Overview Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the valedictory ceremony of the 100th Common Foundation Course at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand. He emphasized the crucial role of civil servants in safeguarding national interests and achieving the goal of a ' Viksit Bharat ' by 2047 . Key Highlights Operation Sindoor: Described as a “brilliant example” of civil-military fusion, showcasing seamless coordination between administrative machinery and the armed forces. National Interests: Young civil servants were urged to understand their role in safeguarding national interests, akin to soldiers ready for critical situations. Economic Growth: India's economic ranking has improved from 11th to 4th since 2014 , with projections to become the third-largest economy. Governance Philosophy: Emphasis on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mantra of ‘minimum government, maximum governance’ and ‘reform, perform and transform’. Ethical Conduct: Civil servants were urged to maintain incorruptible character and integrity, fostering a culture of honesty. Technology Integration: Encouragement to use technology for increased public outreach, accessibility, and transparency. Women in Civil Services: Acknowledgment of the increasing representation of women, with confidence that many will rise to leadership positions by 2047 . Operation Sindoor: Civil-Military Fusion Operation Sindoor was highlighted as a prime example of civil-military fusion, where administrative officers worked seamlessly with the armed forces. This collaboration facilitated the communication of vital information and built public confidence. The Defence Minister commended the administrative officers for their role in communicating crucial information and ensuring the successful conduct of mock drills across the country. Vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 The Defence Minister emphasized increased coordination between governance and national security to achieve the goal of a ' Viksit Bharat ' by 2047 . This vision requires a concerted effort from civil servants to accelerate the development of a self-reliant and developed India. Economic Progress and Governance Since 2014 , India's economic ranking has significantly improved. The government's focus on ‘minimum government, maximum governance’ and ‘reform, perform and transform’ has played a crucial role in this progress. Civil servants are expected to contribute to this momentum by working with a sense of responsibility and public accountability. Role of Civil Servants Rajnath Singh emphasized that civil servants are not merely providers but facilitators of empowerment. They should use technology to increase public outreach, accessibility, and transparency. Meeting every citizen with empathy and understanding is crucial, especially when interacting with underprivileged or vulnerable sections of society. Women in Civil Services The Defence Minister acknowledged the continuing rise of women in the civil services, noting that in the latest UPSC examination, a woman secured the top rank, and three of the top five candidates were women. He expressed confidence that by 2047 , many women will rise to the position of Cabinet secretaries and lead India’s development journey. LBSNAA's Contribution Rajnath Singh lauded LBSNAA for its comprehensive training ecosystem, which strengthens the nation’s administrative capabilities. As the UPSC marks its 100th year ahead, the partnership between UPSC and LBSNAA has shaped generations of administrators and will continue to strengthen India’s governance architecture. UPSC Relevance This news is relevant to GS2 (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice) and GS3 (Economy, Security) . It highlights the importance of civil-military cooperation, the role of civil servants in national development, and the government's vision for India's future.