1️⃣ What Is Your Favorite Quote, and How Do You Apply It in Your Life?
Quote: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” — Mahatma Gandhi
For me, this quote is a reminder that transformation begins at the individual level. Instead of waiting for systems or people around me to change, I try to align my own actions with the values I believe in — honesty, empathy, and responsibility.
In practical terms:
I try to maintain integrity even in small matters.
When I see issues like inefficiency or apathy, I ask myself what I can do better rather than only criticising.
I also apply it to self-improvement — whether it is learning new skills, improving discipline, or developing patience.
This mindset keeps me grounded and proactive. It prevents cynicism and reinforces the belief that individual effort, when multiplied across society, becomes systemic change.
2️⃣ Why Do You Want to Join the Civil Services? What Is the Significance of Public Service for You?
My motivation to join the Civil Services comes from a desire to work at the intersection of policy, administration, and public impact. India is a country with immense potential, but it also faces structural challenges — from social inequities to service delivery gaps. As a civil servant, I see the opportunity to directly influence these areas.
Public service, to me, means:
Being a bridge between the State and citizens
Ensuring policies translate into outcomes on the ground
Giving voice to the marginalised who may not have access or awareness
Unlike many professions where impact is limited to an organisation or sector, the civil services allow continuous engagement with development, governance, and social justice. The ability to solve real-world problems — whether improving school attendance, strengthening health systems, or supporting disaster-affected communities — gives deeper meaning to my work.
At a personal level, it aligns with my values of purpose-driven work, responsibility, and contribution to nation-building.
3️⃣ What Is Your View on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), Especially in the Context of Live-in Relationships?
The Uniform Civil Code aims to bring uniformity in personal laws across religions relating to marriage, divorce, inheritance, etc. Conceptually, it stems from Article 44, which encourages the State to secure a common civil code.
Gender justice — many personal laws still disadvantage women.
Equality before law
Citizenship-based identity over religious identity
So, the principle of UCC aligns with constitutional values.
✔ Social Sensitivity
However, India is culturally diverse, and personal laws are deeply rooted in identity. So implementation should be:
Gradual
Consultative
Respectful of community sentiments
Consensus-building is critical to prevent feelings of imposition.
✔ UCC & Live-in Relationships
Live-in relationships are already recognised to some extent in Indian law (e.g., under Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act).
If UCC addresses them, key concerns should be:
Protection of women from abandonment
Clarity in property, maintenance, and child rights
Avoiding moral policing or state intrusion into private life
So my view is: UCC should prioritise equality and protection of vulnerable individuals, implemented in a phased and sensitive manner, ensuring trust rather than coercion.
4️⃣ Is India Doing Enough in R&D (Especially Drug and Vaccine Development) Compared to Western Countries?
India has made significant progress, but there is still a gap.
✔ Strengths
India is a global pharma manufacturing hub (“pharmacy of the world”)
COVID-19 vaccines like Covishield & Covaxin were major achievements
Strong institutions like ICMR, CSIR, DBT, IITs, AIIMS
Growing start-up ecosystem in biotech
✔ Gaps
India spends ~0.6–0.7% of GDP on R&D, compared to 2–4% in Western countries
Private sector investment in fundamental research is limited
Brain drain & faculty shortages
Regulatory and funding bottlenecks
Limited industry–academia collaboration
✔ Way Forward
Increase R&D spending to at least 2% of GDP
Strengthen collaboration between universities, labs, and industry
Encourage innovation-based pharma rather than only generics
Build talent pipelines & research capacity
Speed up ethical & regulatory approvals without compromising safety
So, while we are progressing, especially visible during COVID, we still lag behind the West in scale, funding, and innovation culture.
5️⃣ Why Did the Supreme Court Say the Electoral Roll Cannot Be Challenged in Court?
The Supreme Court ruled that electoral rolls cannot be challenged in court once the election notification is issued, mainly because:
✔ To Protect Electoral Continuity & Stability
Allowing court challenges during elections could:
Disrupt the electoral process
Delay polls indefinitely
Create administrative chaos
✔ Availability of Alternative Mechanisms
There are already designated mechanisms under the Representation of People Act to:
Object
Verify
Correct entries in electoral rolls
These must be used before elections are notified.
✔ Judicial Discipline
Courts avoid interfering in ongoing electoral processes, except in rare constitutional violations. This is consistent with the principle that elections should be free, fair, and time-bound.
So the idea is not that electoral rolls are unquestionable — but that the timing and forum of challenge matters, to avoid derailing democratic functioning.
