💥UPSC 2026, 2027 UAP Mentorship September Batch
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Q.2 India-US relationship is a strategic partnership based on convergence of interests and shared value; a partnership, mature enough to accommodate divergence in worldview of both the countries. Discuss. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/mutual-benefit-on-india-us-cooperation-on-trade/article66135273.ece Introduce the answer by defining the India-US relationship. In the first part of the body, discuss in detail the areas of convergence in the Indo-US relationship. Back your answer with examples. In the next part of the body, discuss in detail the areas of divergence in the relationship, with the help of… Continue reading Q.2 India-US relationship is a strategic partnership based on convergence of interests and shared value; a partnership, mature enough to accommodate divergence in worldview of both the countries. Discuss. (15 Marks)

Q.3 Commenting on the approach followed by India in its Long Term – Low Emission Development Strategy (LT- LEDS) to achieve net zero emission target, highlight the key features of the strategy. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1875816 https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/indias-long-term-strategy-to-transition-to-a-low-emissions-pathway-involves-more-nuclear-power-more-ethanol-for-the-clean-energy-transformation/article66136754.ece Introduce the answer by stating India’s net zero target. Also, mention the submission of LT-LEDS by India at COP27. In the body of the answer, first, mention the key considerations that underpin India’s long-term low-carbon development strategy. In the next part, list down the features of this strategy. Conclude appropriately.

Q.1 Explain with the help of suitable examples from the Indian context, how, numismatics is a vital tool in deciphering the history of country. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Introduce the answer by defining numismatics as the reliable source of historical information. In the body of the answer, discuss in detail how coins area source of economic, political, cultural and religious history of a country. Conclude the answer by stressing how numismatics, with regard to India, point towards a rich and diverse… Continue reading Q.1 Explain with the help of suitable examples from the Indian context, how, numismatics is a vital tool in deciphering the history of country. (10 Marks)

Q.3 Highlighting different kinds of cyberthreats faced by India, evaluate the current status of cybersecurity framework in the country. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/how-we-can-make-the-digital-space-safer-for-all-particularly-women-8268463/ Introduce the answer by defining cyber-attacks. In the body of the answer discuss various kinds of cyber-attacks faced by the country. In the next part, discuss the status of cybersecurity framework in the country. Conclude by emphasizing upon the importance of a collaborative approach to tackle cyber threats.

Q.2 India’s “balancing act” till now in the ongoing Ukraine crisis can be said to be borne out of mature strategic thinking based on national interest. Do you think India should go a step forward and try to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine? (15 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/beware-the-tempting-apple-of-ukraine-mediation/article66133040.ece Introduce the answer with defining the Ukraine crisis. In the body of the answer, first, discuss why India’s balanced response reflects its mature strategic thinking. Next, give some arguments in favour of India playing a role in seeking to bring Russia and Ukraine to the negotiating table for brokering peace. Next, underline… Continue reading Q.2 India’s “balancing act” till now in the ongoing Ukraine crisis can be said to be borne out of mature strategic thinking based on national interest. Do you think India should go a step forward and try to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine? (15 Marks)

Q.1 Highlighting the basic tenets of the Bhakti movement, emphasize upon the role of woman saints in the movement. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Introduce the answer by defining the Bhakti movement. In the body of the answer, discuss basic tenets of the Bhakti movement. In next part, highlight the role of some of the women saints such as Meerabai, Andal, Lal Ded, Karaikal Ammaiyar etc. in Bhakti movement. Conclude the answer by highlighting the positive impact… Continue reading Q.1 Highlighting the basic tenets of the Bhakti movement, emphasize upon the role of woman saints in the movement. (10 Marks)

Q.4 “Emotional intelligence can be the game changer for high performance and personal leadership”. Define emotional intelligence and explain its importance for a public servant in the light of above statement. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- In the introduction briefly define Emotional Intelligence (EI) and its elements. In the body, describe the importance of EI for public servant by briefly describing the role of public servant and how EI can help him in dealing with various aspects of his work. Summarize the same in conclusion.

Q.3 The Methane Alert and Response System (MARS) initiative has been launched with an intention to strengthen the efforts towards tackling methane emissions. Highlighting the working of MARS, comment on its usefulness. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- https://indianexpress.com/article/world/climate-change/cop27-united-nations-satellite-methane-monitoring-system-8263980/ In the introduction, talk about the launch of MARS at COP27. In the body, first mention briefly the concept behind MARS. Next, mention the need of such an initiative. Conclude by stating the importance of such an initiative in the context of methane being the second-most common of the six major greenhouse… Continue reading Q.3 The Methane Alert and Response System (MARS) initiative has been launched with an intention to strengthen the efforts towards tackling methane emissions. Highlighting the working of MARS, comment on its usefulness. (10 Marks)

Q.2 Judicial governance means that all judges who are constitutionally entrusted with the responsibility of protecting the rights of citizens must also be seen to be persons of rectitude. Discuss. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/a-court-of-the-future-there-is-need-to-finetune-mechanisms-of-accountability-within-judiciary-8263646/ In the introduction, talk about the issue of rising allegations of misconduct against judges of superior courts. In the body, go through the present process of discipling judges in India and the issues inherent in those processes. Next, suggest some corrective measures. Conclude suitably.

Q.1 Describe the reasons for the problem of communalism in the country and discuss the suitability of Indian model of secularism in addressing this problem. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Introduce the answer by defining communalism. In the body, discuss reasons for the problem of secularism in the country. In the next part, discuss the suitability of Indian model of secularism in checking communalism. Lastly, suggest ways to make this model more resilient. Conclude by emphasizing the importance of checking the misuse of… Continue reading Q.1 Describe the reasons for the problem of communalism in the country and discuss the suitability of Indian model of secularism in addressing this problem. (10 Marks)

Q.4 The farmer unions in one of the states has called for mass protest owing to large number of arrears/their dues not being paid by the private sugar factories for the last two years. On the day of mass protest, farmers turned up in huge numbers and at several places the protest turned violent. There were instances of stone pelting, vehicle burning etc. The police were not able to control the violent protesters at some places and had to resort to lathi charge. But at one of the places, police resorted to firing in which four farmers were killed. This further aggravated the situation as farmers at other places also resorted to violence to protest against police action. Looking at the intensity of the situation, under opposition pressure, one of the Minister of the state gave the statement that farmers did not die due to police firing but there were some anti-social elements amongst the protesters who fired in order to create unrest in the state. This statement of the Minister instead of calming the protesters further angered them as some eyewitness testified to news channels about the deaths being the result of police firing. All this further projected government in bad light and the police action has come under severe criticism by various sections of intelligentsia. The public sentiment has started to sway in favour of the protesting farmers. There is huge pressure on the government to diffuse the tension, address farmers’ grievances and take action against the police personnel involved in firing at the protesters since the protesters have started blocking all the major state highways which has crippled the day-to-day routine of the people of the state. Further, there is danger that the situation may get out of control anytime. Suppose you are the district magistrate where the incident has taken place: a) You have to address the press conference. What will be your statement to the media if it seeks clarification on whether people died in the police firing as stated by the state minister? b) What are the ethical issues involved in the case? c) What steps will you take to tackle the post-firing situation effectively? (20 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Introduce by characterising the role of protests in democracy and the limitations thereon. List the points to be covered in address to the media with assurance for allowing peaceful protests and undertaking investigation. In the next part, list the ethical issues. In the end list the steps to handle the issue emphasizing administrative… Continue reading Q.4 The farmer unions in one of the states has called for mass protest owing to large number of arrears/their dues not being paid by the private sugar factories for the last two years. On the day of mass protest, farmers turned up in huge numbers and at several places the protest turned violent. There were instances of stone pelting, vehicle burning etc. The police were not able to control the violent protesters at some places and had to resort to lathi charge. But at one of the places, police resorted to firing in which four farmers were killed. This further aggravated the situation as farmers at other places also resorted to violence to protest against police action. Looking at the intensity of the situation, under opposition pressure, one of the Minister of the state gave the statement that farmers did not die due to police firing but there were some anti-social elements amongst the protesters who fired in order to create unrest in the state. This statement of the Minister instead of calming the protesters further angered them as some eyewitness testified to news channels about the deaths being the result of police firing. All this further projected government in bad light and the police action has come under severe criticism by various sections of intelligentsia. The public sentiment has started to sway in favour of the protesting farmers. There is huge pressure on the government to diffuse the tension, address farmers’ grievances and take action against the police personnel involved in firing at the protesters since the protesters have started blocking all the major state highways which has crippled the day-to-day routine of the people of the state. Further, there is danger that the situation may get out of control anytime. Suppose you are the district magistrate where the incident has taken place: a) You have to address the press conference. What will be your statement to the media if it seeks clarification on whether people died in the police firing as stated by the state minister? b) What are the ethical issues involved in the case? c) What steps will you take to tackle the post-firing situation effectively? (20 Marks)

Q.3 Without substantially fostering rural India’s growth, the Indian growth story cannot be claimed to be inclusive. Highlighting the challenges in rural growth, suggest solutions for the same. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- https://www.financialexpress.com/opinion/fostering-rural-indias-growth/2793333/ In the introduction, define inclusive growth and mention the importance of rural India in making our growth story inclusive. In the body, first mention some of the challenges to rural growth. Next, suggest a way forward. Conclude optimistically.

Q.2 Although the India-Russia relationship stands strained by the larger geopolitical realities which neither of them is in completely control of, there exists significant potential for cooperation between the two sides. Discuss. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/what-mea-jaishankars-moscow-visit-means-for-india-russia-relations-8261687/ https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/russia-a-legacy-relationship-with-limitations/article37904613.ece In the introduction, talk about the long-standing friendship between India and Russia. In the body, first elaborate upon the geopolitical situation in the context of Russia-Ukraine war, rise of China and differences over Quad. Next, emphasize upon the steady relations between the two countries despite the geopolitical issues. Next, mention the… Continue reading Q.2 Although the India-Russia relationship stands strained by the larger geopolitical realities which neither of them is in completely control of, there exists significant potential for cooperation between the two sides. Discuss. (15 Marks)

Q.1 Regionalism in India is not a new topic of debate and is strengthening its roots slowly and steadily. In this context, differentiate between region and regionalism. Analyse the major issues that lead to the demand for regionalism in India and how it is a challenge for national integration? (15 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- In the introduction, first define region. Next, define regionalism and mention some examples of regional movements in India. Next, list down the major issues that lead to the growth of regionalism. Examine how is it a challenge to national integration. However, mention that regionalism is not always opposed to national integration. Conclude by… Continue reading Q.1 Regionalism in India is not a new topic of debate and is strengthening its roots slowly and steadily. In this context, differentiate between region and regionalism. Analyse the major issues that lead to the demand for regionalism in India and how it is a challenge for national integration? (15 Marks)

Q.2 Briefly outlining the evolution of collegium system for appointment of judges in India, highlight the issues with the process. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/kiren-rijiju-supreme-court-collegium-appointments-8254662/ In the introduction, mention how judges are appointed in India. In the body, list down the steps in the evolution of collegium system in India- First Judges Case, Second Judges Case etc. List down the concerns associated with the collegium system. Suggest a way forward. Conclude appropriately.

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