Perseverance pays, says UPSC AIR 2 rank holder from Madurai, who took 7 years to clear her exams
Chennai (PTI): A gruelling seven-year struggle marked by a disciplined lifestyle and a refusal to yield to setbacks has culminated in a historic achievement for Rajeshwari Suve M, who secured the second rank in the UPSC civil services examination 2025.
For Rajeshwari, the journey to the top of the All India Rank (AIR) list was a marathon of persistence that began shortly after her graduation in 2017. While some candidates find success early, she navigated nearly a decade of preparation, eventually balancing her UPSC goals with her current role as a Deputy Collector trainee in the Tamil Nadu government.
"It has been a long journey for me. It had its own challenges, but I had to address the faults I made in previous attempts," Rajeshwari told PTI Videos.
She emphasised that a candidate must be willing to scrutinise their own failures to move forward.
"I made a SWOT analysis for my own tests and performance. It needs persistence, and family support was the main pillar for me," added the rank holder.
Her father, R Murugadoss, who runs an electrical business and works as an LIC agent in Vadipatti in Madurai, said he only raised his children with the expectation that they remain honest and contribute positively to society.
It is his wife, Dr S Nagarani, a mathematics professor, who guided Rajeshwari and brought her to this point, he acknowledged.
But, ultimately, the credit should go to Rajeshwari, he insisted. "My daughter has utilised the opportunity we gave her well. It is my desire that she should continue to be honest and do good for this society," Murugadoss told PTI Videos.
During her preparation, Rajeshwari said she adopted a lifestyle where, apart from time spent eating and sleeping, she was a full-time student.
She cautioned future aspirants against the "n number of sources available online" which often act as distractions.
"We have to stick to the basics like NCERTs, and we have to be very prompt in giving test series, evaluating it, and getting feedback from the faculties," she said.
Rajeshwari also credited the Tamil Nadu government’s 'Naan Mudhalvan' scheme as a major catalyst during her journey, particularly after she had shifted focus toward state services.
She said she received financial assistance and residency support during the prelims, mains, and interview stages.
It is also while training for state services that she realised that her ultimate goal remains rooted in public service, said Rajeshwari.
"My goal is to deliver government services in a good manner to all people, even to those at the very edge of society," she added.
The UPSC results declared on Friday recommended 958 candidates for appointment, with Anuj Agnihotri from Rajasthan taking the top spot and Akansh Dhull from Chandigarh securing the third rank.
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Gold, silver soar as US-Iran deal hopes lift bullion demand
New Delhi (PTI): Gold prices rebounded by Rs 2,900 to Rs 1.55 lakh per 10 grams in the national capital on Wednesday, while silver climbed to Rs 2.54 lakh per kilogram as easing geopolitical tensions triggered a pullback in oil rates, boosting demand for precious metals.
According to the All India Sarafa Association, the yellow metal of 99.9 per cent purity jumped by Rs 2,900, or nearly 2 per cent, to Rs 1,55,400 per 10 grams (inclusive of all taxes) from Tuesday's closing level of Rs 1,52,500 per 10 grams.
Traders attributed the surge in bullion prices to reports that Washington and Tehran are close to finalising a framework agreement to end months of conflict, raising the prospects of smoother flows through the Strait of Hormuz and easing inflation concerns tied to energy markets.
"Gold rallied strongly on Wednesday as easing geopolitical tensions triggered a sharp reversal in key macro drivers that had recently pressured precious metals," Saumil Gandhi, Senior Analyst - Commodities at HDFC Securities, said.
Silver prices also advanced for the third straight session by rising Rs 3,500, or 1.4 per cent, to Rs 2,54,500 per kg (inclusive of all taxes). The metal had settled at Rs 2,51,000 per kg in the previous session, as per the Association.
"The prospect of a diplomatic breakthrough triggered a steep decline in oil prices and the US dollar, easing concerns about inflation while boosting demand for precious metals," Gandhi said.
Globally, spot gold increased by USD 106.15, or 2.33 per cent, to USD 4,663.70 per ounce while silver gained USD 3.40, or 4.68 per cent, to USD 76.24 per ounce.
"Gold witnessed a sharp rally as markets reacted positively to reports that the US and Iran are moving closer to a one-page agreement framework aimed at ending the conflict," Jateen Trivedi, VP Research Analyst - Commodity and Currency, LKP Securities, said.
Despite strong international gains, rupee strength limited the upside in domestic gold prices. The market is now highly focused on final confirmation and execution of the proposed deal, he added.
Any negative surprise or breakdown in negotiations could trigger a sharp sell-off in gold, while a successful agreement and sustained ceasefire could push the bullion prices higher in the near-term, Trivedi said.
