Meet Unique 2024s UPSC Toppers: A Puncture Repairmans Son, New Mother And A Cooks Daughter Who Preferred Self-Study
These aren't just stories of intellectual triumph — they're testaments to how dreams are often built on the unwavering love of a parent, the resilience of a family, and the fire within individuals who refuse to give up. Whether it's a woman striving forward while her father stands guard, or a young man defying blindness, these journeys go far beyond academic excellence.
Here are seven moving narratives from the UPSC 2024 results, shared by The Better India, that highlight the grit, heart, and hope behind the ranks.
1. Shakti Dubey, AIR 1: Daughter of a police officer, driven by purpose
In Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Shakti Dubey made her family proud by securing the top rank in UPSC 2024. Her father, Devendra Kumar Dubey, a committed police officer, credits her success to her own dedication and divine grace. With a supportive mother and her own determination, Shakti turned a life of quiet discipline into a moment of national pride.
2. Iqbal Ahmed, AIR 998: From bicycle repairs to bureaucracy
In the village of Nandaur, UP, Iqbal Ahmed's achievement is a story of grit against odds. His father, once a bicycle puncture shop owner, had to shut it down due to illness. Despite financial struggles, Iqbal pursued education through government institutions and joined UPPSC as a Labour Enforcement Officer before cracking UPSC in his next try.
3. Malavika G. Nair, AIR 45: A new mother who kept going
Malavika G. Nair from Kerala showed remarkable resilience, writing her UPSC mains exam just 17 days after childbirth. An IRS officer since 2020, she was determined to become an IAS officer. With her husband in IPS training, and support from her family caring for her newborn, Malavika made her final attempt a memorable one.
4. Harshita Goyal, AIR 2: Powered by loss, led by her father
After losing her mother to cancer, Harshita's father moved their family from Rajasthan to Gujarat, seeking a better future. A Chartered Accountant and MSU Baroda graduate, Harshita passed UPSC in her third attempt, inspired by her father's faith in her potential to contribute to society.
5. Manu Garg, AIR 91: A visually impaired achiever guided by a mother's vision
Losing his eyesight in Class 9 didn't stop Manu Garg from Jaipur. Abandoned by his father and left isolated, he found strength in his mother's unwavering support. With her help and assistive technology — not Braille — Manu graduated from Hindu College, completed postgrad studies at JNU, and cracked UPSC on his second try.
6. Preethi AC, AIR 263: A self-taught achiever, daughter of a cook
When 26-year-old Preethi AC informed her father — a part-time cook who never attended school — about her success, it was a moment of pure joy. Studying solely in government institutions and without coaching, she honored her father's dream, earning a degree in Agriculture and cracking UPSC with Anthropology as her optional.
7. Beerappa Doni, AIR 551: From shepherding sheep to public service
Hailing from Nanavadi village in Karnataka, Beerappa Doni learned of his success while herding sheep. A BTech graduate and part of the Kuruba community, he had previously worked with India Post and longed to serve the nation like his brother in the Army. With AIR 551, that dream is closer than ever.
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Indian Express
a day ago
- Indian Express
Mains answer practice — GS 3 : Questions on flue‑gas desulphurization and maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (Week 112)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative for the practice of Mains answer writing. It covers essential topics of static and dynamic parts of the UPSC Civil Services syllabus covered under various GS papers. This answer-writing practice is designed to help you as a value addition to your UPSC CSE Mains. Attempt today's answer writing on questions related to topics of GS-3 to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for July 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Highlight the health and environmental consequences of delaying or exempting anti‑pollution equipment in ageing coal power plants. How do these consequences compare with the economic burden of installing flue‑gas desulphurization (FGDs)? Discuss the significance of commissioning INS Nistar and the impending INS Nipun for India's deep-sea operational preparedness and maritime security posture in the Indian Ocean Region. Introduction — The introduction of the answer is essential and should be restricted to 3-5 lines. Remember, a one-liner is not a standard introduction. — It may consist of basic information by giving some definitions from the trusted source and authentic facts. Body — It is the central part of the answer and one should understand the demand of the question to provide rich content. — The answer must be preferably written as a mix of points and short paragraphs rather than using long paragraphs or just points. — Using facts from authentic government sources makes your answer more comprehensive. Analysis is important based on the demand of the question, but do not over analyse. — Underlining keywords gives you an edge over other candidates and enhances presentation of the answer. — Using flowcharts/tree-diagram in the answers saves much time and boosts your score. However, it should be used logically and only where it is required. Way forward/ conclusion — The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach. However, if you feel that an important problem must be highlighted, you may add it in your conclusion. Try not to repeat any point from body or introduction. — You may use the findings of reports or surveys conducted at national and international levels, quotes etc. in your answers. Self Evaluation — It is the most important part of our Mains answer writing practice. UPSC Essentials will provide some guiding points or ideas as a thought process that will help you to evaluate your answers. QUESTION 1: Highlight the health and environmental consequences of delaying or exempting anti‑pollution equipment in ageing coal power plants. How do these consequences compare with the economic burden of installing flue‑gas desulphurization (FGDs)? Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — The Environment Ministry has exempted the majority of India's coal-fired thermal plants from installing equipment to remove sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions, which are a major contributor to air pollution. Those remaining plants in Delhi-NCR must meet a December 2027 deadline, while the others will be requested to fit the devices on an individual basis. Originally, these plants were required to install FGD devices by 2017. However, over the years, they have received various extensions to comply. — Flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) devices remove SO2 from flue gas, a thermal plant byproduct. Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: — When SO2 is discharged into the atmosphere, it normally reacts with ammonia (NH3) to form ammonium sulphate, which is responsible for about one-third of India's fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution, according to recent research by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air. PM2.5 is harmful to human health since it can cause chronic illnesses such as asthma, heart attacks, bronchitis, and other respiratory issues. — Direct exposure to high levels of SO2 can cause irritation in the eyes, throat, and lungs. Long-term exposure can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and early mortality. — SO2 also has an impact on the environment by causing acid rain, which can harm ecosystems. — The power sector, particularly coal-fired thermal plants, is one of India's largest producers of SO2 emissions. According to CREA research, SO2 levels were greater in 2023 than in 2019, with a significant increase in places dominated by coal-based thermal plants. According to the study, this showed 'the influence of power plant emissions on air quality'. — In 2015, the Environment Ministry issued the first emission standards for reducing SO2 and other hazardous chemicals from coal-fired thermal facilities. They were needed to install FGD devices by December of 2017. — However, this did not occur, as the deadline was extended four times at the request of thermal plants. They said that installing FGD devices was expensive and may result in a number of concerns, including power outages due to installation shutdowns and an increase in electricity rates. Conclusion: — The studies have argued against installing FGD devices, claiming that SO2 levels near the plants are well within the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. They have also advised that the government should focus on reducing not only SO2 emissions, but also overall particulate matter pollution around plants. — This claim was also questioned in a 2021 analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). According to the report, emissions from power plants travel over 300 km before being transformed to secondary pollutants. The research also revealed that SO2's atmospheric lifespan was around 10 days. (Source: Why govt has exempted 78% of coal-based thermal plants from installing anti-pollution devices) Points to Ponder Read more about FGD devices Read about other pollutants Related Previous Year Questions The adoption of electric vehicles is rapidly growing worldwide. How do electric vehicles contribute to reducing carbon emissions and what are the key benefits they offer compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles? (2023) What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the government of India? (2020) QUESTION 2: Discuss the significance of commissioning INS Nistar and the impending INS Nipun for India's deep-sea operational preparedness and maritime security posture in the Indian Ocean Region. Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — The Indian Navy commissioned INS Nistar at Visakhapatnam's Naval Dockyard. — Nistar is the first of two dive support vessels (DSVs) ordered by the Navy in 2018. Its sister ship, Nipun, was launched in 2022 and is anticipated to be commissioned soon. Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: — These DSVs, designed to enable deep-sea diving and submarine rescue missions, would improve India's undersea operational preparedness while also reinforcing the country's strategic maritime position in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). — The original INS Nistar was a submarine rescue vessel bought by the Indian Navy from the former Soviet Union in 1969 and commissioned in 1971. It remained in service until 1989, when it was the focal point of the Navy's diving and submarine rescue operations. — The new Nistar will continue this legacy. But, unlike its predecessor, it contains more than 80% indigenous content, with over 120 MSMEs involved in its creation. Nistar is India's first diving support and submarine rescue vehicle that was created and built by its own people. — With a displacement of almost 10,500 tonnes, a length of nearly 120 metres, a beam of more than 20 metres, and an endurance of more than 60 days at sea, the new Nistar is likewise larger and more capable than its 800-tonne predecessor. — According to the Navy, Nistar's specialised onboard diving complex includes both air and saturation diving equipment, as well as underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and side scan sonars. Furthermore, Nistar will serve as the mothership for an improved deep submergence rescue vehicle (DSRV). — Nistar can also transport a 15-tonne subsea crane and support helicopter operations. Nistar has an operating theatre, an intensive care unit, and an eight-bed hospital with hyperbaric medical facilities, all of which are vital to the vessel's operational tasks, according to the Navy. Conclusion: — The induction of Nistar into the Navy following the successful integration of the two DSRVs marks a significant milestone in India's deep-sea capabilities. — The vessel's dynamic positioning and diving support features allow it to operate autonomously on the high seas. Nistar, based in Visakhapatnam, will be the DSRV mothership on the Eastern Seaboard, while Nipun, based in Mumbai, will cover the Western Seaboard, completing the Navy's dual-coast operational posture. (Source: How newly commissioned INS Nistar will help save lives in deep sea) Points to Ponder Read more about the Indian Ocean Region Read more about the Indian Navy Related Previous Year Questions The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by our adversaries across the borders to ferry arms/ammunitions, drugs, etc., is a serious threat to the internal security. Comment on the measures being taken to tackle this threat. (2023) What are the maritime security challenges in India? Discuss the organisational, technical and procedural initiatives taken to improve the maritime security. (2022) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 110) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 111) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 110) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 111) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 110) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 111) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.
India.com
a day ago
- India.com
Meet India's youngest woman officer, cracked UPSC exam in first attempt at 21, but decided not to become IAS, IPS due to..., her AIR was...
Meet India's youngest woman officer, cracked UPSC exam in first attempt at 21, but decided not to become IAS, IPS due to..., her AIR was... At just 21 years old, Vidushi Singh made history by becoming the youngest woman in India to clear the UPSC exam with an impressive All India Rank (AIR) 13. But what truly surprised everyone was her decision to not pick the most popular services, instead following a path that stayed true to a personal family promise. Let's get to know more about Vidhushi and why she chose a path very different from other UPSC candidates. Where is Vidushi from? Vidushi was born in Jaipur but belongs to Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. She didn't grow up in a big city or go to coaching classes. Instead, she prepared for one of India's toughest exams on her own. Her education journey She studied at the Sri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), one of the best colleges under the University of Delhi. She graduated with a degree in Economics, which also became her optional subject in the UPSC exam. According to her LinkedIn profile, she had a clear aim from the beginning and always took her studies seriously. Vidushi Singh: Youngest woman to crack UPSC with AIR 13, chose IFS over IAS The UPSC Civil Services Exam is known as one of the toughest exams in India and every year, lakhs of students appear for it, but only a few reach the top and Vidushi Singh is one of those few. In 2022, Vidushi made history by becoming India's youngest woman to clear the UPSC exam. She scored an amazing All India Rank (AIR) 13. She accumulated a total of 1039 marks, with 855 in the written examination and 184 in the personality test, which is the interview round. Her optional subject was economics. What makes her story even more inspiring is that she did not join any coaching institute. She prepared for the exam completely on her own. While many UPSC toppers dream of becoming IAS officers, Vidushi made a bold and different choice. She turned down the IAS and chose to become an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer instead. She didn't follow the crowd, instead she followed her own dreams and picked a career that matched her true interests and future plans. Vidushi Singh's success rooted in her grandparents' wish Vidushi Singh's achievement was not just about clearing the UPSC exam, but it was about a promise she made to her grandparents. According to media reports, her grandparents always dreamed of seeing her become an IFS officer and representing India in foreign countries. And this became Vidushi's life's purpose. She is currently working as Third Secretary (LT) for Embassy of India, Paris. The Indian Foreign Service (IFS) is one of the most respected services in the country. IFS officers are in charge of managing India's relations with other countries, working in embassies, consulates, and missions around the world. They represent India on the global stage and play a key role in building international ties.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Indian Express
Knowledge Nugget: National Flag Day —10 must-know facts for UPSC Exam
Take a look at the essential events, concepts, terms, quotes, or phenomena every day and brush up your knowledge. Here's your UPSC current affairs knowledge nugget for today on National Flag Day, focusing on the important facts related to the national flag. (Relevance: The topic of the evolution of the Indian national flag and important aspects of it holds relevance for the UPSC exam, as previously, questions have been asked on this theme (do check them in the post-read questions). Thus, knowing about it from a holistic perspective becomes essential.) On July 22, 1947, the Constituent Assembly of India adopted the National Flag. The adoption of the tricolour marked a pivotal moment in India's journey towards establishing itself as an independent nation free from colonial rule. In this context, let's know about the Indian national flag in detail through 10 must-know facts about it. 1. Evolution of the Indian National Flag : In the early stages of India's freedom struggle, the need for a unifying flag emerged, leading to Sister Nivedita's proposal in 1904, featuring red and yellow colours symbolising victory and strength, along with 'Vande Mataram' inscribed in Bengali. The first tricolour flag appeared in 1906, showcasing blue, yellow, and red stripes with eight stars representing provinces. Subsequent designs included the 'Calcutta flag' in 1906, the Berlin flag in 1907 by Madam Bhikaji Cama, and the Home Rule flag in 1917, each reflecting the evolving nationalist sentiment. With India's independence announced by Lord Mountbatten in 1947, an ad hoc flag committee led by Dr Rajendra Prasad was established to create a flag representative of all communities. Following Gandhi's approval, it was decided to adopt a modified version of Pingali Venkayya's flag, which previously featured a charkha, was altered to the current flag with the Ashoka Chakra at its centre. 2. Adopted by Constituent Assembly on July 22, 1947: With three coloured stripes – saffron, white, and green – and the Ashoka Chakra replacing the charkha as the national emblem, the Trianaga or tricolour flag was officially adopted as the national flag of India on July 22, 1947. 3. Meaning and significance behind the Tiranga (Tricolour Flag) :Each colour in the Indian National Flag carries profound symbolism, reflecting the nation's values and aspirations: ♦ Saffron: The top band signifies courage, sacrifice, and the spirit of renunciation, representing the valour and sacrifices of freedom fighters. ♦ White: The middle band embodies purity, truth, and peace. ♦ Green: The lowermost band symbolises fertility, growth, and auspiciousness, reflecting India's agricultural heritage and commitment to environmental harmony. ♦ Blue wheel-Chakra: The chakra is intended to symbolise that life is in movement and that stagnation leads to death. It emphasises the significance of continuous movement and progress, underscoring the importance of forward motion in the nation's journey. 4. Ashoka Chakra in Flag: The Ashoka Chakra in the centre of the flag features 24 spokes, which represent the 24 hours of the day, symbolising the eternal wheel of law and the importance of righteousness. This is inspired by the Dharma Chakra and depicts the 'wheel of the law' in the Sarnath Lion Capital, which was created by the 3rd-century BC Mauryan Emperor Ashoka. 5. Flag dimensions and size: The flag can be as big or small as one wants, but the dimensions of the flag follow a specific ratio. 'The ratio of the length to the height (width) of the National Flag shall be 3:2.' So, the flag must always be a rectangle rather than a square or any other shape. 6. First Indian to raise the flag on foreign soil: Madam Bhikaiji Cama was the first Indian to hoist the Indian flag on foreign soil on 22 August 1907 during a revolutionary meeting in Stuttgart, Germany, showcasing India's aspirations for independence. 7. Flag Code of India: The use, display and hoisting of the National Flag in the country is guided by an overarching set of instructions called the 'Flag Code of India 2002'. It brings together all laws, conventions, practices, and instructions for the display of the National Flag. It governs the display of the National Flag by private, public, and government institutions. It took effect on January 26, 2002. According to the Flag Code of India, paragraph 2.2, which came into effect on January 26, 2002, any person, organisation, private or public, or educational institution (including scout camps) can hoist or display the Tricolour on 'all days or occasions in accordance with the dignity and honour of the National Flag'. It is against rules to display a damaged or disheveled National Flag. At all times, the National Flag must be displayed in a position of honour and should be distinctly placed.'No other flag or bunting shall be placed higher than or above or side by side with the National Flag; nor shall any object including flowers or garlands, or emblem be placed on or above the flagmast from which the National Flag is flown'. The Tricolour should never be used as a festoon, rosette, bunting or for a decorative purpose. No advertisements should be festooned to the pole from which it flies. Traditionally, the Indian National Flag is folded in a rectangular shape, ensuring the saffron band remains on top. According to Section 2 of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, 'whoever in any public place or in any other place within public view burns, mutilates, defaces, defiles, disfigures, destroys, tramples upon or otherwise brings into contempt (whether by words, either spoken or written, or by acts) the Indian National Flag….shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or with a fine, or with both'. The Tricolour should not be stored in a way that might dirty or damage it. In case flag is damaged, the Flag Code instructs not to cast it aside or treat it disrespectfully but 'destroy it as a whole in private, preferably by burning or by any method consistent with the dignity of the flag'. People, who are waving flags made of paper, should not throw these on the ground after the ceremony. The flag 'shall not be allowed to touch the ground or the floor or trail in the water'. 8. Flag manufacturing: After an amendment on December 30, 2021, the material of the flag has been decided as 'handspun and handwoven or machine-made, cotton, polyester, wool, silk or khadi bunting.' 9. National Flag on vehicles: Notably, the National Flag cannot be flown on any vehicle except those of the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Governor and other dignitaries. The flag should also not be used to cover the sides, back, and top of any vehicle. 10. Right to hoist the national flag is a fundamental right: In 2002, the Supreme Court of India declared the right to hoist the national flag as a fundamental right under Article 19(i)(a) of the Constitution, emphasising its significance in expressing freedom. 1. The design of the Indian tricolour is largely attributed to Pingali Venkayya, an Indian freedom fighter. Venkayya was born in Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh on August 2, 1876. He went to school in Madras and then to Cambridge University. He joined the British Indian Army and was in South Africa where he met Mahatma Gandhi, became his disciple and plunged into the freedom movement. 2. After returning to India, he published a book of flags containing 30 different designs in 1916. He wrote letters to freedom fighters including Mahatma Gandhi informing them about his idea of having a national flag and he spoke about it at Congress meetings. 3. In 1921, at a meeting in Vijayawada, Mahatma Gandhi and other leaders approved Venkayya's design. The first design comprised only two bands—red and green—and a charkha but on the insistence of Mahatma Gandhi, Venkayya added a white band. Subsequently, the red colour band was changed to saffron and the Ashok Chakra replaced the charkha. 4. Venkayya passed away on July 4, 1963. In 2009, a stamp was issued in his memory. (1) Consider the following statements in respect of the National Flag of India according to the Flag Code of India, 2002: (UPSC CSE 2023) Statement-I: One of the standard sizes of the National Flag of India is 600 mm * 400 mm. Statement-II: The ratio of the length to the height (width) of the Flag shall be 3:2. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct (2) What is the number of spokes in the Dharmachakra in the National Flag of India? (UPSC CSE 2008) (a) 16 (b) 18 (c) 22 (d) 24 (Sources: How the tricolour was adopted by the Constituent Assembly, India's 78th Independence Day: 10 interesting facts about the our National Flag, Explained: What are the rules for displaying the Tricolour?, Who was Pingali Venkayya?) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – Indian Express UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Roshni Yadav is a Deputy Copy Editor with The Indian Express. She is an alumna of the University of Delhi and Jawaharlal Nehru University, where she pursued her graduation and post-graduation in Political Science. She has over five years of work experience in ed-tech and media. At The Indian Express, she writes for the UPSC section. Her interests lie in national and international affairs, governance, economy, and social issues. You can contact her via email: ... Read More
