May 1 – Mini Mock Test Solutions: 2026 | UPSC Daily Answer Writing Practice PDF Download

Q1. (GS1/Art and Culture)
“The rock-cut temples of the Rashtrakutas reflect a fusion of religious symbolism and engineering prowess.” Discuss. (150 words)
Ans: 
Introduction
The Rashtrakuta dynasty (8th–10th centuries) crafted iconic rock-cut temples, notably at Ellora, blending religious symbolism with engineering excellence. These monuments reflect their patronage of diverse faiths and technical ingenuity, shaping India’s cultural heritage.

Body

Religious Symbolism

• Pluralistic Ethos: Ellora’s caves (1–34) house Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain temples, symbolizing religious tolerance. Cave 16 (Kailasa) embodies Shiva’s cosmic significance.
• Narrative Carvings: Sculptures like Vishnu’s avatars and Jain Tirthankaras convey theological depth, connecting devotees to spiritual narratives.

Engineering Prowess

• Monolithic Architecture: The Kailasa temple, carved from a single rock, showcases precise vertical excavation, a feat of engineering.
• Structural Innovation: Cantilevered roofs and intricate pillars demonstrate advanced techniques, ensuring durability and aesthetic grandeur.

Cultural Significance

• Artistic Synthesis: The temples integrate Dravidian and Nagara styles, reflecting regional artistic fusion.
• Legacy: These structures influenced later Indian architecture, cementing Rashtrakuta’s cultural impact.

Suggested Diagram: A cross-sectional sketch of the Kailasa temple, highlighting its monolithic structure and key carvings.

Conclusion
The Rashtrakuta rock-cut temples, particularly at Ellora, exemplify a harmonious blend of religious symbolism and engineering brilliance. They stand as enduring testaments to India’s pluralistic and technical heritage.

Q2. [(GS2/International Relations (IR)]
To what extent has the Quad grouping advanced maritime security in the Indo-Pacific amid rising tensions in the South China Sea in 2025? Suggest measures for India to deepen its strategic partnerships within the alliance while safeguarding its non-alignment policy. (250 words)
Ans: 
Introduction
The Quad (India, US, Japan, Australia) has emerged as a key platform for maritime security in the Indo-Pacific, addressing South China Sea tensions in 2025. India’s role requires balancing strategic engagement with its non-alignment policy, necessitating innovative measures.

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Quad’s Maritime Security Contributions

• Joint Naval Exercises: Malabar exercises in 2025 enhanced interoperability, strengthening anti-submarine and surveillance capabilities against regional threats.
• IPMDA Initiative: The Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness improved real-time tracking of illegal activities, bolstering security.
• UNCLOS Advocacy: The Quad’s commitment to international law counters territorial violations, ensuring freedom of navigation.

​​​​Limitations

• Informal Structure: The Quad’s lack of formal binding agreements limits its deterrence capacity.
• Divergent Interests: Varying priorities among members hinder unified responses to South China Sea challenges.

Measures for India’s Engagement

• Strengthen Regional Role: Lead Quad initiatives in the Indian Ocean, leveraging Andaman bases for joint patrols.
• Technology Collaboration: Share AI-based surveillance tools while ensuring data sovereignty aligns with non-alignment.
• Economic Diplomacy: Promote trade agreements within Quad to balance strategic ties without military alignment.
• Capacity Building: Train ASEAN navies under Quad frameworks, reinforcing India’s leadership without formal alliances.

Suggested Diagram: A map of the Indo-Pacific showing Quad member locations and key South China Sea maritime routes.

Conclusion
The Quad has advanced maritime security through exercises and initiatives, though structural limitations persist. India can deepen partnerships via regional leadership and economic diplomacy, preserving non-alignment while enhancing Indo-Pacific stability.

Q3. (GS3/ Environment)
Assess the effectiveness of India's commitments under the Paris Agreement in achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, with reference to the rapid growth in renewable energy capacity and power output in 2025. (150 words)
Ans: 
Introduction
India’s Paris Agreement pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 relies heavily on renewable energy expansion. By 2025, significant growth in capacity and output has advanced these commitments, though challenges remain.

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Renewable Energy Progress

• Capacity Growth: India’s renewable capacity reached 160 GW in 2025, with solar (85 GW) and wind (55 GW) driving non-fossil fuel targets.
• Power Output: Renewables contributed 25% to total power output in 2025, reducing coal dependency by 10%.

Effectiveness of Commitments

• Policy Support: PM Suryoday Yojana and green hydrogen projects have accelerated clean energy adoption.
• Emission Reductions: CO2 emissions intensity dropped by 30% since 2015, aligning with Paris goals.

Challenges

• Coal Reliance: Coal still accounts for 45% of energy, slowing net-zero progress.
• Financing Gaps: Insufficient global funding limits large-scale renewable infrastructure development.

Suggested Diagram: A pie chart showing India’s 2025 energy mix (solar, wind, coal, others).

Conclusion

India’s rapid renewable energy growth in 2025 strengthens its Paris Agreement commitments, but coal reliance and financing gaps pose hurdles. Scaling infrastructure and international cooperation are vital for net-zero by 2070.

Q4. (GS4/ Ethics) Case Study
Priya is an IFS officer serving as a diplomat in a neighboring country. In 2025, amid escalating border tensions, she is tasked with negotiating a bilateral trade agreement that includes provisions for environmental cooperation. During confidential talks, she uncovers evidence that her counterpart is involved in smuggling endangered wildlife species across the border, using diplomatic channels to evade detection. The smuggling ring appears to have ties to influential political figures in both countries.

Priya reports the matter internally, but her superiors advise discretion, arguing that:

• Exposing it could derail the ongoing trade negotiations, which are crucial for economic recovery post-global recession.
• The evidence is circumstantial and pursuing it might strain diplomatic relations, leading to retaliatory actions like visa restrictions or trade barriers.
• Maintaining silence could "serve the greater good" by securing the agreement, which includes clauses for joint conservation efforts.

However, local NGOs approach Priya with data showing the smuggling has led to a sharp decline in biodiversity, affecting indigenous communities dependent on these ecosystems. If she pushes for an investigation, she risks her career, potential leaks endangering her safety, and accusations of overstepping her mandate. If she ignores it, she compromises her ethical duty and enables environmental degradation.

Questions 
(a) Identify the key ethical dilemmas confronting Priya in this scenario. 
(b) As a mentor to aspiring diplomats, what values and decision-making frameworks would you recommend for navigating conflicts between national interests and global ethical responsibilities? 
(c) Outline a balanced course of action for Priya, integrating diplomatic prudence with moral accountability.
Ans: 
(a) Ethical Dilemmas

• Integrity vs. Diplomacy: Exposing smuggling upholds ethical standards but risks derailing trade talks critical for economic recovery.
• Global Duty vs. National Interest: Pursuing justice protects biodiversity but may strain bilateral relations.
• Personal Risk vs. Public Good: Action safeguards ecosystems but endangers Priya’s career and safety.

(b) Recommended Values and Frameworks

• Integrity: Upholding transparency ensures trust in diplomacy, resisting political pressures.
• Global Responsibility: Prioritizing environmental ethics aligns with India’s conservation commitments.
• Decision-Making Frameworks: Use utilitarianism (maximizing global good) and deontology (duty-based ethics) to guide actions.

(c) Course of Action

• Discreet Reporting: Escalate evidence to the Ministry of External Affairs and Environment Ministry for coordinated action.
• Strengthen Trade Clauses: Advocate for robust anti-smuggling provisions in the agreement, aligning with conservation goals.
• NGO Collaboration: Work with NGOs to validate data, building diplomatic leverage without public confrontation.

Q5. (GS4/ Ethics)
“Integrity in public service is not merely about avoiding corruption but fostering transparency in all actions.” Examine this statement in the context of ethical governance. (150 words)
Ans: 
Introduction
Integrity in public service extends beyond avoiding corruption to fostering transparency, ensuring ethical governance. It builds public trust and accountability, critical for effective administration in a democratic framework.

Body

Integrity Beyond Anti-Corruption

• Holistic Ethical Conduct: Integrity involves consistent adherence to moral principles, ensuring fairness in decisions like public recruitments.
• Public Welfare Focus: Prioritizing citizens’ interests over personal or political gains upholds governance credibility.

Transparency as a Cornerstone

• Open Decision-Making: Transparent processes, like RTI disclosures, enable public scrutiny, reducing misuse of power.
• Trust Building: Clear communication of policies, such as budget allocations, fosters public confidence and accountability.

Challenges

• Systemic Resistance: Bureaucratic reluctance to share information can undermine transparency efforts.
• Balancing Confidentiality: Sensitive issues require discretion, complicating full transparency.

Suggested Diagram: A flowchart showing how integrity and transparency lead to trust and accountability in governance.

Conclusion
Integrity in public service, encompassing transparency, is vital for ethical governance. By ensuring openness and accountability, civil servants can uphold public trust, delivering equitable and effective administration in challenging contexts.