💥UPSC 2026, 2027 UAP Mentorship September Batch

Q.2 Ukraine war and China’s expansive policies are influencing the security priorities of Asian countries. In context of this, examine the policies followed by the Asian countries and its implications. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/c-raja-mohan-writes-a-chill-down-asias-spine-nato-australia-japan-new-zealand-south-korea-8009028/ In the intro, mention the significant Indo-Pacific presence with the prime ministers of Australia, Japan, and New Zealand as well as the president of South Korea participation in a NATO summit. In the intro, mention the tendency in small European countries to balance against Russia by aligning with US. On the similar… Continue reading Q.2 Ukraine war and China’s expansive policies are influencing the security priorities of Asian countries. In context of this, examine the policies followed by the Asian countries and its implications. (10 Marks)

Q.4 Although bribery is illegal and counterproductive, public officials still demand bribes, and executives in the private sector remain tempted to pay up. In this context, discuss ways in which corporations can build a framework to eliminate the practice of offering kickbacks. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Introduce with a short note on the practice of bribery and kickbacks. Highlight the prevalence of the two. Discuss ways of preventing the same, especially from the perspective of corporations/organizations dealing with officials who demand them. Conclude appropriately.

Q.3 What are the factors affecting the growth of aviation sector in India? Suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/indian-aviation-needs-a-strong-and-steady-tailwind/article65603834.ece In the intro, mention India’s poor per capita consumption of air tickets when compared with other countries. In the factors mention high taxes, high fuel prices, regulatory hurdles, inefficient public sector airports,  lack of regional connectivity despite UDAN.  In the suggestions mention reforms in air cargo, airports, aviation fuel taxes, maintenance, repair… Continue reading Q.3 What are the factors affecting the growth of aviation sector in India? Suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

Q.2 The NFHS-5 data points to the need for direct nutrition intervention. In context of this, examine the role National Nutrition Mission can play in this regard and suggest the way forward. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/india-needs-to-scale-up-direct-nutrition-interventions/article65600486.ece/amp/ In the intro mention India’s poor progress on nutrition and challenge it faces from child malnutrition. In the body mention the role POSHAN Abhiyan can play in objective of reducing malnutrition in women, children and adolescent girls. In the suggestions mention need for maternal nutrition policy, promoting complementary feeding practices,  revisiting ICDS… Continue reading Q.2 The NFHS-5 data points to the need for direct nutrition intervention. In context of this, examine the role National Nutrition Mission can play in this regard and suggest the way forward. (15 Marks)

Q.3 How does the Ukraine crisis affect India’s energy security? Suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/russia-ukraine-war-energy-crisis-8006718/ In the body, mention the rising global oil prices in the wake of the Ukraine crisis. In the body, mention the issues such as India’s increased buying of fuel from Russia, deteriorating relations between the West and Russia, and role of the Gulf countries. In the suggestion mention the need for integrated… Continue reading Q.3 How does the Ukraine crisis affect India’s energy security? Suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

Q.2 Multilateral negotiations will be increasingly difficult in the present chaotic global situation. It is only by working bilaterally with potential allies that India can attain the status of a pole in the new world with steadfast friends and followers. Critically examine. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/a-chaotic-world-the-perils-of-multilateralism/article65600286.ece In the intro, mention the geopolitical changes the world is going through in the aftermath of covid and the Ukraine war. In the body, mention the challenges in negotiating at the multilateral platform in the fast polarising world. Mention BRICS and the current contradictions as China tries to hijack it. In the next… Continue reading Q.2 Multilateral negotiations will be increasingly difficult in the present chaotic global situation. It is only by working bilaterally with potential allies that India can attain the status of a pole in the new world with steadfast friends and followers. Critically examine. (15 Marks)

Q.4 Although open and transparent governance has gained ground, do you agree with the view that there is merit in withholding some information from people? Justify your arguments with examples. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Introduce by writing a short note on the advent of transparency in governance. Discuss the policy initiatives and legislations that have led to information sharing amongst governments and stakeholders. Briefly state the reasons why transparency should be promoted. State the merits of withholding information in this context. Conclude appropriately.

Q.3 Examine the performance of GST in India after 5 years. Suggest the way forward for increasing the revenue under GST. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://www.financialexpress.com/opinion/what-next-for-gst/2575850/ https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/gst-five-years-stronger-8001468/ In the intro, mention the completion of 5 years of GST regime. In the body, mention the achievements of the GST regime and issues such as low revenue neutral rate, compensation for states etc. In the next part mention various suggestions such as bringing fuel and ATF, real estate in the… Continue reading Q.3 Examine the performance of GST in India after 5 years. Suggest the way forward for increasing the revenue under GST. (10 Marks)

Q.2 Do you agree with the view that India is ahead of the US in terms of reproductive rights after the overturning of the Roe V. Wade judgement in the US? Give reasons in support of your argument. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/abortion-laws-united-states-her-body-her-choice-8001845/ https://www.firstpost.com/opinion/india-should-now-help-us-on-reproductive-rights-laws-10837301.html In the intro, mention the recent US Supreme Court judgement in which Roe V. Wade judgement was overturned. In the body mention that India had enacted the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act in 1971 even before the Roe V. Wade judgement in 1973. In the next part, explain the implications of… Continue reading Q.2 Do you agree with the view that India is ahead of the US in terms of reproductive rights after the overturning of the Roe V. Wade judgement in the US? Give reasons in support of your argument. (15 Marks)

Q.3 India exported the highest ever volume of rice in 2021-22. What are the concerns with this? Suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/ashok-gulati-and-ritika-juneja-write-high-costs-of-agri-trade-bans-rice-wheat-exports-8007017/lite/ In the intro, mention the recently imposed export ban on wheat. In the body, mention India’s increase in rice export to 21 MMT, which is around 40 per cent of global market. As a result of this high export price of rice decreases in the market. As a result India has to… Continue reading Q.3 India exported the highest ever volume of rice in 2021-22. What are the concerns with this? Suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

Q.2 Is technology a solution to the deal with the custodial deaths? What are the issues with the use of technologies by law enforcement agencies? (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/technology-is-no-panacea-for-custodial-deaths/article65595779.ece In the intro, mention the menace of custodial torture and deaths in India. In the body mention various technologies used for interrogation and their effectiveness. In the next part, mention ethical and legal concerns. Conclude by mentioning the need for multi-pronged strategy in terms of legal provisions, technology, accountability, training and community… Continue reading Q.2 Is technology a solution to the deal with the custodial deaths? What are the issues with the use of technologies by law enforcement agencies? (10 Marks)

Q.3 Rapid adoption of agri-tech presents an important solution towards addressing the issues and inefficiencies plaguing the agriculture sector in India. Analyse. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Write a short introduction around agri-tech. Discuss how rapid adoption of agri-tech presents an important solution towards addressing the issues and inefficiencies plaguing the agriculture sector in India. Discuss how certain challenges would still remain in order for agri-tech to be successful. Give a brief conclusion.

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