đź’ĄUPSC 2026, 2027 UAP Mentorship Aug Batch
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Q.2 As post-Brexit Britain looks for solid international partners to retain its position at the top of the global order, stronger ties with India have become a major political priority for London. In the context of this, assess the areas in which two countries can enhance their cooperation. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-uk-ties-technology-7671433/ In the intro, mention the time tested relations between the two countries with shared past. In the body mention the salience of the United Kingdom in geopolitics, trade and economics, technology, security domain and how India can gain in various areas. In the next part, highlight the possibilities in the domain of… Continue reading Q.2 As post-Brexit Britain looks for solid international partners to retain its position at the top of the global order, stronger ties with India have become a major political priority for London. In the context of this, assess the areas in which two countries can enhance their cooperation. (10 Marks)

Q.4 “Persuasion makes society work smoothly while physical coercion grinds it to a halt”. Giving examples, compare the effectiveness of persuasion as an influence tactic vis-a-vis coercion in bringing change in society. In what ways pers uasion can be used by civil servants to remove social evils existing in society? (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- In brief define persuasion and coercion. Citing examples examine the conditions under which persuasion proves to be better tactic vs coercion. Thirdly, suggest some ways/measures through which civil servants can use persuasion to remove certain social evils.  

Q.3 The bill for the regulation of cryptocurrencies must meet many important objectives. The universe of cryptocurrency overlaps with many domains. In light of this, examine the impact cryptocurrencies will have on various domains and suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/why-crypto-currency-legislations-needs-consideration-7669471/ In the intro, mention the introduction of the bill for the regulation of cryptocurrencies. In the body, mention various levels which will be impacted by cryptos such as sovereignty, interactions with financial markets, value cryptocurrencies will bring to the entire economy. In the suggestions mention addressing issues such as challenges to sovereignty,… Continue reading Q.3 The bill for the regulation of cryptocurrencies must meet many important objectives. The universe of cryptocurrency overlaps with many domains. In light of this, examine the impact cryptocurrencies will have on various domains and suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

Q.2 As the judiciary is one of the pillars of democracy, and the Constitution entrusts judges with the task of protecting the constitutional rights of the people, the consumer of justice has every right, and would be fully justified in critically examining, and commenting upon each and every word of the judges spoken or written, howsoever unpalatable it may be. Comment. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/judges-cannot-be-shielded-from-citizens-questions-7669480/ In the intro, mention the comment by the CJI about the attack on judges. In the body, mention the role of the judiciary in the protection of citizens’ rights and issues it is currently facing such as perception created due to pendency of important cases, working of collegium system and concerns raised… Continue reading Q.2 As the judiciary is one of the pillars of democracy, and the Constitution entrusts judges with the task of protecting the constitutional rights of the people, the consumer of justice has every right, and would be fully justified in critically examining, and commenting upon each and every word of the judges spoken or written, howsoever unpalatable it may be. Comment. (10 Marks)

Q.3 Examine the purpose of the Minimum Support Price declared by the government for crops and the implications of providing legal backing to it? Suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/farmers-protest-minimum-support-price-7666818/ In the intro, mention the recent repeal of the farm laws by the government and the formation of the committee to ensure MSP for all farmers. In the body, mention various interpretations of the legal backing and challenges in its implementation such as fiscal constraints and practical difficulties in the nationalisation of agricultural… Continue reading Q.3 Examine the purpose of the Minimum Support Price declared by the government for crops and the implications of providing legal backing to it? Suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

Q.2 What are the provisions for the suspension of the Rajya Sabha member for creating disorder in the House? What are the concerns with suspending the member for the entire session? (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/suspension-of-12-mps-for-winter-session-worrying-7664845/ In the intro, mention the suspension of Rajya Sabha MPs for disorderly behaviour in the last session. In the body, mention Rule 256 and the procedure mentioned in it. In the next part, mention the procedure and provisions mentioned in the Rule. Also mention the limitation for the suspension which limits the… Continue reading Q.2 What are the provisions for the suspension of the Rajya Sabha member for creating disorder in the House? What are the concerns with suspending the member for the entire session? (10 Marks)

Q.3 What changes were made by the RBI in its monetary policy in the wake of Covid? Examine the steps taken by the RBI towards policy normalisation without causing disruption. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/rbi-must-tackle-surplus-liquidity-7663127/ In the intro, mention move towards policy normalisation by the Central banks, as global economies shows the signs of recovery. In the body, mention steps taken by RBI such as reduced interest rates and liquidity injection through various measures. In the steps towards policy normalisation, mention liquidity management, increase in the policy… Continue reading Q.3 What changes were made by the RBI in its monetary policy in the wake of Covid? Examine the steps taken by the RBI towards policy normalisation without causing disruption. (10 Marks)

Q.2 What are the issues with the provisions of Armed Forces Special Powers Act? Do you agree with the view that repealing it would strengthen the Constitution? (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/repealing-afspa-will-not-weaken-only-strengthen-constitution-7663144/ In the intro, mention recent kiling of civilians in Nagaland in a security operation. In the body, mention issues such as violation of rights of the citizens, excessive powers, lack of accountability mechanism, against federalism, against the professionalism of army etc. In the suggestions mention repeal of the law and how it… Continue reading Q.2 What are the issues with the provisions of Armed Forces Special Powers Act? Do you agree with the view that repealing it would strengthen the Constitution? (10 Marks)

Q.1 Ocean deoxygenation is one of the most detrimental, yet under-reported side-effects of human- induced climate change. Identify the causes behind it. Also, mention its socio-economic and environmental implications for the world. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Define the term ocean deoxygenation. List the causes of ocean deoxygenation such as climate change, eutrophication,phosphorous cycling. Discuss the socio-economic and environmental implications impacts of ocean deoxygenation. Conclude accordingly.

Q.4 What is the present perception of public administration in the view of the general public? How can we reconcile “public” and “administration”? (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- In the introduction first define what is meant by public administration. In the main body, write the general public perception of the public administration. Mention the reasons for disconnect between public and administration. In the next paragraph write about the method by which public and administration can be reconciled. Conclude appropriately.

Q.3 Stubble burning by farmers of the adjacent states contributes significantly to the air pollution in Delhi. In this context, examine the initiatives taken by the government to deal with the problem and suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/to-check-stubble-burning-monitor-policy-implementation-7661478/ In the intro, mention the issue of air quality faced by Delhi in winter. In the body, mention the initiatives such as National Policy for Management of Crop Residue, Promotion of Agricultural Mechanisation for In-Situ Management of Crop Residue, banning of stubble burning by NGT, and legal provision etc. In the way… Continue reading Q.3 Stubble burning by farmers of the adjacent states contributes significantly to the air pollution in Delhi. In this context, examine the initiatives taken by the government to deal with the problem and suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

Q.2 What are the implications of the low public spending on health in India? The National Health Accounts (NHA) report for 2017-18 shows that total public spending on health as a percentage of GDP has increased. In this context, examine the issues with the findings of increased spending in the report. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/health-account-numbers-that-require-closer-scrutiny/article37889514.ece In the intro, mention the low public spending as a percentage of GDP in India.  In the body, mention the implications of the low public spending such as rich-poor, rural-urban, gender and caste-based divides in access to health care, poverty, and debt trap. In the next part, mention issues with the reported increase… Continue reading Q.2 What are the implications of the low public spending on health in India? The National Health Accounts (NHA) report for 2017-18 shows that total public spending on health as a percentage of GDP has increased. In this context, examine the issues with the findings of increased spending in the report. (15 Marks)

Q.4 Big firms often undertake sub-contracting to complete large infrastructure projects in a timely manner. You recently joined one such firm as a manager responsible for awarding these contracts. Looking at the past records, you find that all contracts for the past few years have been awarded to a particular firm, X. Your superior has asked you to award an upcoming contract to the same firm. Although, not binding, company procedure maintains that sub-contracting work should be offered after competitive bids. This is to ensure that the firm most suitable for the project in terms of operations and finance gets the contract. When you discuss this with your superior, he insists that hiring of the firm X has been done as per legal norms of the company and no official rule has been violated. You decide to contact the owner of the firm X. After doing so, you realize that he is the nephew of your superior, who is also a shareholder in the company. (a) State the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) Does this form of transaction between two private parties constitute a conflict of interest? Justify. (c) Evaluate the possible ways of awarding contracts in such a situation with their merits and demerits. Also state which method would be more suitable in each situation. (20 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- State some of the ethical issues in the case. Evaluate if a situation of interest is generated due to the relationship of your superior with the owner of firm X and the knowledge of the superior being a shareholder in the company. Suggest ways of awarding contracts in the situation, along with their… Continue reading Q.4 Big firms often undertake sub-contracting to complete large infrastructure projects in a timely manner. You recently joined one such firm as a manager responsible for awarding these contracts. Looking at the past records, you find that all contracts for the past few years have been awarded to a particular firm, X. Your superior has asked you to award an upcoming contract to the same firm. Although, not binding, company procedure maintains that sub-contracting work should be offered after competitive bids. This is to ensure that the firm most suitable for the project in terms of operations and finance gets the contract. When you discuss this with your superior, he insists that hiring of the firm X has been done as per legal norms of the company and no official rule has been violated. You decide to contact the owner of the firm X. After doing so, you realize that he is the nephew of your superior, who is also a shareholder in the company. (a) State the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) Does this form of transaction between two private parties constitute a conflict of interest? Justify. (c) Evaluate the possible ways of awarding contracts in such a situation with their merits and demerits. Also state which method would be more suitable in each situation. (20 Marks)

Q. 3 What are the lessons offered by the issues faced in the regulation of cryptocurrency for the regulator and the government in India. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- https://www.livemint.com/v/s/www.livemint.com/opinion/columns/crypto-lessons-make-a-case-for-principles-led-rbi-rules/amp-11638723937908.html?usqp=mq331AQKKAFQArABIIACAw%3D%3D&amp_js_v=0.1 In the intro mention the proposed act for the regulation of cryptocurrencies in India. In the body, mention lessons to remain ahead in technology driven world, regulation of lending apps etc. Conclude by mentioning the need for regulation to avoid harm to the public and avoid systemic risks

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