đź’ĄUPSC 2026, 2027 UAP Mentorship September Batch
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Q.3 Highlighting the factors affecting forex reserves, bring out the factors behind the recent decline in India’s forex reserves. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- https://indianexpress.com/article/business/economy/rising-inflation-strong-usd-forex-reserves-plummet-110-billion-in-13-months-8198127/#:~:text=by%20global%20developments.-,The%20rupee%20hit%20a%20record%20low%20of%2082.33%20against%20the,registered%20on%20September%203%2C%202021. In the introduction, explain what are forex reserves. In the body, first list down some of the factors that affect the forex reserves. Next, mention the reasons behind declining forex reserves in India in the recent past. Conclude optimistically.

Q.2 India’s pharma industry has largely been in denial over quality control concerns expressed by international observers. What are the issues involved and what can be the way forward? (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/indias-drug-problem-why-whos-alert-over-indian-medicines-in-gambia-should-not-be-ignored-8199501/ In introduction, you can mention the current tragedy of death of children in Gambia after consuming medicines manufactured by a Haryana based company. In the body, talk about issues with the drug regulations regime in India. Next, give a way forward. Conclude accordingly.

Q.2 Do you think reservations for economically weaker sections (EWS) is justified? What are the arguments against it? (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/toi-edit-page/whos-deserving-whos-not-ews-income-threshold-covers-households-even-in-the-top-10-its-land-holding-threshold-is-just-as-liberal/ In the introduction, talk about the 103rd amendment. In the body, first give reasons as to why reservations were provided to EWS sections. Next, give arguments against it. Conclude with a balanced view.

Q.3 Rice export restrictions by India have heightened food security anxieties across the global market. Highlighting the reasons behind the move, examine its significance. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/rice-insecurity-the-depletion-of-groundwater-resources-and-the-increasing-cost-of-cultivation-may-put-rice-production-in-jeopardy-in-the-future-8194182/ In the introduction, talk about India’s move to put restrictions on rice exports. In the body, first, talk about the reasons for the ban. Next, talk about the significance of the move with regards to various stakeholders. Conclude with a way forward.

Q.4 Mr. X is a billionaire businessman who heads a conglomerate engaged in insurance, energy generation and distribution, and manufacturing. Despite being globally known as a great philanthropist, he turned down a shareholder request seeking the disclosure of the conglomerate’s actions on issues related to climate change as well as diversity and inclusion. Because of increased attention to climate and diversity issues, many leading firms have committed themselves to incorporate relevant considerations in their business strategies. Therefore, some industry-observors wonder if Mr. X is out of touch with the industry at large and have warned him that failing to address climate change issues puts his businesses under systemic risk. But, Mr. X maintained his vote against the disclosure proposal, while at the same time acknowledged the importance of both climate change and a diverse and inclusive work force. However, Mr. X believes that such ethical issues take secondary importance to maximising shareholder profit. (a) Discuss the importance of including climate change strategies and diversity and inclusion in a business organisation? (b) In your opinion, what matters more for a business organisation – socio-environmental concerns or shareholder profit? (c) How can the two above-mentioned issues be reconciled? (20 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Provide a brief introduction to the case-study and discuss the importance of including climate change strategies, diversity and inclusion in the firm. Provide a balanced discussion of the relevance of share-holder wealth maximisation for firm and socio-environmental concerns. Mention some key measures through which both the issues can be reconciled. Conclude accordingly.

Q.1 Although a bit different from modern democracy, democratic traditions have been a part of ancient Indian culture establishing the view that India is not just the world’s largest democracy, but also the “mother of democracy”. Discuss. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Introduce by defining democracy as a system of debate and discussion. In the next part, elaborate on various institutes of democracy of ancient times such as Sabha, Samiti, republics of Buddhist period, Chola village assemblies etc. Follow it with elaboration of democratic traditions which were not a part of ancient India such as… Continue reading Q.1 Although a bit different from modern democracy, democratic traditions have been a part of ancient Indian culture establishing the view that India is not just the world’s largest democracy, but also the “mother of democracy”. Discuss. (10 Marks)

Q.3 What is windfall tax and why is it needed? Highlight the challenges involved in imposing such a tax? (15 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/why-is-windfall-tax-being-imposed-on-the-energy-sector/article65857808.ece https://indianexpress.com/article/business/windfall-tax-on-crude-reduced-export-duty-on-diesel-halved-8186598/ In the introduction, explain windfall tax. In the body, first, mention the need for a windfall tax. Next, mention the challenges involved. Conclude with a way forward.

Q.2 In Washington’s first major security assistance to Islamabad in four years, it has approved a military sustenance package for the country’s aging F-16 fleet. What are India’s concerns with the deal? Do you think such a decision from US is justified in the backdrop of strong relations with India? (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/us-pakistan-f-16-package-8153865/ https://indianexpress.com/article/world/united-states-pakistan-relationship-india-jaishankar-comment-f16-8174908/ In the introduction, talk about the package and a bit of its background. In the body, first, mention the implications of the deal. Next, highlight India’s concerns with the deal. Next, mention the justification given by US. Conclude by talking about a tit-for-tat approach to India’s “strategic autonomy” argument.

Q.1 What are the important features of footloose industries? What are the factors that influence the location of these industries? (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Introduce your answer with explanation of footloose industry and some examples. In the main body, write about the important features of footloose industry. Then for the second part of the question, explain different factors that influence the location of footloose industry. Conclude the answer with a comment on significance of footloose industries.

Q.3 The Government’s decision to create the post of a Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), a long-pending demand to bring in tri-service synergy and integration, is touted as one of the biggest top-level military reforms since independence. Highlighting the role of the CDS, evaluate the challenges ahead. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/toi-edit-page/the-challenges-ahead-for-general-chauhan-a-former-colleague-of-indias-new-cds-details-the-task-of-getting-the-armed-services-future-ready/ https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/evolving-chair-the-hindu-editorial-on-the-chief-of-defence-staff-post/article65951471.ece In the introduction, talk about the government’s decision to create the post of a CDS and the major objectives behind it. In the body, first, mention the duties and functions of the CDS. Next, talk about the challenges lying ahead for the newly appointed CDS. Conclude with a way forward.

Q.2 Social audit is a good instrument for participatory governance and transparency, but it has limitations. Identify the limitations and suggest measures for increasing the effectiveness and usefulness of social audit. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Introduce with a definition of Social Audit and briefly explain how it is a good instrument for participatory governance and transparency. For the main body, mention the limitations associated with social audit and then suggest measures to increase its effectiveness. Conclude with emphasizing the importance of social audit in promoting democratic participation.

Q.1 What do you mean by temperature inversion? Highlighting the suitable conditions for temperature inversion, discuss its multidimensional impacts. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Introduce by defining temperature inversion. Also explain normal lapse rate. Draw a diagram. Then, elaborate the conditions for it which are clear cloudless skies, winter nights and still air. In the multidimensional impact part, mention fog formation, air drainage, impact on precipitation as well as subsidiary impact like lower visibility, benefit and damage… Continue reading Q.1 What do you mean by temperature inversion? Highlighting the suitable conditions for temperature inversion, discuss its multidimensional impacts. (10 Marks)

Q.2 Discuss the relevance of BIMSTEC as a regional organisation to fulfil India’s strategic aspirations in the Indian Ocean Region. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/rediscovering-the-bay-of-bengal/article65946257.ece https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/a-silver-moment-to-propel-a-bay-of-bengal-dream/article65501168.ece Give a brief overview about BIMSTEC. Discuss the relevance of BIMSTEC to fulfill India’s strategic aspirations in the Indian Ocean Region. Conclude accordingly.

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