💥UPSC 2026, 2027 UAP Mentorship September Batch
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Q.4 You have recently started playing online chess at a popular Internet-based gaming platform. The platform has online lessons on tricks and tips for improving skills in the game. These lessons have helped you improve a lot in a short time. You are also amazed at the possibility of playing with players of all levels of skills from all over the world. The platform provides you analysis of your games and suggests areas of improvement. While testing and improving your chess skills on the platform, you have made friendship and acquaintances with many competitive chess players from different parts of the world. Of late though, racial, religious and stereotypical remarks have started being thrown at you on the online platform by other players. Initially you ignored such things as childish tactics by an opponent to distract you during the game. Later you would try to engage with such people to dispel stereotypes. But increasingly such experiences are making you sad and bitter. Now you block such people as you encounter them. The online game which started as a fun and stimulating experience for you, has become a source of negativity in your life. In your discussions with other people, you come to realize that others have also experienced similar racial and religious slurs, and many people have left the platform to avoid the abusive experience. You also realize that this is not an issue specific to the gaming platform but is part of the generally seen behavior on social media. You used to consider online trolling as harmless puns, but after experiencing its dark side as a victim you are realizing its negative impact. Given this information, what are your thoughts on the following: a) How should one deal with the issues of on-line abuse such as in the case above? What options are available to you? b) What values should guide online behavior? Do these values differ from values governing offline conduct? (20 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Introduce by writing the gist and context of the issues/conflict at hand. List the ways in which online abuse can be addressed. List the values for digital age. Contrast values in online and offline environment. Conclude with a suggestion for online conduct.

Q.3 Recent data shows India’s exports declined marginally in August on a year-on-year basis, while it contracted by about 9 % sequentially. Highlighting the reasons for falling exports and rising imports., mention its impact on the Indian economy. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- https://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/policy-balance-122090701519_1.html Introduce by substantiating the data related to declining exports. In the body, mention the reasons for falling exports and rising imports. Also, discuss its impact on the economy. Conclude with a way forward.

Q.3 Recent data shows India’s exports declined marginally in August on a year-on-year basis, while it contracted by about 9 % sequentially. Highlighting the reasons for falling exports and rising imports., mention its impact on the Indian economy. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- https://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/policy-balance-122090701519_1.html Introduce by substantiating the data related to declining exports. In the body, mention the reasons for falling exports and rising imports. Also, discuss its impact on the economy. Conclude with a way forward.

Q.2 Why is the role of Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR) becoming important in NGO funding? What are the issues with CSR funding? Discuss the way forward. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-evolving-role-of-csr-in-funding-ngos/article65861246.ece In the introduction, relate CSR with funding of NGOs. In the body, discuss the issues with CSR funding of NGOs. Next, mention the future course of action to improve CSR governance and ensure transparent funding process for NGOs. Conclude suitably.

Q.2 What role does supply chain play in nutritional security? Discuss the constraints in supply chain along with way forward. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/the-wheat-of-the-matter-disruption-of-supply-chains-due-to-ukraine-war-has-implications-for-indias-food-security-8137467/ In the introduction, explain what do you understand by a supply chain. Next, discuss the role of supply chain in nutritional security of India. Give contextual conclusion.

Q.3 Highlight the challenges associated with the new ‘One nation, One fertilizer’ policy? What should be the way forward? (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- ttps://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/unproductive-fertiliser-policy-122090601318_1.html In the introduction, mention the government’s “one nation, one fertiliser” policy and its mandate. In the body, mention the challenges associated with it. Also, mention the government’s arguments in support of the policy. Mention a way forward and conclude.

Q.4 Ethical work culture increases employee job satisfaction and ensures organizational success. Elaborate. In what ways can ethical culture be incorporated in an organization? (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Start the answer with the meaning of work culture and then explain what makes the work culture ethical. In the body, explain how ethical work culture helps in increasing employee job satisfaction and organization’s success. Next, give the ways how ethical work culture can be incorporated. Conclude your answer with suitable examples.

Q.1 Accounts given by foreign travelers are as important as the evidence obtained from inscriptions and coins in reconstruction of ancient Indian history. Elaborate with examples. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Introduce by mentioning various sources used for construction of history. In the body, discuss how foreigner’s traveling account helped in reconstructing history of ancient India. Then mention the  contribution of inscriptions and coins in reconstruction of ancient Indian history. Conclude with balanced importance of literary and archaeological sources in reconstructing Indian ancient history.

Q.2 What do you understand by the doctrine of harmonious construction? How has it helped in balancing religious rights with other fundamental rights in India? (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- In introduction, briefly define what is the doctrine of harmonious construction. In body, mention some instances where the Supreme Court through its judgements applied the doctrine of harmonious construction in balancing the right to religion with other fundamental rights. Thereafter, highlight challenges in application of this doctrine. In the end, briefly show the… Continue reading Q.2 What do you understand by the doctrine of harmonious construction? How has it helped in balancing religious rights with other fundamental rights in India? (10 Marks)

Q.1 Mauryan empire achieved greatness not only through its territorial conquest but also through the cultural developments. Discuss. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Introduce the answer with describing the importance of cultural and territorial achievements during the Mauryan era. In the body discuss the important cultural developments during the Mauryan age giving focus to achievements in philosophy/religion, architecture, sculpture, literature, pottery etc. Conclude the answer briefly highlighting the influence of these achievements over post-Mauryan cultural developments.

Q.4 Distinguish between rules, regulations and laws. Do you agree that objectivity of rules should be complicated by the subjectivity of conscience to achieve justice? Discuss. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- In the introduction, briefly comment on similarity between rules, regulations and laws. Then, contrast the differences between them. Mention the limitation of rules and regulations which create a role for conscience. List the issues in using conscience in relation with rules. List the ways in which conscience complements rules. Conclude with summary.

Q.3 A growing global population increasingly living in cities has led to a spiralling rise in the extraction of sand and aggregates, with serious environmental, political and social consequences. Examine. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/mining/a-river-ruined-our-yamuna-is-dying-due-to-sand-mining-say-locals-in-haryana-84758 Introduce with any data or report on sand mining problem. Briefly mention the usage of extracted sand and then discuss the consequences of sand mining against developmental challenges . Give a way forward. Conclude suitably.

Q.4 Some people argue that corruption emanates from the incentive structures within the society, while others see corruption as a purely administrative problem. Which view do you think is more appropriate? Justify your answer. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Introduce by defining corruption. Follow it by clarifying the statement of the question. In body, list points arguing how corruption manifests due to societal reasons. Then list points about administrative reasons of corruption. Conclude with your summarized view and way forward.

Q.3 Solar power sector is not only leading the mitigation efforts against climate change, but the innovations in solar power can also accelerate adaptation of agriculture to a new reality of changed climate. Discuss. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Start by describing the difference between mitigation and adaption strategies against climate change, and disproportionate impact of climate change on agriculture. List ways in which solar power is helping the mitigation efforts against climate change. List ways in which solar power is helping in adaptation strategies of agriculture sector against climate change. Mention… Continue reading Q.3 Solar power sector is not only leading the mitigation efforts against climate change, but the innovations in solar power can also accelerate adaptation of agriculture to a new reality of changed climate. Discuss. (10 Marks)

Q.2 Religious appeals during elections continue to be practiced despite Supreme Court directives and provisions within Representation of Peoples Act (RPA) 1951 against it. Highlighting the various checks against communalization of politics, discuss why appeals to religions continue to be a part of electioneering. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Introduce with importance of elections and India being land of many religions. In the next part, discuss the various checks against communalization of politics. In the next part, elaborate on various reasons for appeal to religion in elections. Finally, conclude with suggesting strict application of law as a solution to the problem.

Q.3 How can India achieve “Energy Atmanirbharta” by 2040- an ambitious target stated by the PM? What are the challenges in achieving this goal? (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/the-road-to-energy-atmanirbharta-8131158/ In the introduction, start with what is atmanirbharta and self reliance. In the body give suggestions and challenges that we face in achieving energy security. In conclusion, mention some innovative suggestions to achieve energy security.

Q.2 Relations between India and Bangladesh have seen a steady progress over the years. Do you agree? Also, mention some of the challenges in the relationship. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- https://epaper.thehindu.com/Home/ShareArticle?OrgId=G4BA7PP5N.1&imageview=0 In the introduction, give brief background of India-Bangladesh bilateral relations . In the body discuss about the various areas of partnership between both nations. Also, mention the challenges involved. Conclude with highlighting the progress they can achieve moving together.

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