Centre revises UPSC rules after Puja Khedkar controversy
Mandatory submission of certificates at preliminary stage
New Felhi: The Union government has amended the rules for the 2025 Civil Services Examination, making it mandatory for aspirants to upload educational, caste, and disability certificates during the preliminary exam stage. Previously, these documents were required only after qualifying for the mains examination.
The new rules come in the wake of the controversy surrounding Puja Khedkar, a former IAS probationer accused of fraudulently clearing the exam by misusing the OBC quota and falsely claiming disabilities. Her selection was revoked, and she was permanently barred from all UPSC examinations in September 2024.
The Ministry of Personnel stated that candidates failing to provide the necessary documents with their applications would have their candidature cancelled. Additionally, candidates will now have a 10-day window after preliminary results to specify cadre preferences and a 15-day period after mains results to update qualifications.
To prevent malpractices, UPSC plans to introduce technological measures such as Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication, facial recognition, and security camera surveillance during exams.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Myanmar quake: India sends more humanitarian aid in C-17 aircraft
New Delhi (PTI): India on Sunday sent 31 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including replenishment stores for an Indian army field hospital unit deployed in Myanmar, to augment New Delhi's efforts to provide succour to the quake-hit neighbouring country.
The aid was sent in a C-17 Globemaster heavy-lift aircraft.
It took off from the Hindon air force station in Ghaziabad early Sunday, a senior official said.
"#OperationBrahma@IAF_MCC C> C-17 plane departs for Mandalay with 31 tons of humanitarian aid, including replenishment stores for the Indian army field hospital unit," External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar posted on X and also shared a few photos.
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake jolted Myanmar last week, with the toll rising to over 3,000 even as rescuers continue to search through the rubble for signs of life.
India mounted its relief mission named 'Operation Brahma' as a swift response to the devastation caused by the earthquake that hit Myanmar as well as Thailand on March 28.
The field hospital, under 'Operation Brahma', continues its humanitarian mission in Myanmar as the local government and its agencies also soldiered on with their efforts in relief and rescue work.
The hospital unit comprising 118 personnel was deployed in Myanmar using two C-17 heavy-lift aircraft of the IAF which had taken off from Agra on March 29.
The field hospital has been set up by the Indian Army in Mandalay.
_vb_98.jpeg)
