November 21 – Mini Mock Test Solutions: 2025 | UPSC Daily Answer Writing Practice PDF Download

Q1. (Art and Culture)
“The rock-cut architecture of the Rashtrakutas exemplifies a fusion of indigenous and external influences, reflecting the socio-religious dynamics of the era.” Discuss. (200 words)
Ans:

Introduction
The Rashtrakutas (8th-10th centuries CE) were pivotal in shaping India’s rock-cut architectural tradition, blending indigenous Dravidian styles with external influences. Their caves, notably at Ellora, reflect a sophisticated synthesis of art, religion, and socio-political dynamics, embodying the era’s pluralistic ethos.

Body
Architectural Synthesis:

• Indigenous Elements: The Rashtrakutas drew from earlier Chalukyan and Pallava traditions, evident in the monolithic Kailasanatha Temple (Ellora Cave 16), with its Dravidian shikhara and intricate carvings.
• External Influences: Jain and Buddhist architectural motifs from northern India, such as chaitya arches and stupa designs, were integrated, reflecting trade and cultural exchanges.

Socio-Religious Dynamics:

• Religious Pluralism: The Rashtrakutas patronized Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, as seen in Ellora’s triadic caves (Hindu, Jain, Buddhist), promoting interfaith harmony.
• Royal Patronage: The Kailasanatha Temple, commissioned by Krishna I, symbolized political power and divine legitimacy, blending art with statecraft.

Technical Mastery:
The monolithic carving technique, cutting directly into basalt rock, showcased engineering prowess, with detailed reliefs depicting epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Conclusion
The Rashtrakuta rock-cut architecture, particularly at Ellora, reflects a harmonious blend of indigenous and external styles, driven by religious pluralism and royal ambition. This legacy underscores their role as cultural innovators in medieval India.

Q2. (International Relations)
Assess the implications of the ongoing US-China trade tensions on India's economic diplomacy, particularly in the context of supply chain diversification post-2025 global disruptions. Suggest measures for India to leverage these opportunities while safeguarding its strategic autonomy. (300 words)
Ans:

Introduction
The US-China trade tensions, intensified post-2025 global disruptions, have reshaped global supply chains, offering India opportunities to enhance its economic diplomacy. These tensions, driven by tariffs, technology bans, and geopolitical rivalries, create both opportunities and challenges for India’s strategic and economic positioning.

Body
Implications for India:

• Supply Chain Diversification: As companies shift manufacturing from China, India has emerged as an alternative hub, with initiatives like Make in India attracting investments in electronics and pharmaceuticals.
• Economic Opportunities: Increased FDI inflows, particularly in semiconductors and renewable energy, bolster India’s industrial base, reducing reliance on Chinese imports.
• Geopolitical Risks: Aligning with either the US or China risks compromising India’s strategic autonomy, especially in forums like QUAD or BRICS.

Challenges:

• Infrastructure Gaps: Inadequate logistics and high production costs hinder India’s ability to fully capitalize on supply chain shifts.
• Technology Dependence: Overreliance on US or Chinese tech ecosystems could limit India’s innovation potential.

Measures to Leverage Opportunities:

• Strengthen Domestic Capacity: Invest in infrastructure, skill development, and R&D to enhance manufacturing competitiveness, as seen in 2025’s PLI scheme expansions.
• Diversify Partnerships: Deepen ties with ASEAN, EU, and Japan to reduce dependence on US or Chinese markets, fostering a balanced trade network.
• Safeguard Autonomy: Pursue multi-alignment by engaging in BRICS and SCO while strengthening QUAD, ensuring India remains a neutral player.
• Promote Innovation: Develop indigenous technologies, such as 5G and AI, to reduce reliance on foreign tech and enhance global competitiveness.

Conclusion
The US-China trade tensions provide India a strategic window to bolster its economic diplomacy through supply chain diversification. By enhancing domestic capacity, diversifying partnerships, and safeguarding autonomy, India can emerge as a global economic powerhouse.

Q3. (Environment)
“India's biodiversity hotspots are under severe threat from climate change and anthropogenic activities.” Examine this statement with reference to the Western Ghats and the Sundarbans, highlighting conservation strategies adopted in 2025. (200 words)
Ans:

Introduction
India’s biodiversity hotspots, the Western Ghats and the Sundarbans, face existential threats from climate change and human activities. These ecologically sensitive regions, rich in endemic species, are critical for global biodiversity but are increasingly vulnerable.

Body
Threats to Western Ghats:

• Climate Change: Rising temperatures and erratic monsoons disrupt ecosystems, threatening species like the Nilgiri tahr.
• Anthropogenic Activities: Deforestation, mining, and urbanization fragment habitats, reducing biodiversity.

Threats to Sundarbans:

• Climate Change: Sea-level rise and cyclones erode mangroves, endangering the Royal Bengal tiger.
• Human Pressures: Illegal fishing, pollution, and encroachment degrade wetland ecosystems.

Conservation Strategies (2025):

• Western Ghats: The 2025 Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel recommendations were strengthened, enforcing stricter eco-sensitive zones and afforestation drives.
• Sundarbans: Mangrove restoration and community-based conservation, supported by 2025’s National Mission on Coastal Ecosystems, enhanced resilience.
• Technology Integration: Drones and AI-based monitoring systems were deployed in 2025 to track poaching and habitat loss.

Conclusion
The Western Ghats and Sundarbans face severe threats from climate change and human activities, but 2025’s targeted conservation strategies, blending policy, technology, and community efforts, offer hope for their preservation.

Q4. (Ethics Case Study)
Priya, a senior IPS officer, uncovers fund diversion in a cybercrime initiative. Discuss: (a) Ethical dilemmas; (b) Ethical values and frameworks for young officers; (c) Course of action.
Ans:

Introduction
Priya, a senior IPS officer, faces a complex ethical challenge involving fund diversion in a critical cybercrime initiative. Balancing administrative pressures, public welfare, and personal integrity, her decisions will shape both systemic trust and her career.

Body
(a) Ethical Dilemmas:

• Integrity vs. Pragmatism: Exposing corruption upholds integrity but risks retaliation and disruption of ongoing work.
• Public Interest vs. Political Pressure: Diverted funds harm vulnerable communities, but political backing for the scam complicates action.
• Personal Safety vs. Duty: Acting against powerful interests may threaten Priya’s safety or career progression.

(b) Ethical Values and Frameworks:

• Core Values: Integrity, transparency, and accountability are non-negotiable for public servants.
• Decision-Making Frameworks: Apply the Nolan Principles (selflessness, objectivity) and ethical reasoning (cost-benefit analysis of exposing corruption vs. public harm).
• Leadership Qualities: Courage to confront wrongdoing, empathy for victims, and strategic communication to manage stakeholders.

(c) Course of Action:

• Investigate Discreetly: Verify fund misuse through internal audits, preserving evidence.
• Engage Stakeholders: Collaborate with NGOs to highlight cybercrime victims’ plight, building public support.
• Report Strategically: Escalate findings to anti-corruption bodies while seeking legal protection under whistleblower policies.
• Systemic Reform: Advocate for transparent fund allocation and digital oversight mechanisms to prevent recurrence.

Conclusion
Priya’s situation underscores the tension between duty and pragmatism. By prioritizing integrity, engaging stakeholders, and pursuing systemic reform, she can address corruption while safeguarding public trust and her career.

Q5. (Ethics Essay)
“The ethical foundation of democracy lies in the impartiality of its institutions.” Elucidate this in the context of electoral reforms in India. (200 words)
Ans:

Introduction
Democracy thrives on impartial institutions ensuring fairness and trust. In India, electoral institutions like the Election Commission of India (ECI) are pivotal, but challenges like political interference and systemic biases necessitate robust electoral reforms to uphold ethical governance.

Body

Importance of Impartiality:

• Public Trust: Impartial institutions, like an independent ECI, ensure free and fair elections, fostering citizen confidence.
• Equal Representation: Neutrality prevents favoritism, ensuring marginalized groups’ voices are heard.

Challenges to Institutional Impartiality:

• Political Interference: Allegations of ECI bias in scheduling elections or handling violations undermine credibility.
• Financial Influence: Unregulated political funding, despite 2025’s transparency initiatives, distorts electoral fairness.

Electoral Reforms in India:

• Strengthening ECI Autonomy: The 2025 reforms enhanced ECI’s financial and administrative independence, reducing government influence.
• Transparency Measures: Mandatory disclosure of political funding and digital voter verification systems curb malpractices.
• Voter Education: Awareness campaigns empower citizens to demand accountability, reinforcing democratic ethics.

Conclusion
Impartial institutions are the bedrock of India’s democracy. By strengthening ECI autonomy, enhancing transparency, and promoting voter education, electoral reforms in 2025 uphold ethical governance, ensuring democracy remains vibrant and equitable.