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Sunday, January 4, 2026
TopicIndian Civil Services

Topic: Indian Civil Services

Nehru rejected it, Bose cracked it, RC Dutt served in it. Nationalists and the ICS

The Indian Civil Service was the British Empire’s steel frame, built to serve the Crown. Nationalists sat for the exam too — some quit, others stayed.

If you want an efficient all-India service, allow them to open their mouth freely—Sardar Patel

On 10 October 1949, during the Constituent Assembly debate, Vallabhbhai Patel strongly defended the civil services and the guarantees provided to them during the transfer of power from British rule.

A new breed of civil servants under Mission Karmayogi will take India to Amrit Kaal goals

Mission Karmayogi aims to fundamentally re-engineer the mechanisms of traditional Indian civil services to create a responsive, transparent, and accountable governance structure.

Indian civil services is short on women. It’s not the govt’s fault

Not only do fewer women apply for the Indian civil services examination, but they also tend to withdraw from the race as they age.

House panel flags surge in technocrats recruited for civil services, fewer candidates from humanities

Panel noted that above 70% of recruits in civil services nowadays are from technical streams and ‘allurement to become a civil servant’ is adversely affecting other fields.

Why has India’s steel frame turned laid back? Vinod Rai’s book talks modernising civil services

The book launch had a panel comprising decorated members from politics and civil services. And Jaishankar turned the 'specialists versus generalists' debate on its head.

On Camera

Wall Street carries big expectations this year after best run since 2009

The concern is not that 2025’s rally was irrational, but that it may be difficult to repeat. Outlooks remain anchored to AI investment and growth without reigniting inflation.

Greece looking at TATA’s WhAP infantry combat vehicle for army procurement

If deal goes through, Greece will be 2nd foreign country to procure vehicle. Morocco was first; TATA Group has set up manufacturing unit there with minimum 30 percent indigenous content.

A year-end Mea Culpa in National Interest—The Army-Islam combo doesn’t kill democracy

Many of you might think I got something so wrong in National Interest pieces written this year. I might disagree! But some deserve a Mea Culpa. I’d deal with the most recent this week.