šŸ’„UPSC 2026, 2027 UAP Mentorship Aug Batch
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Q.2 Strategic partnerships capable of re-shaping the international global order cannot be based simply on a negative agenda. In the context of this, examine the need for a reckoning with how interrelated climate and trade are to securing U.S.-India leadership globally, and how their strategic efforts can flounder without a sincere commitment to a robust bilateral agenda on both fronts. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- In the intro, mention COP26 and India’s commitment to net-zero targets. In the body, mention increasing India-US ties around the shared concerns around China. In the next part, mention the need for collaboration in the areas of trade and climate change, a collaboration between two countries underĀ the Climate and Clean Energy Agenda Partnership.… Continue reading Q.2 Strategic partnerships capable of re-shaping the international global order cannot be based simply on a negative agenda. In the context of this, examine the need for a reckoning with how interrelated climate and trade are to securing U.S.-India leadership globally, and how their strategic efforts can flounder without a sincere commitment to a robust bilateral agenda on both fronts. (10 Marks)

Q.4 Discuss the role of ethics and values in enhancing the following three major components of Comprehensive National Power (CNP) viz. human capital, soft power (culture and policies) and social harmony.(10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- In introduction, elaborate comprehensive national power and its three given major components. In the body, one by one, explain the role of ethics in enhancing human capital, increasing soft power and maintaining social harmony. Conclude by mentioning a positive way forward.

Q.3 Various ministries can be linked to the coal shortage crisis faced by the power sector recently. The crisis is also a structural lacuna. In light of this, suggest measures to avoid such crises in the future. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/theres-a-mismatch-between-indias-graduate-aspirations-and-job-availability-7601016/ In the intro, mention the coal shortage crisis and its impact on the power sector. In the body, mention how various ministries played role in the shortage crisis. In the next part suggest the enactment of the Act and the creation of an energy ministry to deal with the issue of energy… Continue reading Q.3 Various ministries can be linked to the coal shortage crisis faced by the power sector recently. The crisis is also a structural lacuna. In light of this, suggest measures to avoid such crises in the future. (10 Marks)

Q.2 The spectacular increase in enrollment for graduation in recent years has not been matched by a concomitant increase in jobs. In light of this, examine how high-quality vocational institutions can help deal with the issue. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-graduates-aspirations-and-job-availability-7600991/ In the intro, mention that the Gross Enrollment Ratio for higher education, which is the percentage of the population between the ages of 18-23 who are enrolled, is now 27 per cent. In the body, mention factors that led to an increase in enrollment in graduate courses and consequently rising operations of… Continue reading Q.2 The spectacular increase in enrollment for graduation in recent years has not been matched by a concomitant increase in jobs. In light of this, examine how high-quality vocational institutions can help deal with the issue. (10 Marks)

Q.3 Recognising the power of technology to drive inclusion at a massive scale, the state is doubling down on technology to reach more citizens and serve them better. Large segments of Indians still canā€™t access or havenā€™t learned to trust digital artefacts. In the context of this, suggest the elements to make the ā€œdigital publicā€ a reality. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/how-to-create-a-truly-digital-public-digital-india-digital-certificates-7598043/ In the intro, mention the issue of digital exclusion. In the body, mention the issue of digital exclusion of a large section of the population due to issue of lack of trust, the paradigm of technology is built around the elite citizen etc. In the suggestions mentionĀ understanding socio-cultural contexts andĀ lived realities before… Continue reading Q.3 Recognising the power of technology to drive inclusion at a massive scale, the state is doubling down on technology to reach more citizens and serve them better. Large segments of Indians still canā€™t access or havenā€™t learned to trust digital artefacts. In the context of this, suggest the elements to make the ā€œdigital publicā€ a reality. (10 Marks)

Q.2 The structural changes in the region and the breakdown of the old certitudes demand that India reboot its ASEAN engagement. Delhi has its task cut out in explaining its vision of the Indo-Pacific, reassuring the region on Delhiā€™s membership of the Quad, and intensifying its own bilateral cooperation with the ASEAN states. Comment. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/narendra-modi-on-indo-pacific-at-asean-meet-7601070/ In the intro, mention the recent engagement of the PM of India with the leaders of ASEAN. In the body, mention changed geopolitical scenario in the Indo-Pacific region with assertive behaviour of China, rising internal challenges of ASEAN, India’s withdrawal from RCEP, apprehension about India’s membership of Quad which is viewed as… Continue reading Q.2 The structural changes in the region and the breakdown of the old certitudes demand that India reboot its ASEAN engagement. Delhi has its task cut out in explaining its vision of the Indo-Pacific, reassuring the region on Delhiā€™s membership of the Quad, and intensifying its own bilateral cooperation with the ASEAN states. Comment. (10 Marks)

Q.1 Recently, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has declared that La Nina has re-developed. In this context, explain what do you understand by El Nino and La Nina. What are their impacts on India’s climate? (15 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Introduce by talking about the development of consecutive La Nina (Double Dip La Nina). In the body explain, the phenomena of El Nino and La Nina. Make use of diagrams. Also, list down some of the impacts on India’s climate. Conclude appropriately.

Q.3 What are the issues with ‘net zero’ emission targets in their effectiveness to deal with climate change. Should India adopt commit to these targets? (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/why-india-shouldnt-sign-on-to-net-zero/article37180448.ece In the intro, mention about the net zero campaign. In the body, mention the issues such asĀ  carbon budget, lack of scientific basis, not being part of Paris Agreement, lack of equity etc. Also mention the implications for India such as impact on development, cost of transition etc. Conclude by mentioning the… Continue reading Q.3 What are the issues with ‘net zero’ emission targets in their effectiveness to deal with climate change. Should India adopt commit to these targets? (10 Marks)

Q.2 What are the various suggestions made in the new National Water Policy (NWP)? How these suggestions can help India deal with the water crisis. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/what-indias-new-water-policy-seeks-to-deliver-7595819/ In the intro, mention that the new National Water Policy suggest wide-ranging changes and reforms in water governance to deal with the challenge. In the body, mention suggestions such as diversification of crops, use of technology such as SCADA and pressurised closed conveyance pipelines to utilise utilised water in the dams, participatory… Continue reading Q.2 What are the various suggestions made in the new National Water Policy (NWP)? How these suggestions can help India deal with the water crisis. (10 Marks)

Q.4 A manufacturing company is located in a small town where it is not easy for people to find jobs otherwise. The company has stayed in the town even though it could find cheaper workers elsewhere, because workers are loyal to the company due to the jobs it provides. Over the years, the company has developed a reputation in the town for taking care of its employees and being a responsible corporate citizen, owing to its CSR activities. The manufacturing process used by the company produces a by-product that has been flowing into the town river for some time now. According to some media reports people living near the river have started reporting illnesses off late and there is also damage to aquatic life. People, however, have refused to come forward as their livelihood depends on the company. You being the Sustainability Officer of the company believe it to be your duty to report this to the higher management. You are of the opinion that this matter is associated with the prestige of the company and should be taken seriously. In the meanwhile the new CEO, who has just joined the company, has called you for briefing and understanding the local issues. On the basis of the above case, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders in the case above. (b) What arguments would you put forth to the CEO to convince him to act on this matter? (20 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Introduce the answer. Identify the different stakeholders in the case above. Enlist the arguments you would present to the CEO of the Company to take action in this matter.

Q.3 What are the factors affecting the cost of doing business in India? Suggest the measures to reduce it. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/ease-of-doing-business-trade-policies-7592349/ In the intro, mention need for India to focus on reducing the Cost of Doing Business in India. In the body, mention high fuel and power cost and regulatory burden leading to the additional cost as compared to the other countries. In the suggestion mention adding power to the GST, reducing the… Continue reading Q.3 What are the factors affecting the cost of doing business in India? Suggest the measures to reduce it. (10 Marks)

Q.2 The Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (ABHIM) is another addition to the arsenal we have to prepare for the outbreak of pandemics in the future. In this context, examine various provisions under ABHIM and how it seeks to achieve its aims. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/preparing-for-outbreaks/article37180614.ece In the intro, mention the recent launch of ABHIM by the prime minister. In the body, mention the total outlay for the scheme of Rs. 64,180 crores over the period of five years, and also mention how it aims toĀ work towards strengthening public health institutions and governance capacities for wide-ranging diagnostics and… Continue reading Q.2 The Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (ABHIM) is another addition to the arsenal we have to prepare for the outbreak of pandemics in the future. In this context, examine various provisions under ABHIM and how it seeks to achieve its aims. (10 Marks)

Q.1 How can eco-tourism be used to sustainably harness the potential of tourism industry in India? Discuss the challenges and steps taken by the government in this context. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Briefly discuss the potential of the tourism industry in India. Discuss the potential of eco-tourism and highlight the principle to harness this potential. Write about the challenges faced in realizing potential of eco-tourism. Write about the steps taken by the government. Conclude appropriately.

Q.4 ā€˜The Citizensā€™ Charter sees public services through the eyes of those who use them.ā€™ Discuss how emergence of citizens’ charters have altered the concept of accountability and improved the delivery of public services. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Introduce by defining the term citizensā€™ charter. Briefly discuss the traditional concept of accountability. Highlight how citizensā€™ charters have changed the concept of accountability and improved the public service delivery. Mention a few shortcomings and conclude appropriately.

Q.3 How asymmetric globalisation favoured China? What are its implications for globalisation? Suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/a-bubbles-of-trust-approach/article37167231.ece In the intro, mention how China took advantage of the open nature of the global economy while keeping its own economy partially open at its best. MentionĀ that the ChineseĀ market was never open to foreign companies in the way foreign markets are to Chinese firms. In the implications mention growing distrust towards globalisation.… Continue reading Q.3 How asymmetric globalisation favoured China? What are its implications for globalisation? Suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

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