đź’ĄUPSC 2026, 2027 UAP Mentorship September Batch
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You retired as a finance manager from a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU). After retirement you are offered a job in a private company as its finance head and you have accepted it. The company has a procurement contract with the PSU which you worked for. Now that contract is up for renewal through competitive bidding. You have been asked to lead the team responsible for bidding of this contract. While working in the PSU, you had an opportunity to work on areas relating to financial accounting, procurement, contracts and bids. You are concerned that you might breach the confidentiality if you accept the assignment in the present company. You also suspect that your knowledge and experience of working in the PSU were seen as good reasons for appointing you to the position in the present company. The loss of such a major contract would have a significant effect on the financial performance of Company. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of the options given below and finally suggest what course of action you would like to take, providing adequate reasons. i. Do not accept the assignment as it will lead to breach of confidentiality. ii. Do not lead the team but guide them from outside. iii. Accept to lead the team and use your expertise in bidding for the contract. iv. Resign from the job. Suggest any other possible option(s). Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving your reasons for it. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction, briefly explain the case study. In the body, bring out the key facts of the case and identify the ethical dilemma involved. Evaluate the merits and demerits of the given options. Suggest a best possible solution without compromising the ethical values. Conclude with a fair and balanced approach.

What are the Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARC)? What are the challenges ARCs face under the IBC and suggest the measures to increase the role of ARCs in turning around a distressed business. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/insolvency-law-ibc-corporate-debt-resolution-bankruptcy-code-nirmala-sitharaman-6704399/ In the intro, briefly define the ARC. In the body mention the role played by the ARC under IBC. Next, mention how their role is constrained by the present rule which allows them to buy the credit by not the equity of the firm under IBC resolution. In the measures suggest allowing… Continue reading What are the Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARC)? What are the challenges ARCs face under the IBC and suggest the measures to increase the role of ARCs in turning around a distressed business. 10 marks

Why passing of the Farm Acts by the Union government has been challenged by the States on the ground of its constitutional validity? Also, examine its implications for federalism. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/farm-acts-unwanted-constitutional-adventurism/article32776232.ece https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/an-unconstitutional-harvest/article32776048.ece In the intro, mention that agriculture is a state subject and so the passage of the Act could face a legal challenge. In the body discuss the legal basis of the challenge, like- agriculture is in the State List. Also Entry 26 and Entry 27 of List 2 also deals with… Continue reading Why passing of the Farm Acts by the Union government has been challenged by the States on the ground of its constitutional validity? Also, examine its implications for federalism. 10 marks

In the recent past employment growth in India suffers from employment security. Discuss the factors responsible for this and suggest the ways to increasing employment security. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/economic-crisis-migrant-labour-bills-covid-19-change-6671565/ In the into, mention some figures indicating the rising proportion of jobs without employment security in India.  In the body discuss the factors responsible like-large proportion of informal sector, regulatory norms, lack of growth in manufacturing etc. In the next part, suggest the measure like policy change,  reforms in the labour laws,… Continue reading In the recent past employment growth in India suffers from employment security. Discuss the factors responsible for this and suggest the ways to increasing employment security. 10 marks

How the Indian Constitution’s approach to fundamental rights differs from the U.S. Constitutions approach? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction, briefly state the how both the Indian and the U.S. Constitution provides for fundamental rights. In the body discuss the difference in the approach like absolute rights of the U.S. and conditional rights in the India. Next mention how removal of right to property, 9th Schedule makes, Article 31A, 31B,… Continue reading How the Indian Constitution’s approach to fundamental rights differs from the U.S. Constitutions approach? 10 marks

Developing countries are often very vulnerable to exploitation by multi-national corporations. They support industrialization but lack of infrastructure is a major limiting factor. Further, without suitable laws and regulations, developing nations are ill prepared for such endeavours. In their efforts to attract business, these nations often overlook the health and safety violations by the corporations doing business within their borders. Drawn by low-cost labour, new markets, and lower operation costs, corporations have little incentive to address environmental and human risks once they are entrenched. In this situation there is imminent threat of disaster. Discuss some feasible strategies to balance economic development and safety and security of people at large in developing countries with special emphasis on India. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction briefly discuss the case study. In the body,  discuss the character of MNCs first with specific examples showing their disregard for human welfare. Then discuss various mechanisms at national and global level to address the deficiencies in policies and institutions. Conclude with a fair and balanced solution.

Temple architecture constitute a significant part of India’s cultural heritage, in this context throw light on the various types of temple architecture in India. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction you can start by explaining what constitutes a temple. In the body discuss about the Indian temple architecture and sculpture in detail. Deal with major topics like Nagara Temple Architectural Style, Dravida Temple Architectural Style, Vesara Temple Architectural Style, etc. and the sculptures associated with them. And also throw light upon… Continue reading Temple architecture constitute a significant part of India’s cultural heritage, in this context throw light on the various types of temple architecture in India. 10 marks

“Public service is the basic objective of the welfare state”, in the backdrop of the statement discuss the basic public service values that a civil servant must aim to, to ensure effective and efficient public service delivery. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction briefly explain the concepts of Public Service and Welfare State. In the body discuss the core principles of the welfare state. Highlight the relevance of public values to the civil servants. Explain why values are important and essential? How they aid in effective delivery of public services. Conclude by reasserting… Continue reading “Public service is the basic objective of the welfare state”, in the backdrop of the statement discuss the basic public service values that a civil servant must aim to, to ensure effective and efficient public service delivery. 10 marks

What were the issues involved in the Vodafone tax case? What are the implications of Investor-State Dispute Settlement ruling for India? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-perils-of-state-overreach/article32726276.ece In the intro, mention the issue of retrospective taxation in Vodafone case. In the body, discuss the other issues involved in the case and Bilateral Investment Treaties. Next, discuss the implication for investment and overall impact on the Indian economy the case could have and suggest the way forward. Conclude by mentioning… Continue reading What were the issues involved in the Vodafone tax case? What are the implications of Investor-State Dispute Settlement ruling for India? 10 marks

How law and order is different from public order. Also, elaborate on the issues with assigning the dual role of maintaining law and order and public order to one official. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/a-demarcation-in-the-interest-of-public-order/article32726505.ece In the intro, mention the difference in the roles of Police Commissioner and District Magistrate. In the body, mention how law and order differ from the public order and mention the Supreme Court comments. In the next part, mention the issues with combining both the roles in one person and related judgements… Continue reading How law and order is different from public order. Also, elaborate on the issues with assigning the dual role of maintaining law and order and public order to one official. 10 marks

Pluralism and Secularism are essential for Indian Democracy. Do you agree. Comment. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction start by explaining the concepts of Pluralism and Secularism in Indian context. In the body discuss the significance of Pluralism and Secularism to Indian democracy. Further go on to define how these lead to tolerance and acceptance. Discuss the challenges in today’s India to promote plurality and secularism. Conclude with… Continue reading Pluralism and Secularism are essential for Indian Democracy. Do you agree. Comment. 10 marks

You, an anthropologist, have developed cordial relations with a tribal community which was hitherto isolated from rest of the humanity. Notwithstanding increased interest of researchers and media for the newly discovered tribe, you are the only person from outside whom they trust. They are ardent believers in their goddess and, trusting you, take you to her abode on a holy mountain. To your surprise, you find that the mountain is a reservoir of Uranium that can be used in your power-starved country’s nuclear power plants. Besides, you are aware that Uranium being radioactive, it is highly risky to go near the mountain. You try to convince the people about harmful effects it can have and the utilitarian value that it possess for the country. However, they are in no mood to argue and politely ask you to leave. You fear that very soon the outside world will find about this and the vulnerable tribe would be displaced from their land. (a) Evaluate the following courses of action which you can take for their ethical merits and demerits: i. You would continue to convince the people yourself about the possible consequences and urge them to relocate. ii. You would call in local and national NGOs for protecting the rights of the people against the State and file a PIL in Supreme Court if the State proceeds with dispossession. iii. You would yourself tell the government and the scientific community about the reserves and let them proceed in their own way. (b) Without restricting yourself to the above options, state the course of action that you would take and why? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction mention the facts of the case and ethical dilemma which the anthropologist faces. In the body evaluate the options – give merits and demerits in terms of ethical issues listed above. State the course of action with proper reasoning and how will it address or adjust the demerits which you… Continue reading You, an anthropologist, have developed cordial relations with a tribal community which was hitherto isolated from rest of the humanity. Notwithstanding increased interest of researchers and media for the newly discovered tribe, you are the only person from outside whom they trust. They are ardent believers in their goddess and, trusting you, take you to her abode on a holy mountain. To your surprise, you find that the mountain is a reservoir of Uranium that can be used in your power-starved country’s nuclear power plants. Besides, you are aware that Uranium being radioactive, it is highly risky to go near the mountain. You try to convince the people about harmful effects it can have and the utilitarian value that it possess for the country. However, they are in no mood to argue and politely ask you to leave. You fear that very soon the outside world will find about this and the vulnerable tribe would be displaced from their land. (a) Evaluate the following courses of action which you can take for their ethical merits and demerits: i. You would continue to convince the people yourself about the possible consequences and urge them to relocate. ii. You would call in local and national NGOs for protecting the rights of the people against the State and file a PIL in Supreme Court if the State proceeds with dispossession. iii. You would yourself tell the government and the scientific community about the reserves and let them proceed in their own way. (b) Without restricting yourself to the above options, state the course of action that you would take and why? 10 marks

What are the concerns with the new FCRA Bill? How it will help in bringing about transparency in the working of non-profit organisations? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/the-g-in-ngo-6608158/ In the intro, mention the difficulty of regulating the money coming from abroad in the country. In the body, mention the changes introduced and how it could help in increasing the monitoring of the foreign donations received by the non-profit organisations. Conclude by mentioning the need to balance between the concerns of… Continue reading What are the concerns with the new FCRA Bill? How it will help in bringing about transparency in the working of non-profit organisations? 10 marks

What is Social Stock Exchange and how it will benefit the social sector in the country? Why is the civil society concerned with it? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/importing-a-failed-experiment-6608192/ In the intro, mention what social stock exchange is. In the body, discuss the various aspects of the idea of social exchange and how it could help the social sector. Conclude by stating the need to explore the accommodation of the exchange with the presence of civil society in the country.  

India’s fiasco to convert its victory of the 1971 war into a long-lasting peace in the region via the Shimla Agreement of 1972 is a case of missed opportunity. Examine. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction discuss about the Shimla agreement. In the body explain that the Agreement was the result of the resolve of both the countries to “put an end to the conflict and confrontation that have hitherto marred their relations”. It conceived the steps to be taken for further normalization of mutual relations and… Continue reading India’s fiasco to convert its victory of the 1971 war into a long-lasting peace in the region via the Shimla Agreement of 1972 is a case of missed opportunity. Examine. 10 marks

You are the head of a government office. One day you find out that your subordinate is infected with HIV. Before you could stop the news from spreading, it had already become a topic of discussion among other members of the office. Now, they are pressuring you to suspend, sack or transfer him as they fear that his presence in the office might lead to other members getting contaminated with the virus. You try to make them understand that HIV does not spread from touching, but they are so skeptic and scared that they refuse to even listen to your reasoning. They all decide to not work until a decision is met. Your office is already under a lot of work pressure and in the next week you are to finish an urgent work within a deadline. How will you tackle this problem? Elaborate the steps that you will take to handle it. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction briefly explain what your role should be as the head of the government office. In the body you can start by explaining the employees that a diseased person is to be empathized with and definitely not to be hated. To substantiate your arguments one can put forward few scientific researches… Continue reading You are the head of a government office. One day you find out that your subordinate is infected with HIV. Before you could stop the news from spreading, it had already become a topic of discussion among other members of the office. Now, they are pressuring you to suspend, sack or transfer him as they fear that his presence in the office might lead to other members getting contaminated with the virus. You try to make them understand that HIV does not spread from touching, but they are so skeptic and scared that they refuse to even listen to your reasoning. They all decide to not work until a decision is met. Your office is already under a lot of work pressure and in the next week you are to finish an urgent work within a deadline. How will you tackle this problem? Elaborate the steps that you will take to handle it. 10 marks

What are the changes introduced by the two recent bills passed by the government related to agri markets and contract farming how will these changes be helpful to the farmers?

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/farm-bills-parliament-monsoon-session-agriculture-sector-msp-hardeep-s-puri-6606714/ In the body, mention the need for reforms in agri marketing and contract farming. In the body, discuss the changes introduced by the Bills in agri marketing and contract farming by giving freedom to farmers and laying down the legal framework for the farmers. Conclude by mentioning how the  farm bills will… Continue reading What are the changes introduced by the two recent bills passed by the government related to agri markets and contract farming how will these changes be helpful to the farmers?

The functioning of Parliament in India in recent past shows a declining trend from the standards. In light of this, examine the issue and its implications for the functioning of democracy. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the body, mention the importance of proper functioning of the Parliament for the functioning of democracy.  In the body, mention the various ways in which the functioning of Parliament has been showing declining trends- falling standard of debate, disruption of functioning, not adhering to the procedure by the presiding officer, passing of bills… Continue reading The functioning of Parliament in India in recent past shows a declining trend from the standards. In light of this, examine the issue and its implications for the functioning of democracy. 10 marks

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