Japanese Ministry may allow tattooed troops

The Japanese Ministry of Defence will consider dropping a long-standing ban on tattoos in the country’s Self-Defence Forces (SDF) if applicants are otherwise qualified.

It comes as the SDF is facing a chronic personnel shortage amid a falling birth-rate.

A senior Ministry official admitted the need at a Parliamentary session reviewing the current guideline banning people from applying to be an SDF cadet if they had tattoos, which are generally considered taboo in Japan.

The official’s response came after an Upper House lawmaker from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, Masahisa Sato pointed to the need to study removing such a ban to secure much-needed personnel.

“Rejecting applicants just because they have tattoos poses a problem in terms of enhancing the human resources base,” Mr Sato said.

Although small tattoos have gradually become popular among Japanese youth, many often associate those covering the entire body with Yakuza crime syndicates or other anti-social groups.

Head of the Ministry’s Personnel and Education Bureau, Kazuhito Machida said the Ministry needed to consider reviewing the rule, given the nation’s declining birth-rate, which fell below 800,000 last year.

With Japan facing an increasingly severe security environment amid issues such as China’s rapid military build-up and North Korea’s missile and nuclear threats, the Government has repeatedly emphasised securing enough SDF members.

The Ministry recruits mainly high school graduates as cadets, but the number of applicants has been declining, partly because of the falling birth-rate, but also because more young people are going on to higher education.

More Public Service News at  World PS News | PS News

Women sweep top spots in India's UPSC exam

Women have dominated India’s Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination, taking the top four positions in the 2022 intake.

Results also showed that 12 of the top 20 positions in the prestigious examination were secured by women.

Ishita Kishore (26), a resident of Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh, said she was “overjoyed” to finish in first place.

She said this was her third attempt at the examination, and the first time she had got beyond the preliminary round.

The daughter of a former Air Force Officer, Ms Kishore (pictured) credited her success to the unconditional support of her family.

“I worked as an adviser at a multinational firm for two years before deciding to try for the Civil Service,” Ms Kishore said.

“The corporate sector has many opportunities, but ultimately, I realised that my passion lies in public service. I am looking forward to working with my team and contributing to the greater development of the nation.”

Garima Lohia (24), from Bihar, was in second place.

“Initially, my interest was not directed towards the Civil Service, but during the pandemic I became was convinced that I want to join it and made up my mind to clear the UPSC exam,” Ms Lohia said.

Uma Harathi (28), from Telangana and Smriti Mishra (24), from Uttar Pradesh secured the third and fourth ranks, respectively.

Among the top 20 is Anoushka Sharma (25), who moved back to India from the United States to prepare for the examination.

“I put in 14-to-15 hours a day. I now desire to work for the Indian Administrative Service in order to contribute to India’s success story,” Ms Sharma said.

The UPSC conducts the annual Civil Service examination for appointments to the Indian Administrative Service, Indian Foreign Service, Indian Police Service and other Central Services.

A total of 933 candidates have been recommended for appointments.

Prime Minister, Narendra Modi congratulated the successful applicants and offered encouragement to those who couldn’t clear the examination.

“Congratulations to those youngsters who have cleared the Civil Services Exam. My best wishes for a fruitful and satisfying career ahead. This is a very exciting time to be serving the nation and bringing a positive difference in the lives of people," Mr Modi said.

“I understand the disappointment of those who couldn’t clear the exams. Not only will there be more attempts to avail, but also India offers several diverse opportunities to showcase your skills and strengths. Wishing you the very best.”

More Public Service News at World PS News | PS News