July 24 – Mini Mock Test Solutions: 2026 | UPSC Daily Answer Writing Practice PDF Download

Q1. (GS1/ Art and Culture)
“The miniature paintings of the Mughal era reflect a synthesis of Persian and Indian artistic traditions.” Discuss their key features and cultural significance in medieval India. (150 words)
Ans: 
Introduction
Mughal miniature paintings, flourishing from the 16th to 19th centuries, epitomize a blend of Persian finesse and Indian vibrancy. Their unique style and cultural significance enriched medieval India’s artistic heritage.

Key Features

• Persian Influence: Delicate brushwork and vibrant colors, inspired by Persian Safavid art, depicted intricate court scenes and landscapes.
• Indian Elements: Integration of local themes, such as Hindu mythology in Hamzanama, added narrative depth and regional context.
• Realism and Portraiture: Under Akbar and Jahangir, portraits like those of courtiers showed naturalistic details, blending Persian stylization with Indian realism.
• Thematic Diversity: Paintings covered historical chronicles (Akbarnama), romantic tales, and nature, reflecting cultural synthesis.

Cultural Significance

• Patronage and Pluralism: Mughal emperors, especially Akbar, patronized diverse artists, fostering Hindu-Muslim artistic collaboration.
• Cultural Documentation: Miniatures preserved historical events and courtly life, serving as visual records.
• Regional Impact: The style influenced Rajput and Deccani schools, spreading syncretic art across India.

Conclusion
Mughal miniature paintings, blending Persian and Indian traditions, enriched medieval India’s cultural landscape. Their legacy endures in museums and regional art forms, symbolizing artistic unity.

Suggested Diagram: A comparative chart showing Persian (color palette, stylization) and Indian (mythology, realism) elements in Mughal miniatures with examples.

Q2. [(GS2/ International Relations (IR)]
In the context of India’s Act East Policy in 2025, evaluate its impact on strengthening ties with ASEAN countries. Suggest measures to deepen economic and strategic cooperation while safeguarding India’s interests. (250 words)
Ans: 
Introduction
By 2025, India’s Act East Policy has significantly strengthened ties with ASEAN countries, fostering economic and strategic cooperation. Amid geopolitical shifts, India must deepen engagement while safeguarding its interests.

Impact on ASEAN Ties

• Economic Integration: Trade with ASEAN reached $100 billion by 2025, driven by the ASEAN-India FTA and infrastructure projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway.
• Strategic Partnerships: Joint naval exercises and defense dialogues, like the India-Singapore maritime drills, counter China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific.
• Cultural Diplomacy: Initiatives like Project Mausam and Buddhist circuit tourism enhance soft power, strengthening people-to-people ties.
• Regional Connectivity: Investments in Northeast India’s infrastructure boost connectivity with ASEAN, fostering regional integration.

Measures to Deepen Cooperation

• Trade Diversification: Expand FTA coverage to include digital services and green technology, aligning with ASEAN’s 2025 digital economy goals.
• Infrastructure Investment: Accelerate projects like the Kaladan Multimodal Project to enhance connectivity, ensuring timely completion.
• Defense Collaboration: Establish joint R&D for maritime security technologies, balancing ASEAN partnerships with India’s strategic autonomy.
• Capacity Building: Share India’s digital expertise (e.g., UPI) with ASEAN nations to foster inclusive growth.
• Climate Cooperation: Lead ASEAN-India initiatives on renewable energy, aligning with India’s net-zero goals.

​​​​​​​​Challenges

• China’s Dominance: ASEAN’s economic reliance on China complicates India’s strategic outreach.
• Domestic Priorities: India’s focus on internal development limits resources for ASEAN engagement.

Conclusion
The Act East Policy has bolstered India’s ASEAN ties through trade and strategic partnerships. Diversified trade, infrastructure, and climate cooperation can deepen engagement while safeguarding India’s strategic and economic interests.

Suggested Diagram: A map highlighting India-ASEAN connectivity projects (e.g., Trilateral Highway, Kaladan Project) and trade/strategic cooperation areas.

Q3. (GS3/ Environment
Assess the effectiveness of India’s afforestation initiatives, such as the Green India Mission, in combating climate change as of 2025. Discuss challenges in achieving sustainable forest cover growth. (150 words)
Ans: 
Introduction
India’s afforestation initiatives, notably the Green India Mission, aim to combat climate change by enhancing forest cover. By 2025, these efforts show progress but face challenges in achieving sustainable growth.

Effectiveness in Combating Climate Change

• Increased Forest Cover: The Green India Mission has added 2 million hectares of forest cover by 2025, sequestering 50 million tonnes of CO2 annually.
• Biodiversity Conservation: Reforestation in areas like the Western Ghats supports endangered species, enhancing ecological resilience.
• Community Engagement: Involving local communities in afforestation, as in Odisha, ensures sustainable land management.
• Climate Mitigation: Forests act as carbon sinks, aligning with India’s net-zero 2070 target.

​​​​​​​​Challenges

• Land Conflicts: Encroachment and competing land use for agriculture hinder afforestation efforts.
• Funding Gaps: Limited budgets restrict large-scale planting and maintenance.
• Climate Variability: Droughts and erratic monsoons in 2025 reduce sapling survival rates.
• Monitoring Issues: Inadequate tracking of afforestation outcomes limits accountability.

Way Forward

• Community-Driven Models: Expand Joint Forest Management for local ownership.
• Technological Monitoring: Use satellite imagery for real-time afforestation tracking.
• Increased Funding: Allocate higher budgets for long-term maintenance.

Conclusion
​The Green India Mission has advanced climate goals, but sustainable forest growth requires addressing land, funding, and climate challenges through community and technology-driven solutions.

Suggested Diagram: A bar graph comparing forest cover growth (2020 vs. 2025) and challenges (land conflicts, funding) with mitigation strategies.

Q4. (GS4/ Ethics) Case Study 
Anil, an IAS officer, is posted as District Collector in a district with significant air pollution issues in 2025. The central government has allocated funds for clean energy projects to reduce emissions. During an audit, Anil discovers that local officials have diverted funds to a private coal-based power plant, justified as a means to boost local employment.

Local communities, suffering from health issues due to pollution, demand clean energy solutions and transparency. Anil faces pressure from his superiors to overlook the misuse to maintain economic stability ahead of a national environmental summit. Exposing the issue could delay projects and risk his career, while compliance compromises public health and environmental goals.

Questions: 
(a) What are the ethical dilemmas faced by Anil in this scenario? 
(b) As a mentor to young civil servants, what ethical principles and leadership qualities would you emphasize to navigate such conflicts? 
(c) Recommend a course of action for Anil, balancing administrative pragmatism with ethical responsibility.
Ans:
(a) Key Ethical Dilemmas

• Public Health vs. Political Pressure: Exposing fund misuse prioritizes community health but risks political retaliation, potentially delaying clean energy projects.
• Integrity vs. Pragmatism: Reporting corruption upholds ethical standards but may disrupt economic stability during a summit.
• Transparency vs. Stability: Community demands for clean energy conflict with superiors’ pressure to maintain investor confidence.

(b) Ethical Principles and Leadership Qualities

• Integrity: Upholding accountability, as exemplified by Ashok Khemka’s anti-corruption stance despite transfers.
• Courage: Acting decisively for public good, like E. Sreedharan’s transparent infrastructure leadership.
• Utilitarian Ethics: Prioritizing maximum benefit for pollution-affected communities over short-term economic gains.
• Empathy: Understanding community health concerns to ensure effective clean energy solutions.

(c) Recommended Course of Action

• Discreet Reporting: Anil should confidentially escalate evidence to the Vigilance Commission, avoiding public confrontation to maintain project momentum.
• Immediate Action: Redirect available funds to clean energy projects like solar grids, addressing health concerns.
• Community Engagement: Hold transparent meetings with locals to assure action, rebuilding trust.
• Systemic Reforms: Advocate for real-time fund tracking and stricter audits to prevent future misuse.

Q5. (GS4/ Ethics)
“Empathy in public administration fosters inclusive governance in a diverse society.” Discuss its role in addressing marginalized communities’ needs, with examples from Indian public service. (150 words)
Ans: 
Introduction
Empathy, the ability to understand and address others’ needs, is vital for inclusive governance in India’s diverse society. It ensures marginalized communities’ concerns are prioritized, fostering trust.

Role of Empathy

• Inclusive Policy-Making: Empathy shapes policies for marginalized groups. IAS officer S.R. Sankaran’s tribal welfare schemes in Andhra Pradesh addressed their socio-economic needs.
• Responsive Governance: Empathetic engagement resolves grievances. K.K. Shailaja’s compassionate COVID-19 response in Kerala ensured aid for migrant workers, reducing inequalities.
• Community Trust: Empathy builds confidence. Armstrong Pame’s crowd-funded road in Manipur connected remote tribal communities, addressing isolation.
• Social Equity: Empathetic policies, like PM Awas Yojana’s housing for SC/ST groups, promote inclusivity across diverse communities.

Challenges

• Bureaucratic Rigidity: Hierarchical systems often limit empathetic decision-making.
• Resource Constraints: Limited funds challenge empathetic policy implementation.

Conclusion
Empathy fosters inclusive governance by addressing marginalized communities’ needs, enhancing trust and equity. Training in emotional intelligence and resource allocation can strengthen empathy in India’s public administration, ensuring responsive governance.