💥UPSC 2026, 2027 UAP Mentorship Aug Batch

Q.3 The Environment Ministry published draft regulations on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Examine the issues with the regulations and suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-gaps-in-the-plan-to-tackle-plastic-waste/article38050930.ece In the intro, briefly explain the EPR. In the body, mention the issues such as not addressing the concerns of waste pickers, in the suggestions mention using EPR funds for mapping and registration of the informal sector actors, building their capacity, upgrading infrastructure, promoting technology transfer, and creating closed-loop feedback and monitoring mechanisms.… Continue reading Q.3 The Environment Ministry published draft regulations on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Examine the issues with the regulations and suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

Q.2 India continues to have high equity in Myanmar, which it must now carefully leverage. In the context of this, examine India’s position on the current political situation in Myanmar and what are bilateral concerns between the two countries. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/a-chance-to-tap-indias-high-equity-in-myanmar/article38044255.ece?utm_source=op-ed&utm_medium=sticky_footer In the intro, mention in brief the military coup and political situation in Myanmar. In the body, mention India’s calibrated middle path position in contrast with the West’s reflexive policy of condemnation, threats and sanctions and opportunistic policies of Russia and China. India’s position is similar to and supportive of ASEAN i.e.release of… Continue reading Q.2 India continues to have high equity in Myanmar, which it must now carefully leverage. In the context of this, examine India’s position on the current political situation in Myanmar and what are bilateral concerns between the two countries. (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 minimizing 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 minimize corruption while ensuring smooth execution of responsibility.

Q.3 What are the objectives of deposite insurance? Examine the functioning of deposit insurance in India and suggest ways to improve it. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/do-we-need-insurance-for-bank-deposits/article38023494.ece In the intro, mention instances of failures of banks and resulting panic in depositors.  In the body mention objective of infusing confidence in depositors and providing stability to the banking system. Next mention DICGC’s role as insurer. In suggestion mention need for risk adjusted model.  Conclude by mentioning the need to implement… Continue reading Q.3 What are the objectives of deposite insurance? Examine the functioning of deposit insurance in India and suggest ways to improve it. (10 Marks)

Q.3 What are the objectives of deposite insurance? Examine the functioning of deposit insurance in India and suggest ways to improve it. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/do-we-need-insurance-for-bank-deposits/article38023494.ece In the intro, mention instances of failures of banks and resulting panic in depositors.  In the body mention objective of infusing confidence in depositors and providing stability to the banking system. Next mention DICGC’s role as insurer. In suggestion mention need for risk adjusted model.  Conclude by mentioning the need to implement… Continue reading Q.3 What are the objectives of deposite insurance? Examine the functioning of deposit insurance in India and suggest ways to improve it. (10 Marks)

Q.2 With changing geopolitical scenario, India’s stake in Central Asia has drastically increased. In the context of this, suggest the approach India should adopt in its outreach efforts. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment-  https://www.google.com/amp/s/indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/central-asian-region-afghanistan-crisis-taliban-takeover-7684250/lite/ In the intro, mention invitation to the heads of five central Asian countries for republic day ceremony.  In the body mention factors that increases significance of the region such as mineral wealth, connectivity, security and  geopolitical rivalry etc. In the next part mention Taliban regime in Afghanistan and implications for India. In… Continue reading Q.2 With changing geopolitical scenario, India’s stake in Central Asia has drastically increased. In the context of this, suggest the approach India should adopt in its outreach efforts. (10 Marks)

Q.1 Even though globalisation has led to increased employment opportunities for women, it has also created a new set of challenges for women workers. Discuss with examples. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Briefly state the definition of globalisation and its impact on Indian society as a whole. In the main body, discuss the status and growth of employment opportunities for women in the wake of globalisation. Highlight the multiple forms of challenges faced by women workers in the changed economic scenario along with relevant examples.… Continue reading Q.1 Even though globalisation has led to increased employment opportunities for women, it has also created a new set of challenges for women workers. Discuss with examples. (10 Marks)

Q.4 You are the CEO of a film production company, which has not been doing well financially for some time. Your company is now relying on its forthcoming movie, which is about to be released shortly. The movie has a cast of reliable actors and even before its release, trade pundits have predicted that the movie will be a hit. However, you face a conundrum as one of the actors in the movie is a citizen of a neighbouring country with which relations have been disturbed and a war like situation exists. While the political atmosphere was different when the movie was being filmed, now there is a widespread public demand, with a local political party at the forefront, for replacing the actor from the movie or a ban on the release of the movie itself, if the actor is not replaced. While you are aware of the mood of the nation and the public repercussions of releasing the movie in its present form, you also know that it is not feasible to replace him at this stage as he has a substantial role in the movie. There is also a section in the film fraternity that does not want you to compromise in the wake of threat by the local party as it compromises freedom of speech and expression as well as artistic creativity. (a) What are the options available to you? (b) Evaluate each of the options and state their merits and demerits. (c) What course of action would you take and why? (20 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- State the options available to you as a CEO of the company. Evaluate the merits and demerits of the available options. State your course of action, with reasons.

Q.3 What is socially responsible investment? How it can help address the various common challenges the world faces now? (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/can-socially-responsible-investing-save-the-world-7686043/ In the intro, mention that there has been a growing trend of making investment decisions on basis of social and environmental standards. In the body mention how investment decisions are being made considering the impact of investment on climate change and the environment. In the next part, mention how corporates are adopting… Continue reading Q.3 What is socially responsible investment? How it can help address the various common challenges the world faces now? (10 Marks)

Q.2 The Election Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2021 enable the linking of electoral rolls with the Aadhaar ecosystem. What are the objectives of such linking and concerns raised against it? (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/aadhaar-electoral-reform-bill-marginalised-7686036/ In the intro, mention the issue of fraudulent voting. In the body, mention the objective of curbing electoral frauds and making it easy for migrants to exercise the right to vote. In the concerns mention that Aadhar is not the proof of nationality, it is also not the address proof, lack of audit report… Continue reading Q.2 The Election Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2021 enable the linking of electoral rolls with the Aadhaar ecosystem. What are the objectives of such linking and concerns raised against it? (10 Marks)

Q.1 Magnitude of India’s urbanisation is not unusual but the pattern is. In this context, examine the issues in the governance of cities in India. Also suggest the reforms required to make Indian cities dynamos of competitive sub-federalism. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Briefly, explain the magnitude and pattern of urbanisation in India. List the issues in the governance of cities in India and elaborate them. Suggest the reformative steps required to make Indian cities dynamos of competitive sub-federalism. Conclude appropriately.

Q.3 Countries across the world have become richer over the past 40 years, but their governments have become significantly poorer. In the context of this, examine the implications of rising inequality on government finances and welfare measures. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/indicators/india-amongst-the-most-unequal-countries-in-the-world-report/articleshow/88141807.cms?from=mdr https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-wtos-challenge-to-msp-is-another-frontier-to-cross/article37972234.ece In the intro mention the World Inequality Report 2022 mentioning India among one of the most unequal countries. In the body, mention concentration of wealth and income in few hands its implications for government finances and ultimately resulting in lack of resources for welfare measures. Conclude by mentioning the measures to… Continue reading Q.3 Countries across the world have become richer over the past 40 years, but their governments have become significantly poorer. In the context of this, examine the implications of rising inequality on government finances and welfare measures. (10 Marks)

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