UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE: 14 April 2025

UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice
UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice

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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. Discuss the role of Ambedkar in the anti-caste movements of the 20th century. Analyse the methods he adopted for social mobilisation. Examine the historical significance of the Mahad Satyagraha in this context. (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: TH

Why the question:
The 135th birth anniversary of Dr B. R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution and a champion of social justice, will be commemorated at the Prerna Sthal, at Parliament House Lawns.

Key demand of the question:
The answer needs to discuss Ambedkar’s overall role in anti-caste efforts, critically analyse the various methods he employed for social awakening, and evaluate the importance of Mahad Satyagraha in shaping the Dalit movement.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:
Briefly introduce Ambedkar’s leadership in the anti-caste struggle and his transformative role in Dalit emancipation.

Body:

  • Mention his leadership in legislative forums, movements for civil rights, and his socio-political vision for Dalit upliftment.
  • Suggest use of legal advocacy, mass protests, media, religious conversion, and cultural assertion.
  • Highlight how it became a civil rights milestone, drew national attention, and catalysed future Dalit movements.

Conclusion:
Conclude by emphasizing Ambedkar’s legacy in embedding social justice into India’s constitutional and socio-political fabric.

 

Topic: Effects of globalization on Indian society

Q2. Evaluate the impact of the ‘dopamine economy’ on social behaviour. Assess how it influences personal well-being in contemporary society. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: NIE

Why the question:
With the rise of social media and algorithm-driven engagement, the concept of the dopamine economy is reshaping individual and collective behaviour, making it a relevant issue for society and well-being.

Key demand of the question:
The question requires evaluating how the dopamine economy affects societal behaviour patterns and examining its direct influence on individual mental and emotional well-being in the present context.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction

Briefly define dopamine economy and its growing significance in the digital age.

Body

  • Impact on social behaviour: Mention how social interactions and collective conduct are being shaped by instant rewards and algorithmic reinforcement.
  • Influence on personal well-being: Highlight the psychological and health consequences of continuous digital stimulation on individuals.

Conclusion

Suggest balanced digital engagement and policy awareness as ways to mitigate the adverse impacts of the dopamine economy.

 


General Studies – 2


 

Topic: Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

Q3. What are the constitutional provisions governing the President’s role in State legislation? Analyse the implications of the Supreme Court advising the President on the exercise of this role. Assess its impact on the doctrine of separation of powers. (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: TH

Why the question:
The Supreme Court has put the President on a three-month deadline to decide whether or not to assent to State Bills referred to her by a Governor. The clock would begin ticking from the day the Governor referred the Bill to the President for her consideration.

Key Demand of the question:
Explain the constitutional provisions related to the President’s role in State law-making, examine the implications of SC advising the President on these matters, and critically assess the impact on the principle of separation of powers.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction

Briefly mention the President’s role as a constitutional authority in State legislation, and the relevance of the SC’s intervention.

Body

  • Constitutional provisions governing the President’s role: Highlight Articles like 200, 201, 143 and their relevance to State legislation.
  • Implications of the Supreme Court advising the President: Discuss preventive judicial scrutiny, neutrality, cooperative federalism, and institutional support for constitutional compliance.
  • Impact on the doctrine of separation of powers: Analyse concerns of judicial overreach, checks and balances, erosion of executive discretion, and long-term precedential risks.

Conclusion

Conclude with the need for calibrated judicial interventions to preserve constitutional balance and promote cooperative federalism.

 

Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests

Q4. The IMEC project highlights the shift in global supply chain priorities. Examine its potential to redefine trade connectivity. Discuss the logistical challenges to its realisation. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: IE

Why the question:
With shifting global geopolitics and supply chain vulnerabilities exposed post-pandemic and amid regional conflicts, IMEC emerges as a critical initiative connecting India, Middle East, and Europe.

Key demand of the question:
The question expects an evaluation of how IMEC can transform trade connectivity by addressing global supply chain priorities and an analysis of the logistical barriers that could hinder its successful implementation.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction
Briefly introduce IMEC as a strategic initiative aiming to diversify global trade routes and strengthen India’s connectivity with Europe and the Middle East.

Body

  • Potential to redefine trade connectivity: Mention how IMEC enhances India-Europe direct trade, reduces dependence on traditional chokepoints, and integrates multimodal logistics.
  • Logistical challenges: Highlight challenges like geopolitical tensions, high infrastructure costs, regulatory mismatches, and digital integration issues.

Conclusion
Conclude with the future potential of IMEC as a transformative corridor, suggesting proactive diplomacy and sustainable investment for its success.

 


General Studies – 3


 

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

Q5. How does the digital gender divide limit women’s participation in India’s workforce? Analyse its implications for the future of work. Suggest targeted interventions to close this gap. (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: TH

Why the question:
The persisting digital gender divide in India which is limiting women’s economic empowerment, and the focus on future-ready policies in the backdrop of India’s digital transformation and initiatives like Digital India and BharatNet.

Key demand of the question:
The question requires analysing how the digital gender divide restricts women’s workforce participation, understanding its future implications, and proposing targeted interventions to bridge the gap.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:
Briefly mention how digital empowerment is critical for women’s economic participation and that the existing divide is a barrier to inclusive growth.

Body:

  • How digital gender divide limits women’s workforce participation: Suggest how lack of access and skills, especially in rural areas, exclude women from emerging opportunities.
  • Implications for the future of work: Indicate risks like automation exclusion, continued pay gap, and threat to Digital India goals.
  • Targeted interventions to close the gap: Recommend focused skilling programmes, digital access initiatives, and safe digital ecosystems.

Conclusion:
Conclude with the need for a gender-inclusive digital economy to harness India’s full demographic potential.

 

Topic: Indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

Q6. What are directed energy weapons (DEWs)? Explain their working mechanism. Assess their role in enhancing India’s air defence capabilities. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: TH

Why the question:
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) announced the successful trial of a Mk-II(A) Laser- Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system “mastering the technology of disabling missiles, drones and smaller projectiles.

Key demand of the question:
The question demands understanding the concept and functioning of DEWs, and evaluating how they contribute to India’s air defence effectiveness, especially in countering modern aerial threats.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction
Briefly define DEWs as emerging non-kinetic weapons using focused energy, and mention India’s recent progress.

Body

  • What are DEWs: Define DEWs and mention their types like laser, microwave weapons.
  • Working mechanism: Explain how detection, targeting, and energy emission disable the target.
  • Role in India’s air defence: Highlight their use against drones, missiles, swarms, and cost-effectiveness.

Conclusion
Conclude by stating DEWs as a futuristic force multiplier, and suggest the need for rapid deployment and integration in India’s defence strategy.

 


General Studies – 4


 

Topic: Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions.

Q7. What does the following quotation convey to you in the present context? (10 M)

“The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have little.” – Franklin Roosevelt

Difficulty Level: Medium

Why the question
The ethical principles in governance, focusing on inclusive development and the moral duty of the state towards the marginalised, as derived from Franklin Roosevelt’s quotation.

Key Demand of the question
Explain the ethical essence of the quote with reference to justice and human dignity, and link it to present-day poverty alleviation measures demonstrating ethical governance.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction
Briefly highlight the moral compass of governance, stressing inclusive development as a measure of true progress.

Body

  • Explain the idea of distributive justice and moral responsibility towards the marginalised in governance.
  • Illustrate how contemporary policies and welfare initiatives reflect ethical commitment to uplift the disadvantaged.

Conclusion
Conclude with the importance of compassionate governance for building an inclusive and morally responsible society.

 


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