đź’ĄUPSC 2026, 2027 UAP Mentorship Aug Batch
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Archives: Questions

Q.2 How Ukraine crisis affects BRICS? How BRICS can tackle the challenges posed to it by the crisis? (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/brics-after-ukraine-7985394/ In the intro, mention the western sanctions against Russia after the Ukraine war. In the body, mention the challenges such as the impact on supply chains, security implications, supply chain shocks etc. In the suggestions mention institutional mechanisms to tackle financial sanctions, recalibration of structure and agenda, cooperation between India and China etc.… Continue reading Q.2 How Ukraine crisis affects BRICS? How BRICS can tackle the challenges posed to it by the crisis? (10 Marks)

Q.3 What are the types of the subsidies that Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (AFS) seek to prohibit? Why does the AFS matter to India? (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/the-wto-agreement-on-fisheries-is-flawed-but-significant-7985390/ In the intro, mention the recently concluded AFS. In the body mention, the types of subsidies AFS seeks to prohibit and its connection with the DSG. In the next part mention the lack of discipline on subsidies for fishing in other members’ waters in the agreement. In the next part mention its implications… Continue reading Q.3 What are the types of the subsidies that Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (AFS) seek to prohibit? Why does the AFS matter to India? (10 Marks)

Q.2 Seniormost judge of the Supreme Court is appointed as the Chief Justice of India. What are the issues with such a process? Suggest the way forward. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/a-wish-list-for-reform-in-indias-higher-judiciary/article65549982.ece In the intro, mention that Article 124 mentions no special provision for the appointment of the Chief Justice of India. In the body mention the Second Judges case (1993) and the subsequent Memorandum of Procedure that forms the basis for the appointment of the Chief Justice of India and the lack of… Continue reading Q.2 Seniormost judge of the Supreme Court is appointed as the Chief Justice of India. What are the issues with such a process? Suggest the way forward. (15 Marks)

Q.3 How the central bank influences inflation expectations? Why communication between the Monetary Policy Committee and the RBI is important?

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/mpc-monetary-policy-committee-rbi-7983009/ In the intro, briefly introduce the MPC. In the body, mention the role played by the RBI in shaping the expectations of the people. In the next part, mention the moves such as separate policy statements, the introduction of GSAP, changes in the reverse repo, and intervention in the foreign exchange market that… Continue reading Q.3 How the central bank influences inflation expectations? Why communication between the Monetary Policy Committee and the RBI is important?

Q.2 Countries which share common values and interests must work together with resolve to shape our economic and strategic environment so that it continues to support our collective security and prosperity. Examine how India-Australia relations are based on that conviction. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/richard-marles-writes-our-entwined-values-interests-australia-india-japan-indo-pacific-region-7983013/ In the intro, mention that the Indo-Pacific region faces the most serious strategic confluence of events since the end of the Second World War. In the body, mention that Australia places India at the centre of Australia’s approach to the Indo-Pacific. Also mention how engagement offers opportunities for India. In the next… Continue reading Q.2 Countries which share common values and interests must work together with resolve to shape our economic and strategic environment so that it continues to support our collective security and prosperity. Examine how India-Australia relations are based on that conviction. (10 Marks)

Q.1 Giving an account of the initiatives taken by the government for urban development in recent years, explain how they seek to solve some of the major problems of urbanization faced in India.

Mentor’s Comments- Introduce with a short note on the current status of urbanization in India. Enlist the programmes and schemes launched by the government for urban development in recent years such as PMAY, Smart Cities Mission, AMRUT, SBM(U) etc Discuss in brief how they seek to solve some of the major problems of urbanization faced… Continue reading Q.1 Giving an account of the initiatives taken by the government for urban development in recent years, explain how they seek to solve some of the major problems of urbanization faced in India.

Q.4 Emotional intelligence is about being aware of how emotions affect your communication and even leveraging human emotions to make yourself more persuasive. Explain. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Begin by defining emotional intelligence. In the body, first mention the role of EI in perceiving emotions, using emotions, understanding emotions, and managing emotions. Next, link the emotional aspect of EI with communication and persuasion attempting to influence an outcome or followers using- authority, consistency and commitment, liking and reciprocity/reciprocation etc. Complete the… Continue reading Q.4 Emotional intelligence is about being aware of how emotions affect your communication and even leveraging human emotions to make yourself more persuasive. Explain. (10 Marks)

Q.3 How does the dominant role of agriculture and the exchange rate make the Indian economy different from the OECD countries’ economies? What are the implications of this for use of monetary policy to control inflation in India? (15 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/rbi-inflation-7978621/ In the body, mention the above normal inflation ailing the Indian economy. In the body mention that India’s non-oil and non-food component constitute only 47% of CPI underlining the limits of monetary policy for Inflation targeting. In the next part, mention that India’s foreign exchange reserves are required for both internal balancing… Continue reading Q.3 How does the dominant role of agriculture and the exchange rate make the Indian economy different from the OECD countries’ economies? What are the implications of this for use of monetary policy to control inflation in India? (15 Marks)

Q.2 What is the significance of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) for the Indo-Pacific region? What are the challenges it may face? (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/building-on-common-ground-7963518/ In the intro, mention the launch of IPEF as US’s de facto foreign economic policy. In the body, mention the backdrop of the Ukraine crisis and fear of the US’s reduced focus on the Indo-Pacific region. In the next part mention that the IPEF is a  framework or a starting point for… Continue reading Q.2 What is the significance of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) for the Indo-Pacific region? What are the challenges it may face? (10 Marks)

Q.4 “Emotional Intelligence is the ability to make your emotions work for you instead of against you”. Do you agree with this view? Discuss. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Begin by defining emotional intelligence along with its components. In the body, first talk about how emotional intelligence includes utilizing emotions in a beneficial way. Next, mention some points on how emotional intelligence is helpful for a person. Next, talk about how only emotional intelligence is not enough in real-life situations. Substantiate with… Continue reading Q.4 “Emotional Intelligence is the ability to make your emotions work for you instead of against you”. Do you agree with this view? Discuss. (10 Marks)

Q.3 India’s excessive dependence on import for edible oil could impact India in several ways. Is oil palm a solution to this problem? What are its benefits and challenges? (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://www.google.com/amp/s/indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/ashok-gulati-and-ritika-juneja-write-an-oil-palm-plan-for-home-india-world-trade-organisation-trips-agri-exports-7979020/lite/ In the intro mention the edible oil price surge in recent months. In the body mention rising import bill of edible oil and excessive import dependence of about 60%. In the next part mention advantages and challenges of oil palm. Conclude by mentioning the need to take steps to make India self… Continue reading Q.3 India’s excessive dependence on import for edible oil could impact India in several ways. Is oil palm a solution to this problem? What are its benefits and challenges? (10 Marks)

Q.2 Despite challenges, geopolitical logic underpinning India-Iran ties remains unchanged. Comment. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bbc.com/news/27731291.amp In the intro, mention how Iran holds key position as India seeks to engage the central Asian countries. In the body mention the US withdrawal from JCPOA and re-imposition if sanctions. In the next part mention how India depend on Iran for its energy needs, for its engagement with Afghanistan and central… Continue reading Q.2 Despite challenges, geopolitical logic underpinning India-Iran ties remains unchanged. Comment. (10 Marks)

Q.4 In your personal life you are a religious person and strongly believe in the preservation of socio-cultural beliefs. Your recent posting as an IPS officer has brought you to a district with a widely revered shrine. Shortly after you take charge, you find considerable tension building up in the district on the question of women’s entry in the shrine. In this backdrop, the Supreme Court has ruled in favour of women being allowed to enter the shrine. You are aware that there is considerable resentment against the decision. Additionally, several political parties, religious bodies and groups have launched a campaign to defend the tradition. In a few weeks the traditional annual pilgrimage to the shrine is going to commence. You suspect that if the situation is not diffused it might lead to law and order problems. (a) What are the key issues at stake here? b) Do you see any dilemmas in the unfolding situation? (c) In this context, what steps would you take to discharge your duties? (20 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Briefly highlight the key stakeholders involved in the case study. Discuss the key issues involved in the case study. Discuss the ethical dilemmas involved in the case study. Discuss the steps which you would take to discharge your duties.

Q.3 How rising inflation affects the poor disproportionately? Also examine its impact on the increasing inequality along with other factors. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- –https://www.google.com/amp/s/indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/inflation-income-inequality-economic-policies-7972236/lite/ -In the intro, mention rise in inflation owing to factors such as the Ukraine war and supply chain disruption due to Covid-19. -In the body mention how inflation affects the poor especially food inflation. In the next part mention various factors such as taxation policies that are contributing to increasing inequality. -Conclude… Continue reading Q.3 How rising inflation affects the poor disproportionately? Also examine its impact on the increasing inequality along with other factors. (10 Marks)

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