UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE: 10 April 2025

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General Studies – 1

Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

Q1. Jain philosophy deeply influenced Indian art and architecture. Examine the contribution of Jainism to temple architecture. Analyse its significance in the evolution of Indian sculptural art. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: TH

Why the question:
PM’s address at Navkar Mahamantra Divas highlighted Jain values and the visible presence of Jain heritage in India’s art and architecture

Key demand of the question:
The question requires an examination of Jain contributions to temple architecture and an analysis of how Jainism shaped the development of Indian sculptural art, both as cultural expression and philosophical reflection.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction
Briefly introduce the essence of Jain philosophy and its influence on India’s artistic heritage.

Body

• Contribution of Jainism to temple architecture: Mention structural features like material use, spatial planning, symbolism, and architectural innovations.
• Significance in the evolution of Indian sculptural art: Highlight thematic focus, stylistic influence, narrative expression, and philosophical embodiment in sculpture.

Conclusion
Conclude with the continuing relevance of Jain art and architecture in enriching India’s cultural identity and heritage preservation efforts.

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

Q2. Assess the contribution of floodplains to groundwater recharge and water security in the Indo-Gangetic basin. Examine the impact of anthropogenic pressures on these functions. Propose measures to restore hydrological sustainability. (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: DTE

Why the question:
Supreme Court has raised concerns over the increasing encroachments along the banks of the Ganga River. The court has directed the Union government, Bihar government and other relevant authorities to submit a detailed report within four weeks, outlining the status of these encroachments.

Key demand of the question:
The question requires an assessment of how floodplains contribute to groundwater recharge and water availability, an examination of human-induced pressures disrupting these functions, and recommendations to restore hydrological balance.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:
Highlight the Indo-Gangetic floodplain as a critical natural aquifer supporting millions in northern India.

Body:

• Contribution of floodplains: Mention natural recharge, water storage, and agricultural support functions.
• Impact of anthropogenic pressures: Refer to urban encroachment, sand mining, pollution, and over-extraction.
• Measures for hydrological sustainability: Suggest scientific mapping, regulatory enforcement, recharge initiatives, and community involvement.

Conclusion:
Emphasise the need for integrated water management and ecological restoration to secure long-term water sustainability.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.

Q3. “The Governor’s discretionary powers must operate within constitutional limits”. Explain the scope and misuse of discretionary powers vested in the Governor. Evaluate the impact of the recent Supreme Court ruling on addressing such misuse. (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: IE

Why the question:
The recent Supreme Court ruling on the Tamil Nadu Governor’s delay in granting assent to Bills has reignited the debate on the constitutional limits of the Governor’s discretion, making it highly relevant for federal balance and state legislative autonomy.

Key demand of the question:
The question demands an explanation of the constitutional scope of the Governor’s discretionary powers, a critical analysis of how these powers have been misused, especially in opposition-ruled states, and an evaluation of how the Supreme Court ruling aims to check such misuse.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:
Briefly mention the role of the Governor as a constitutional link between Centre and State, and highlight recent controversies triggering judicial scrutiny.

Body:

• Scope of discretionary powers: Mention constitutional provisions like Article 200, Article 174, and discretionary situations such as bill reservation and government formation.
• Misuse of discretionary powers: Highlight delays in bill assent, interference in legislative functions, and selective exercise of discretion in opposition-ruled states.
• Impact of Supreme Court ruling: Note the prescription of timelines, invocation of Article 142, and its significance in strengthening constitutional accountability.

Conclusion:
Suggest the need for clearer constitutional codification and adherence to cooperative federalism to safeguard legislative sanctity.

Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources

Q4. “The outflow of Indian students reflects domestic limitations in research infrastructure”. Identify the key gaps in India’s higher education research ecosystem. Suggest measures to reverse brain drain. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: TH

Why the question:
The ongoing trend of Indian students migrating abroad amid domestic research ecosystem challenges

Key demand of the question:
The question requires identification of core structural and systemic gaps in India’s research infrastructure, and suggestions for comprehensive policy measures to stem brain drain.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction
Briefly mention India’s rising global scientific contribution but persistent domestic research infrastructure issues prompting student migration.

Body

• Key gaps in higher education research ecosystem: Highlight issues like low public funding, poor infrastructure, weak industry-academia links, and administrative bottlenecks.
• Measures to reverse brain drain: Suggest strategies like increased funding, incentivising returnees, fostering global collaborations, and improving institutional autonomy.

Conclusion
Conclude by emphasising the need for an inclusive, well-funded research ecosystem to position India as a global research hub.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Internal Security

Q5. Cyber sabotage targeting critical infrastructure is emerging as a grave internal threat. Analyse the risks to India’s energy grids and communication networks. Discuss institutional safeguards needed. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: InsightsIAS

Why the question
Increasing incidents of cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure like power grids and communication networks, highlighting internal security vulnerabilities.

Key demand of the question
The question demands analysing risks posed by cyber sabotage specifically to India’s energy grids and communication networks, and suggesting institutional safeguards to strengthen cyber resilience.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction
Briefly mention India’s growing digital dependence making critical infrastructure vulnerable to cyber threats.

Body

• Risks to energy grids: Highlight how cyber sabotage can disrupt grid operations and cause widespread blackout risks.
• Risks to communication networks: Point out risks to emergency communication, sensitive data breaches, and misinformation spread.
• Institutional safeguards needed: Suggest legal, policy, technological, and international collaboration measures for cyber resilience.

Conclusion
End with a forward-looking statement on the urgency of securing critical infrastructure for national security.

Topic: Internal Security

Q6. Climate-induced displacement is an emerging concern for India’s internal security. Examine the security challenges of climate refugees. Discuss the impact on border states and urban centres. Propose a policy framework for mitigation. (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: InsightsIAS

Why the question:
Due to increasing frequency of extreme climate events, internal displacement is rising, creating security challenges that demand policy attention in India.

Key demand of the question:
The question requires analysing how climate refugees threaten internal security, understanding the specific impacts on border states and urban areas, and suggesting a policy framework for mitigation.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:
Briefly mention the growing link between climate change and internal displacement, citing recent data or trend.

Body:

• Security challenges of climate refugees: Mention risks like social tensions, human trafficking, law enforcement strain, and radicalisation threats.
• Impact on border states and urban centres: Highlight border infiltration, stress on urban services, health risks, and demographic tensions.
• Policy framework for mitigation: Suggest disaster plan integration, dedicated legal frameworks, community resilience programs, and regional cooperation.

Conclusion:
End with a futuristic line on recognising climate refugees and building resilience through coordinated policy action.

General Studies – 4

Q7. Trust is the foundation of ethical relationships in society. Evaluate the ethical consequences when trust is deliberately breached. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: TOI

Why the question:
A fraudulent scheme involving men masquerading as women and submitting fake attendance photographs to illegitimately claim MGNREGA benefits totalling Rs 3 lakh was uncovered

Key demand of the question:
The question requires explaining the ethical significance of trust as a foundational value, and analysing the consequences of its deliberate breach on individuals and society.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:
Briefly define trust as an ethical cornerstone and its role in sustaining moral relationships in society.

Body:

• Explain how trust supports ethical conduct, mutual respect, and promotes social cooperation.
• Discuss ethical consequences of breaching trust such as moral erosion, normalisation of unethical behaviour, and rise of societal cynicism.

Conclusion:
Conclude with a forward-looking statement on the need for nurturing trust for an ethically resilient society.

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