February 27 – Mini Mock Test Solutions: 2026 | UPSC Daily Answer Writing Practice PDF Download

Q1. (GS1/ Geography)
“The increasing incidence of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in the Himalayan region by 2025 underscores the impact of climate change.” Analyze the causes and suggest adaptive measures to mitigate risks in vulnerable areas. (150 words)
Ans: 
Introduction
By 2025, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in the Himalayas, triggered by climate change, threaten lives and infrastructure. Understanding their causes and implementing adaptive measures are critical for risk mitigation.

Causes of GLOFs

• Climate Change: Rising temperatures accelerate glacier retreat, forming unstable glacial lakes, as seen in Sikkim’s 2023 GLOF.
• Geological Instability: Seismic activity in the Himalayas weakens moraine dams, increasing outburst risks.
• Anthropogenic Pressures: Deforestation and unplanned infrastructure exacerbate downstream flood impacts.
• Inadequate Monitoring: Limited early warning systems fail to predict GLOF events effectively.

Adaptive Measures

• Early Warning Systems: Deploy satellite-based monitoring and sensors in high-risk areas like Uttarakhand to predict GLOFs.
• Infrastructure Resilience: Construct flood-resistant infrastructure and relocate vulnerable communities.
• Afforestation: Promote reforestation to stabilize soil and reduce runoff in Himalayan watersheds.
• Community Preparedness: Train locals through NDMA programs to enhance disaster response capabilities.

Conclusion
GLOFs, driven by climate change and human activities, pose significant risks in the Himalayas. Advanced monitoring, resilient infrastructure, and community engagement can mitigate impacts, ensuring safety and sustainability in vulnerable regions by 2030.

Suggested Diagram: A cross-sectional diagram of a glacial lake showing glacier retreat, moraine dam, and downstream flood path, with mitigation measures like sensors and afforestation indicated.

Q2. (GS2/ Governance)
In light of the 2025 advancements in India’s e-governance initiatives, assess their role in enhancing citizen-centric governance. Discuss challenges in ensuring last-mile connectivity and suggest reforms for inclusive implementation. (250 words)
Ans: 
Introduction
By 2025, India’s e-governance initiatives under Digital India have transformed public service delivery, promoting citizen-centric governance. However, last-mile connectivity challenges hinder inclusivity, necessitating reforms for effective implementation.

Role in Citizen-Centric Governance

• Accessibility: Platforms like UMANG provide single-window access to services, simplifying processes like pension disbursal.
• Transparency: E-governance tools like CPGRAMS enable citizens to track grievances, as seen in 2025 rural complaint resolutions.
• Efficiency: Aadhaar-based DBT reduces leakages in schemes like PM-KISAN, ensuring direct benefits.
• Citizen Participation: MyGov fosters public feedback, shaping policies like Smart Cities Mission 2025.

Challenges in Last-Mile Connectivity

• Digital Divide: Rural areas, with only 40% internet penetration in 2025, lack access to e-governance platforms.
• Infrastructure Gaps: Poor network coverage in remote regions, like Northeast India, limits service delivery.
• Digital Illiteracy: Low digital skills among rural and elderly populations hinder platform usage.
• Cybersecurity Risks: Data breaches in 2025, like DigiLocker hacks, erode public trust.

Suggested Reforms

• Expand BharatNet: Accelerate high-speed internet rollout to rural areas for universal access.
• Digital Literacy: Scale up PMGDISHA to train marginalized groups in digital navigation.
• Cybersecurity Framework: Implement robust encryption and regular audits for e-governance platforms.
• Local Engagement: Establish village-level digital kiosks to bridge connectivity gaps.

Conclusion
E-governance has enhanced citizen-centric governance by improving access and transparency. Addressing digital divide, infrastructure, and cybersecurity through targeted reforms can ensure inclusive implementation, strengthening India’s governance framework by 2030.

Suggested Diagram: A flowchart of e-governance platforms (UMANG, DBT, MyGov) showing their role in citizen engagement, with barriers like digital divide and proposed solutions highlighted.

Q3. (GS3/ Science)
The deployment of 5G technology across India by 2025 has revolutionized connectivity but raised concerns about health and cybersecurity. Evaluate its socio-economic benefits and associated risks. (150 words)
Ans: 
Introduction
By 2025, 5G technology has transformed India’s connectivity, driving socio-economic growth. However, health and cybersecurity concerns pose risks, requiring balanced mitigation strategies.

Socio-Economic Benefits

• Economic Growth: 5G boosts industries like IT and manufacturing, contributing 2% to GDP in 2025.
• Digital Inclusion: Enhanced connectivity in rural areas supports e-education and telemedicine, as seen in Bihar’s 5G-enabled schools.
• Innovation: 5G enables IoT and smart cities, improving urban planning in Delhi’s 2025 projects.
• Job Creation: 5G infrastructure development generates employment in telecom and tech sectors.

Associated Risks

• Health Concerns: Public fears about 5G radiation, though unproven, spark protests, requiring awareness campaigns.
• Cybersecurity Threats: Increased connectivity heightens risks of data breaches, as seen in 2025 banking hacks.
• Digital Divide: Uneven 5G rollout excludes remote areas, deepening inequalities.

Way Forward

• Public Awareness: Launch campaigns to dispel health myths about 5G.
• Cybersecurity Measures: Strengthen NCIIPC protocols to secure 5G networks.
• Inclusive Rollout: Prioritize 5G deployment in underserved regions.

Conclusion
5G technology drives socio-economic progress but raises health and cybersecurity concerns. Awareness, robust security, and inclusive rollout can maximize benefits, ensuring sustainable growth by 2030.

Suggested Diagram: A diagram showing 5G applications (smart cities, telemedicine) and risks (cyber threats, digital divide), with mitigation strategies.

Q4. (GS4/ Ethics) Case Study
Rakesh, an IAS officer, is posted as District Collector in a drought-prone district in 2025. The district is part of a central scheme promoting solar-powered irrigation to support farmers. During an inspection, Rakesh discovers that a private contractor, backed by a state minister, has siphoned off funds meant for solar pumps to develop a luxury resort, claiming it will boost tourism and local jobs.

Farmer cooperatives report that the lack of irrigation pumps has worsened crop failures, threatening livelihoods. Exposing the misuse could halt the project, invite political retaliation, and risk Rakesh’s transfer, limiting his ability to serve. Ignoring it compromises farmer welfare and perpetuates corruption.

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

• Farmer Welfare vs. Political Pressure: Exposing fund misuse risks political backlash and transfer, but ignoring it harms farmers’ livelihoods.
• Integrity vs. Economic Claims: Reporting corruption upholds accountability but may delay irrigation projects, impacting tourism benefits.
• Transparency vs. Stability: Farmer demands for irrigation conflict with maintaining project momentum to avoid unrest.

(b) Ethical Principles and Leadership Qualities

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

(c) Recommended Course of Action

• Confidential Audit: Rakesh should initiate a discreet third-party audit to document fund diversion evidence.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with farmer cooperatives to ensure interim irrigation solutions, maintaining trust.
• Strategic Escalation: Report findings to the state vigilance commission, avoiding public confrontation to minimize delays.
• Systemic Reforms: Advocate for transparent fund tracking in central schemes to prevent future misuse.

Q5. (GS4/ Ethics) 
“Empathy in public administration fosters inclusive governance in a diverse society.” Discuss the role of empathy in ethical decision-making, with examples from Indian public service. (150 words)
Ans: 
Introduction
Empathy, the ability to understand and share others’ feelings, is vital for inclusive governance in India’s diverse society. It ensures ethical decision-making, fostering trust and equity.

Role of Empathy

• Inclusive Policies: Empathetic governance addresses marginalized groups’ needs, as seen in Srijana Gummalla’s migrant relief efforts during the 2020 COVID-19 crisis.
• Conflict Resolution: Empathy resolves disputes, like a 2023 DM in Odisha mediating tribal land issues with compassion.
• Public Trust: Empathetic communication, as shown by K.K. Shailaja during Kerala’s COVID-19 response, ensures public cooperation.
• Prioritizing Welfare: Empathy drives focus on vulnerable communities, exemplified by Armstrong Pame’s community-funded road in Manipur.

​​​​​​​​Challenges

• Diverse Needs: India’s socio-cultural diversity demands nuanced empathy, challenging uniform application.
• Systemic Pressures: Political and bureaucratic constraints may limit empathetic decisions.

Way Forward

• Empathy Training: Integrate emotional intelligence in IAS training to enhance compassionate governance.
• Community Engagement: Promote participatory platforms like Gram Sabhas to understand local needs.

Conclusion
Empathy fosters inclusive and ethical governance, ensuring trust in diverse societies. Strengthening training and engagement can amplify its role in Indian public administration by 2030.