February 20 – Mini Mock Test Solutions: 2026 | UPSC Daily Answer Writing Practice PDF Download

Q1. (GS1/ History)
“The integration of princely states into the Indian Union post-1947 was a monumental achievement in nation-building.” Discuss the strategies employed and their long-term impact on India’s federal structure. (150 words)
Ans: 
Introduction
The integration of over more than 560 princely states into the Indian Union post-1947 was a cornerstone of nation-building. Led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, this process unified India, shaping its federal structure.

Strategies Employed

• Diplomatic Negotiations: Patel and V.P. Menon persuaded rulers to accede through dialogue, emphasizing national unity, as seen in Mysore’s smooth accession.
• Instrument of Accession: States signed agreements ceding defense, foreign affairs, and communications to the Union, ensuring transfer of sovereignty.
• Use of Force: In cases like Hyderabad, Operation Polo (1948) ensured integration, overcoming resistance.
• Merger Agreements: Smaller states were merged into provinces or unions, like Saurashtra, streamlining administration.

Long-Term Impact on Federal Structure

• Unified Nation: Integration prevented Balkanization, creating a cohesive federal framework under the Constitution.
• Federal Balance: States retained cultural autonomy while the Centre gained control over critical areas, strengthening cooperative federalism.
• Regional Disparities: Some regions, like Jammu & Kashmir, faced prolonged integration challenges, impacting federal harmony.
• Democratic Governance: Integration facilitated democratic institutions, replacing monarchical rule with elected governments.

Conclusion
The strategic integration of princely states unified India, laying the foundation for a robust federal structure. Despite challenges, it remains a landmark in India’s nation-building journey, fostering unity in diversity.

Suggested Diagram: A map of India (1947) showing princely states and their integration into the Union, with key states like Hyderabad and Mysore highlighted.

Q2. (GS2/ Polity)
In the context of the 2025 amendments to the Panchayati Raj Institutions, evaluate the role of local self-governance in promoting participatory democracy in India. Suggest measures to overcome challenges in its implementation for effective federalism. (250 words)
Ans: 
Introduction
The 2025 amendments to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), under the 73rd Amendment, have strengthened local self-governance, enhancing participatory democracy. However, implementation challenges hinder effective federalism, necessitating reforms.

Role in Participatory Democracy

• Grassroots Empowerment: PRIs enable local decision-making, as seen in 2025 Gram Sabha initiatives for rural healthcare planning.
• Inclusivity: Reservations for women and SC/STs, reinforced in 2025, ensure marginalized voices shape policies, like sanitation drives in Bihar.
• Accountability: PRIs bridge citizens and government, with tools like social audits ensuring transparency in MGNREGA projects.
• Decentralized Development: PRIs prioritize local needs, such as water conservation schemes in Rajasthan, fostering community ownership.

Challenges

• Financial Dependence: PRIs rely on state funds, limiting autonomy, as seen in delayed devolution in 2025.
• Capacity Gaps: Lack of training for panchayat members hampers effective governance.
• Political Interference: Local elites and state governments often undermine PRI autonomy, as observed in Uttar Pradesh.
• Low Awareness: Limited citizen participation in Gram Sabhas reduces democratic engagement.

Suggested Measures

• Financial Autonomy: Implement 2025 Finance Commission recommendations for direct fund devolution to PRIs.
• Capacity Building: Scale up Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) to train elected representatives.
• Curb Interference: Strengthen State Election Commissions to ensure PRI independence from political pressures.
• Awareness Campaigns: Promote civic education to boost Gram Sabha participation, enhancing democratic accountability.

Conclusion
PRIs have bolstered participatory democracy by empowering local communities, but financial and capacity constraints persist. Strengthening fiscal autonomy, training, and public engagement can enhance PRIs’ role in effective federalism, ensuring inclusive governance by 2030.

Suggested Diagram: A flowchart of the PRI structure (Gram Panchayat, Block, District) with roles and challenges, showing proposed reforms.

Q3. (GS3/ Economy)
The push for circular economy models in India by 2025 aims to promote sustainable resource management amid rapid industrialization. Analyze its potential benefits and challenges for economic growth. (150 words)
Ans: 
Introduction
By 2025, India’s circular economy initiatives, emphasizing reduce, reuse and recycle, promote sustainable resource management amid industrialization. These models offer economic benefits but face significant challenges.

Potential Benefits

• Resource Efficiency: Recycling materials like plastics reduces raw material imports, saving costs, as seen in 2025 waste-to-energy projects.
• Job Creation: Circular models generate employment in recycling and refurbishing sectors, supporting MSMEs.
• Environmental Sustainability: Reduced waste and emissions, like in textile recycling in Gujarat, align with net-zero goals.
• Economic Resilience: Circular supply chains diversify resources, enhancing industrial stability.

Challenges

• Infrastructure Gaps: Limited recycling facilities hinder scalability, as seen in urban waste management.
• Low Awareness: Lack of public and industry awareness slows adoption of circular practices.
• High Initial Costs: Transitioning to circular systems requires significant investment, challenging MSMEs.

Way Forward

• Infrastructure Development: Expand recycling hubs under Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0.
• Awareness Campaigns: Promote circular economy benefits through Digital India platforms.
• Financial Incentives: Provide subsidies and tax breaks for industries adopting circular models.

Conclusion
Circular economy models promise sustainable growth by enhancing resource efficiency and job creation. Addressing infrastructure, awareness, and cost challenges can ensure economic and environmental benefits, aligning with India’s 2030 sustainability goals.

Suggested Diagram: A cycle diagram illustrating the circular economy process (reduce, reuse, recycle) with examples like waste-to-energy and challenges highlighted.

Q4. (GS4/ Ethics) Case Study
Kavya, an IAS officer, is the District Collector in a mining-dependent region in 2025. The district receives funds under the District Mineral Foundation for community development, including health and education. During an audit, Kavya uncovers that a mining company, owned by a prominent industrialist with political connections, has inflated environmental compliance costs, diverting funds meant for local schools to their private expansion projects. The company justifies it by claiming the expansion will create jobs and boost revenue, indirectly benefiting the district.

Local communities, particularly children, suffer from inadequate schools and health facilities, leading to protests. Reporting the diversion could invite legal and political retaliation, project halts, and Kavya's transfer, disrupting her work. Ignoring it undermines community welfare and perpetuates environmental degradation.

Questions: 
(a) What are the ethical dilemmas Kavya faces in this scenario? 
(b) As a mentor to young civil servants, what ethical principles and leadership qualities would you emphasize to handle such dilemmas in public service? 
(c) Suggest the most appropriate course of action for Kavya, balancing administrative efficiency with ethical responsibility.
Ans: 
(a) Ethical Dilemmas

• Community Welfare vs. Political Pressure: Exposing fund diversion risks political retaliation and transfer, but ignoring it harms local education and health.
• Integrity vs. Economic Claims: Reporting corruption upholds accountability but may delay projects, undermining job creation claims.
• Transparency vs. Stability: Community protests for better facilities conflict with maintaining project momentum to avoid unrest.

(b) Ethical Principles and Leadership Qualities

• Integrity: Upholding honesty, as seen in U. Sagayam’s mining probes, ensures public trust.
• Courage: Confronting influential stakeholders, like Ashok Khemka’s land deal exposés, prioritizes duty.
• Utilitarian Ethics: Balancing maximum community benefit with minimal harm (project delays).
• Empathy: Understanding local needs to prioritize their welfare.

(c) Recommended Course of Action

• Discrete Audit: Kavya should commission an independent audit to document fund misuse without public disclosure.
• Community Engagement: Collaborate with locals to monitor school and health projects, ensuring transparency.
• Strategic Reporting: Escalate findings to the state vigilance commission, avoiding direct confrontation to minimize delays.
• Systemic Reforms: Advocate for transparent DMF fund allocation systems to prevent future misuse.

Q5. (GS4/ Ethics) 
“Ethical leadership in public administration is vital for fostering public trust.” Elucidate with examples from Indian civil services. (150 words)
Ans: 
Introduction
Ethical leadership, grounded in integrity and empathy, is crucial for fostering public trust in India’s civil services. It ensures accountability and inclusive governance in a diverse democracy.

Role of Ethical Leadership

• Public Trust: Ethical leaders inspire confidence. E. Sreedharan’s transparent Metro project management ensured public faith in infrastructure delivery.
• Accountability: Ethical conduct ensures answerability, as seen in T.N. Seshan’s electoral reforms, strengthening democratic processes.
• Inclusivity: Leaders like S.R. Sankaran prioritized tribal welfare, ensuring equitable policy implementation.
• Anti-Corruption: Ethical leadership curbs malpractices, as exemplified by Ashok Khemka’s exposés of land deal irregularities.

Examples from Indian Civil Services

• Kiran Bedi: Her Tihar prison reforms showcased empathy, improving inmate welfare and public perception.
• Srijana Gummalla: Her empathetic handling of migrant needs during the 2020 COVID-19 crisis ensured inclusive relief distribution.

​​​​​​​​Challenges

• Political Pressures: Interference, as faced by Khemka, tests ethical resolve.
• Systemic Constraints: Bureaucratic inefficiencies challenge consistent ethical leadership.

Way Forward

• Ethics Training: Integrate ethical leadership in IAS training programs.
• Whistleblower Protection: Strengthen laws to shield honest officers.

Conclusion
Ethical leadership fosters trust and accountability in governance. Strengthening training and protections can enhance its impact, ensuring robust public administration in India.