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

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General Studies – 1

Topic: Salient features of world’s physical geography.

Q1. Explain the key atmospheric and oceanic conditions required for the onset of southwest monsoon? Analyse the role of the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) in modulating the monsoon. How is the onset process being affected by changing climate patterns? (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: TH

Why the question
The southwest monsoon’s early movement in 2025 and changing climate signals have made understanding its onset mechanisms and variability a key concern for geography and disaster preparedness.

Key Demand of the question
The question asks for an explanation of the atmospheric and oceanic triggers for monsoon onset, the specific role of the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), and how climate change is affecting the onset process.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction
Mention the monsoon’s climatic importance and how its onset is governed by large-scale atmospheric-oceanic interactions.

Body

• Explain key atmospheric conditions like jet stream shifts, cross-equatorial flow, and pressure patterns
• Describe oceanic triggers including SST, pressure gradients, and MJO
• Analyse how IOD phases influence monsoon variability and intensity
• Examine how climate change is altering onset patterns, increasing lightning/extremes, and making forecasts uncertain

Conclusion
Suggest predictive adaptation through improved modelling and climate-resilient agricultural planning.

Topic: Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian subcontinent);

Q2. What are the key geophysical and tectonic features required for successful geothermal energy production? Discuss their spatial distribution in India. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: DTE

Why the question
Northeast region’s first geothermal production well drilled in Arunachal Pradesh’s Dirang

Key demand of the question
The question demands explanation of the essential geophysical and tectonic factors for geothermal energy viability, along with a mapping-based analysis of how these are distributed across different regions of India.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction
Define geothermal energy and highlight its dependence on Earth’s internal heat governed by geological factors.

Body

• Mention the major tectonic and geophysical features like high thermal gradient, fault zones, reservoir rock types, etc.
• Briefly outline the regional distribution of geothermal provinces across India’s physiographic divisions.

Conclusion
Suggest the need for scientific exploration and risk-managed policy to convert geothermal potential into sustainable energy capacity.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.

Q3. “Though constitutionally envisioned to uphold judicial accountability, the process of impeachment in India has remained largely ineffective in practice”. Examine the provisions governing judicial impeachment in India. What are the key challenges in its implementation, and how can the process be strengthened? (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: DH

Why the question
The ex- Chief Justice of India (CJI), Justice Sanjiv Khanna, has initiated the process for the removal of Justice Yashwant Varma, a former judge of the Delhi High Court, following a probe into the discovery of a pile of cash at the latter’s residence.

Key Demand of the question
The answer must explain the constitutional and legal provisions for judicial impeachment, identify practical challenges in its execution, and suggest ways to strengthen the process.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction
Briefly introduce the significance of judicial accountability and how the Constitution provides a mechanism for impeachment.

Body

• Mention key constitutional provisions and statutory procedures involved in impeachment.
• Highlight major procedural, political, and institutional hurdles that hinder effective execution.
• Suggest structural, legal, and institutional reforms to improve accountability while preserving judicial independence.

Conclusion
Conclude by stressing the need for balanced reforms that ensure both transparency and judicial autonomy in the democratic framework.

Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests

Q4. “Unequal peace settlements risk legitimising aggression and weakening international norms”. Analyse how this applies to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. How should India balance non-alignment with adherence to sovereignty principles?

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: IE

Why the question
The 2025 Istanbul peace talks and Russia’s demand for territorial concessions bring into focus the risks of legitimising aggression, challenging India’s stance on sovereignty and non-alignment.

Key Demand of the question
The question requires analysis of how unequal peace deals weaken international law, using the Russia-Ukraine case, and a balanced evaluation of India’s position between strategic neutrality and upholding sovereignty norms.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction
Briefly mention how coercive peace undermines rule-based order and poses global precedents.

Body

• Show how unequal peace agreements erode international legal norms and institutional credibility.
• Use the Russia-Ukraine case to illustrate the dangers of rewarding territorial aggression and coercive diplomacy.
• Suggest India’s balanced approach: support for sovereignty, multilateral engagement, and cautious neutrality.

Conclusion
Conclude with how India’s credibility as a responsible power lies in defending principles without compromising strategic autonomy.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources

Q5. “Low inflation is not always a sign of healthy demand”. Analyse this paradox in the context of India’s recent inflation figures. Evaluate the potential risks of prolonged disinflation. Suggest comprehensive policy responses to address both demand and supply-side vulnerabilities. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: TH

Why the question:
Retail inflation declines to six-year low of 3.16% in April.

Key Demand of the question:
The answer must analyse how low inflation may signal economic distress rather than strength, assess the risks of prolonged disinflation, and suggest balanced policy solutions that address both demand and supply-side weaknesses.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:
Highlight the paradox of low inflation coexisting with economic slowdown or rural distress.

Body:

• Paradox of low inflation and weak demand: Explain how suppressed inflation may indicate subdued consumption, investment, or rural distress.
• Risks of prolonged disinflation: Mention consequences for income, investment, monetary policy dilemmas, and farm viability.
• Policy responses: Suggest a mix of demand-side (stimulus, income support) and supply-side (MSP reform, credit access) measures.

Conclusion:
Emphasise the need for nuanced inflation management that ensures macroeconomic stability without undermining growth or equity.

Topic: Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security

Q6. “Drone warfare marks a shift in the logic of escalation and response in South Asia”. Examine the strategic implications of this shift. Assess India’s readiness for drone-dominated conflicts. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: NIE

Why the question:
The first drone fights in the neighbourhood highlighted the prowess of India’s indigenous weapons programme. It also pointed to a few other inductions that might help in the future. The focus needs to be on atmanirbharta

Key demand of the question:
The answer must examine how drone warfare changes the traditional escalation and deterrence logic in South Asia and assess the extent of India’s preparedness—technologically, doctrinally, and institutionally—for drone-intensive conflicts.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:
Briefly highlight how drone warfare enables calibrated and deniable escalation below conventional war thresholds.

Body:

• Strategic implications of drone warfare: Show how drones redefine conflict thresholds, blur peace-war boundaries, and complicate escalation control.
• India’s readiness for drone-dominated conflicts: Evaluate indigenous capabilities, operational gaps, doctrinal limitations, and institutional innovations like iDEX.

Conclusion:
Suggest the need for doctrinal evolution and strategic investments to convert indigenous gains into sustainable drone warfare superiority.

General Studies – 4

Q7. “Corporate-political collusion is a severe ethical threat to governance and public welfare”. Discuss the ethical challenges such collusion poses. How can transparency mechanisms reduce such risks? (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: TH

Why the question
The Andhra Pradesh liquor scam and similar recent events highlight growing concerns over unethical collusion between corporates and politicians, making it an important ethical governance issue.

Key Demand of the question
The question requires explaining the ethical challenges arising from corporate-political collusion and suggesting how transparency tools and institutional mechanisms can reduce such unethical practices.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction
Briefly define corporate-political collusion and its impact on ethical governance and public interest.

Body

• Mention key ethical challenges like erosion of public trust, conflict of interest, and biased policymaking.
• Suggest transparency mechanisms such as disclosure norms, whistleblower protection, public procurement reforms, and independent oversight bodies.

Conclusion
Highlight the importance of institutional integrity and citizen-centric transparency to protect public welfare and democratic ethics.

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