Interview Answers- Articulation Series

Article 370
Q: What is your opinion on the revocation of Special status of J&K?
A: I think it is a well intentioned decision with the aim to ensure all round development of J&K, however at the same time it is important to take the people of J&K along by winning their trust,addressing their concerns with respect to land rights and jobs, and ensure on ground implementation of development programmes.


Q: you said winning the people's trust is important, how can we do that?
A: We should follow the principle laid down by former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee of Insaaniyat, jamhooriyat and Kashmiriyat. Firstly their concerns regarding land and jobs must be addressed by measures such as having domicile requirement for jobs and land rights. Secondly ensuring on ground implementation of development projects such as Tourism sector that will help in employment generation. Thirdly, the ultimate goal should be restoration of statehood to J&K and  gradual withdrawal of AFSPA


Q: Don't you think that the revocation of Special status has resulted in Internationalisation of the Kashmir issue?
A: I don't think it has led to internationalisation of the issue.  India has always maintained that it is India's internal matter and Pakistan has always tried to internationalise. However , after the revocation, almost all countries have given statements to the effect that it is India's internal matter. Even at the UNSC ,except China, all others have maintained that it is India's internal matter.

Newspaper based Interview Questions (30/01/2020)

1. What amendments are proposed to the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act? What is your opinion on these proposed changes? Can you suggest any other changes that are required in the Act? 

2. What is the New Plan for Middle East proposed by Mr Trump? Do you think it is a workable alternative as compared to earlier plans? What are the causes for the Israel-Palestine conflict? What according to you,is the solution to it? Can India play any role? 

3. Do you think India can achieve the Goal of 5 trillion dollar economy by 2025? What steps should be taken to achieve that goal?

4. What actions can Election Commission take for violation of Model Code of Conduct? If you are appointed as Election Commissioner, what steps will you take to ensure that the Model Code of Conduct is followed? 

5. What do you understand by Sedition? Do you think the provision has been misused? Should it be repealed? What actions according to you are "Anti National"?

6. The govt has filed a petition in SC asking for enhanced compensation for Bhopal Gas Tragedy victims. What was the reason for the tragedy? Why adequate compensation was not paid at that time? What more needs to be done apart from compensation? Don't u think that apart from compensation, it is also important to bring those responsible to book? What steps has the govt taken to ensure such disasters don't happen again?

Newspaper based Interview Questions (29/01/2020)

1. Supreme court has recently said something about its powers to review rejection of mercy petition by the President. On what grounds can Supreme Court overturn the President's decision? Don't you think we should do away with mercy petitions as these can be used as a delaying tactic? 

2. What is NPR? How is it different from an NRC? We already have a Census, then what is the need for a separate NPR? How NPR data can be useful in Governance? Can States refuse to implement NPR process? 

3. What is your opinion on the proposed NRC? Don't you think illegal immigrants need to be identified? What steps would you suggest to deal with the issue of illegal immigration?

4. Army Chief has said that Army will be withdrawn from internal security duties in the North East. What is the actual mandate of the Army? Then why is it used for internal security? Do you think Army should be used in Anti Naxal operations? 

5. Recently a stand up comedian has been banned by all the Airlines for heckling a passenger. Do you think it is a right decision? If not, then what should have been done?

Interview Answers- Articulation Series

Friends, from today, along with daily Newspaper based Interview Questions, we would also be trying to Frame Answers, especially for controversial and sensitive questions, One Issue a day.

Q: What is your opinion on the ongoing Protests against CAA and NRC?
A: We are a Democratic country and I believe it is a Fundamental right of every Citizen to protest in a Constitutional manner which is non violent and Democratic


Q: But there has been Violence during the protests..
A: I do not support the Violent incidents that have taken place. Any form of violence must be condemned and and the perpetrators must be strictly dealt with


Q: Don't you think Fundamental duties are as important as Fundamental rights?
A: Certainly Both Rights and Duties are important and complimentary to each other. Even Gandhiji had said that Rights flow from Duties sincerely performed


Q: So do you mean to say that Following of Fundamental duties is s precondition for demanding Rights?
A: I believe it is not a linear relationship between rights and duties but a circular one. That both reinforce each other and are a precondition for each other.


Q: As an SP, how will you ensure that protests in your area don't turn violent?
A: Firstly I will ensure that public protests are carried out only after getting the due permission. Secondly while giving permission I will speak with the protest organisers and ask them to ensure peaceful protests along with ensuring that traffic is not blocked. Thirdly Police personnel will be stationed throughout the protest route to ensure peace and traffic flow. I will also take measures like periodic announcements from speakers for maintaining peace and monitoring of social media to prevent spread of rumours. I will also coordinate with other authorities such as District administration, municipal authorities for ensuring law and order.


Q: What is your opinion on the Citizenship amendment Act?
A: I think the Act has a good intention of easing the process of Citizenship for persecuted minorities. However I believe that the govt should consider including all persecuted minorities from all countries within the Act

Newspaper based Interview Questions (28/01/2020)

1. Abhijeet Banerjee has talked about the need to bring back Wealth Tax, Do you agree with his view? Why was it abolished in the first place? How can we balance between ease of doing business and redistribution of wealth? 

2. What do you understand by Stagflation? Do you think India is facing Stagflation? What are the reasons for it? Would you recommend focusing only on Growth irrespective of the Inflation in the current economic situation? How can we ensure balance between the two?

3. What is Facial recognition technology? Where is it being used in India? EU is planning to ban it, do you think we should also ban? How can it be used to improve governance?

Newspaper based Interview Questions (27/01/2020)

1. EU Parliament is set to take up resolutions against CAA and Kashmir. Do you think it will impact India- EU ties? How should India respond to this situation? 

2. Govt has invited preliminary bids for selling it's entire stake in Air India. Do you agree with the move to privatise Air India? The govt has tried many times to sell but had failed, Why? Do you think it will create more challenges than benefits? For example, Air India is the official carrier for all Govt servants including the Prime Minister, it is also the official carrier in case of evacuation of Indians from crisis hit regions. Who will perform these roles now? Should all loss making public sector units be privatised? 

3. Govt has recently signed a peace Accord with Armed Bodo groups including NDFB in Assam. What does the agreement contain? Can this be a template for resolving other armed conflicts in the North East? If you are appointed as a govt interlocutor, what steps will you take to get the armed groups in the North East to agree to give up arms? Can we have a similar peace agreement with the Naxal groups?

Newspaper based Interview Questions (26/01/2020)

1. Brazil President was the Chief Guest for this year's Republic Day parade, What agreements were signed between India and Brazil during this visit? Why is Brazil important for India?Don't you think India's foreign policy has been too "Brazil centric" ,neglecting other Latin American countries?

2. Recently the govt has given the Padma awards. Who according to you deserves one of the Padma Awards and has not got it yet? Do you think awards and recognition is important for a Civil servant as well? 

3. There is talk regarding Preparation for Tokyo Olympics, How realistic do you think are India's chances at the Olympics? As a DM, how will you promote Sports in your district? Should India bid for hosting the Olympics? If India were to bid for it,  how would you, as a Sports Secretary convince other countries regarding India's bid?

4. Everyday there are articles and news over Economic slowdown in the country. Do you think that the Economy has slowed down? On what basis can you say that? What are the reasons for this slowdown? Is it cyclic or structural? As a Finance secretary, what steps would you suggest to get the economy back in track?

Newspaper based Interview Questions (25/01/2020)

1. Why has Chhattisgarh gone to Supreme Court against NIA act? What were the amendments made recently to the Act? Don't you think the trend of states challenging laws passed by Parliament will affect the Federal structure?

2. What are the reasons for the Australian bushfires? How is it related to the wider phenomena of Climate change? What steps would you suggest to reduce the threat from Forest fires in India? 

3. The Brexit Bill has received Royal Assent, What is it about? How will it impact India-UK ties? As a Diplomat what steps do you suggest so that Brexit becomes an opportunity rather than a challenge?

4. What is the Elgaar Parishad case? What happened at Bhima Koregaon? What is its historical significance? Every year anniversary celebrations take place at the place with lakhs of people in attendance, if you are the SP in charge of the Bandobast at the anniversary celebrations, what steps would you take to ensure law and order?

Newspaper based Interview Questions (24/01/2020)

1. Do you think linking Aadhar with Voter ID will help in weeding out Bogus and Duplicate voters? What other measures can you suggest for the same? Can Blockchain be used?

2. Pakistan is currently on the Grey List of FATF. What does it mean? What are the implications of being on the Grey List? How does it differ from the Black List? As a Diplomat, what steps would you suggest to ensure that Pakistan is included in the Black List as is the Indian Govt's demand?

3. The US President has made a statement that he is willing to mediate between India and Pakistan, What is your opinion, should India accept mediation by the US? You say it is a bilateral issue, but we haven't been able to resolve it bilaterally for so many years,then shouldn't we think of other options? Why have we not been successful? What solution would you suggest for resolving the Kashmir issue? 

4. What has the ICJ said on the Myanmar Rohingya issue? Is the direction by ICJ binding? How are ICJ decisions enforced?

5. Who is Vyomamitra? What functions will it perform? What is the difference between a humanoid robot and a traditional robot? In which other areas can we use them? Do you think they can be a threat to humans in future?

Newspaper based Interview Questions (23/01/2020)

Newspaper based Interview Questions

1. How will the US-Taliban negotiations impact India's Interests? Should India be more proactive in ensuring Peace in Afghanistan? What steps should the govt take? 

2. Recently there was news that Amazon founder Jeff Bezos' phone was hacked by Saudi Arabia. How was the phone hacked? What is the Pegasus Spyware? Do you think the govt should make use of such technology for security purposes? How can such use be regulated? What steps have you taken to secure your phone from security threats? 

3. Do you think there has been a delay in the execution of the Nirbhaya case convicts? Should judicial and legal procedures be convict centric or victim centric? Should so many opportunities for appeal be given to Convicts, especially in cases of heinous crimes?  How can balance be ensured between Justice and Fair trial?