Indian Foreign Service offers an exceptional career path, says Jeeva Maria Joy
The Indian Foreign Service (IFS) offers an exceptional career path where diplomacy, international relations, and national interests intersect, Jeeva Maria Joy, an IFS officer who cleared the Civil Services examination in her second attempt, said at The Hindu Civil Service Gateway Summit 2025 on Saturday.
Exploring the intricacies of the IFS was one of the most rewarding aspects of her preparation, she said. Observing that the role of an IFS officer is multifaceted, she said the diplomatic world requires a unique blend of skills- strategic thinking, effective communication and a keen understanding of global politics.
IPS officer Shahansha K.S. addressed a session on 'Civil Services preparation and the scope of IPS.' There's no universal formula for success as each journey is unique, he said. According to Mr. Shahansha, who cleared the exams in the seventh attempt, persistence, adaptability and a well-designed strategy are extremely useful ingredients for acing the exams. He described each failure as a lesson that sharpened his strategy and strengthened his resolve. Also, trying to imitate someone else's path would not work, he added.
Nandanaa G.P., ranked 47 in the UPSC 2024 exams, addressed a session on 'How to read newspaper for cracking Civil Services.' The time between Prelims and Mains is best spent on thoroughly reading newspapers. It is crucial to stay updated with current affairs, as they play a significant role in both the Mains and Interview stages, she said.
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Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
51% of all new forest dept jobs to be reserved for women: Naik
1 2 3 Chandrapur: In a landmark step towards gender inclusivity in forest governance, Maharashtra forest minister Ganesh Naik on Thursday announced that henceforth, 51% of all new recruitments in the forest department will be reserved for women. Naik made this announcement while inaugurating two-day national conference 'Van Shakti 2025' in Chandrapur, focused on recognising and amplifying role of women in forest conservation and management. Addressing a packed audience of IFS officers, frontline workers, self-help group members, and eco-tourism stakeholders, the minister urged women to step forward and actively participate in the forestry sector. The conference, themed around empowering women across the forestry spectrum, aims to foster dialogue, share experiences, and co-develop a policy paper that enhances equitable participation of women. It also seeks to explore legal and structural reforms for their professional growth in the sector. Addressing media persons on the sidelines, Naik also clarified the department's stand on transferring captured wild animals to private zoos, a topic recently raised in a meeting at the Mantralaya. "While some MLAs have suggested handing over injured or mentally unstable tigers to private facilities for treatment, we will strictly follow central govt regulations before taking any such decision," he said. Land identified for 'Suryatara' wildlife rehab centre: Naik also disclosed developments regarding the proposed 'Suryatara' wildlife rehabilitation centre on the lines of Gujarat's 'Vantara'. "We have identified land in Thane and have also corresponded with Anant Ambani, director on the boards of Reliance Industries and Reliance Foundation, and brain behind 'Vantara' project. A team of senior forest officials will study and take the project forward within legal frameworks," Naik stated. AI-backed surveillance to curb human-wildlife conflict: In view of increasing human-wildlife conflicts, especially in vulnerable districts like Chandrapur, Naik announced deployment of AI-backed surveillance technologies. "We will install camera systems integrated with alarms in sensitive forest pockets to immediately alert residents about predator movement," he said. Other mitigation steps include solar and chain-link fencing, and habitat development to reduce the outflow of herbivores. The minister also directed forest secretary Mahesh Mhaisekar to draw up a proposal to scrap all 10-year-old vehicles in the department and replace them with sturdy, new ones for frontline staff. "It was during my earlier tenure in 1995 that vehicles were first introduced for forest officers. Today, we're taking that commitment further," he said. Firearms to officers, junior staff in vulnerable pockets: Forest minister also assured to provide firearms to all officers and even junior staff in vulnerable pockets, in coming days. 11 crore tree plantation initiative: Naik also informed about a mega 11 crore tree plantation initiative across Maharashtra. He also announced that the number of honorary wildlife wardens will be increased, with plans to appoint wardens at taluka level instead of existing district-level model. The conference was attended by a host of dignitaries on dais, including MLAs Kishor Jorgewar, Devrao Bhongale, and Karan Deotale, upper chief secretary Milind Maheshkar, PCCF and head of Forest Force Shomita Biswas, PCCF (wildlife) Kanchan Devi, Telangana PCCF Dr Suvarna C, and Chandrapur CCF Jitendra Ramgaonkar. Chief secretary Sunita Saunik addressed the gathering virtually. Chandrapur: In a landmark step towards gender inclusivity in forest governance, Maharashtra forest minister Ganesh Naik on Thursday announced that henceforth, 51% of all new recruitments in the forest department will be reserved for women. Naik made this announcement while inaugurating two-day national conference 'Van Shakti 2025' in Chandrapur, focused on recognising and amplifying role of women in forest conservation and management. Addressing a packed audience of IFS officers, frontline workers, self-help group members, and eco-tourism stakeholders, the minister urged women to step forward and actively participate in the forestry sector. The conference, themed around empowering women across the forestry spectrum, aims to foster dialogue, share experiences, and co-develop a policy paper that enhances equitable participation of women. It also seeks to explore legal and structural reforms for their professional growth in the sector. Addressing media persons on the sidelines, Naik also clarified the department's stand on transferring captured wild animals to private zoos, a topic recently raised in a meeting at the Mantralaya. "While some MLAs have suggested handing over injured or mentally unstable tigers to private facilities for treatment, we will strictly follow central govt regulations before taking any such decision," he said. Land identified for 'Suryatara' wildlife rehab centre: Naik also disclosed developments regarding the proposed 'Suryatara' wildlife rehabilitation centre on the lines of Gujarat's 'Vantara'. "We have identified land in Thane and have also corresponded with Anant Ambani, director on the boards of Reliance Industries and Reliance Foundation, and brain behind 'Vantara' project. A team of senior forest officials will study and take the project forward within legal frameworks," Naik stated. AI-backed surveillance to curb human-wildlife conflict: In view of increasing human-wildlife conflicts, especially in vulnerable districts like Chandrapur, Naik announced deployment of AI-backed surveillance technologies. "We will install camera systems integrated with alarms in sensitive forest pockets to immediately alert residents about predator movement," he said. Other mitigation steps include solar and chain-link fencing, and habitat development to reduce the outflow of herbivores. The minister also directed forest secretary Mahesh Mhaisekar to draw up a proposal to scrap all 10-year-old vehicles in the department and replace them with sturdy, new ones for frontline staff. "It was during my earlier tenure in 1995 that vehicles were first introduced for forest officers. Today, we're taking that commitment further," he said. Firearms to officers, junior staff in vulnerable pockets: Forest minister also assured to provide firearms to all officers and even junior staff in vulnerable pockets, in coming days. 11 crore tree plantation initiative: Naik also informed about a mega 11 crore tree plantation initiative across Maharashtra. He also announced that the number of honorary wildlife wardens will be increased, with plans to appoint wardens at taluka level instead of existing district-level model. The conference was attended by a host of dignitaries on dais, including MLAs Kishor Jorgewar, Devrao Bhongale, and Karan Deotale, upper chief secretary Milind Maheshkar, PCCF and head of Forest Force Shomita Biswas, PCCF (wildlife) Kanchan Devi, Telangana PCCF Dr Suvarna C, and Chandrapur CCF Jitendra Ramgaonkar. Chief secretary Sunita Saunik addressed the gathering virtually.
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Business Standard
Andhra launches plantation drive to boost green cover to 50% by 2047
The Andhra Pradesh government launched a large-scale greening campaign on Thursday to mark World Environment Day, with the objective of increasing the state's green cover from the current 30.05 per cent to 50 per cent by 2047. The initiative, part of the Vana Mahotsav (forest festival) and End Plastic Pollution drive, involves planting 10 million saplings across the state. Currently, the green cover includes 22.96 per cent recorded forest area and 7.09 per cent trees outside forests. Officials aim to add over 32,000 square kilometres of green area to meet the 2047 target. CM, deputy CM launch campaign Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan launched the campaign at the state level, with concurrent events held at district and constituency levels. Target: 55.8 million saplings in 2025 The state plans to plant 55.8 million saplings in 2025, covering 180,000 hectares. The goal is to achieve 37 per cent green cover by 2029, with an annual increase of 1.5 per cent. Progress will be monitored through geo-tagging, drone surveillance, satellite imagery, and audit-based scoring. Real-time dashboards will track developments and encourage public participation. Mission Haritha Andhra Pradesh to oversee campaign District Collectors will coordinate the drive with support from senior IAS and IFS officers. Nodal officers will oversee the campaign under the Mission Haritha Andhra Pradesh initiative. Between 2025 and 2030, over 987,000 hectares will be covered through plantations led by the Forest and Horticulture departments, with support from other line departments and local bodies.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Andhra launches massive plantation drive, aims to boost green cover to 50% by 2047
Andhra Pradesh government launched a massive greening campaign on World Environment Day, initiating "Vana Mahotsav" and an "End Plastic Pollution" drive. The goal is to increase the state's green cover from 29 to 50 percent by planting one crore saplings statewide. The initiative includes advanced monitoring and aims to achieve 37 percent green cover by 2029. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The Andhra Pradesh government on Thursday launched a massive greening campaign to mark World Environment Day, aiming to increase the state's green cover from 29 to 50 part of the initiative, the government rolled out 'Vana Mahotsav (forest festival)' and 'End Plastic Pollution' drive, with plans to plant one crore saplings statewide today."Currently, Andhra Pradesh's green cover is over 30.05 percent, combining 22.96 percent recorded forest area and 7.09 percent trees outside forests. Officials aim to add over 32,000 sq km to reach 50 percent cover," said a press Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan launched the programme at the state level. District and grassroots events also began simultaneously across constituencies and institutions.A total of 5.58 crore saplings will be planted during 2025 on 1.8 lakh hectares aiming to achieve 37 percent green cover by 2029, increasing 1.5 percent 2025 and 2030, the government departments will plant over 9.87 lakh hectares, the Forest and Horticulture departments will play a central role, backed by line departments and local agencies, said the District's Collector will coordinate efforts, supported by a senior IAS/IFS officer while the Nodal officers will monitor implementation under the 'Mission Haritha Andhra Pradesh' monitoring will include geo-tagging, drone checks, satellite mapping, and audit-based scoring systems. Real-time dashboards will ensure transparency and public participation in afforestation efforts.
