(L to R) Zulfishan Haque (AIR 34), Abdullah Zahid (AIR 744) and Nazia Parveen (AIR 670)
This year, Aditya Srivastava and Animesh Pradhan have scored AIR 1 and 2 respectively, followed by Donuru Ananya Reddy at the third spot. (Image: Aligarh Muslim University)
Zufishan Haque ranked 34 in the UPSC toppers list followed by Nazia Praveen (670) and Abdullah Zahid (744). The vice-chancellor of the University congratulated the toppers and stressed on to improve the results in the future.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Tuesday announced the results of the civil services examination. In the recommended list of candidates, three qualifiers are from Aligarh Muslim University’s Residential Coaching Academy.
Zufishan Haque ranked 34 in the UPSC toppers list followed by Nazia Praveen (670) and Abdullah Zahid (744). The vice-chancellor of AMU congratulated the toppers.
Meanwhile, as many as 31 candidates are shortlisted from JMI’s residential coaching programme alone. The ninth-rank holder, Nausheen is also from JMI’s residential coaching programme.
This year, Aditya Srivastava and Animesh Pradhan have scored AIR 1 and 2 respectively, followed by Donuru Ananya Reddy at the third spot.
Recommend candidates
The Commission has kept the candidature of 355 recommended candidates in provisional. Of the 1,016 recommended candidates, as many as 347 are from the general category, 115 are from the EWS category, 303 candidates are from the OBC category, and from SC and ST, the number of recommended candidates are 165 and 86 respectively.
Exam schedule
The UPSC CSE exam is held in three phases – prelims, mains, and interviews. While the UPSC CSE 2023 prelims exam was conducted on May 28, the CSE mains UPSC exam was held on September 15, 2023, for five days. Candidates who cleared the mains were called for the interview round which was conducted between January 4 and April 9.
source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> India> News> Education / by Education Desk (headline edited) / New Delhi, April 18th, 2024
Afra usmani posing in front of the UPSC office in New Delhi
The morning of Durga Ashtami, a festival in celebration of feminine divinity, brought a gift of happiness to Aslam Khan and his wife Mehnaz Usmani, residents of the Mukimganj locality of Banaras, UP.
Their daughter Arfa Usmani had called from Delhi early morning. Mehnaz picked up the phone. “Amma, I have cracked UPSC,” Mehnaz said she felt that that a bouquet of happiness had dropped in her lap.
Arfa Usmani of Banaras has cleared the Civil Services Examination with 111th rank, which is like a dream for any lower middle-class family.
Aslam Khan, who sells crockery at his shop nearby, remembered the day when Arfa was born and she was given a name. Arfa means height and today Aslam Khan feels his daughter has lived up to her name literally. She has achieved her ambition.
The couple is happy as congratulations pour in from friends and relatives over the phone.
Mehnaz, who is a homemaker despite being a postgraduate in psychology, also went down memory lane and remembered her daughter’s childhood. Arfa studied at the St. John’s School in Mehrauli. She was a topper all through her school days.
Afra Usmani with her mother Mehnaz and brother Shadan
Mehnaz taught her children that the life path could be found only through education.
Her son Shadan studied at the IIT Roorkee and later IIM Kolkata. Thereafter he got admission into America’s Columbia University.
Arifa said she would like to become a role model for the Muslim girls of the country.
Arfa topped the district in class 10th. In 2013, she got admission to the five-year B.Tech-M.Tech course in Arfa IIT, BHU.
Arfa finished her M.Tech in 2018 and was among the top three students in her department and got a job through campus placement.
While working in prestigious institutions like Intel, Arfa realized that she could earn alot of money in this job, but the way to do good for the country and society passes through civil services only.
Arfa started preparing for the civil services examination in right earnest and reached the mains of Civil Services Examination in the second attempt and the interview in the third attempt.
She achieved success by securing 111th rank in the fourth attempt. Arfa considers her mother as the source of inspiration as she had always prioorotised her children’s education.
Arfa’s success is the result of continuous hard work and determination. At the outset she had resolved to prepare for civil services without taking admission in any coaching institute.
When Arfa cleared the mains in her second attempt, friends advised her to join coaching, but she did not agree.
Arfa Usmani with her mother drinking chai at a roadside kiosk
Arfa said that a large number of people also prepare for civil services without coaching as they could not afford it. “When they start with the confidence to succeed, why can’t I also do the same,” she told herself.
Arfa realized that there is just a gap of a few marks between Arfa and success and she worked towards bridging it and was successful.
Congratulatory messages on phone and by people visiting her home have not stopped. Those visiting her home told Arfa that her success was special in many ways. “You are a Muslim woman that too from the Prime Minister’s constituency.”
Arfa says, “I have grown up in the Ganga-Jamuni culture of Banaras. It is the specialty of our society that we take everyone along. I am fortunate that I will be able to pursue this by joining civil services.”
Arfa does not like to be reminded that she is a Muslim and also a topper. Arfa clearly says that all communities are working towards India’s progress and Muslim youth do not lag in this. Those who are lagging have a long way to go.
On her aspirations, Arfa says, “I will become a role model for girls, so that their hesitation to move forward in life.’
How she perceives her new job? On this Arfa says a civil servant has to execute law of the land but for that it is important to have a ground sense and understanding of the problems of the people.
“There are laws to be implemented, but first change should be brought at the ground level. A civil servant has to understand the psychology of people, then only the implementation of the law will be of help.”
Arfa had completely distanced herself from social media to study for civil services. She exited from all social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and even deleted the WhatsApp from her phone.
On the use of social media, she says, it was her choice to distance from it but she realized that it may not be so for others. “The Internet has indeed given positive results like startups from many small towns. Youth should positively channelize their creativity, only then there be benefits, otherwise, there are many disadvantages,” she says.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Dr. Sanjeev Mishra, Varanasi / April 20th, 2024
Warda Khan who secured 18th rank in the Civil Services examination
New Delhi :
Warda Khan of Noida, Uttar Pradesh, quit her corporate job to prepare for the civil services examination and her effort led to her securing the 18th rank in the prestigious UPSC exam 2023, the results of which were declared by UP on Tuesday.
The 24-year-old Warda says she has opted for the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) as she aspires to work to make India proud in the global arena.
“I prepared at home but also took online coaching for one year,” she said. “Like all candidates who wish to find their names in the final list of the UPSC, I also visualised it. However, to find my name in the top 20 (successful candidates) was unimaginable, I never imagined being in the top 20. It seemed like a dream.’
Warda Khan’s mother and extended family are happy at the turn in her life.
Warda Khan, the only child of her parents, holds a bachelor’s degree in Commerce (Hons) from Khalsa College, Delhi University. She lives with her mother in sector 82, Noida; her father passed away nine years ago.
Celebration time at the Noida House of Warda Khan (Who is being fed sweets)
Warda Khan said that she prepared for UPSC by using social media positively.
What made her go for the Ucivil services?
Wardah Khan said that during her college days, she was always interested in subjects like geopolitics, history, and politics. She used to participate in debates and MUN (Mock United Nations) during her college days, but even then the idea of taking civil services as a career did not occur to her. It was during her job that she realized that she wanted to become a civil servant.
According to Warda Khan, it is important to study regularly. She says social media is a platform that must be used for preparation on different topics. “Social media has both negative and positive aspects and everyone takes his or her pick.”
“I prepared my timetable of 8 to 9 hours of studies. I started my day with newspapers in the morning, scanning them for information on current affairs. After this, I would study the rest of the subjects.”
“I worked for a corporate firm for eight months. This did not satisfy me. I wanted to give back to society work for my country and change people’s lives. I felt the kind of curriculum and opportunities that this career (civil services) offered suited my interests,” she added.
After eight months Wadra left her job to focus on her preparations for the UPSC examination..
Giving tips to the aspirants of the civil services, Warda says, “First and foremost, you need to be very thorough with the basics from the NCERT books and Polity by Lakshmikanth. These are the core books with which you should be well-versed. Also, you should prepare appropriate syllabus heads for your mains and your options should also be prepared with prior notice from communities.”
This year 1,016 candidates – 664 men and 352 women — have qualified for the Civil Services Examination organised by the Union Public Service Commission.
Aditya Srivastava, a trainee officer of the Indian Police Service, has topped the Civil Services Examination 2023, the results of which were announced by the Union Public Service Commission on Tuesday. They have secured the second, third, fourth, and fifth ranks respectively.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / posted by Aasha Khosa / April 20th, 2024
Nausheen, a young achiever from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, has scripted a remarkable success story by securing the prestigious All India Rank 9 in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination 2023. Her journey is not just a personal triumph but also a tribute to the transformative power of education and perseverance.
Hailing from an academically inclined family, with her father in a prominent role at Prasar Bharti and siblings excelling in public sector undertakings, Nausheen was immersed in an environment that valued knowledge and diligence. After graduating from Delhi University’s Khalsa College, Nausheen found herself drawn towards civil services, spurred by the vibrant academic culture and stimulating discussions with peers who were passionate about current affairs and societal issues.
Despite initial uncertainty, Nausheen’s resolve strengthened with each attempt at the UPSC examinations. Undeterred by setbacks, she embraced her aspirations with determination, enrolling at Jamia Millia Islamia’s Residential Coaching Academy (RCA) to receive specialized guidance. Here, amidst discussions and competitive camaraderie, Nausheen honed her skills and knowledge, preparing rigorously under the mentorship of eminent scholars and civil servants.
What sets Nausheen’s achievement apart is her holistic approach to preparation. Moving away from conventional coaching materials, she adopted a newspaper-centric study routine, delving into the nuanced narratives of The Hindu and The Indian Express to enrich her understanding of contemporary issues – a testament to her analytical depth and intellectual curiosity.
Nausheen’s success underscores the pivotal role of institutions like RCA in nurturing talent from marginalized communities, offering comprehensive coaching, residential facilities, and a conducive learning environment. The academy’s commitment to excellence, guided by leaders like Prof. Eqbal Hussain, has empowered countless aspirants like Nausheen to realize their potential and contribute meaningfully to civil services.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Nausheen finds solace in the realms of science fiction, a testament to her balanced approach towards life’s pursuits. Her disdain for films that glamorize civil services underscores her reverence for the profession’s gravitas – a sincere dedication to service above spectacle.
In her journey, Nausheen represents resilience, intellect, and a deep-rooted commitment to public service. As she embraces this milestone achievement, Nausheen’s story inspires countless others, especially young women, to dream big and pursue their aspirations with unwavering determination.
Nausheen’s ascent to the top echelons of civil services embodies the spirit of transformation and exemplifies the adage that with dedication and unwavering resolve, even the loftiest of aspirations can be realized. Her success reverberates as a beacon of hope and possibility, illuminating the path for future generations of civil service aspirants.
Nausheen’s remarkable achievement as one of 31 successful candidates from RCA in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023 highlights the collective triumph of a dedicated cohort. Among these aspirants, Nausheen’s stellar performance, securing the prestigious All India Rank 9, stands out as a testament to her perseverance, intellect, and meticulous preparation.
The collaborative success of these 31 students underscores the efficacy of RCA’s coaching program in nurturing talent and providing a conducive environment for civil service aspirants. With the support of dedicated mentors and comprehensive resources, these candidates have not only excelled individually but also contributed to enhancing the academy’s track record of producing competent civil servants.
Nausheen’s journey exemplifies the transformative impact of inclusive educational initiatives like RCA, which empower students from diverse backgrounds to break barriers and achieve their aspirations. As part of this cohort of achievers, Nausheen’s success story serves as an inspiration for future aspirants, highlighting the potential inherent in dedicated preparation, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to public service.
The combined achievement of these 31 candidates from Jamia Millia Islamia’s RCA reflects a shared journey of determination, growth, and collective success – a testament to the academy’s unwavering dedication to nurturing talent and fostering excellence in civil services. As they embark on their respective paths in public service, these individuals embody the spirit of leadership and service, poised to make significant contributions to society and governance.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News/ by Radiance News Bureau / April 16th, 2024
More than 50 Muslims figured in the UPSC Civil Services Merit List 2023.
More than 50 Muslims figured in the UPSC Civil Services Merit List 2023 released today, with five of them securing different ranks and positions in the list of top 100.
Of the total 51 Muslims who figured in the Civil Services Merit List 2023 released today, five – Ruhani, Nausheen, Wardah Khan, Zufishan Haque and Fabi Rasheed are in the Top 100 list.
A total of 1,016 candidates cleared the examination and have been recommended for different central government services, the UPSC said.
The Civil Services Exam is conducted annually in three stages — preliminary, main and interview — by the UPSC to select officers of Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS), among others.
List of sucessful Muslims candidates who cracked UPSC 2023
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslim> Positive Story / by Muslim Mirror Staff / April 16th, 2024
For the unversed, Rooh Afza was originally created by a Unani hakim as a herbal concoction to beat the heat, however, it went on to become a staple across India and Pakistan.
Hakim Hafiz Abdul Majeed is the founder of Hamdard that created Rooh Afza as a herbal drink that would help people stay cool in the summer.
Hakim Hafiz Abdul Majeed’s education
Born in 1883, Hakim Hafiz Abdul Majeed studied the origin of Urdu and Persian languages. He went on to acquire the highest degree in unani system of medicine.
Hakim Hafiz Abdul Majeed’s career
In 1906, Hakim Hafiz Abdul Majeed decided to set up a herbal shop at House Qazi in Delhi. In 1920, his small shop turned into a production house. Selecting herbs and syrups from traditional Unani medicines, Hakim Hafiz Abdul Majeed created a drink to fight heat strokes – He named it Rooh Afza, which in Urdu means ‘something that refreshes the soul.”
In 1910, an artist called Mirza Noor Ahmad prepared the labels of Rooh Afza in several colours. It was printed under special arrangement by the Bolton Press of the Parsees of Bombay (Mumbai) since there were no coloured printers at that time.
Journey of Rooh Afza
The partition of India in 1947 played a role in the journey of Rooh Afza. Hakim Abdul Majeed’s eldest son decided to stay in India, but his younger brother Mohammad Saeed wanted to live in Pakistan. He started Hamdard from two rooms in Karachi and in no time the business flourished. As per Sadia Rashid, Hakim Mohammad Said’s daughter, her father gifted the business to the people of Bangladesh after their independence in 1971.
Having said that, Rooh Afza gained more popularity in India. The bottles were deigned in Germany and were initially introduced in a glass bottle, but was later changed to plastic. In 2019, Rooh Afza faced shortage in supplies owning to the lesser availability of herbs needed to make the drink.
Other brands under Rooh Afza
Over the years, Rooh Afza launched products like Pachnaul, Safi, Rogan Badam Shirin.
source: http://www.financialexpress.com / Financial Express / Home> FE Leisure> Business News> Lifestyle / by FE Lifestyle / May 13th, 2023
Izaan Ali, a 12-year old from the city, has made an entry into India Book of Records by making the smallest functional model of hovercraft measuring 10 inches x 6 inches.
Izaan’s hovercraft is remotely controlled and is connected to a GPS system. It uses four brushless motors and 3D printed components to run. This initiative that leverages smart technologies to revolutionise healthcare services was approved by the India Book of Records.
Currently studying in Class 7 at a private school in Ludhiana, Izaan thought of the idea years ago when he lost his grandfather to cardiac arrest. He said the family could not get urgent medical aid during the golden hour.
The hovercraft has been envisioned to seamlessly fill in the current lags in access to essential supplies which are currently restricted by operational constraints like working hours of delivery platforms, thus saving precious lives. An official launch and commercialisation are awaited.
Izaan’s parents are committed to his ambitions. While his father, Imtiaz Ali is an educational consultant, his mother Seher Imtiaz, is a rehabilitation psychologist. Residents of Dugri phase III, his parents shared that Izaan worked on this idea for around six-eight months and burnt the midnight oil (even during) his exams to achieve his goal.
Sharing details, Izaan Ali told TOI, “This hovercraft operates by creating a cushion of air underneath itself, allowing it to float above a surface. The main propulsion and lift for this hovercraft are provided by four brushless motors. The structure was enhanced using 3D printed components, making it customisable and relatively easy to repair or modify.”
His parents said the project is a demonstration of his commitment to renewable and sustainable technology and their importance in modern engineering. The project’s use of four brushless motors for propulsion and lift showcases its commitment to efficiency and performance. This design allows the hovercraft to glide smoothly over various terrains, opening up new possibilities for transportation in diverse environments.
“Furthermore, the project’s approach not only makes the hovercraft more adaptable to different needs but also emphasizes the importance of eco-friendly manufacturing practices.” Izaan added. Aiming to become an automobile engineer, he said, “ It me took around 6-8 months of time and around Rs 20,000 to create the prototype.”
Dimple Verma, Izaan’s mentor said, “This is a 4th generation mode of transport which reduces friction by 20-30% and can be beneficial for medical deliveries to rescue people who do not have connectivity, or are disadvantaged and die in challenging terrain.”
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> City News> Ludhiana News / April 04th, 2024
In a district-level speech competition organized by the Umeed Foundation, Malkapur’s Al-Huda Urdu Girls School and Junior College student, Nazifa Namus, emerged victorious, securing the first position.
Daughter of Tariqullah Khan, Namus impressed judges and spectators alike with her eloquence.
She was awarded an honorary certificate and a cash prize of eleven thousand rupees.
The event, held on Sunday, garnered attention from dignitaries such as Abdul Karim Salar, President of the Education Society, and Rajesh Akde, a prominent member of the Provincial Assembly.
Also present were Maulana Ashfaq Qasmi, Haji Rasheed Khan and senior police officials from the city.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education / by Zaina Aman (headline edited) / Radiance News Bureau / March 06th, 2024
She is the daughter of billionaire Rafique Malik, the company’s chairman. Her grandfather, Malik Tejani, founded it in 1955 in Mumbai. Farah has guided Metro Shoes into a new era of modern retail. The company’s brands include Mochi, Metro, and Walkway.
(Image source: LinkedIn)
Eid Ul Fitr was celebrated throughout the country. Amid celebrations, you may be left wondering if you are asked about the wealthiest Muslim woman in the country. The name of the country’s richest Muslim woman is Farah Malik Bhanji. She is the managing director of the Metro brand, which sells premium shoes. Her net worth is more than Rs. 26000 crore. Farah Malik plays an important role in giving the Metro brand a new identity.
She is the daughter of billionaire Rafique Malik, the company’s chairman. Her grandfather, Malik Tejani, founded it in 1955 in Mumbai. Farah has guided Metro Shoes into a new era of modern retail. The company’s brands include Mochi, Metro, and Walkway.
As of December 8, the company’s market capitalisation was Rs 35,117 crore. Farah is the second of five daughters. His father, Rafique, has a real-time net worth of Rs 21697 crore as of 12 April.
Farah has more than 20 years of experience in the footwear industry. She has played a key role in reimagining the company for the new era. She began her career in marketing before moving on to revamp Metro Brands Limited’s technology roadmap and supply chain. The company was listed in December 2021. The late billionaire investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala’s wife, Rekha, owns a minority stake in Metro Brands.
She pays close attention to detail, is well-versed in business, and has a sense of style. The footwear company has experienced growth for both the company and its employees under her leadership. She has played a crucial role in forging connections with international companies like Skechers, Crocs, and Clarks in addition to forging close bonds with more than 250 reliable vendors. She contributed to the network’s growth from 100 stores in 2010 to 598 locations across 136 Indian cities.
At the close of trading on Wednesday, Metro Brands Ltd. saw a rise to Rs. 1058. Rs. 1,440.45 is the stock’s 52-week high level, and Rs. 784.45 is its 52-week low. Metro Brands’ shares opened at Rs 1044 at the start of the trading session on Wednesday. Subsequently, it increased by over 20 rupees, closing at 1058. The company cap is of Rs 28,773 crore.
source: http://www.dnaindia.com / DNA / Home> Business / by Varnika Srivastava / April 12th, 2024
Makhdoom Awards have been designated for a period of five years
Hyderabad:
The Telangana Urdu Academy has revealed the recipients of the prestigious Makhdoom Awards and Karnama-e-Hayat (Lifetime Achievement) Awards in various categories honoring Urdu writers, scholars, poets, and journalists.
As part of the Telangana Foundation Day celebrations, an award ceremony and mushaira will be held at Ravindra Bharati on June 11.
President of the Urdu Academy, Mohammad Khwaja Mujeebuddin, made the announcement, expressing his enthusiasm for recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments of Urdu language and literature.
The Makhdoom Awards have been designated for a period of five years, from 2019 to 2023, while the Lifetime Achievement Awards will be presented for three years, covering the period from 2018 to 2020.
President Mujeebuddin mentioned that the awardees were chosen by separate committees comprising Urdu language and literature experts who meticulously evaluated the contributions of the nominees.
Under the Karnama-e-Hayat category, the Urdu Academy presents seven awards annually, including the Amjad Hyderabadi and Saeed Shaheedi Awards for Poetry, the Dr. Mohiuddin Quadri Award for Criticism and Research, the Dr. Agha Hyder Hassan Award for Prose, the Prof. Habeeb-ur-Rehman Award for Education and Teaching, the Mahboob Hussain Jigar Award for Journalism, and the Srinivas Lahoti Award for the Promotion of Urdu.
The Makhdoom Award, on the other hand, acknowledges exceptional achievements in the fields of research and criticism, poetry, fiction, journalism, and humour.
For the years 2019 to 2023, the recipients of the Makhdoom Awards are as follows: Dr. Aqeel Hashmi for Research & Criticism (2019), Mr. Jalal Arif for Poetry (2020), Mr. Mazharuzzaman Khan for Fiction (2021), Mr. Aziz Ahmed for Journalism (2022), and Prof. Habeeb Zia for Satire and humour (2023).
Additionally, 21 awards have been announced, with seven awards being presented each year over a three-year period.
The list of recipients for the Makhdoom Awards includes distinguished individuals such as Qazi Farooq Arifi for the Amjad Hyderabadi Award for Poetry, Dr. Raheem Ramesh for the Saeed Shaheedi Award for Poetry, Ms. Khairunnisa Aleem for the Agha Hyder Hasan Award for Fiction, Dr. Fazlullah Mukarram for the Dr. Mohiuddin QuadriZor Award for Research and Criticism, Mohammad Mastan Ali for the Prof. Habeeb-ur-Rehman Award for Education and Teaching, Dr. Fazil Hussain Pervaiz for the Mahboob Hussain Jigar Award for Journalism, and Mr. Baquar Mirza for the Srinivas Lahoti Award.
Each Makhdoom Award consists of a cash prize of Rs 2,00,000, a memento, and a certificate of appreciation, while the Lifetime Achievement Award carries a cash prize of Rs 50,000.
The grand award ceremony is scheduled to take place on June 11 at 10 PM at Ravindra Bharati, and it will be graced by the presence of state ministers K Ishwar, Mohammad Mahmood Ali, Srinivas Yadav, and other dignitaries.
source: http://siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Hyderabad / by Zahed Farooqui / June 10th, 2023
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