💥UPSC 2026, 2027 UAP Mentorship September Batch
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Climate change has now become a major topic of concern especially amid the crisis going on for now. In the context of this discuss the major impact of climate change on the Arctic region. How is it going to harm the global climate scenario in the long run? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the intro, briefly mention the issues of the recent changes noticed in the Arctic region due to climate change. In the body mention the impacts such as warming of the Arctic at a rate twice the global rate, reduction in the ice there, impact on the marine animals there, increasing ocean acidification… Continue reading Climate change has now become a major topic of concern especially amid the crisis going on for now. In the context of this discuss the major impact of climate change on the Arctic region. How is it going to harm the global climate scenario in the long run? 10 marks

The nexus of criminals, politicians and government functionaries is at the root of many problems the country faces today. Examine the problems created by the nexus and suggest ways to deal with the problem. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/tamil-nadu-custodial-deaths-up-vikas-dubey-encounter-police-brutality-6504199/ In the intro, briefly mention the issue of the nexus and Vohra Committee report. In the body, mention the problems created by the nexus such as rising and institutionalisation corruption, criminalisation of politics, illegalities by the police etc. In the suggestion mention the law for prohibiting the criminals from contesting elections, changes… Continue reading The nexus of criminals, politicians and government functionaries is at the root of many problems the country faces today. Examine the problems created by the nexus and suggest ways to deal with the problem. 10 marks

What type of information can be requested through RTI? Bring out the significance and criticisms against RTI. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction briefly explain the RTI concept. In the body explain the RTI Act and its objectives. Explain in detail what type of information can be requested through RTI. List down the significance of the RTI Act. Discuss the criticisms against it. Conclude by reasserting the significance of RTI applied to the… Continue reading What type of information can be requested through RTI? Bring out the significance and criticisms against RTI. 10 marks

Bring out the impact of regionalism on Indian polity. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction briefly explain what you understand by regionalism. In the body explain the ideology of regionalism  and how political movement seeks to advance the causes of regions.Briefly mention the types of regionalism and their positive as well as negative impact on society,polity, diplomacy, economy, security, culture, development, negotiations, etc. Highlight its… Continue reading Bring out the impact of regionalism on Indian polity. 10 marks

Is the concept of marriage less exclusionary in our country? In the context of same-sex marriage, discuss the need for a multi-pronged approach to deal with issue of prejudice and discrimination prevalent in society against them. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction briefly explain current context – highlight the case before Kerala high court. In the body discuss the features of Special Marriage Act first. Explain in what way it discriminates against same sex couples who want to formalize their relationship through marriage. Analyse the aspects of the rights of same-sex couples.… Continue reading Is the concept of marriage less exclusionary in our country? In the context of same-sex marriage, discuss the need for a multi-pronged approach to deal with issue of prejudice and discrimination prevalent in society against them. 10 marks

Formation of Fiscal Council has been suggested by the Finance Commission as well as by FRBM review committee. Do you agree with the view that the formation of the Fiscal Council will be helpful in portraying the virtue of the fiscal discipline of the government? Give reasons in support of your argument. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/do-we-need-a-fiscal-council/article32046204.ece In the intro, briefly mention about the mandate of the council. In the body, you can either agree or disagree with the view. As in the above-cited article, you can disagree with the view by mention the issues such as-duplicity of role with FRBM,  issue of lack of demand from accountability, issue of interference… Continue reading Formation of Fiscal Council has been suggested by the Finance Commission as well as by FRBM review committee. Do you agree with the view that the formation of the Fiscal Council will be helpful in portraying the virtue of the fiscal discipline of the government? Give reasons in support of your argument. 10 marks

Cooperative federalism in India has been facing a new hurdle in the form of fiscal constraints on the States emanating from the centre. Comment. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/in-the-name-of-cooperative-federalism/article32047918.ece In the intro, mention the issue of shortage of funds faced by State due to delayed payments from the Centre. In the body, mention the various issues faced by the States-like delayed payments, cess collected by the Centre, FRBM constraints, the gap in what was devolution expected under 14th Finance Commission recommendations and… Continue reading Cooperative federalism in India has been facing a new hurdle in the form of fiscal constraints on the States emanating from the centre. Comment. 10 marks

Define what work culture is and compare and contrast the work culture of India with that of West. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction define what work culture is. In the body explain how work culture is the set of collective beliefs, values, rules and behaviour. Explain that culture varies with family, region, social class and hence in work environment. Cite some differences between the Indian and Western work culture .Highlight the significance of… Continue reading Define what work culture is and compare and contrast the work culture of India with that of West. 10 marks

UDAN has been integral to the country’s Civil Aviation Policy. What are the various provision under UDAN to improve the regional connectivity in the country? Examine the issues it is facing. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.financialexpress.com/opinion/udan-has-failed-to-take-off-the-govt-must-give-it-a-relook/2019116/ In the intro, briefly introduce UDAN scheme.  In the body mention the provision of the scheme like the provision of cash subsidy and incentives. As issues with UDAN, mention lack of funds, the difference in intent versus impact in increasing connectivity in the NE region, only 26% routes being operated etc. Conclude… Continue reading UDAN has been integral to the country’s Civil Aviation Policy. What are the various provision under UDAN to improve the regional connectivity in the country? Examine the issues it is facing. 10 marks

Despite several judgements from the Supreme Court the issue of criminalisation in politics still persists. Examine the reasons for the persistence of the issues. Suggest the measures to deal with the issues. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/owning-up-to-criminalisation-in-politics/article32035186.ece In the intro, cite some data to highlight the intensity of the problem. In the body, you can mention the lack of intent from political parties, preference for winnability, issue of enforcement and lack of clarity in the S.C. judgement, secrecy introduced by electoral bonds etc. In the measures mention monitoring the… Continue reading Despite several judgements from the Supreme Court the issue of criminalisation in politics still persists. Examine the reasons for the persistence of the issues. Suggest the measures to deal with the issues. 10 marks

Sunita was a young, idealistic development officer in a district panchayat. After joining the district, she studied about its social and economic situation. She consulted various plan documents and looked at the social and economic parameters of the district. She found that the district is relatively better off than other districts in terms of irrigation, crop diversification and industry. But its social indicators were poor with high infant mortality rate, high maternal mortality rate and low literacy percentage among women. Based on her analysis, Sunita thought that large investments in the social sector will be necessary in order to tackle these problems. The panchayat was an elected body. It has decided to spend 40% of its budget on minor irrigation. Sunita felt that the large allocation to minor irrigation will benefit land owning farmers and starve other social programme. What should Sunita do in these circumstances? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction briefly explain the situation in the question, point out the moral dilemmas posed by the situation to Sunita, and explain here the importance of ethical reasoning. In the body explain how she should not adopt improper means in trying to achieve higher spending on social sector. Explain the possible options… Continue reading Sunita was a young, idealistic development officer in a district panchayat. After joining the district, she studied about its social and economic situation. She consulted various plan documents and looked at the social and economic parameters of the district. She found that the district is relatively better off than other districts in terms of irrigation, crop diversification and industry. But its social indicators were poor with high infant mortality rate, high maternal mortality rate and low literacy percentage among women. Based on her analysis, Sunita thought that large investments in the social sector will be necessary in order to tackle these problems. The panchayat was an elected body. It has decided to spend 40% of its budget on minor irrigation. Sunita felt that the large allocation to minor irrigation will benefit land owning farmers and starve other social programme. What should Sunita do in these circumstances? 10 marks

What do you understand by knowledge-centric development? How can it be a leveler for urban and rural areas? Examine. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction briefly define what knowledge-centric development is . In the body explain the situations of the current times, its impact on urban and rural regions of the country. Discuss the effect of pandemic on the distress migration in the country. Discuss – with emphasis on capability and capacity building of rural… Continue reading What do you understand by knowledge-centric development? How can it be a leveler for urban and rural areas? Examine. 10 marks

Government expenditure has increased manifold since 1947 but the form and manner of keeping data have remained more or less the same. In light of this examine the issues with payments, accounting and transactions data system of the government. Suggest the measures to improve it. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/digitising-the-state-6496692/ In the intro, mention the reforms in the data system could give us the “single source of truth”. In the body, as issues mention the data silos, lack of data sharing protocol, incompatibility of data of various state under the same head, obscurity, misclassification etc.Measures for improvement could be a common data… Continue reading Government expenditure has increased manifold since 1947 but the form and manner of keeping data have remained more or less the same. In light of this examine the issues with payments, accounting and transactions data system of the government. Suggest the measures to improve it. 10 marks

Compare the procedures adopted in the Indian and the U.S. Constitution towards the constitutional amendment. Do you agree with the view that the flexibility towards amendment procedure has led to more number of amendments to the Indian constitution? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the intro, briefly explain what constitutional amendment is. In the body, compare the various provisions of article 5 of the U.S., in which either Federal government or the state can initiate the procedure, ratification by the 3/4 states and contrast this with India in which constitution can be amended in 3 ways,… Continue reading Compare the procedures adopted in the Indian and the U.S. Constitution towards the constitutional amendment. Do you agree with the view that the flexibility towards amendment procedure has led to more number of amendments to the Indian constitution? 10 marks

Suicide frequency among the youth and especially students is rising in the country. Education is to be blamed for this to a great extent. Today while education is imparting attributes needed for competition and existentialist requirements, it is failing to give us eternal values like courage, character, patience, honesty, integrity, etc. Do you agree? Give reasons. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction first discuss the issue of suicides among youth; quote facts to highlight the issue and how it is related to lacunae in the education system. In the body discuss the causes, symptoms of suicides among the young. Mainly discuss the connection if any with the education system. Highlight the lacunae… Continue reading Suicide frequency among the youth and especially students is rising in the country. Education is to be blamed for this to a great extent. Today while education is imparting attributes needed for competition and existentialist requirements, it is failing to give us eternal values like courage, character, patience, honesty, integrity, etc. Do you agree? Give reasons. 10 marks

Examine how India’s poor are likely to tremendously bear the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures being taken to limit its spread. Suggest measures to decrease this impact. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction briefly explain why it’s always the poor who are most vulnerable. In the body quote the facts of the current situation. Discuss the hardship that the poor get exposed to owing to such a situation; explain the measures that need to be taken to resolve the situation. Explain the concerns… Continue reading Examine how India’s poor are likely to tremendously bear the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures being taken to limit its spread. Suggest measures to decrease this impact. 10 marks

Central Electricity Authority finalised the optimal electricity mix study recently setting the targets for the future. Examine the constraints that expansion of solar energy faces and suggest the pathways to overcome the challenges. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.financialexpress.com/opinion/what-india-should-do-to-get-its-energy-transition-right/2016648/ In the intro, if you could, cite the targets for renewable in the study. In the body, mention the constraints like import dependence for cells, battery, lack of domestic manufacturing and regulatory challenges like- changes in duty structure, renegotiation of PPAs etc. In the suggestions mention increasing storage, developing ingot manufacturing capacity, battery… Continue reading Central Electricity Authority finalised the optimal electricity mix study recently setting the targets for the future. Examine the constraints that expansion of solar energy faces and suggest the pathways to overcome the challenges. 10 marks

The South China Sea is important not just to its littoral countries but to the others as well. But China’s growing inclination to change the status quo there harms the interests of other stakeholders. In light of this suggest the relevant options that India could exercise. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/more-expansion-further-isolation/article32015849.ece In the intro, highlight the importance of the South China Sea as a vital sea lane to the global economy. In the body, mention options like pursuing defence diplomacy outreach, extending strategic partnerships, strengthening tri-service command capacity etc. Conclude by highlighting the need for rule-based global order respecting the international laws.

Aparna recently landed a well-paying software job in a reputed company in Bangalore. She has an ambition to become a civil servant. She is working hard towards it. Recently she wrote the entrance for Prime Minister’s Rural Development Fellowship (PMRDF) and got selected as its Fellow. Though she received better salary in the present job, she wanted to accept the PMRD Fellowship and work for it. She will be posted in a faraway state from her present location. The district where she will be posted is a sensitive region severely affected by Naxal problem. Few days ago, few civil servants and policemen were killed by Naxals in an ambush. Aparna’s parents do not want her to leave the present job. She thinks that this fellowship would equip her with skills needed to work as an IAS officer in case she gets selected in future. If you are in Aparna’s place, what decision will you take? Give reasons. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction briefly explain the situation in the question. In the body, bring out the ethical dilemmas involved in the present case. Discuss the aspects of personal ambition, family needs and wishes; in what way they may not all is in alignment with each other. Explain the need to balance such a… Continue reading Aparna recently landed a well-paying software job in a reputed company in Bangalore. She has an ambition to become a civil servant. She is working hard towards it. Recently she wrote the entrance for Prime Minister’s Rural Development Fellowship (PMRDF) and got selected as its Fellow. Though she received better salary in the present job, she wanted to accept the PMRD Fellowship and work for it. She will be posted in a faraway state from her present location. The district where she will be posted is a sensitive region severely affected by Naxal problem. Few days ago, few civil servants and policemen were killed by Naxals in an ambush. Aparna’s parents do not want her to leave the present job. She thinks that this fellowship would equip her with skills needed to work as an IAS officer in case she gets selected in future. If you are in Aparna’s place, what decision will you take? Give reasons. 10 marks

What do you understand by ‘Period Poverty’? Discuss the status of it in India. To what extent does our society promise ‘period dignity’? Explain. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction briefly explain what ‘Period Poverty’ is. In the body you can define period poverty – Some circumstances make menstruation a “difficult experience” for women. These include homelessness, coercive, controlling and violent relationships and health conditions such as endometriosis.   Discuss the context within the Indian setup. Explain how often it is… Continue reading What do you understand by ‘Period Poverty’? Discuss the status of it in India. To what extent does our society promise ‘period dignity’? Explain. 10 marks

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