💥UPSC 2026, 2027 UAP Mentorship September Batch
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Q.3 Solar energy can become the cornerstone of India’s net-zero emissions target. Highlighting the challenges in development of solar energy, suggest a way forward in this direction. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/solar-energy-can-help-india-achieve-net-zero-101667831390065.html In the introduction, talk about India’s net-zero target and mention how solar energy can help in achieving it. Next, list down the challenges in development of solar energy in India. Next, write a way forward. Conclude by mentioning the importance of solar energy not only with regards to net-zero achievement but also… Continue reading Q.3 Solar energy can become the cornerstone of India’s net-zero emissions target. Highlighting the challenges in development of solar energy, suggest a way forward in this direction. (15 Marks)

Q.2 Endorsement of reservations based on economic criteria by the Supreme Court offers an expansive view of the affirmative action vision offered by the constitution. Discuss. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/supreme-court-order-ews-quota-redefine-welfare-8255103/ https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sc-upholds-validity-of-ews-quota/article66106470.ece In the introduction, talk about the 3-2 majority verdict by the SC upholding EWS reservations. In the body, give arguments in favour of reservations based on economic criteria. Also, mention the concerns expressed in the dissenting judgement. Conclude by mentioning the need to engage with the concerns flagged in the dissenting… Continue reading Q.2 Endorsement of reservations based on economic criteria by the Supreme Court offers an expansive view of the affirmative action vision offered by the constitution. Discuss. (10 Marks)

Q.3 Instances have come to light where states with highest debt-to-GDP levels take fiscally profligate actions. In this regard, analyse how fiscal devolution is causing a lack of state-level fiscal responsibility and what needs to be done to improve it? (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- https://www.livemint.com/opinion/online-views/india-should-incentivize-state-level-fiscal-responsibility-11667752420919.html In the introduction, write about Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Punjab governments restoring the old pension scheme. In the body, begin with briefly mentioning the importance of fiscal devolution. Then, write on how it is leading to a lack of state-level fiscal responsibility. Suggest a way forward. Conclude suitably.

Q.2 Do you think time has come for the implementation of Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the country? What are the arguments against it? (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/explained-the-uniform-civil-code/article66105351.ece?homepage=true In the introduction, mention the constitutional provision on UCC. In the body, first give arguments in favour of implementation of UCC. Use relevant SC judgements wherever possible. Next, list down the arguments against the implementation of UCC. Conclude by saying that the goal of UCC should be reached in a piecemeal manner.

Q.1 Conducting a caste census is important for better targeting of welfare services; however, such an exercise is fraught with challenges to social harmony and risks polarization. Discuss. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Briefly write about the context of Caste Census, mentioning Mandal Commission, 1931 Census and 2011 SECC. In the next part, explain its significance such as its use in evidence-based policy making, equitable representation, and understanding exact deprivation level. Also explain the challenges to it, both substantive and procedural such as caste being context-specific,… Continue reading Q.1 Conducting a caste census is important for better targeting of welfare services; however, such an exercise is fraught with challenges to social harmony and risks polarization. Discuss. (15 Marks)

Q.3 The inclusion of loss and damage finance in the agenda for COP27 has renewed the fight for justice for communities losing their homes, crops, and income. Discuss. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- https://indianexpress.com/article/world/climate-change/cop27-un-climate-change-meet-compensation-mechanism-8253303/ In the introduction, mention the inclusion of “finance for loss and damage” in the main agenda at the COP27 summit being held in Egypt. Next, explain the concept of loss and damage and how it is related to climate justice. Next, explain briefly what effect will this inclusion have. Write a way… Continue reading Q.3 The inclusion of loss and damage finance in the agenda for COP27 has renewed the fight for justice for communities losing their homes, crops, and income. Discuss. (10 Marks)

Q.2 Highlighting the major hurdles in citizen-centric digitalization, suggest ways to further democratize digitilization in the country. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- https://www.livemint.com/opinion/online-views/india-must-lead-the-creation-of-a-citizen-centric-digital-economy-11667409066158.html Introduce by talking about the growing digital infrastructure in India and the need to make it more inclusive to ensure its success. List down the major hurdles in citizen-centric digitalization. Suggest ways to make it more democratic. Conclude on a positive note.

Q.1 “The processes of industrialization, urbanization and migration have led to loosening of the traditional methods of social control rendering an individual vulnerable to the stresses and strains of modern life.” Discuss the above statement with reference to the rising problem of drug abuse in Indian society. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- In the introduction, mention the increase in consumption of narcotic substances in India. In the body, explain how the increase is an effect of industrialization, urbanization and migration. Suggest a way forward. Conclude on an optimistic note.

Q.4 A private company has proposed a large-scale hydel power project to tap the potential of a fast-flowing river in a state predominantly occupied by indigenous tribal groups. The state is backward and badly needs funds for socio-economic development. The state government is deliberating on the issue and is yet to take a final decision on the matter. While the project is expected to generate substantial revenue and employment, it will submerge the surrounding areas eventually displacing the tribals. Another issue of concern is that the tribal community regards this land and the river as sacred and integral to their cultural heritage. Thus, the tribals are not in favour of going ahead with the project and are already protesting against it. Their leader has threatened to initiate a hunger strike if the government goes ahead with the project. This has caught the attention of the mainstream media and social activists. Based on the information given above, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders involved in the case and their respective interests. (b) Keeping in mind the issues involved, how can differing interests be reconciled for ensuring sustainable development in the area? (20 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Introduce by mentioning the conflict involved in this particular case study. In part (a), list down the stakeholders and their interests. In part (b), suggest ways to adopt a solution that is both sustainable and fair. In conclusion, emphasize upon the importance of co-existence.

Q.2 Poverty is an outcome of lack of development as well as a by-product of it. Critically analyse the statement & suggest remedial measures. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/there-is-no-debate-there-has-been-a-persistent-decline-in-poverty-in-india-nfhs-data-8248201/ In the introduction, define poverty as well as shed light on state of poverty in India. In the body, first mention how poverty is a result of lack of development. Next, mention how even development, if unplanned, can lead to poverty. Suggest some remedial measures. Conclude on an optimistic note.

Q.3 The recent cut in India’s growth forecast for 2022-23 by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has sent mixed signals on the country’s post-pandemic economic recovery. Critically analyze. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/the-truth-about-the-india-story/article66082806.ece In the introduction, mention the cut in India’s growth forecast by IMF. Compare it with the growth rate in the previous fiscal year. Next, talk about India’s poor performance in some fields such as creating jobs, investment rates, policy measures etc In next part, mention that issues have been aggravated due to… Continue reading Q.3 The recent cut in India’s growth forecast for 2022-23 by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has sent mixed signals on the country’s post-pandemic economic recovery. Critically analyze. (15 Marks)

Q.2 Highlighting the relevance of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) for India, discuss how the forum can be utilized by India. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/at-sco-meet-hosted-by-china-jaishankar-takes-aim-at-belt-and-road-initiative/article66082149.ece Introduce by talking about the SCO. In the body, talk about SCO’s relevance for India. Next, mention some of the concerns in brief. Write a way forward. Conclude by emphasizing upon the importance of SCO.

Q.1 In India, it is said that the wealth hierarchy mimics the caste hierarchy. In the above context, establish the relationship between caste and economic inequality in India. Also, discuss the initiatives taken to address the caste inequality in India. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- In the introduction, establish link between caste and economic inequality by quoting some statistics. In the body, first bring out the relationship between caste and socio-economic inequality in India. Next, mention some constitutional, legislative and economic measures taken to address caste inequality in India. Conclude on an optimistic note.

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