💥UPSC 2026, 2027 UAP Mentorship September Batch
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Q.2 SC’s decision that constitution bench hearings will be live-streamed is being hailed as a milestone in India’s democratic journey. Do you agree? (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/toi-editorials/a-great-show-sc-allowing-live-streaming-of-constitution-bench-hearings-is-a-milestone-in-democratic-journey/ In the introduction, talk about the SC decision. In the body, mention the advantages of live-streaming of constitution bench hearings. Also mention a few concerns associated. Conclude with a way forward.

Q.4 Sanjay is a fresh post-graduate from a prestigious management college. He was among the top of his batch and has landed a good job with a handsome salary at a food and beverage multinational corporation. This particular company is known for promoting healthy snacks and beverages that have no sugar and low trans-fat content. This was one of the major reasons for Sanjay to apply for this job. Sanjay thinks that through his work, he may be able to contribute something towards a healthy society and fit India. Sanjay likes the work culture of the organization as well as the nature of his new job. In just a few weeks, Sanjay’s out of box thinking has helped him to get into the good books of his manager. One day, Sanjay was called in a meeting by his manager and was given the responsibility of designing a campaign for a new product. This was a big deal for Sanjay because such tasks are given only to experienced employees and he was a fresh joinee. While working on his assignment, Sanjay notices that most of the new products have a considerable amount of sweeteners in it. Although sugar was avoided, it was replaced with other products like maple syrup, corn syrup, fructose etc. This particular product has very high fructose content. High fructose content negatively impacts your metabolic health and may contribute to insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Sanjay tries to discuss the matter with his manager but his manager sternly tells him to do as he is told. His manager tells him that the company is claiming that there is no sugar in their product, which is true and everything they are doing is legal. Further, similar practice is followed by all other competitors in the market. Sanjay still feels that this is a manipulative practice where consumers are deceived into buying unhealthy food products. Sanjay is afraid that taking up this matter with his manager can be counter-productive for his new career and he can even be dismissed as he is still on probation. Sanjay is the sole breadwinner in his family and has a huge education loan to pay off. At first, Sanjay thinks that this is how business is done and he should drop this matter but his conscience keeps on pricking him to do something. a) Analyze the conduct of the multi-national company from the perspective of ethics. b) What are different options for Sanjay in this situation? Evaluate each of the options and suggest the most suitable course of action. (20 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Introduce by describing the conflict in the case. In the first part of the question, reflect on company’s practices in light of different ethical principles. Conclude the first part by mentioning how ethical practices help businesses. In the second part, first mention the ethical dilemmas and conflict faced by Sanjay. Follow it with… Continue reading Q.4 Sanjay is a fresh post-graduate from a prestigious management college. He was among the top of his batch and has landed a good job with a handsome salary at a food and beverage multinational corporation. This particular company is known for promoting healthy snacks and beverages that have no sugar and low trans-fat content. This was one of the major reasons for Sanjay to apply for this job. Sanjay thinks that through his work, he may be able to contribute something towards a healthy society and fit India. Sanjay likes the work culture of the organization as well as the nature of his new job. In just a few weeks, Sanjay’s out of box thinking has helped him to get into the good books of his manager. One day, Sanjay was called in a meeting by his manager and was given the responsibility of designing a campaign for a new product. This was a big deal for Sanjay because such tasks are given only to experienced employees and he was a fresh joinee. While working on his assignment, Sanjay notices that most of the new products have a considerable amount of sweeteners in it. Although sugar was avoided, it was replaced with other products like maple syrup, corn syrup, fructose etc. This particular product has very high fructose content. High fructose content negatively impacts your metabolic health and may contribute to insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Sanjay tries to discuss the matter with his manager but his manager sternly tells him to do as he is told. His manager tells him that the company is claiming that there is no sugar in their product, which is true and everything they are doing is legal. Further, similar practice is followed by all other competitors in the market. Sanjay still feels that this is a manipulative practice where consumers are deceived into buying unhealthy food products. Sanjay is afraid that taking up this matter with his manager can be counter-productive for his new career and he can even be dismissed as he is still on probation. Sanjay is the sole breadwinner in his family and has a huge education loan to pay off. At first, Sanjay thinks that this is how business is done and he should drop this matter but his conscience keeps on pricking him to do something. a) Analyze the conduct of the multi-national company from the perspective of ethics. b) What are different options for Sanjay in this situation? Evaluate each of the options and suggest the most suitable course of action. (20 Marks)

Q.3 What is stubble burning? Highlighting some of the steps taken by the government to prevent stubble burning, suggest a way forward. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- https://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/reducing-air-pollution-stubble-burning-needs-economic-solutions-122092001362_1.html Define stubble burning in the introduction along with briefly mentioning some of its negative effects. List down the steps taken by the government to prevent stubble burning. Suggest a way forward, Conclude on an optimistic note.

Q.2 Highlighting the Supreme Court’s view on death penalty in India, analyse whether it should stay or go. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/life-and-death-capital-punishment-supreme-court-8162899/ https://www.livemint.com/opinion/online-views/the-death-penalty-must-always-be-under-debate-11663690934116.html Introduce with the status of death penalty in India. In the body, first, list down some of the SC judgements talking about death penalty. Next, write few points on why death penalty and still continues and why has there been a strong argument for it to be abolished. Conclude with a… Continue reading Q.2 Highlighting the Supreme Court’s view on death penalty in India, analyse whether it should stay or go. (15 Marks)

Q.3 Inclusive growth approach is focussed mostly towards education, skilling and job creation. Critically examine the success of various post-liberalization policies of the Indian government in this regard. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Start with the definition of Inclusive development. List flagship schemes of education, skill and job creation in India along with analysis of their success. Conclude by mentioning need for progressive measures giving example of National Education Policy 2020.

Q.2 It is argued that policymakers in New Delhi do not appear to appreciate the inescapable linkages between geopolitics and geoeconomics. Analyse in the context of Indo-Pacific region. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/geopolitics-without-geoeconomics-a-fools-errand/article65907121.ece In the introduction, highlight the emergence of India as a major player in the Indo-Pacific. In the body, first briefly mention the significance of Indo-Pacific for India. Next, mention why has there been a mismatch in India’s geopolitics and geoeconomics in the region. Also, highlight the need to align politics and economics… Continue reading Q.2 It is argued that policymakers in New Delhi do not appear to appreciate the inescapable linkages between geopolitics and geoeconomics. Analyse in the context of Indo-Pacific region. (15 Marks)

Q.4 Instead of trying to solve each and every problem through legislation and laws, changing the attitude of people towards the problem can bring out an effective solution. Explain using examples. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Introduce by briefly defining and discussing about Attitude and Laws. Discuss how and why laws may not be able to address certain problems for which attitude change of a person can be a solution. Provide example for each point. Then conclude with how change in people’s attitude and laws with time is important… Continue reading Q.4 Instead of trying to solve each and every problem through legislation and laws, changing the attitude of people towards the problem can bring out an effective solution. Explain using examples. (10 Marks)

Q.2 Instead of spaces meant to facilitate rehabilitation, prisons in India are becoming disempowered places with a mental health crisis. Discuss. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/what-numbers-dont-tell-us/article65906099.ece Introduce by quoting some statistics about mental health issues in India’s prisons. In the body, write about the problems faced by the prisoners and the reasons associated. Next, mention a brief way forward on dealing with the issue. Conclude accordingly.

Q.2 The real reason for dismal performance of local institutions is the contradiction between their responsibility and authority. Elaborate. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Introduce by highlighting the background and performance of local institutions. In main body explain the responsibilities which are given to local institutions. Bring out the contradictions with the authoritative power of local institutions. You can conclude with the 2nd ARC recommendation to improve funds/functions/functionaries of local institutions.

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