UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE: 13 March 2025

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General Studies – 1

Topic: The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors /contributions from different parts of the country

Q1. The Dandi March was not merely symbolic but strategically aligned with Gandhi’s broader vision of mass mobilization. Examine. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: PIB

Why the question:
Prime Minister paid homage to all those who participated in the historic Dandi March, a defining chapter in India’s freedom struggle.

Key demand of the question:
The answer must highlight the symbolic aspects of the Dandi March and its strategic alignment with Gandhi’s larger objective of mobilizing diverse social groups for political awakening.

Structure of the answer

Introduction:

Briefly introduce the Dandi March and its significance in challenging British authority through civil disobedience.

Body:

• Symbolic significance: Discuss how the Dandi March represented defiance, emotional appeal, and attracted global attention.
• Strategic alignment with mass mobilization: Explain how it expanded grassroots participation, empowered marginalized groups, and strategically positioned itself within the larger nationalist movement.

Conclusion:

Conclude by emphasizing how the Dandi March combined symbolism with strategy, making it a landmark event in India’s independence struggle.

Topic: Changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes

Q2. Analyze how agricultural runoff, industrial effluents, and heavy metal contamination individually impact the health of Indian river systems. How does this deterioration further affect public health?

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: DTE

Why the question:
The Indian Council for Medical Research has informed the government about a 2024 study that found people living near river drains in Punjab were highly prone to cancer.

Key demand of the question:
The answer must discuss the distinct impact of agricultural runoff, industrial effluents, and heavy metal contamination on Indian river systems, followed by their consequences on public health.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Briefly introduce the rising pollution crisis in Indian river systems, emphasizing its environmental and health risks.

Body:

• Impact of agricultural runoff: Discuss soil erosion, nutrient overload, and pesticide contamination.
• Impact of industrial effluents: Cover toxic discharge, oxygen depletion, and ecosystem damage.
• Impact of heavy metal contamination: Highlight groundwater leaching, bioaccumulation, and long-term persistence.
• Impact on public health: Explain risks like cancer, neurological disorders, and waterborne diseases.

Conclusion:

Emphasize the need for stricter pollution control policies, improved water monitoring frameworks, and public awareness campaigns as long-term solutions.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these

Q3. The concept of ‘Delegated legislation’ has empowered the Executive with excessive discretion. Critically analyze. (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: InsightsIAS

Why the Question:
Delegated legislation is increasingly being used in India, often raising concerns about excessive executive control, limited accountability, and its impact on constitutional principles.

Key Demand of the Question:
The answer must highlight the issues of excessive executive discretion, the justifications for delegated legislation, and propose a balanced way forward to ensure accountability.

Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Define delegated legislation and briefly mention its importance along with the concern of excessive discretion.

Body:

• Issues with Excessive Discretion: Discuss concerns like weak parliamentary oversight, lack of transparency, and potential misuse of power.
• Need for Delegated Legislation: Emphasize its role in ensuring flexibility, technical expertise, and efficient governance.
• Way Forward: Suggest solutions such as stronger parliamentary oversight, judicial review, and codifying limits on executive discretion.

Conclusion:
Emphasize the need for a balanced approach that retains the benefits of delegated legislation while strengthening safeguards to prevent misuse.

Topic: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these

Q4. The absence of a fixed parliamentary calendar has hindered the effective functioning of legislative business. Assess the need for institutionalizing a mandatory session schedule. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: InsightsIAS

Why the Question:
The declining number of parliamentary sittings in recent years has raised concerns about reduced legislative scrutiny, accountability, and overall governance quality.

Key Demand of the Question:
The answer must highlight how the absence of a fixed parliamentary calendar has impacted legislative functioning, assess the positives of a mandatory session schedule, and address potential challenges.

Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Briefly highlight the constitutional mandate for parliamentary sessions (Article 85) and mention the declining trend in sittings as a key concern.

Body:

• Issues Due to the Absence of a Fixed Calendar: Discuss how irregular sittings hinder legislative scrutiny, weaken accountability, and delay crucial policy debates.
• Need for a Mandatory Schedule: Highlight how fixed sessions can improve scrutiny, stabilize policymaking, and ensure better public engagement.
• Challenges: Address potential concerns like rigidity, political misuse, and logistical burdens.

Conclusion
Propose a solution-oriented conclusion suggesting a balanced framework that combines mandatory sittings with flexibility for urgent needs, supported by enhanced committee engagement.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc

Q5. The Oilfield (Regulatory and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024 addresses critical investor concerns while ensuring India’s energy security. Examine. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: BS

Why the Question:
The Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024, which aims to delink petroleum operations from mining, clarify the granting and extension of petroleum leases, and create a new dispute resolution mechanism for the exploration and production sector, was passed in the Lok Sabha.

Key Demand of the Question:
The answer must examine how the Amendment Bill addresses investor concerns (e.g., regulatory clarity, dispute resolution) while ensuring India’s energy security through enhanced domestic production and strategic reforms.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Briefly mention the context of India’s energy challenges, rising import dependency, and the need for reforms to attract investment and boost domestic production.

Body:

• For addressing investor concerns: Highlight reforms like the introduction of a petroleum lease, improved dispute resolution mechanisms, and infrastructure sharing to attract private investment.
• For ensuring energy security: Discuss steps such as expanding the definition of mineral oils, enabling exploration in ‘No-Go’ areas, and incentivizing technological innovations to reduce import reliance.

Conclusion:

Emphasize the Bill’s potential to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility and contribute to India’s long-term energy security goals.

Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.

Q6. Discuss the challenges of balancing public investment with fiscal consolidation in India. How can innovative financing mechanisms bridge this gap? (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: TH

Why the question:

India’s post-pandemic economic recovery, fiscal deficit concerns, and the government’s focus on infrastructure growth through targeted capital expenditure.

Key Demand of the question:
The answer must examine the inherent tensions between maintaining fiscal discipline and boosting public investment. It should also outline innovative financing tools that can support investment without compromising fiscal stability.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:
Briefly introduce the importance of public investment for growth and the need for fiscal consolidation to ensure macroeconomic stability.

Body:

• Challenges in balancing public investment with fiscal consolidation: Highlight key issues such as revenue constraints, debt servicing, and global uncertainties.
• Innovative financing mechanisms to bridge the gap: Suggest solutions like InvITs, green bonds, PPP models, asset monetization, and development finance institutions.

Conclusion:
Emphasize the need for a balanced approach that combines targeted investment with improved fiscal management to achieve sustainable growth.

General Studies – 4

Q7. The abuse of government officials for performing their duties fairly and impartially is becoming a rising concern. Examine the ethical principles that guide civil servants in dealing with such hostility while ensuring accountability and public trust. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: TH

Why the Question:
The increasing incidents of hostility faced by government officials raise concerns about the erosion of administrative integrity and public trust, making it essential to explore ethical frameworks for officials to handle such situations.

Key Demand of the Question:
The answer must examine the ethical principles that guide civil servants in facing hostility and suggest strategies to uphold accountability and public trust.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:
Highlight the rising concern of public officials facing abuse despite maintaining impartiality and fairness, emphasizing its impact on governance and public trust.

Body:

• Ethical principles: Discuss key principles such as integrity, impartiality, emotional intelligence, and adherence to constitutional values that guide civil servants.
• Strategies for accountability and trust: Suggest measures like grievance redressal systems, capacity building, whistleblower protection, and community engagement to mitigate hostility.

Conclusion:
Emphasize the need for a balanced approach where civil servants uphold their duties ethically while fostering public confidence and institutional integrity.

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