May 29 – 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 at Ellora, blending religious symbolism with engineering brilliance. These monuments showcase their patronage of diverse faiths and technical mastery, shaping India’s cultural landscape.

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Religious Symbolism

• Pluralistic Expression: Ellora’s caves (1–34) house Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain temples, reflecting religious inclusivity, with Cave 16 (Kailasa) symbolizing Shiva’s cosmic power.
• Narrative Art: Sculptures depicting Vishnu’s avatars and Jain Tirthankaras convey spiritual stories, engaging devotees across faiths.

Engineering Prowess

• Monolithic Marvels: The Kailasa temple, carved from a single rock, showcases advanced excavation techniques, a testament to engineering skill.
• Architectural Innovation: Intricate pillars and cantilevered roofs demonstrate structural precision and aesthetic grandeur.

Cultural Impact

• Artistic Fusion: The temples blend Dravidian and Nagara styles, influencing later Indian architecture.
• Enduring Legacy: Rashtrakuta artistry set benchmarks for rock-cut architecture, inspiring regional traditions.

Suggested Diagram: A cross-sectional diagram of the Kailasa temple, highlighting its monolithic structure and key sculptural elements.

Conclusion
The Rashtrakuta rock-cut temples, notably at Ellora, harmonize religious symbolism with engineering excellence. They remain enduring symbols of India’s pluralistic culture and architectural innovation.

Q2. ​(GS2/ International Relations (IR)
To what extent has the emerging Quad 3.0 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 3.0 (India, US, Japan, Australia) has bolstered maritime security in the Indo-Pacific amid South China Sea tensions in 2025. India’s strategic engagement requires balancing deeper partnerships with its non-alignment policy to ensure regional stability.

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Quad 3.0’s Contributions

• Enhanced Naval Exercises: Upgraded Malabar exercises in 2025 improved interoperability, strengthening anti-submarine warfare and surveillance capabilities.
• IPMDA Expansion: The Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness tracked 80% of illegal maritime activities, enhancing security coordination.
• Rules-Based Order: Quad’s advocacy for UNCLOS countered territorial violations, ensuring navigational freedom.

Limitations

• Structural Constraints: The Quad’s non-binding framework limits its ability to deter aggressive actions effectively.
• Divergent Priorities: Differing strategic goals among members weaken unified responses to regional tensions.

Measures for India’s Engagement

• Regional Leadership: Lead Quad initiatives in the Indian Ocean, utilizing Andaman bases for joint patrols.
• Technology Sharing: Collaborate on AI-driven maritime surveillance while ensuring data sovereignty aligns with non-alignment.
• Economic Cooperation: Promote trade agreements within Quad to balance strategic ties without military alignment.
• Capacity Building: Train ASEAN navies under Quad frameworks, reinforcing India’s neutral stance.

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

Conclusion
Quad 3.0 has advanced maritime security through exercises and monitoring, but structural limits persist. India can deepen partnerships through regional leadership and economic diplomacy, preserving non-alignment while ensuring 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 solar surge and advancements in renewable energy capacity in 2025. (150 words)
Ans: 
Introduction
India’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2070 under the Paris Agreement relies on its solar surge and renewable energy growth. By 2025, significant advancements have bolstered progress, though challenges remain.

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Renewable Energy Advancements

• Solar Surge: India’s solar capacity reached 90 GW in 2025, contributing 20% to total energy output, aligning with Paris goals.
• Renewable Expansion: Total renewable capacity hit 170 GW, with wind and hydropower supporting green energy transitions.

Effectiveness of Commitments

• Emission Reduction: CO2 emissions intensity fell by 33% since 2015, meeting interim Paris targets.
• Policy Support: Schemes like PM Suryoday Yojana accelerated solar adoption, enhancing energy access.

Challenges

• Coal Dependency: Coal still accounts for 40% of energy, slowing net-zero progress.
• Funding Gaps: Limited global climate finance restricts large-scale renewable projects.

Suggested Diagram: A bar chart comparing India’s renewable energy capacity (solar, wind, coal) in 2020 and 2025.

Conclusion
India’s solar surge and renewable growth in 2025 advance its Paris Agreement commitments, but coal reliance and funding gaps pose hurdles. Scaling investments and infrastructure is 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

• Diplomacy vs. Integrity: Exposing smuggling ensures ethical conduct 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 threatens Priya’s career and safety.

(b) Recommended Values and Frameworks

• Integrity: Upholding transparency maintains trust in diplomacy, resisting political pressures.
• Environmental Stewardship: Prioritizing biodiversity aligns with global conservation commitments.
• Ethical Frameworks: Utilitarianism (maximizing global welfare) and deontology (duty-based ethics) guide decisions.

(c) Course of Action

• Discreet Escalation: Report evidence to the Ministry of External Affairs and Environment for coordinated action.
• Strengthen Agreement: Push for robust anti-smuggling clauses in the trade deal, aligning with conservation goals.
• NGO Collaboration: Work with NGOs to validate data, building diplomatic leverage discreetly.

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 goes beyond the mere avoidance of corruption, emphasizing transparency to ensure ethical governance. It fosters public trust and accountability, critical for effective administration in a democratic system.

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Integrity Beyond Anti-Corruption

• Ethical Conduct: Integrity ensures impartial decisions, as seen in transparent UPSC recruitments, upholding fairness.
• Public Welfare: Prioritizing citizens’ interests over personal gains strengthens governance legitimacy.

Transparency as a Pillar

• Open Processes: Mechanisms like RTI enable public scrutiny, reducing power misuse in policy implementation.
• Trust Building: Transparent fund allocation, such as in PM Awas Yojana, enhances public confidence.

​​​​​​​​​​​​Challenges

• Systemic Resistance: Bureaucratic reluctance to disclose information can hinder transparency.
• Balancing Discretion: Sensitive issues require confidentiality, complicating full transparency.

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

Conclusion
Integrity in public service, through transparency, is vital for ethical governance. By ensuring openness and accountability, civil servants can deliver equitable administration, fostering public trust and effective governance.