 Come in. Yes. Yes. Please sit down. Thank you. How do you pronounce your first name? Uttara. Uttara. Sir. Uttara, there are gaps in your educational progression. Sir. 2006 you did your 12th and 2010 you did your beta. Sir. So, does it take four years now? Yes sir. The program did two four years. And then from 2010 to 2014 there is a gap. What did you do with that? So, 2011 I joined for my Masters in United States. So, after graduation in 2010 from my Bachelor of Technology, I gave my GRE to go abroad pursuing my Masters and I had to wait until here back from all the applications. So, 2011 August I went for my Masters in United States. Where? Which institution? It is Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. So, where do you wish to join Civil Service? Sir, I actually went abroad to pursue my Masters. That also gave me an opportunity to take a step away from home, be part of and see, look back home and see and be proud of what and who we are. So, and I also consider myself as a spokesperson of Indian culture and the small community I was in. And then I also worked as an electrical engineer and that work experience also told me that I am a person who derives yet job satisfaction from more. So, when I look back and analyzed and realized that I wanted to contribute and public services was one of the best options that I realized I could pursue. So, now with your experience, your qualification, you have been holding a job for two years per month. It seems rather unusual that you after so many years you will move into a government job. I think your electrical engineering field is a very vast field and offers tremendous potential. Don't you think so? Sir, I agree it is a very lucrative possibility that I had and the supply was substantially higher. But I realized at the end of the day job satisfaction does not necessarily mean getting paid high. And I realized I am a person who wanted to do more and know that my decisions and my job has an impact on the world around me. So, the desk job and the technical job, my passion was more than just that. That is I wanted to contribute to the world. If I wanted to use my talent, I wanted to use it for the nation. So, our relationship with China, there are a lot of difference between us. Now, one of the issues is of course, we take it to the CPEC. Now, what is our grouse on CPEC and what is the strategic significance for China? So, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a CPEC. India stands on it as that the proposed corridor passes through Indian territory and therefore it becomes a question on our side. For China? So, in the global world order, China is trying to make a position for itself and it wants to be the next superpower. And strategic importance for China, CPEC, for China in this regard is it gives it more inroads into the neighborhood and it also connects Chinese trade to takes it to the central Asian all the way up to Europe. So, the penetration of Chinese investment trade and also their hegemony is dependent on CPEC. Yeah, plus the main issue which I was trying to listen from you was that, you know, the Malacca states through which they have to take all their food, etc. That is the distance is reduced and the dependence on the Malacca states is no longer there. That is the also very important issue. Now, on this, on the CPEC when they try to go through our territory, if we claim to be only large and very weak protest. But when they tried to move into the Dokla area, we took a very strong stand. Why is that? Sir, we dependent on our relationship with our neighbor Bhutan and their security concern also came into fight. Bhutan security and at the same time overall because Dokla also gives proximity to China towards our Siliguri Corridor. That's right. So, that is the issue. It's where it was vital importance to us. We put a strong, we put a put down on that. We said no question and we sent in groups into that area. That the CPEC, we have raised objections to it and we sort of, China is also some blocking us in various places. On NSG they have been blocking us, you know, nuclear suppliers group. Why is that? Sir, I think their argument is that to get into nuclear suppliers group that we should be signatories to the NPT. And they always say that if you want to give it to India, then you must give it to Pakistan. That is your wish. Okay, fine. Now, you know, Donald Trump's, when the Israeli team's finalist was there, he announced a peace plan. Why is it that it was outright rejected by Palestine? Sir, the West Asia peace plan as proposed by Trump is at the end of the day, it actually reduces Palestine into a, in geography and strategically, it reduces Palestine into a weird state which has been reduced for the security purposes of Israel. And at the same time, it also allows them to de-electrify. So as a sovereign nation that they claim to be, it is completely unacceptable for Palestine. Yeah, and they gave everything to Israel. Yes, sir. Full control of Jerusalem, right? Yes, sir. West Bank. Yes, sir. And of course, no return of the refugees. Refugees. And of course, the issues on which the Palestinians are also very, very, very ill. Okay, fine. Have you heard of this National Investigative Agency, NIE? Sir. What is the role of that? Sir, I am aware that they do investigate and do sensitive cases and provide security information and intelligence information for our nation security. There was this controversy in Maharashtra called the Korygaon Bhima controversy. Sir. Are you aware of this? Sir, yes. So what is the dispute between the central government and the Maharashtra, you know? Sir, I am sorry, I am not aware of this. Okay, fine. Thank you. Thank you. Hello. Hi, sir. You are a student of political science and international relations. Sir. So let me begin by asking you, have you heard of Harold J. Lasky? Sir, yes, I have. He is a political thinker. Yes, sir. So what was his political philosophy? Sir, I cannot recall it. Political economic, if I may put it. Sir, unfortunately I cannot recollect Lasky's theory right now. He was a Marxist economist and believed in planned economy for states. Sir, I will read upon that. Okay. Now, if we come to international relations. Now, India has had very good relations with Bangladesh, Nepal and Iran. But all these relations have of late come under some kind of a strain. Can you explain the reasons behind starting with Bangladesh? For Bangladesh, one struggle that India has is to treat our neighborhood, especially in small countries like Bangladesh equally. So that unfortunately the perception of being a big brother is something that we need to work, especially with Bangladesh. Another problem is the T-star river water. So making sure that our state was Bangal and our priorities are also in Bangladesh. T-star water's issue has remained unresolved for quite some time. Sir. I am hinting at a recent development which has put some strain on Indo-Bangal relations. Sir, it could be the legal migration that happens between Bangladesh to India. No, it's the CAA which has caused some concerns. Okay, now come to Nepal. Sir, the growing closeness of Nepal, especially by India towards China, could be one reason for a strained relationship. More specifically, that's a gen-education. But more specifically, some territorial region was projected in one of our maps, which Nepal took exception to. So what is that area? Sir, I cannot remember that. Kalapani. Sir. And what about Iran? Sir, India had a civilizational relationship at the same time. We were able to navigate a relationship with Iran despite sanctions on Iran, get exemptions from major power like United States. But in 2018, we could not continue with that exemption and we had to stop importing oil from Iran due to US sanctions on Iran. And this could be perceived as a reason why a strained relationship between India and Iran. Okay, of course. Now, you must be aware of various insurgent movements in various parts of the country. In the northeast, two such movements have been, another one, the Bodo agitation. And that code has been signed so there are indications that this problem will be behind our maps. But apart from ULFA, there is one more major insurgent movement, which is still active in the northeast, which is that one. And what is the current status of government of India's negotiations with the insurgent groups? Sir, is it the Naga insurgency that has proven an interval? We're right. So what's the current status? So recently there was been an amnesty and the Naga surrender and there has been a proposal of an amnesty scheme under which they surrendered. No, I'm afraid of Naga. Sorry, sir. That's about the Bodo agreement. Okay, sir. They have, yeah, with the Naga, the major insurgent group there is the NSCMIA. So talks are being concluded with this group. The details are not made known. Okay, sir. So we don't know what is in store. You are an exponent of Bharat Natyam. Sir, yes. Okay. Now East of India, which are the classical dances which are popular? We have Manipuri. Yeah. We have, that is all I can remember right now. Have you heard of Odissi? Yes, sir. Okay. Yes. I'm sorry, sir. You're from Canada? Yes. Why has the Sabrimala come into so much of prominence? Sorry, ma'am. Recently there has been a case in the Supreme Court where a certain group did not want the entry of women into Sabrimala, but it was also perceived as a confusion regarding the temple entry of women and also at the same time gender equality. So at any time were women allowed to enter the temple? I believe that during the case there has been... No, not during the case. So in the 1990s. Ma'am. I believe yes. At that time women have been allowed to enter into the temple. So what was the problem? Why now there is a ban on entry of women, not only into temples but also in some of the mosques? Ma'am, at that time there has been a revival of the old culture where women will not be entered and there was a ban on entry of women after that period when they were allowed to enter. And recently there has been certain groups who are proponents of women's right who brought this issue forward and said that women should be allowed to enter the temple. Gender should not be a ground for religious discrimination. Yes. Okay. Now you studied in some institutes as you said abroad. We in India have some really good institutions, education and higher education institutions. But they don't rank anywhere in the best as we compared to the best in the world. Why is that so? Ma'am, I believe some structural reforms that are required to actually get into the temple. What are these structural reforms? We should also, when you look at the top 100 universities, they have a very strong research focus. Yes. What is research? Anything else? I think the curriculum that is more focused towards the cutting-edge technology could be another piece. Anything else? Faculty, infrastructure, libraries. I believe infrastructure is one major area that we need to look at. And also one of the reasons is that they're also ranked on the diversity. We don't have that in our country. Ma'am, thank you. All right. Now you've heard of the MTP? Yes, ma'am. Medical termination of pregnancy? Yes, ma'am. The amendments? Yes, ma'am. What can you tell me about it? So recently the limit of medical allowed MTP has been increased to 24 weeks. How does it help? It helps that the earlier that allowed time was probably not enough for any anomalies or any reasons for a medical termination of pregnancy to be prominent. So this gives more time for medical diagnosis and find out that if this is actually a genuine case for MTP. Anything else? Sorry. And married women have also been allowed now. Okay. If I were to ask you, what could you do to increase safety of women in India? What steps could you take? Ma'am, gender sensitization is the first thing that comes to mind. How did you do that? When it comes to employment, I believe making it mandatory that you undergo gender sensitization course for employment could be one step. At the same time, go into the schools, make sure that you have gender sensitization. What do you mean by gender sensitization? Actually, knowing that you must treat both gender equally. And at the same time, there could be some perceived things which you might have taken for granted. You do not know that it's the same. Do you think you should first teach the young boys? Yes, ma'am. That is what I was trying to get to by saying to go into the schools and keep gender sensitization. Anything else we could do? Think of some practical things that could be suggested. Keep better surveillance and patrolling at night and also having women-centered hostels and overnight stays. That could be another option. At the same time, we have to empower our women. Let them know that we can also move into creating martial arts or any kind of self-defense for the women and also more visibility to women who are actually fighting against. And speaking justice. Which is one of the most important. Yes. All right. Now, we have lots of acts like the PCP and DTI. Yet, the sex ratio is not improving in the country. One step. One thing could be the son preference. Unfortunately, Indian culture has a preference for a male child. And we are also moving towards smaller and nuclear families. If you have one kid, there is more possibility to stop at that one kid. And that thereby we do not have more female children. All right. Thank you. Thank you. What do you think are the main foreign policy challenges that we face today? As in the changing world order, finding a place for us. By taking everyone that we actually want, who actually believe in us together. So finding that niche place for India at this time could be a big challenge. And the specifics, you have to get some specifics. In my opinion, we sometimes we are shadowed by the economic cloud of China. And also we are also brought and pushed into the quagmire of domestic politics. So if we focus on what we bring to the table with us, which is equitable and sustainable development, there's already showed that we can be a leader for global south. We have always been the voice of the developing nations. So rather than focusing on just the economic or investment part, we can bring that to the table. That is basically our civilizational value that was given to them, bring everyone together. So I think that is what we can do. And of course it's going to be sponsored terrorism in one of the major issues that we do. Yes. Now we always hear that China supports Pakistan in various programs, various issues. What do you think are the historical reasons for this for China supporting Pakistan? Historical reasons and current interests. So historically China has always kept Pakistan as a way to deter or distract India. We also have border issues with them. So at the same time they have always kept supporting Pakistan as an irritant. So India does not pose a threat to China's rise in the global world order. And that is, that they say that is right now, I believe it is a continuation of that policy where India's aspirations in the South Asia and in the Indian neighborhood and those aspirations sometimes come and crosshairs with China's aspirations. So if we are preoccupied with our border issues with Pakistan, China wants that to be a strategic advantage. Did Pakistan play a role in improving China's relations with some other countries? In the past? I cannot remember. In the 70s Pakistan played a role in bringing the US and China together. Okay, sir. And what is the current usefulness of Pakistan for China? Sir, I think keeping India... Well, of course you have mentioned that to contain India. Also Pakistan comes as a very strategic player in Afghanistan peace process for China. And considering that if there is instability in Afghanistan, it could affect Chinese borders and they also have their own domestic terrorism. So I think keeping Afghanistan stable is important. Because China believes Pakistan has strong linkages with various groups in Afghanistan. That can be very useful. Now Pakistan, of course, has not been taking y'all nor enough critical action against terrorism. What do you think could be the motivation of Pakistan not taking any action against terrorism and terrorism? Sure. One major thing is India has already officially accepted Pakistan terrorism, state-sponsored terrorism. So the fact that they stay relevant and on the global table. For example, one reason why Pakistan is so prominent in Afghanistan peace process is due to the tie they have in the Taliban. So it is very important for Pakistan to stay relevant. And because of that they have vested interest in exporting terrorism. Good point because it improves their bargaining position also. Yes. Uttara and your name figures in an important topic. Sir. And can you tell us some characteristics of the character of Uttara environment? Sir, Uttara is from Mahabharata. She is a wife of Abhimanyu who broke the Chakrabiugha in the war. Sir. One characteristic is Uttara was, Uttara afford to go with Abhimanyu while when she knew he was going into war. But Krishna prevented her from going because she was with child at that time. So that dedication that she had is one of the characteristics I can remember right now. Thank you. Thank you sir. What is the importance, the strategic importance of Afghanistan to Pakistan? I believe Pakistan sees a... Be brief. Be brief. Pakistan has a strategic importance for their strategic depth. They believe that for strategic depth. What does that mean? If India opens war at Pakistan's eastern border. Good. You got it. That is a crux. Thank you sir. There are two instruments of foreign policies, hard power and soft power. What do you think is more important? Sir, it should be a balance of hard power and soft power. But in the end, in the final analysis, what matters? We can create hegemony only by balancing both hard power and soft power. I am not talking about hegemony. You can defend yourself only with hard power. In the end, that is what matters. Okay sir. All right. Do you see any recent incidents, instances of India using its hard power? Recently, the Balakor attacks and the retouch. Anything else? What is the hard power? Does it mean only weapons and military or something more? No sir. It actually means putting your foot down and not using any pleasantries or any choirs. And it is actually making... It is not just using the force. Force is one. The possibility of using force could also be... You mean threat? Yes. Anything else? Sir, I cannot remember anything else. All right. Coarse eviction is also hard power. When you coerce someone, because you know that this power is more powerful, it can cause harm to us. That is also hard power. Now, you see any India trying to use hard power anywhere? Apart from non-valent way in a non-valent way? I cannot remember right now, sir. What is happening with Malaysia? Sir, yes. Malaysia did not... Malaysia made some refractory statements regarding our C.A.M. So, India is denying it... We use our... Export from a farmer or... Train could also... This is how India is hitting back. Now, there are two major ambitious announcements of the present government, central government. As far as the rural sector is concerned... Or as far as India is concerned, one is... That they will double farmers' income by 2022. Now, what does the budget contain which, if at all, would give an indication that yes, they are serious about achieving this target? There has been an increase in the budgetary allocation of the 2.83 crore... 2.83 lakh crore towards agriculture. Oh, towards? Sorry, sir. Towards what? Towards agriculture. What is the increase as compared to last year? I cannot remember that figure. Hardly any increase. Okay, sir. Another thing... What they did was, they had a budget. Then they had a revised estimate in which they brought down. Okay, sir. So, now they are giving a false impression. We have given you so much. Okay, sir. But if you compare it with the actual allocation. So, that's not a very valid argument. Okay, sir. Anything else? One thing that comes to my mind is the proposal to have fruit trains, a dedicated railway lines to connect the market to the poles. Follow declarations. Sir. How there is a money to establish a line? When will that line will come? It's like the bullet train is going on and on. Sir. You talk of a budget allocation which says, yes, this will start giving support to the... No, there's none. Okay, sir. Mandir has been cut down by 9,000, you know. Yes. Only PM Kisan has a very small percentage of increase. Then the second is 5 trillion economy. What are the... In the budget, where does it indicate that we are poised or we are going to be on the path to 5 trillion? The budget is seen as a pro-investment. The objective, no? Definitely, sir. Due to the exemption for the industries from the dividend distribution tax, they expect that there would be more investment and it would actually boost the economy. They say... Sir. This budget is an international control exercise. Sir. It is not poised for growth. Sir. It requires... Definitely. Yes, sir. I'll definitely do better. They are worried that the economy might sink and inflation is rising, so they are desperately trying to stem the rot. Okay, sir. I'll do better. Yes, sir. Now, you have done something in electrical engineering, etc. What is the installed power generation capacity of India? Sorry, sir. I cannot remember. What are India's renewable energy targets to be achieved by 2022? We expect to generate 175 gigawatts from renewable sources. Out of which solar would be? 100 gigawatts. 100. Sir. Now, total renewable, what have we achieved till now in the last 5 years, since this programme was announced? In 2015, this programme was announced. So, 5 years are gone. Now, they are left with only 2.5 years. How much have they achieved out of this 175? Sir, I do not remember the exact figure, but I am aware that we have a long way to go to achieving this target. Obviously, obviously. The exact number I cannot recognize. You guessed that I am going to ask you a question from there. Only 80 gigawatts out of 175. Only 80. Sir. We are not even covered half of it. All right. Has the other scheme succeeded? We still have to wait a little bit more to actually say it has succeeded or not. But it has actually... It has failed. The losses are mounting. Disparately they are mounting. Sir. Details you will read yourself. Definitely, sir. Have you read the budget? Not indeed. In depth, sir, as you might have already understood. I am going to ask you a question, which I don't think you will be able to answer, but I still will. In the budget, there is something about foreign policy initiatives, allocation. Have you been able to detect those? As far as I can recall, we have reduced our funding to many countries except Nepal, I believe. We have reduced. In Africa. One more. Yes. Just one name. You got it. Yes. But Nepal and Africa, both of you. Yes. Yes. Good. Very good. Last question. Supreme Court recently has given some landmark judgments. Can you recall anything which affects you, me, everyone? Every educated person? Sir. I am still thinking about the Shabri Malat judgment. So, you know what doesn't affect me? I am sitting in Delhi or UP. How does it affect me? I cannot recall at this moment. It is a rule of judgment on the internet. Access to the internet is a fundamental right? Yes. We close the interview. Yes. Now, I will give you a little feedback. Definitely. Very large. You have handled the interview nicely. Yes. You have been able to handle the interview nicely. Good expression. You can express yourself nicely. Probably it is the effect of your living in America. Where they emphasize conversational styles. We have tried to frame our questions largely keeping your boundary timeline. And you will see that, therefore, we have asked you questions on foreign, because that is also an international relationship. Yes. Then we have asked you questions on constitution, issues like shortage of time. I have not asked you more questions on constitution, but what is important? Third is Kerala is your area where you should prepare yourself nicely. Kerala has some very, very strong points like HDI index, etc. Fourth is electrical, engineering and all. Power sector is ailing. If anyone tells you that your system is not healthy, I will leave it to you to read on it. And then economy, India's economy, budget, these are some other areas. And your hobbies. And finally, current affairs. We have asked you about women issues, foreign policy challenges, India, Pakistan, Pakistan-China pollution, why Pakistan supports terrorism, etc. That is a very relevant issue for me. You should read on it. Or entrant solutions, would be information technology or engineering? Engineering, sir. You can read on it. You can ask, what work did you do there? Definitely. That is all I would like to say. Otherwise you are doing very well, just strengthen your knowledge. The area which my esteemed friend told you in Nepal is Kalapani. Is it right? Yes. Read about this dispute in Nepal. Nepal is making a lot of trouble in Kalapani. I agree. Thank you. Thank you.