025, which is a big project. This Government agricultural awareness ca

Air Defence Activation India

In the wake of rising tensions along India's borders, particularly following Operation Sindoor, India's air defence system has been activated to safeguard its sovereignty. As part of the str

Operation Abhyaas 2025

Operation Abhyaas 2025 is a large-scale civil defence mock drill initiated by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) across Delhi and multiple Indian states. This MHA civil defence operati

India’s Operation Sindoor

The recent Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, where 26 innocent civilians were killed in Baisaran Valley, Jammu and Kashmir, marked a tragic event that shook the nation. In retaliation

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi Briefing

Rising as a potent emblem of bravery, skill, and equality in India's defense scene is Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, an Indian Army officer. Her pivotal role in the media briefing on Operation Sindo

50% Reservation Cap Removal

The issue of 50% reservation cap removal has been a topic of ongoing debate in India, especially in light of recent developments regarding the caste census. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge

WAVES Summit India 2025

More than 77 nations gathered at the WAVES Summit India, which was a component of the Global Media Dialogue, to talk about the future of the media and entertainment sector. The summit addressed m

Arbitration and Conciliation Act 1996

The Arbitration and Conciliation Act 1996 is among India's most landmark statutes regarding the settlement of disputes, especially those involving business matters. It aims to be a good subst