National

Punjab : Aastha Singh Becomes One of India’s Youngest IAS Officers at 21, Clears UPSC Without Coaching

Published

1 year ago

June 7, 2025

Punjab : At 21, an age when many are still trying to figure out their path in life, Aastha Singh has made history by becoming one of the youngest IAS officers in the country. She cleared the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2024 — remarkably, without attending any coaching classes.

Born in Panchkula and currently residing in Zirakpur, Aastha’s inspiring journey is rooted in simplicity, determination, and strong values. Her ancestral home is in Jaunpur district of Uttar Pradesh. Raised in a family that emphasized education and discipline, Aastha was instilled with a strong value system from an early age. Her father, Brijesh Singh, serves as the quality head at a pharmaceutical company, and the family has always prioritized integrity and learning.

Aastha completed her schooling in Panchkula, pursued a degree in commerce, and later graduated in economics from the prestigious Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), University of Delhi. Instead of enrolling in coaching or taking a break after college, she returned home and prepared for the UPSC through self-study — relying entirely on discipline, routine, and a clear vision.

Her preparation strategy was simple yet effective. She minimized distractions, stayed close to her family, and focused completely on her goal. “I always knew I wanted to work in public service. My grandfather used to say I’d become a collector one day — that always stayed with me,” Aastha shared with a smile during an interview.

Even before appearing for the UPSC, Aastha had cleared the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) exam in 2024, securing Rank 31. She was appointed as an Assistant Excise and Taxation Officer and continued her UPSC preparation while serving in that role.

What makes Aastha’s story exceptional is not just her academic excellence, but also her grounded outlook. Composed and confident, she believes that civil servants should stay connected with the people and remain humble. She also strongly advocates for women’s empowerment and hopes to make a significant impact in that area during her administrative career.

In an era where the UPSC journey is often associated with long hours of coaching and years of preparation, Aastha’s story proves that self-discipline, focus, and clarity of purpose are equally powerful. Her remarkable success has not only made her family and hometown proud but has also inspired aspirants across the country.

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National

Marriage Turns into Alleged Fraud as Woman Flees with Jewellery

Published

1 day ago

October 7, 2026

Namma Kudla

Chandigarh: A woman who allegedly posed as a PCS officer and married an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader in Punjab reportedly fled with gold and silver jewellery and other valuables just a few months after the wedding.

AAP Joint Secretary Amarinder Singh Mandofal has alleged that he was cheated by the woman, identified as Manwinder Kaur. The two got married in February 2026 after Kaur’s family introduced her to Amarinder as a PCS officer.

According to Amarinder’s complaint, the woman was also presented as unmarried. However, he later allegedly discovered that she had been married earlier and had a son aged around 18. He also claimed that she had provided false information about her age.

The woman allegedly left the house with gold and silver jewellery and other valuable items a few months after the marriage. Amarinder said he became suspicious and later gathered information about her past.

Based on his complaint, police have registered a case against six people, including Kaur, on charges of cheating and forgery.

The FIR names her brother Tarlochan Singh, mother Varinderjit Kaur, cousin Narinder Singh Goldy, sister-in-law Rupinder Kaur, and former village sarpanch Surinder Singh Rana as co-accused.

Police said all the accused are residents of Sur Singh village under the Bhikhiwind police station limits in Tarn Taran district.

The wedding had been attended by several prominent AAP leaders and public representatives, including Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sondh.

Videos and pictures from the wedding celebrations have also gone viral on social media.

Police have begun an investigation into the allegations and the background of the accused.

National

Man Dies by Suicide after Jumping from 43rd Floor

Published

4 days ago

October 4, 2026

Namma Kudla

Noida: A man died by suicide after jumping from the 43rd floor of the Supernova Tower in Noida on Saturday.

The incident took place at the Supernova complex in Sector 94. A video shows the man standing near the railing before jumping. Another person tried to stop him but could not prevent the incident.

Police identified the deceased as Sambhav Jain, a resident of Manesar, Haryana. He had reportedly checked into an Airbnb in the building on Friday and was scheduled to leave on Saturday.

Police said Jain had called his father several times before the incident. His family has been informed.

The police and forensic teams inspected the spot and collected evidence. CCTV footage is also being checked as part of the investigation.

Police said Jain was reportedly under severe financial stress. His body has been sent for a post-mortem examination.

The investigation is underway.

National

Captain Smit Machchhar Shares Ordeal with PM Modi

Published

5 days ago

October 3, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Captain Smit Machchhar over a video call and praised his courage after he helped prevent a major air disaster.

Captain Machchhar was seriously injured after his co-pilot allegedly stabbed him during a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. The Boeing 737 MAX reportedly lost nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds.

Passengers and crew members entered the cockpit and overpowered the co-pilot. A second pair of pilots then took control and safely landed the aircraft in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. More than 170 passengers and crew were on board.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Captain Machchhar told PM Modi that he was badly injured and had collapsed in the cockpit. He realised that the aircraft was rapidly losing altitude and that he had to act.

“I could not let all those people die,” he told the Prime Minister.

Captain Machchhar said his 17 years of flying experience helped him understand what was happening to the aircraft. He managed to open the cockpit door, after which passengers and crew came to his help.

He also said he was chanting the Hanuman Chalisa while fighting the pain and fear.

PM Modi praised the captain’s courage, patience and presence of mind. He said Captain Machchhar’s actions helped save many lives and called his effort a “monumental task.”

Captain Machchhar, who is from Gujarat, has more than 9,750 flying hours and has served as a captain for 11 years.