💥UPSC 2026, 2027 UAP Mentorship September Batch
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Archives: Questions

Q.1 What is a bomb cyclone? Discussing the mechanism of their formation and highlight their impact on the weather pattern of the affected region. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Introduce by defining bomb cyclone. List out its important characteristics. In the body, separately discuss the mechanism of formation of bomb cyclones and their impact on weather pattern of the affected region. Conclude by mentioning increasing frequency and intensity of bomb cyclones due to climate change and need for climate action.

Q.4 A private company has proposed a large-scale hydel power project to tap the potential of a fast-flowing river in a state predominantly occupied by indigenous tribal groups. The state is backward and badly needs funds for socio-economic development. The state government is deliberating on the issue and is yet to take a final decision on the matter. While the project is expected to generate substantial revenue and employment, it will submerge the surrounding areas eventually displacing the tribals. Another issue of concern is that the tribal community regards this land and the river as sacred and integral to their cultural heritage. Thus, the tribals are not in favour of going ahead with the project and are already protesting against it. Their leader has threatened to initiate a hunger strike if the government goes ahead with the project. This has caught the attention of the mainstream media and social activists. Based on the information given above, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders involved in the case and their respective interests. (b) Keeping in mind the issues involved, how can differing interests be reconciled for ensuring sustainable development in the area? (20 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Give a brief overview of the issues discussed in the case study. State the stakeholders involved in the given scenario and mention their interests. Discuss how the interests of the stakeholders can be reconciled in order to ensure sustainable development in the area.

Q.2 Poverty is not only lack of resources but also lack of opportunity to improve one’s standard of living and acquire resources. Elaborate. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Introduce by highlighting the contrast between lack of resources and opportunities as measure of poverty. Give a wholistic definition of poverty. In body, list points highlighting how lack of opportunities creates poverty such as through exclusion, social capital, gender discrimination, lack of industrialization etc. Conclude with way forward such as through Amartya Sen’s… Continue reading Q.2 Poverty is not only lack of resources but also lack of opportunity to improve one’s standard of living and acquire resources. Elaborate. (10 Marks)

Q.3 Electricity Amendment Bill 2022 is a remedy worse than the disease afflicting India’s power sector. Critically analyse. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s comment: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/somit-dasgupta-writes-electricity-amendment-bill-2022-a-mixed-bag-serc-discoms-power-sector-8123787/ In the introduction briefly discuss the purpose of the bill. In the body, analyse the apprehensions of the states as well as  positives of the bill. Suggest some balanced measures to correct limitations of the bill. Conclude on an optimistic note.  

Q.3 Recently released RBI data on the states’ outstanding debt has registered an upward movement. In this context, analyse the issues between centre and state in fiscal domain. Also shed light on the issues with discretionary spending by the states. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- https://epaper.thehindu.com/Home/ShareArticle?OrgId=GNRA75O96.1&imageview=0 In the introduction, talk about the dismal fiscal health of the states. In the body, mention issues between centre-state in fiscal domain with a focus on the freebie debate. Next, talk about the issues with discretionary spending by the states. Conclude by highlighting the need of robust financial health for overall economic… Continue reading Q.3 Recently released RBI data on the states’ outstanding debt has registered an upward movement. In this context, analyse the issues between centre and state in fiscal domain. Also shed light on the issues with discretionary spending by the states. (15 Marks)

Q.2 There is a surge in demand by forest communities to not only access the resources of their habitat, but also to establish their ownership over forests. In this context, analyse the issues with working of FRA 2006. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/forests/taking-ownership-how-forest-dwellers-in-chhattisgarh-odisha-claimed-rights-over-traditional-boundary-84596 In the introduction, explain importance of tribal ownership of forests. In the body, explain issues and challenges in FRA 2006. Conclude by suggesting positive measures to overcome this.

Q.3 India manages to recover and recycle only about 1% of its construction and demolition waste. Analyse the constraints involved. Also, suggest some positive measures to address this challenge. (10 Marks)

Mentors comment- https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/waste/supertech-it-is-essential-to-mitigate-pollution-waste-post-demolition-here-is-why-84576 In the introduction, define construction waste management. In the body, discuss hazards of construction waste along with positive suggestions. Conclude by giving some innovative way forward.

Q.2 There are similarities and interactions between the affirmative action adopted by India and USA owing to similar historical injustices faced by their respective vulnerable groups. Discuss. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- • Briefly write about the affirmative action policy and its implementation in India and USA. • Highlight the similarities in historical injustices between India and USA and discuss the similarities in affirmative actions between the two countries. • Conclude accordingly.

Q.3 As the world copes with the repercussions of carbon emissions, there is growing pressure to achieve climate-compatible growth. In this context what do you understand by the term green finance? Discuss how it will help to achieve climate-compatible growth along with limitations of green finance. (10 Marks)

Mentors comment – https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/inclusion-of-climate-change-in-policy-is-crucial-for-a-strong-economy-8114127/ In the introduction, explain what is green finance. In the body, discuss why it is needed and issues associated with it. Conclude by linking with climate change impacts.

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