[UPSC Interview 2025] – Transcript #81: Bidyut Behari Swain Board, History Optional, Chess Hobby

Date of Interview: 05.01.2026 (Forenoon)
Board: Bidyut Behari Swain
Optional: History
Hobby: Chess
Optional/Interests: History, Anthropology, World cinema, Chess, Content development

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Chairman

1. What do you know about *Ramapithecus* and *Sivapithecus*?
2. Does India have any dinosaur fossils?
3. Are you aware of the Narmada human fossil?

Member 1

1. How has Indian cinema changed from the 1980s to 2026?
2. How would you compare North Indian cinema with South Indian cinema?

Member 2

1. Have you heard of the concept of “digital arrest”?
2. How should cybercrimes be tackled?
3. Do you think marriage as an institution is declining?
4. In what ways has AI changed the nature of content development?

Member 3

1. Have you come across the idea of the “revenge of geography”?
2. Is India experiencing a “revenge of geography”?
3. Given the never‑ending stalemates on land borders, should India shift greater focus to its maritime frontiers?
4. Beyond the EEZ, if a conflict occurs, do you think India’s so‑called allies will actually help?
5. In your view, should India prioritise land borders or maritime borders?

Member 4

1. What qualities does playing chess help you develop?
2. Case study: Mr X takes a week’s leave without informing the administration and is dismissed from service. Analyse the issues involved in this decision.

Member 2 (follow‑up)

1. Why does Tamil Nadu produce a relatively higher number of chess Grandmasters?