Practice two fresh UPSC CSE Mains questions for 15 September 2026—one current-affairs based and one static—with answer upload, topper-style model answers and self-evaluation.
Daily Mains Answer Writing Practice – 15 September 2026
Attempt first. Upload your handwritten answer. Then compare it with the model answer.
“India’s vulnerability to global oil shocks extends far beyond the import bill; it transmits through inflation, the exchange rate, fiscal arithmetic and monetary policy.” Examine and suggest structural measures to reduce the economy’s sensitivity to imported energy shocks.
References: Reuters – Rupee & Oil, 15 September 2026 | Office of Economic Adviser – Latest WPI
Attempt the answer before checking the model
Model Answer
Introduction
India imports most of its crude-oil requirement, making global petroleum prices an important external macroeconomic shock. When crude rises sharply, the effect is transmitted through the balance of payments, domestic prices, the currency, public finances and monetary conditions rather than remaining confined to the oil import bill.
Body
How an oil shock affects the economy
- External balance: A higher import bill widens the trade deficit and increases demand for foreign currency.
- Exchange rate: A weaker rupee makes oil and other imports costlier, creating a second-round inflation channel.
- Inflation: Fuel costs raise transport, logistics, fertiliser and production costs across the economy.
- Fiscal pressure: Governments face a trade-off between allowing pump prices to rise and reducing fuel taxes or increasing subsidies.
- Monetary policy: Persistent imported inflation can force tighter policy even when domestic growth is slowing.
- Growth: Higher energy costs squeeze household purchasing power and corporate margins, weakening consumption and investment.
Building structural resilience
- Accelerate renewable power, storage, EVs and public transport to reduce oil intensity.
- Diversify crude suppliers and expand strategic petroleum reserves.
- Improve freight efficiency through railways, coastal shipping and multimodal logistics.
- Promote biofuels, green hydrogen and energy-efficiency standards where economically viable.
- Use transparent, rule-based fuel taxation rather than ad hoc price suppression.
- Maintain adequate forex buffers while avoiding attempts to defend any rigid exchange-rate level.
Conclusion
India cannot eliminate exposure to global oil markets, but it can reduce the economy’s oil intensity and improve shock absorption. The durable answer lies in energy diversification, efficiency, strategic buffers and macroeconomic credibility, not in short-term price controls alone.
“The discretionary powers of the Governor are constitutional safety valves, not an alternative centre of political authority.” Critically examine the scope of gubernatorial discretion and the safeguards necessary to preserve federal balance.
Attempt the answer before checking the model
Model Answer
Introduction
The Governor occupies a dual position: constitutional head of the State and a link within the Union’s federal structure. Under Article 163, the normal rule is action on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers; discretion is exceptional and must therefore be exercised narrowly, constitutionally and impartially.
Body
Legitimate areas of discretion
- Inviting a leader to form government where no party commands a clear majority.
- Requiring a floor test when there is objective doubt about the government’s majority.
- Reserving certain Bills for the President under Article 200.
- Reporting circumstances relevant to Article 356, subject to strict constitutional scrutiny.
- Performing specific functions where the Constitution expressly provides discretion.
Why misuse creates federal friction
- Partisan delays in assent can effectively create an unelected veto over State legislation.
- Subjective decisions in government formation can distort the democratic mandate.
- Frequent intervention in day-to-day politics undermines the elected Council of Ministers.
- The Governor’s appointment by the Union can create perceptions of political dependence.
Safeguards
- Follow S.R. Bommai and related jurisprudence: legislative majority should ordinarily be tested on the floor of the House.
- Exercise Article 200 powers within a reasonable time and provide constitutionally reasoned decisions.
- Adopt transparent conventions for government formation.
- Prefer persons of public standing with political detachment; protect tenure from arbitrary removal.
- Maintain judicial review where discretion affects constitutional rights or federal structure.
Conclusion
The Governor’s office is valuable when it acts as a neutral constitutional sentinel. Its legitimacy depends on restraint, reasoned discretion and respect for elected government; otherwise, an exceptional safeguard can become a recurring source of federal conflict.
- Did I directly address the directive used in the question?
- Did I build an argument instead of merely listing facts?
- Did I cover multiple dimensions and limitations?
- Did I use relevant constitutional/economic concepts?
- Did I give a balanced and practical way forward where required?
- Did I stay within the word limit?
