March 6 – Mini Mock Test Solutions: 2026 | UPSC Daily Answer Writing Practice PDF Download

Q1. (GS1/ Art and Culture) 
 “The Hoysala temples exemplify a unique fusion of architectural grandeur and intricate sculptural narratives in medieval Indian art.” Discuss. (150 words)
Ans: 
Introduction
The Hoysala temples of Karnataka (11th-14th centuries) are a pinnacle of Indian temple architecture, blending structural sophistication with intricate sculptural narratives. Built under the Hoysala dynasty, temples like those at Belur, Halebidu, and Somnathpur reflect a unique Vesara style, harmonizing Dravidian and Nagara elements with rich iconography

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Architectural Grandeur

• Stellate Plans: Hoysala temples feature star-shaped sanctuaries, achieved through complex geometric layouts, maximizing structural stability and aesthetic appeal.
• Soapstone Craftsmanship: The use of soft soapstone enabled intricate carvings, with lathe-turned pillars showcasing precision engineering.
• Elevated Platforms: Temples like Chennakesava at Belur stand on jagatis (platforms), enhancing visibility and grandeur, with intricate friezes adorning the base.

Sculptural Narratives

• Mythological Depictions: Sculptures narrate epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, with detailed panels of gods, goddesses, and celestial beings, as seen in the Hoysaleswara temple.
• Social Documentation: Carvings depict daily life, dancers, musicians, and warriors, serving as a visual archive of medieval society.
• Symbolic Motifs: Intricate madanikas (bracket figures) and floral motifs symbolize fertility, devotion, and cosmic order, blending aesthetics with spirituality.

Cultural Synthesis

• The temples reflect patronage of Jainism, Shaivism, and Vaishnavism, showcasing religious inclusivity.
• Their Vesara style bridges regional architectural traditions, creating a distinct Hoysala identity.

Suggested Diagram: A labeled sketch of the Chennakesava temple’s stellate plan, highlighting the sanctum, jagati, and madanika figures.

Conclusion
The Hoysala temples are a testament to medieval India’s architectural innovation and sculptural storytelling. Their intricate designs and narrative depth not only reflect artistic excellence but also encapsulate the socio-religious ethos of the era, making them enduring cultural landmarks.

Q2. (GS2/ IR)
Assess the impact of the AUKUS pact on Indo-Pacific security dynamics. How can India navigate its strategic interests amid growing US-China rivalry? (250 words)
Ans: 
Introduction
The AUKUS pact (2021), a trilateral security agreement between Australia, the UK, and the US, has reshaped Indo-Pacific security dynamics by enhancing Australia’s naval capabilities, particularly through nuclear-powered submarines. Amid escalating US-China rivalry, the pact influences regional alliances and India’s strategic positioning in 2025.

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Impact of AUKUS on Indo-Pacific Security

• Countering China: AUKUS strengthens the US-led coalition to counter China’s maritime assertiveness in the South China Sea, enhancing deterrence through advanced submarine technology.
• Regional Tensions: The pact has strained relations with some ASEAN nations, wary of escalating militarization, and provoked China’s criticism, heightening regional strategic competition.
• Alliance Dynamics: It reinforces Quad (India, US, Japan, Australia) synergy but risks alienating non-aligned nations, complicating India’s multilateral engagements.

India’s Strategic Navigation

• Strengthening Quad: India can deepen Quad cooperation, focusing on maritime security and technology sharing, without endorsing AUKUS explicitly to maintain strategic autonomy.
• Engaging ASEAN: India should bolster ties with ASEAN through initiatives like the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, ensuring inclusivity and countering perceptions of exclusion.
• Balancing Relations: Maintain constructive engagement with China through BRICS and SCO, while leveraging US partnerships for technology and defense upgrades.
• Indigenous Defense: Accelerate domestic submarine and naval programs (e.g., Project 75I) to reduce reliance on external powers and assert regional influence.

Conclusion
AUKUS has intensified Indo-Pacific security dynamics, amplifying US-China rivalry. India can navigate this by reinforcing Quad partnerships, engaging ASEAN, balancing relations with China, and prioritizing self-reliance. This approach safeguards India’s strategic interests while promoting regional stability in a polarized geopolitical landscape.

Q3. (GS3/ Environment)
 “India's commitments under the Paris Agreement highlight the tension between development needs and climate action.” Evaluate India's progress in renewable energy transitions and suggest measures for achieving net-zero by 2070. (150 words)
Ans: 
Introduction
India’s Paris Agreement commitments—reducing emissions intensity by 45% by 2030 and achieving net-zero by 2070—reflect a delicate balance between rapid development and climate action. As a developing nation with growing energy demands, India’s renewable energy transition is critical to reconciling these goals.

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Progress in Renewable Energy

• Capacity Growth: By 2025, India’s renewable energy capacity exceeds 175 GW, with solar (100 GW) and wind (60 GW) leading, driven by initiatives like the National Solar Mission.
• Policy Push: Schemes like PM Suryaghar Yojana and Green Hydrogen Mission have accelerated adoption, with rooftop solar installations rising significantly.
• Global Leadership: India’s role in the International Solar Alliance promotes technology transfer, enhancing renewable energy access globally.

Challenges

• Energy Demand: Rapid urbanization and industrialization increase reliance on coal, which still accounts for ~50% of energy in 2025.
• Infrastructure Gaps: Grid integration and energy storage systems lag, hindering renewable scalability.

Measures for Net-Zero

• Energy Storage: Invest in battery storage and pumped hydro to address intermittency in solar and wind energy.
• Green Financing: Expand green bonds and public-private partnerships to fund renewable projects.
• Decarbonizing Sectors: Promote electric vehicles and green hydrogen in industries like steel and cement.
• Afforestation: Enhance carbon sinks through the Green India Mission to offset emissions.

Suggested Diagram: A flowchart showing India’s renewable energy mix (solar, wind, hydro) and their contribution to the 2030 and 2070 targets.

Conclusion
India’s renewable energy transition showcases significant progress, but coal dependency and infrastructure gaps pose challenges. Scaling storage, green financing, sectoral decarbonization, and afforestation can align India’s development needs with its net-zero ambition, ensuring sustainable growth.

Q4. (GS4/ Ethics) Case Study 
Riya is a young IPS officer posted as Superintendent of Police in a metropolitan city. The city has seen a surge in cybercrimes, including deepfake scams targeting women and online frauds affecting vulnerable groups. As part of a special drive, her team has cracked down on a major cybercrime syndicate, leading to the arrest of several suspects.

During interrogation, it emerges that one key suspect is the son of a prominent politician who holds significant influence in the state government. The politician contacts Riya directly, urging her to "handle the matter discreetly" and release his son on bail, citing that the evidence is circumstantial and that pursuing the case aggressively could tarnish the family's reputation. He hints at potential career benefits for Riya if she complies, including a favorable posting, while warning of bureaucratic hurdles if she refuses.

Meanwhile, victims' groups and media are pressuring Riya for swift justice, emphasizing that leniency would erode public trust in law enforcement and embolden cybercriminals. Riya knows that dropping charges could compromise the integrity of the investigation but resisting might invite political interference, including false complaints against her or delays in departmental resources.

Questions 
(a) Identify the ethical conflicts Riya faces in this scenario. 
(b) As a mentor to aspiring officers, what values and decision-making frameworks would you recommend for resolving such pressures? 
(c) Outline a balanced approach Riya should adopt, ensuring accountability while safeguarding her professional duties.
Ans: 

(a) Ethical Conflicts

• Justice vs. Political Pressure: Riya must decide between pursuing impartial justice and yielding to the politician’s influence, risking compromised integrity.
• Public Trust vs. Career Risks: Upholding the law strengthens public faith but may invite retaliation, threatening her career and departmental functionality.
• Duty vs. Pragmatism: Her duty to protect victims clashes with pragmatic concerns about bureaucratic hurdles and resource delays.

(b) Guidance for Young Civil Servants

Ethical Principles:

• Integrity: Uphold impartiality and resist external pressures to ensure fairness.
• Public Interest: Prioritize societal welfare, especially vulnerable groups, over personal or political gains.
• Transparency: Document decisions to maintain accountability and public trust.

Leadership Qualities:

• Courage: Confront powerful stakeholders to uphold justice.
• Emotional Intelligence: Manage conflicts diplomatically while staying firm.
• Decision-Making Frameworks: Use ethical models like the “Four-Way Test” (truth, fairness, goodwill, benefit) to guide actions.

(c) Course of Action

• Uphold Investigation: Riya should proceed with the case based on evidence, ensuring due process and legal transparency.
• Engage Stakeholders: Communicate with victims’ groups and media to build public support, reducing political leverage.
• Safeguard Integrity: Document all interactions with the politician and report pressures to higher authorities or vigilance bodies to protect against retaliation.
• Mitigate Risks: Strengthen team morale and seek support from senior officers to maintain operational efficiency despite potential hurdles.

Conclusion
Riya’s dilemma highlights the challenges of ethical governance. By prioritizing justice, transparency, and public interest, while strategically managing risks, she can uphold her duty. Young officers should emulate integrity, courage, and stakeholder engagement to navigate such dilemmas effectively.

Q5. (GS4/ Ethics)  
“Emotional intelligence is crucial for ethical governance in a diverse society like India.” Examine its relevance for civil servants in handling public grievances. (150 words)
Ans: 
Introduction
Emotional intelligence (EI)—the ability to understand and manage emotions—plays a pivotal role in ethical governance, particularly for civil servants in India’s diverse society. Handling public grievances requires empathy, self-awareness, and interpersonal skills to ensure fairness and trust.

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Relevance of Emotional Intelligence

• Empathy in Grievance Redressal: EI enables civil servants to understand citizens’ frustrations, especially in marginalized communities, fostering inclusive solutions. For instance, addressing caste-based grievances requires sensitivity to historical inequities.
• Conflict Resolution: EI helps de-escalate tensions in diverse settings, such as communal disputes, by promoting dialogue and mutual respect.
• Self-Regulation: Civil servants with high EI resist biases or external pressures, ensuring impartial decision-making aligned with ethical principles.
• Building Trust: By demonstrating empathy and effective communication, officers strengthen public trust, crucial in a pluralistic society with varied expectations.

Challenges and Solutions

• Cultural Diversity: India’s linguistic and cultural diversity complicates grievance handling. EI training can equip officers to navigate these complexities.
• Stress Management: High-pressure roles demand EI to manage stress and avoid burnout, ensuring consistent ethical conduct.

Conclusion
Emotional intelligence is indispensable for civil servants, enabling empathetic, fair, and effective grievance redressal in India’s diverse society. By fostering trust and inclusivity, EI ensures ethical governance, bridging the gap between administration and citizens.