Dr Ajay Kumar Takes Over as UPSC Chairman

16 May 2025 CW Team

Having pursued a B Tech. in Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, Dr Ajay Kumar has done his MS in Applied Economics from the University of Minnesota, USA and PhD in Business Administration from Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota, USA. He was also conferred an Hon. Doctor of Philosophy by Amity University in 2019.

Dr Ajay Kumar belongs to the 1985 batch of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) of Kerala Cadre. During his illustrious career of more than thirty five years, he has served in key positions in the State Government of Kerala as well as in the Centre. Some of his important assignments in the State were Managing Director, Electronics and Information Technology Department; Principal Secretary, Information Technology Department. At the Centre he held the significant portfolios of Director, Science & Technology; Joint Secretary, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology; Director General, National Informatics Centre; Additional Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology; Secretary, Defence Production. In his last assignment, he served as Secretary, Ministry of Defence.

He has been instrumental in introducing several e-Governance initiatives such as “Jeevan Pramaan" (digital life certificates for pensioners); myGov, Pragati (Prime Minister's video conference); Bio-metric Attendance System; OPD Registration System in AIIMS; "Cloud First" policy for Government for using Cloud Service Providers, etc.

Dr Ajay Kumar has several publications to his credit in various national and international Journals. Also, he is a recipient of several awards like "Silver Elephant" medallion by National Scouts and Guides in 1994; "Electronics Leader of the Year for the year 2012 for promotion of electronics industry in the country; "Technovation Sarabhai Award' by India Electronics & Semiconductor Association in 2015; "Champion of Change" by Consumer Electronics & Appliances Manufacturers Association in 2017.

Dr Ajay Kumar, Former Secretary, Ministry of Defence took the Oath of Office and Secrecy as Chairman, Union Public Service Commission today. The Oath was administered by Lt Gen Raj Shukla (Retd.), the senior most Member of the Commission.Having pursued a B Tech. in Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, Dr Ajay Kumar has done his MS in Applied Economics from the University of Minnesota, USA and PhD in Business Administration from Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota, USA. He was also conferred an Hon. Doctor of Philosophy by Amity University in 2019.Dr Ajay Kumar belongs to the 1985 batch of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) of Kerala Cadre. During his illustrious career of more than thirty five years, he has served in key positions in the State Government of Kerala as well as in the Centre. Some of his important assignments in the State were Managing Director, Electronics and Information Technology Department; Principal Secretary, Information Technology Department. At the Centre he held the significant portfolios of Director, Science & Technology; Joint Secretary, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology; Director General, National Informatics Centre; Additional Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology; Secretary, Defence Production. In his last assignment, he served as Secretary, Ministry of Defence.He has been instrumental in introducing several e-Governance initiatives such as “Jeevan Pramaan (digital life certificates for pensioners); myGov, Pragati (Prime Minister's video conference); Bio-metric Attendance System; OPD Registration System in AIIMS; Cloud First policy for Government for using Cloud Service Providers, etc.Dr Ajay Kumar has several publications to his credit in various national and international Journals. Also, he is a recipient of several awards like Silver Elephant medallion by National Scouts and Guides in 1994; Electronics Leader of the Year for the year 2012 for promotion of electronics industry in the country; Technovation Sarabhai Award' by India Electronics & Semiconductor Association in 2015; Champion of Change by Consumer Electronics & Appliances Manufacturers Association in 2017.

Infrastructure Urban

13 Oct 2025

Recycling Leaders Push for Policy Reforms in India

As India prepares for the largest recycling-focused event in its history, industry leaders are making a strong case for policy reforms to unlock the country’s circular economy potential. Ahead of the Bharat Recycling Show (BRS) 2025, co-located with Plastics Recycling Show (PRS) India, a high-level panel discussion in Mumbai spotlighted the urgent need for regulatory clarity, digital innovation, and integration of the informal sector.Held under the theme “Unlocking Circular Value: Regulatory and Market Trends in Recycling”, the panel brought together prominent voices from across the recy..

Infrastructure Energy

13 Oct 2025

Environmental Hearing Set for 1000 MW Naying Hydro Project

The environmental public hearing for the 1,000 MW Naying hydroelectric project will take place on November 12 at Yapik community hall in Shi-Yomi district, Arunachal Pradesh, officials confirmed. The run-of-the-river project on the Siyom (Yomgo) river is being developed by the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO). Construction, including a concrete dam, underground powerhouse, and tunnel, is expected to commence around 2028, with commissioning planned by 2032. The project aims to generate approximately 4,966.77 GWh of electricity. The Naying project received Central Electricity ..

Infrastructure Energy

13 Oct 2025

India Achieves 490 MWh Energy Storage Capacity by June 2025

India’s cumulative energy storage capacity reached 490 MWh by June 2025, according to data released by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). Of this, more than 85 per cent is associated with renewable energy projects, primarily solar and wind, reflecting the country’s accelerated shift towards grid stability and clean energy integration. The CEA report highlights that 16 energy storage systems are currently operational across 10 states, with major installations in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. These include both standalone and co-located battery systems deployed by le..