[UPSC Interview 2025] – Transcript #137: Anuradha Prasad Board, PSIR Optional, Punjab Home State

Date of Interview: 20 Jan, 2026 (Forenoon)
Board: Anuradha Prasad Mam
Optional: PSIR
Home State: Punjab
Hobbies: Kickboxing, Cooking
DAF Keywords: Punjab, Badminton, Kickboxing, Cooking, NGO elderly, PSIR, Mechanica Engg., Energy Saving Project

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Chairman

1. So you are a sportsperson and play badminton, are you aware about recent issue in the India Open ? What was the issue ?
2. Although you don’t  play cricket, how are we able to manage an international cricket tournament but face issues in conducting a badminton tournament ? (Some discussion on it and then discussion  on Delhi  Air Quality? ) . Then, i mentioned india bidding for 2036 olympics and how these incidents impact the credibility of India as a hosting nation ?
   Mam nodded and smiled and passed on to the next member.

Member 1

Jovial and Smiling
1. Tell me that i have been observing since this morning that everyone enters the room with their coat buttons closed and opens it before sitting ? Any specific reason for that (Witty reply and everyone burst into laughter)
2. Mechanical device for storing energy ( Mentioned battery first, then sir clarified that mechanical device something used in IC engines, then i corrected and said flywheel) ?
3. You worked in  XYZ company and you mentioned about energy savings project (Some discussion around that) ? Asked about energy savings schemes of govt ?
4. Which bird feathers are used in badminton shuttle ? No. Of feathers in shuttle ? Any issue of animal rights there because of feathers ?
5. Why still feather shuttle more preferred in international tournaments ?
6.Then asked about cooking ? Why does food take less time in pressure cookers ?

Member 2

Also very helpful and attentive
1. Started with some questions on Punjab being border state and its challenges
2. Some monologue on martial races and contribution in army and sikh army generals?Then randomly asked about Gen Zorawar Singh  (No idea)
3. Difference between National Security and National Defence ?
4. Have you read about Pakistan and Saudi Defence Pact and similarly there is development of axis consisting of Turkey, saudi and pak ? Do you think it can be termed as Islamic NATO ? Is it a significant challenge for India ?
5. India’s Foreign Policy options in West Asia considering such developments ? (Sir, gave hint about India- UAE relationship)
6. Strengths for each of Pak, Saudi and Turkey ?
7. Pakistan internal problems wrt to various provinces ? Mentioned Baluchistan, Pok protests. Then sir asked about reasons for the protest in Pok?
8. Heard about Sindhustan ? Factors for separate Sindh state ?

Member 3

Skeptical and poker faced
1. Difference between kickboxing and boxing ?
2. Status of Kickboxing internationally ? How is India doing ?
3. Any famous Indian origin kickboxer in news last year ?
4. Difference between listed and unlisted companies ? Pros and cons of being a listed company ?
5. Geriatric problems faced by elderly in India ? Health problems faced by old age people ?

Member 4

Lady member , also happy soul
1. Difference between Militancy and Terrorism
2. Your district being an agricultural district. Asked about how MSP is computed ? Who does it and approval process ?
3. What are schedules and lists in Indian constitution ? Most imp schedule according to you ?
4. Subjects transferred from state list to concurrent list ? One subject which has resulted a tussle between centre and states ?  (Said Labour but mam said no).
5. Some other factual ques on constitution, not able to recall.
Anuradha mam said thank you and wished all the best. Overall, a great experience and very different from mocks. All members were cordial and patiently listening.

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