[UPSC Interview 2022] – Transcript #60 : Smita Nagraj ma’am Board, Uttarakhand Home State, Movies, jogging Hobbies

Date of Interview: 06/02/2023
Board: Smita Nagraj ma’am
Home State: Uttarakhand
Background: MBA + BTech
Work experience: Microsoft
Hobbies: Public speaking, latest Bollywood movies, jogging

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Chairman

1. You are living a dream life. Microsoft – spectacular education background, high salary. What is it you’re seeking here. What is the purpose of life?
2. Why do you want to do civil services?
3. Let’s talk about Microsoft – do you think we need to regulate big tech firms?
4. How can big tech influence policy making?
5. What about allegations of big tech helping govt and vice versa – mutually beneficial relationship?
6. If you were in policy making what would you regulate and what would you not regulate for big tech?

Member 1

1. Who is a better manager – management grads or politicians?
2. If you’re the administrator and a politician wants you to do something that is stark opposite to your management learnings. How will you deal with it?
3. Why do you watch only latest Bollywood movies? Isn’t it that all classic and cult movies that people say belonged to the golden period which has passed by?
4. There was a movie released recently and it was in a controversy. What is your opinion on cancel culture?

Member 2

1.  Tech firms keep pushing their employees? Did you face stress at Microsoft?
2. Your opinion on Elon Musk firing at Twitter. Do you think what he did was right?
3. What’s your opinion on moonlighting or slacking?
4. If you were an IAS and your subordinate needed to be laid off as their job is not relevant anymore – what will be your approach?
5. Smita ma’am pitched in – if there’s a candidate outside who’s skilled and unemployed why not hire him instead?

Member 3

1. There are different types of engineering. Chemical/Mechanical/Electrical. I won’t ask you about them. I want to ask you what is social engineering.
2. Who propounded the concept of social engineering?
3. Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely. Explain.
4. Which law governs the cybersecurity in India?
5. Can you tell me the guidelines released under it in 2021?

Member 4

1. Continuing with the power discussion. Why do we give people power? What is the use of that power?
2. Status of right to Privacy. How is it being enforced?
3. What is beneficial for India a strong or weak Pakistan or Nepal or Myanmar?