💥UPSC 2026, 2027 UAP Mentorship September Batch
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Highlight the role of consumption and investment as the two largest contributors to India’s growth and explain how spending on the infrastructure could help revive the economy hit hard by the pandemic. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the intro, explain the dominant role played by consumption in India’s growth. In the first part explain how consumption and investment dominate India’s growth story by contributing more than 2/3 in its growth its role as the driver of India’s economy. In the next part, state the importance of spending on infrastructure from the… Continue reading Highlight the role of consumption and investment as the two largest contributors to India’s growth and explain how spending on the infrastructure could help revive the economy hit hard by the pandemic. 10 marks

Q.2 Examine the issues that introduce friction in India-China relations. Also, elaborate on the scope of India’s alliance with the U.S to counter the challenges posed by China. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/galwan-encounter-india-china-border-dispute-russia-us-india-foreign-relations-c-rajamohan-6482305/ In the intro, you can mention the deterioration of relations with China following the Galwan incident. In the body, as contentious issue mention-boundary issue, widening trade deficit, clash for dominance in the region, opposition to India’s global aspirations, support to Pakistan on terrorism etc. In the scope of cooperation with the U.S.,… Continue reading Q.2 Examine the issues that introduce friction in India-China relations. Also, elaborate on the scope of India’s alliance with the U.S to counter the challenges posed by China. 10 marks

What do you understand by ‘Information sharing’ and ‘transparency’? Based on your understanding of the term, suggest measures for ensuring Information sharing and transparency in government. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction define what ‘information sharing’ and ‘transparency’ are. In the body you can bring out the significance of these elements – Information is fundamental need of humans to perform various tasks. It has been found that the ability to seek, receive and circulate information is crucial to secure human rights. An… Continue reading What do you understand by ‘Information sharing’ and ‘transparency’? Based on your understanding of the term, suggest measures for ensuring Information sharing and transparency in government. 10 marks

Explain how local winds are different from planetary winds. Giving examples, highlight the role of local winds in influencing climate, agriculture and livelihood in various regions. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction you can briefly discuss these two types of winds by highlighting the characteristic difference between them. In the body you can define the two types of the winds first. Explain the difference between the two. You must bring out the role of local winds in the climate, agriculture and livelihood… Continue reading Explain how local winds are different from planetary winds. Giving examples, highlight the role of local winds in influencing climate, agriculture and livelihood in various regions. 10 marks

Discuss the new public service management model. What are the principles of it? Explain. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction you can briefly explain what new public service management model is. In the body start with the origin of the concept – The concept was propounded by Denhardl and Denhardt. Highlight the need for such a system – Explain that the central role of government is to provide service and… Continue reading Discuss the new public service management model. What are the principles of it? Explain. 10 marks

Given the complex nature of functions performed by the banks in comparison to other businesses subjecting them to stricter norms of governance is necessary. In light of this examine the adequacy of existing governance norms and suggest ways to improve them. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.financialexpress.com/opinion/rbi-goes-for-massive-governance-reforms-in-commercial-banks-key-recommendations/2006866/ In the intro, mention the recent episodes of governance failures like Yes Bank. In the body, mention the current norms for banks under Companies Act 2013 and disclosure requirements under SEBI norms etc. In suggestion improvement in the governance structure through various conditions can be suggested. In conclusion, highlight the importance of… Continue reading Given the complex nature of functions performed by the banks in comparison to other businesses subjecting them to stricter norms of governance is necessary. In light of this examine the adequacy of existing governance norms and suggest ways to improve them. 10 marks

South Asia is perhaps the most natural regional grouping of states around the world, yet it is also the most difficult and contested grouping. Comment. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/in-border-claims-reimagining-south-asias-boundaries/article31940545.ece In the intro, you can briefly mention what do you mean by the political and economic union. In the body, you can mention why it is the “most natural” regional grouping- from the cultural, geographical, historical point of view. In the next part factors that stand in the regional integration has to be… Continue reading South Asia is perhaps the most natural regional grouping of states around the world, yet it is also the most difficult and contested grouping. Comment. 10 marks

Critically examine how globalization has affected urban and rural society differently in India. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction you can briefly discuss the importance of globalization and its implications in general. In the body explain how globalization impacted Indian urban and rural society with both positive as well as negative impacts. Also explain how urban and rural India are mutually interdependent and both have a greater impact of… Continue reading Critically examine how globalization has affected urban and rural society differently in India. 10 marks

An NCC cadet, Pooja Mehta, has sent following petition to the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT)- “NCC Cadets spend three years of their life with an ambition to become an officer in defense or police. They sacrifice college life of fun and leisure to attend various local, state and national camps. They get rigorous training in discipline, leadership and physical fitness. While there is quota for sports persons in the recruitment of defense, railways and public sector undertakings, no such separate quota exists for NCC Cadets. Therefore, I request you to create separate quota for us in government jobs, failing which, we will organize a mass protest across the country.” As the Secretary (DoPT), how will you deal with petition? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction one must briefly explain the case study. In the body state the nature of the ethical issue you’ve initially spotted. List the relevant facts. Identify stakeholders, clarify the underlying values and consider consequences. Develop a list of potential responses, choose the best option. Conclude by what could be done in… Continue reading An NCC cadet, Pooja Mehta, has sent following petition to the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT)- “NCC Cadets spend three years of their life with an ambition to become an officer in defense or police. They sacrifice college life of fun and leisure to attend various local, state and national camps. They get rigorous training in discipline, leadership and physical fitness. While there is quota for sports persons in the recruitment of defense, railways and public sector undertakings, no such separate quota exists for NCC Cadets. Therefore, I request you to create separate quota for us in government jobs, failing which, we will organize a mass protest across the country.” As the Secretary (DoPT), how will you deal with petition? 10 marks

What do you understand by “Urban commons”? Examine their importance in ensuring ‘Just and liveable cities’ to all in the urban areas. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction you can give the definition of Urban commons with examples. In the body discuss the importance of urban commons in urban areas. How they act as a nutritional buffer and safety net for migrants . Discuss about the various challenges faced by the urban commons and how we have failed… Continue reading What do you understand by “Urban commons”? Examine their importance in ensuring ‘Just and liveable cities’ to all in the urban areas. 10 marks

Examine the issues that would arise in shifting PDS to direct cash transfer. Also, examine the issues PDS currently faces and suggest the measures to make it more efficient. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-coronavirus-lockdown-food-stock-supply-pds-scheme-6476514/ In the intro, mention briefly state the importance of PDS in food security of the country. In the body, issues in direct cash transfer could be bank coverage, account holders, high transaction cost, linking with inflation. Issues PDS faces in inefficiency, losses, wider coverage etc, In suggestions- cash transfer, reducing the coverage,… Continue reading Examine the issues that would arise in shifting PDS to direct cash transfer. Also, examine the issues PDS currently faces and suggest the measures to make it more efficient. 10 marks

Stability and security environment of the Persian Gulf region have wider implications for India’s interest. In light of this highlight the region’s importance for India.10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/in-persian-gulf-littoral-cooperative-security-is-key/article31774318.ece In the intro, you can mention the significance of the region for not only India but for the world in fulfiling its energy needs. In the body, you can mention the security issues the region is grappling with. As for the importance of the region for India-bilateral trade, crude oil import, remittances,… Continue reading Stability and security environment of the Persian Gulf region have wider implications for India’s interest. In light of this highlight the region’s importance for India.10 marks

“Despite various policy interventions, DISCOMs continue to suffer from financial woes. Analyse the reasons for their woes. Examine the proposals in the Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill 2020 and issues with them.10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/a-jolt-to-national-energy-security/article31617586.ece In the intro, you can mention various policy interventions done by governments to help DISCOMs. In the body, you can mention the reasons for the financial woes of the discoms- like, two-part tariff policy, overestimation by the CEA, transmission losses etc. In the new proposed amendments, there are several issues to mention-… Continue reading “Despite various policy interventions, DISCOMs continue to suffer from financial woes. Analyse the reasons for their woes. Examine the proposals in the Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill 2020 and issues with them.10 marks

Discuss the institutional framework set up at various levels under the Disaster Management Act 2005. Also, highlight the shortcoming and challenges in the implementation of the Act.10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/the-perils-of-follow-the-leader-syndrome/article31909353.ece In the intro, briefly mention the purpose of the Act. In the body, the institutional provision under the act at the national, state and district level has to be mentioned. At the national level there is NDMA, NEC, NIDM, at state level there is SDMA and SEC at district level there is… Continue reading Discuss the institutional framework set up at various levels under the Disaster Management Act 2005. Also, highlight the shortcoming and challenges in the implementation of the Act.10 marks

Explain the issues surrounding the policies and programme adopted by the Indian Government to tackle poverty. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment In the introduction briefly define the poverty conditions in the country, explain why the issues still persist despite consistent efforts of the governments in the past. In the body discuss first the concerns involved in addressing poverty through policies and programme. Explain then the various types of efforts made by the government to… Continue reading Explain the issues surrounding the policies and programme adopted by the Indian Government to tackle poverty. 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 one’s arguments you can put forward few scientific researches in… 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

A fresh engineering graduate gets a job in a prestigious chemical industry. She likes the work. The salary is also good. However, after a few months she accidentally discovers that a highly toxic waste is being secretly discharged into a river nearby. This is causing health problems to the villagers downstream who depend on the river for their water needs. She is perturbed and mentions her concern to her colleagues who have been with the company for longer periods. They advise her to keep quite as anyone who mentions the topic is summarily dismissed. She cannot risk losing her job as she is the sole bread-winner for her family and has to support her ailing parents and siblings. At first, she thinks that if her seniors are keeping quiet, why should she stick out her neck. But her conscience pricks her to do something to save the river and the people who depend upon it. At heart she feels that the advice of silence given by her friends is not correct though she cannot give reasons for it. She thinks you are a wise person and seeks your advice. (a) What arguments can you advance to show her that keeping quiet is not morally right? (b) What course of action would you advise her to adopt and why? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction briefly present the key details of the case study. In the body one must present arguments in favor of not keeping quiet such as – deficits of ‘Business without morality’, need to be a conscience citizen, questions of integrity involved. Suggest a course of action to take the corrective measures… Continue reading A fresh engineering graduate gets a job in a prestigious chemical industry. She likes the work. The salary is also good. However, after a few months she accidentally discovers that a highly toxic waste is being secretly discharged into a river nearby. This is causing health problems to the villagers downstream who depend on the river for their water needs. She is perturbed and mentions her concern to her colleagues who have been with the company for longer periods. They advise her to keep quite as anyone who mentions the topic is summarily dismissed. She cannot risk losing her job as she is the sole bread-winner for her family and has to support her ailing parents and siblings. At first, she thinks that if her seniors are keeping quiet, why should she stick out her neck. But her conscience pricks her to do something to save the river and the people who depend upon it. At heart she feels that the advice of silence given by her friends is not correct though she cannot give reasons for it. She thinks you are a wise person and seeks your advice. (a) What arguments can you advance to show her that keeping quiet is not morally right? (b) What course of action would you advise her to adopt and why? 10 marks

The economic crisis brought by the corona crisis is not like the ones we faced before. This crisis is about an economic shock turning into the financial crisis. So, what should be fiscal and monetary policy interventions to tackle the crisis? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/coronavirus-india-economic-crisis-6472983/ In the intro, you can briefly explain why this crisis is different from the other crisis. In the body, you can divide the policy measures into fiscal and monetary. In the fiscal policy measures income support, increased government spending, tax cuts, providing the guarantee of loans etc can be suggested. In the… Continue reading The economic crisis brought by the corona crisis is not like the ones we faced before. This crisis is about an economic shock turning into the financial crisis. So, what should be fiscal and monetary policy interventions to tackle the crisis? 10 marks

The corona pandemic has exposed the inadequacies of our health infrastructure. In light of this examine the issues the health sector of our country faces and suggest the measures to improve it to face the pandemic like situations in the future. 10 marks

  Mentor’s comment- In the intro, you could mention the countries expenditure as a percentage of GDP on health. In the body, mention the various issues health sector faces- low doctors to population ratio, inadequate hospital beds, quality of public health sector etc. In the suggestions, you can mention increasing expenditure on health, health insurance, regulation of… Continue reading The corona pandemic has exposed the inadequacies of our health infrastructure. In light of this examine the issues the health sector of our country faces and suggest the measures to improve it to face the pandemic like situations in the future. 10 marks

“Female literacy has a direct positive multiplier effect in tackling the problem of malnutrition in the country”. Comment. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction briefly explain the current scenario of malnutrition in the country. In the body quote some relevant data in the beginning .Discuss the aspects of challenge for India; to achieve the third goal of SDG – good health and well-being by 2030, and then discuss how female literacy can be a… Continue reading “Female literacy has a direct positive multiplier effect in tackling the problem of malnutrition in the country”. Comment. 10 marks

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