💥UPSC 2026, 2027 UAP Mentorship Aug Batch
Talk to Mentor

Archives: Questions

Q.4 “Information sharing is the key to the Government’s goal of delivering better, more efficient public services that are coordinated around the needs of the individual.” In light of the statement, explain the essentials of information sharing and citizen charter in public service.(10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- In a few introductory lines define what is information sharing and citizen’s charter. Explain the following in the main body of the answer: What is meant by citizen charter? What are the objectives of the citizen charter? Information sharing and its role in good governance Give examples and justify their role in public… Continue reading Q.4 “Information sharing is the key to the Government’s goal of delivering better, more efficient public services that are coordinated around the needs of the individual.” In light of the statement, explain the essentials of information sharing and citizen charter in public service.(10 Marks)

Q.3 India’s cities will continue to be drivers of economic growth with significant production and consumption, but that sunrise story is threatened by unsustainable urban development in the era of climate change. In the context of this, examine the factors leading to the frequent floods in urban areas and suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/storm-warnings-of-a-megacity-collapse/article38279429.ece https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/time-for-a-sponge-cities-mission-in-india/article32985979.ece In the intro, mention the flood in Chennai on December 30, 2021. In the body, elaborate on the risks posed to the urban areas by extreme weather events aggravated by climate change. Next, mention the factors responsible for the frequent floods in the cities such as Mumbai Chenna and Delhi. In… Continue reading Q.3 India’s cities will continue to be drivers of economic growth with significant production and consumption, but that sunrise story is threatened by unsustainable urban development in the era of climate change. In the context of this, examine the factors leading to the frequent floods in urban areas and suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

Q.2 The year 2022 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and India. The future offers enormous possibilities for the partnership. In the context of this, examine the future possibilities the two countries can explore. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-japan-diplomatic-relations-7728623/ In the intro, mention long growing cooperation between the two countries. In the body, give a brief historical background of the ties and the possibilities to take the ties to next level through cooperation in security, building on the shared values of democracy, increasing economic relations and enhancing the cultural exchange. Conclude by… Continue reading Q.2 The year 2022 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and India. The future offers enormous possibilities for the partnership. In the context of this, examine the future possibilities the two countries can explore. (10 Marks)

Q.4 An independent and empowered social audit mechanism is an absolute must in every sphere of public service, including judiciary, to ensure performance, accountability and ethical conduct. Elaborate. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- In introduction, elaborate on the social audit mechanism along with some examples such as MGNREGA. In the body, first mention why social audit is a must to ensure performance, accountability and ethical conduct. Then, mention some points on why it is required specifically for the judiciary. Conclude with a way forward.

Q.3 What are the challenges in taxing cryptocurrency transactions? Suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/taxing-cryptocurrency-transactions/article38279469.ece In the intro, mention that the Income Tax Act, 1961 (“IT Act”) does not specifically mention cryptocurrencies, it does cast a wide enough net to bring crypto transactions under its ambit.   . In the body, mention challenges such as scope for varied interpretation and uncertainty in the absence of explicit tax… Continue reading Q.3 What are the challenges in taxing cryptocurrency transactions? Suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

Q.2 Indo-Pacific will present India strategic and economic opportunities that India must not miss. However, the region will have to chart a course through inter-state tensions and crises. Comment. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/in-2022-india-should-keep-an-eye-on-indo-pacific-7723793/ In the intro, mention the changing growing geopolitical significance of the Indo-Pacific. In the body, mention trends that would shape the geopolitics and the geoeconomics in the region and opportunities it can provide for India as world seeks to make resilient supply chains. Mention the US, China, Japan, India, Germany, the UK,… Continue reading Q.2 Indo-Pacific will present India strategic and economic opportunities that India must not miss. However, the region will have to chart a course through inter-state tensions and crises. Comment. (10 Marks)

Q.4 While discretion is necessary for effective discharge of duties, it is also a major factor responsible for corruption in administration at all levels. Comment. In this context, suggest some ways in which smooth execution of responsibilities can be ascertained while minimising corruption. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- First explain the meaning of discretion in administration. Then explain why discretion is required for effective discharge of duties. Explain how discretion could led to corruption. Finally explain measures to minimise corruption while ensuring smooth execution of responsibility.

Q.3 How liberal economic policies and growing inequalities leads to social problems? Suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/liberal-economics-creates-illiberal-societies/article38268676.ece In the intro, mention rising inequality in India. In the body, mention economic policies such as globalisation and privatisation failed to achieve equity and resulted in social distress and the emergence of authoritarian governments. In the suggestions mention the need for democratic socialism. Conclude by mentioning that human rights must not be overpowered by… Continue reading Q.3 How liberal economic policies and growing inequalities leads to social problems? Suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

Q.2 What makes curbing hate speech a challenging task? How social consensus against hate speech could go a long way in curbing it? (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/a-consensus-against-hate-speech/article38261144.ece In the intro, mention recent incidents of hate speech against a minority community. In the body, mention the challenges such as inadequate legal provisions, subjective nature and ambiguity involved in hate speech, subjectivity involved in deciding the hate speech etc. In the next part, mention the importance of social consensus to reduce… Continue reading Q.2 What makes curbing hate speech a challenging task? How social consensus against hate speech could go a long way in curbing it? (10 Marks)

Q.1 How does Indian society maintain continuity in traditional social values? Enumerate the changes taking place in it.(15 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- In introduction, mention some of India’s traditional social values. In the body, talk about how has the society managed to maintain continuity in traditional social values. Mention the reasons for this. Also, mention some challenges to the social values in recent times under the impact of various technological, political and economic forces. Conclude… Continue reading Q.1 How does Indian society maintain continuity in traditional social values? Enumerate the changes taking place in it.(15 Marks)

Q.4 Regulation and procedure of human clinical trials vary from nation to nation. Stem cell research, as an emerging biomedical field, requires approval for human trials and encounters multiple challenges. You are the head of a team of scientists who developed a new Tissue Engineering system, which appears to be a promising means of regenerating heart tissue. Trials of the system have already been conducted on animals and yielded good results. Millions of people suffering from critical heart diseases would benefit immensely if this medication is immediately made available to them. However, you need to conduct human clinical trials before it could be commercialized. It is also known that the stringent regulatory environment in the country will mean that human trials and final approval will take many years before it is made commercially available. On the other hand, regulation of clinical trials in many poor countries is weak and quick approval is possible. Many of your competitors also resort to human trials in these countries, often bribing the officials for getting quick approvals. Given this situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues which arise during clinical trials. (b) Given the above situation, would you prefer to shift human trials to a third country where regulations are lax? Give reasons in support of your choice. (c) Suggest a framework of standard procedure to minimize ethical conflicts and speedup the approval process of new medicines. (20 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Give a brief introduction about human clinical trials and identify the ethical issues in clinical trials. Discuss the merits and demerits of shifting lab location and state your final stand on shifting the lab from the home country. Give a framework of standard procedure to minimise ethical conflicts and speed-up the approval process… Continue reading Q.4 Regulation and procedure of human clinical trials vary from nation to nation. Stem cell research, as an emerging biomedical field, requires approval for human trials and encounters multiple challenges. You are the head of a team of scientists who developed a new Tissue Engineering system, which appears to be a promising means of regenerating heart tissue. Trials of the system have already been conducted on animals and yielded good results. Millions of people suffering from critical heart diseases would benefit immensely if this medication is immediately made available to them. However, you need to conduct human clinical trials before it could be commercialized. It is also known that the stringent regulatory environment in the country will mean that human trials and final approval will take many years before it is made commercially available. On the other hand, regulation of clinical trials in many poor countries is weak and quick approval is possible. Many of your competitors also resort to human trials in these countries, often bribing the officials for getting quick approvals. Given this situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues which arise during clinical trials. (b) Given the above situation, would you prefer to shift human trials to a third country where regulations are lax? Give reasons in support of your choice. (c) Suggest a framework of standard procedure to minimize ethical conflicts and speedup the approval process of new medicines. (20 Marks)

Q.3 The demographic dividend is available for a period of time, ‘the window of demographic opportunity’ and India is in the middle of a demographic transition. In the context of this, suggest the policy changes India need to reap the dividend. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/reaping-indias-demographic-dividend/article38262080.ece In the intro, mention falling fertility and rising median age, and falling dependency ratio in India. In the body mention policy measures to invest more in children and adolescents, health, reducing the gender inequality in education, increasing the female workforce participation etc, addressing the diversity between the states etc. Conclude by mentioning… Continue reading Q.3 The demographic dividend is available for a period of time, ‘the window of demographic opportunity’ and India is in the middle of a demographic transition. In the context of this, suggest the policy changes India need to reap the dividend. (10 Marks)

Q.2 What is the procedure for the selection of election commissioners and issues with it? Suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/act-now-recast-the-selection-process-of-the-ecs/article38261210.ece In the intro, mention the recent controversy over the meeting between the principal secretary to the PM and election commissioners. In the body mention provisions in Article 324(2) and provision in the laws under the article. In the issues mention executives appointing quasi-judicial authority, violation of article 14, excessive influence of executive… Continue reading Q.2 What is the procedure for the selection of election commissioners and issues with it? Suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

Q.1 Whereas the UN Habitat report calls cities “the highest pinnacles of human creation”, the moot question is what form the cities of developing world should take. In context of this statement, examine the contending strategies of urbanisation, with respect to India. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- In the introduction briefly explain the context in the statement and provide the reason for a careful consideration of the shape cities would take in developing world. Further delineate the strategies involving large and small cities as models of urbanisation. Conclude by underlining the optimal combination required for future urban growth.

Q.3 Tax reform introduced in the form of the GST is still in transition. What are the challenges in the implementation of GST? Suggest the necessary changes. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/extending-gst-compensation-as-a-reform-catalyst/article38243062.ece In the intro, mention the nearing end of the duration in which the Centre had agreed to pay compensation to the States for their revenue loss. In the body, mention challenges such as misuse of input tax credit and fake invoices. Impact on certainty for the States about the tax revenue, complex… Continue reading Q.3 Tax reform introduced in the form of the GST is still in transition. What are the challenges in the implementation of GST? Suggest the necessary changes. (10 Marks)

Q.2 What are the challenges in curbing hate speech? Suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/hate-speech-in-the-time-of-free-speech/article38241788.ece In the intro, mention the recent incidents of hate speech where calls to violence were made. In the body, mention the challenges such as lack of legal definition and difficulty in defining it as it can take many forms, challenges posed by social media etc. In the suggestions mention recommendations of the… Continue reading Q.2 What are the challenges in curbing hate speech? Suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

Join us across Social Media platforms.