đź’ĄUPSC 2026, 2027 UAP Mentorship Aug Batch
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Q.2 Coping with the complex dynamic of Russia’s relations with the West has been an enduring element of independent India’s foreign policy. In the context of this, examine the current contradictions between Russia and the West and its significance for India. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/why-the-russia-west-equation-matters-to-india-7682639/ In the intro, mention the current tensions between the West and Russia over the Ukraine issue. In the body mention how Russia has always influenced modern India’s worldview from the impact of1917 Revolution to following the elements of Soviet model of economic development to deep security ties. In the next part, mention Russia’s… Continue reading Q.2 Coping with the complex dynamic of Russia’s relations with the West has been an enduring element of independent India’s foreign policy. In the context of this, examine the current contradictions between Russia and the West and its significance for India. (10 Marks)

Q.4 Ensuring that civil service values are recognised during the recruitment process and ensured through a code of ethics after appointment is a necessary condition of making the civil services an effective instrument of citizen centric governance. Comment. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Briefly define code of ethics and civil service values. State the importance of recognizing civil services values during the recruitment process of civil servants and its continuance thereafter through code of ethics. Assess whether it is an effective instrument of citizen-centric governance.

Q.3 India has the potential to occupy the upper echelons of the global technology ladder if only it identifies its shortcomings and acts upon them urgently. In the context of this, examine the shortcomings and suggest a way forward. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/can-india-become-a-technology-leader/article37991978.ece In the intro, mention Indian leading the tech giants. In the body discuss the issues such as role of government, missed opportunities after economic reforms etc. In the suggestions, mention increasing public spending on education and R&D, focusing on electronic manufacturing, strengthening PSUs etc. Conclude by mentioning that the next big story about… Continue reading Q.3 India has the potential to occupy the upper echelons of the global technology ladder if only it identifies its shortcomings and acts upon them urgently. In the context of this, examine the shortcomings and suggest a way forward. (10 Marks)

Q.2 How is structure and electoral process of Rajya Sabha different from Lok Sabha? Do you think Rajya Sabha has been able to perform its envisaged role in recent times? (15 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Introduce in brief about Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. Differentiate between the structure and electoral process of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. Discuss with the help of appropriate examples, whether Rajya Sabha has been able to provide the necessary checks and balances in recent times or not. Conclude on the basis of the… Continue reading Q.2 How is structure and electoral process of Rajya Sabha different from Lok Sabha? Do you think Rajya Sabha has been able to perform its envisaged role in recent times? (15 Marks)

Q.3 What are the challenges in providing legal basis to Minimum Support Price for the crops? Suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/crops-msp-farmers-income-support-money-transfer-7680783/ In the intro, mention the farmers’ demand for legal backing to the MSP. In the body, mention the brief background of the provision and objectives of MSP. In the next part, mention challenges such as fiscal viability, procurement challenges, impact on farmers, WTO challenges etc. In the way forward mention need for… Continue reading Q.3 What are the challenges in providing legal basis to Minimum Support Price for the crops? Suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

Q.2 What are the various rights and entitlements granted to persons with disabilities under the Right of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016? Also examine the significance of the Draft Accessibility Standards/Guidelines recently released by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for built infrastructure under its purview. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/for-disabled-citizens-to-have-the-police-they-deserve/article37980982.ece In the intro, mention that the Act fulfills the obligations to the United National Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), to which India is a signatory. In the body mention various rights and entitlement under the Act such as reservations in higher education and government jobs, responsibilities of the… Continue reading Q.2 What are the various rights and entitlements granted to persons with disabilities under the Right of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016? Also examine the significance of the Draft Accessibility Standards/Guidelines recently released by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for built infrastructure under its purview. (10 Marks)

Q.1 The government has recently proposed to raise the legal age of marriage for women in India to 21. In this context, examine whether the raising of marriage age will serve its purpose? (15 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Introduce by mentioning the proposal of the government and some of the previous laws regarding marriage which will need to be amended. In the body, talk about ways in which the legislation will help women- women empowerment, improve the nutrition of mother and infants, reduce child marriages etc Mention some drawbacks of the… Continue reading Q.1 The government has recently proposed to raise the legal age of marriage for women in India to 21. In this context, examine whether the raising of marriage age will serve its purpose? (15 Marks)

Q.3 India faces the challenge of high food prices. Examine the ways in which high food prices affect the overall economy. How far is India’s agriculture policy responsible for the problem? (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-price-of-food-must-figure-in-the-policy/article37963394.ece In the intro, mention the high share of food in households budget in India. In the body, mention implications of high food prices such as triggering economic insecurity, crowding out expenditure on other items, affect on manufacturing sector etc. In the next part mention how agriculture policy in the form of MSP… Continue reading Q.3 India faces the challenge of high food prices. Examine the ways in which high food prices affect the overall economy. How far is India’s agriculture policy responsible for the problem? (10 Marks)

Q.2 Examine the significance of fundamental duties in the context of the Indian Constitution. What are the issues with making the enforcement of rights contingent on adhering to the duties? (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/a-false-conflation-between-duties-and-rights/article37963993.ece In the intro, mention a recent statement made by the minister advocating the integration of duties with the rights. In the body mention the background of the introduction of fundamental duties in the Constitution through amendment and how these duties are non-enforceable. In the next part, mention the issues with the proposal… Continue reading Q.2 Examine the significance of fundamental duties in the context of the Indian Constitution. What are the issues with making the enforcement of rights contingent on adhering to the duties? (10 Marks)

Q.1 What were the reasons behind the failure of the League of Nations? How did this failure shape the formation of the United Nations as its successor? (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- In the introduction, give a brief background of the League of Nations. Discuss the reasons responsible for its failure- too closely linked with Versailles treaty, lack of major powers, deadlock on important matters etc Discuss how the UN system evolved learning from the failures of the league. Conclude accordingly.

Q.4 Emotions, earlier considered as an irrational factor in decision-making, are now recognised as a critical factor of judgment. In this regard, answer the following questions: (a) How can Emotional Intelligence help in coping with the intense pressure and occupational stress faced by police officers and armed forces in discharge of their duties? (b) What are the some of the concerns in incorporating and assessment of emotional intelligence skills in public service? (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Give a brief explanation of Emotional Intelligence (EI). Explain how it can help police and armed forces in dealing with occupational stress and pressure. List some of the concerns that arise while incorporating and assessing EI skills in public service.

Q.3 Notwithstanding the merit of the National Monetisation Pipeline, it becomes imperative for policymakers to introspect the decline of profit-making government assets. Also suggest the steps that need to be taken to strengthen the public sector business. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-nmp-is-hardly-the-panacea-for-growth-in-india/article37956016.ece In the intro, briefly mention the monetisation potential of Rs. 6-lakh crores. In the body, mention the important role of public enterprises as mentioned in Economic Survey 2019-20 to become a $5 trillion economy. In the next part, mention the primary reasons for the failure of public sector enterprises such as cost… Continue reading Q.3 Notwithstanding the merit of the National Monetisation Pipeline, it becomes imperative for policymakers to introspect the decline of profit-making government assets. Also suggest the steps that need to be taken to strengthen the public sector business. (10 Marks)

Q.2 The American withdrawal from Afghanistan would alter the regional geopolitics in Asia. In this context, examine the implications of the transition of the global order from American unipolarity for India and suggest a way forward. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/fathoming-the-new-world-disorder/article37947499.ece In the intro, mention the US withdrawal from Afghanistan after fighting a protracted war there. In the body, mention the implications for India in the form of security challenges and challenges in dealing with China and Pakistan. Next, mention the realignment in the US foreign policy which focuses on dealing with China… Continue reading Q.2 The American withdrawal from Afghanistan would alter the regional geopolitics in Asia. In this context, examine the implications of the transition of the global order from American unipolarity for India and suggest a way forward. (10 Marks)

Q.1 Identify the reasons for rise in insurgency and violence in Punjab in the 1980s. What steps were taken by the government to quell this violence? (15 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Briefly highlight upon the violent phase in Punjab during 1980s. Discuss the reasons for rise and insurgency and violence such as reorganisation of Punjab, Anandpur Sahib resolution, Khalistan movement, Anti-Sikh riots, communal politics etc State the steps taken by the government to quell the violence- imposition of AFSPA, Operation Blue Star, Punjab Accord… Continue reading Q.1 Identify the reasons for rise in insurgency and violence in Punjab in the 1980s. What steps were taken by the government to quell this violence? (15 Marks)

Q.3 As the world adapts to a new normal post-COVID-19, building resilience to cope with the threats posed by pandemics and other man-made and natural disasters has necessitated strengthening global partnerships. In light of this, examine the areas which need to be focused on in the post-Pandemic world and opportunities it offers for India. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-stepping-stones-in-the-post-pandemic-world/article37940694.ece In the intro, briefly mention the various effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. In the body, mention areas such as sustainability of growth process, ensuring the robustness of the global supply chains, increasing the competitiveness, adapting to the digital economy and dealing with the challenges of climate change etc. In opportunities for India… Continue reading Q.3 As the world adapts to a new normal post-COVID-19, building resilience to cope with the threats posed by pandemics and other man-made and natural disasters has necessitated strengthening global partnerships. In light of this, examine the areas which need to be focused on in the post-Pandemic world and opportunities it offers for India. (10 Marks)

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