(Day 3) UPSC Interview Questions With Answers


Chairman

1. Last book you have read? (MG bio / any nonfiction)

Sir/Ma’am, the last book I read was [book name]. My key takeaway was the importance of [discipline / resilience / values / leadership / self-reflection — customise as per book], which I try to apply in my own life.


2. Is Gandhi relevant today?

Yes. Gandhi is still relevant because he emphasised:

  • truth & ethics in public life
  • non-violence & dialogue
  • decentralised development
  • self-discipline & simplicity
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These remain useful for social harmony, governance ethics and conflict resolution.


3. Is Gandhi’s non-violence relevant today?

Yes. Non-violence:

  • prevents escalation
  • protects democratic values
  • builds moral legitimacy
  • allows peaceful protest

It is especially relevant in polarised societies and mass movements.


4. Gandhi vs Kissinger — who is better?

They represent two different worldviews:

  • Gandhi — moral, people-centric leadership
  • Kissinger — realpolitik & power-based diplomacy

Rather than calling one “better,” I feel both must be understood in their historical and strategic contexts.


5. What is ISRO’s speciality?

  • Cost-effective missions
  • High reliability
  • Strong indigenous capability
  • Space tech focussed on development & public services
  • Landmark missions like Chandrayaan-3 & Mangalyaan

6. Why are we lagging behind some space agencies?

Because:

  • later start compared to NASA/Russia
  • smaller budgets
  • earlier technology restrictions
  • focus on development goals rather than military or commercial dominance

Despite this, we are advancing rapidly.


7. Why are space agencies cautious about private entry?

Due to:

  • national security concerns
  • sensitive technology
  • safety and reliability
  • regulatory preparedness

India is now opening up via IN-SPACe & NewSpace policy.


Member 1

8. Should ISRO focus on scientific missions only?

No. ISRO should balance:

  • scientific missions
  • satellite services
  • navigation & communication
  • climate monitoring
  • commercial launches

All contribute to national development & strategic strength.


9. How does ISRO help industrial development?

  • Creates vendor ecosystem
  • Generates high-tech manufacturing
  • Spin-off technologies
  • Start-ups & skill development
  • Encourages private space sector

10. Key takeaways from Chandrayaan-3

  • Soft-landing capability near lunar south pole
  • Cost-efficient engineering
  • Incremental learning & risk management
  • Boosts confidence, STEM culture, global standing
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11. Why stubble burning in Haryana?

  • Short gap between paddy & wheat
  • High residue volume
  • Labour & machinery cost
  • Fragmented landholdings
  • Limited profitable alternatives

12. Solutions to control stubble burning

  • In-situ residue management (Happy Seeder, mulchers)
  • Bio-CNG / ethanol / biomass power
  • MSP-linked diversification
  • Incentives & community models
  • Strict but fair enforcement
  • Awareness & tech support

Member 2

13. What is Green Technology?

Technology that reduces environmental impact — e.g., renewables, EVs, waste-to-energy, green hydrogen, carbon capture.


14. What is Sustainable Fashion?

Fashion that:

  • uses eco-friendly materials
  • reduces waste & pollution
  • ensures ethical labour
  • encourages recycling & responsible consumption

15. What is Judicial Activism? Give examples.

Judicial activism = courts proactively protecting rights or filling policy gaps.

Examples:

  • Vishakha guidelines
  • Right to Privacy
  • Environmental PILs

16. What is Judicial Adventurism?

When courts cross constitutional limits and step into executive/legislative functions unnecessarily.


17. How should judiciary restrain itself?

  • Respect separation of powers
  • Intervene only where rights are violated
  • Follow constitutional boundaries
  • Use self-regulation & judicial precedents

18. Can judiciary order Parliament?

No. Parliament is sovereign in law-making.
Judiciary can strike down unconstitutional laws, but cannot compel Parliament to legislate (barring rare advisory recommendations).


Member 3

19. Significance of XPoSAT Mission

India’s first X-ray polarimetry satellite — helps study:

  • black holes
  • neutron stars
  • magnetic fields

It strengthens India’s role in astrophysics research.


20. Is unemployment a problem in India?

Yes — especially youth unemployment, under-employment and informal work.
Growth must become more employment-intensive.


21. Is PM Skill India successful? Are we doing enough?

It expanded skilling infrastructure, certifications and awareness.
Challenges remain in:

  • quality of training
  • industry linkages
  • placements
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We need apprenticeships, sector-specific skilling & soft-skill training.


Member 4

22. Indians who went to space

  • Rakesh Sharma (1984)
  • Kalpana Chawla
  • Sunita Williams
  • (Upcoming) Gaganyaan Indian astronauts

23. What did Rakesh Sharma tell Indira Gandhi?

He said: “Saare Jahan Se Accha.”


24. Assessment of Renewable Energy in India

Strengths:

  • Rapid growth in solar & wind
  • Strong policy push
  • Large installed capacity rising fast

Challenges:

  • storage & grid stability
  • financing
  • land & environmental clearances

25. How to expand renewable energy in India?

  • invest in storage & pumped hydro
  • grid modernisation
  • policy certainty
  • rooftop solar & decentralised systems
  • domestic manufacturing
  • green financing

26. When will India achieve Net-Zero?

India has committed to Net-Zero emissions by 2070.