Current Affairs-Topics

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

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