Practice two fresh UPSC CSE Mains questions for 24 September 2026—one current-affairs based and one static—with answer upload, topper-style model answers, self-evaluation and relevant UPSCJournal internal links.
Daily Mains Answer Writing Practice – 24 September 2026
Attempt first. Upload your handwritten answer. Then compare it with the model answer.
“The next phase of Make in India must be judged less by the number of factories created and more by the depth of domestic value addition, technological capability, employment generation and integration into resilient global value chains.” Examine.
Official source: PIB – 12 Years of Make in India
Attempt the answer before checking the model
Model Answer
Introduction
Make in India has expanded domestic manufacturing capacity across several sectors, but manufacturing strength cannot be measured by final assembly alone. The next phase must deepen local capabilities so that India captures a larger share of value, technology, employment and export competitiveness within global production networks.
Body
What “manufacturing depth” requires
- Domestic value addition: Local production of components, materials and machinery reduces dependence on imported intermediates.
- Technology capability: R&D, design, patents and process know-how determine whether India moves up the value chain.
- Employment intensity: Manufacturing policy should support labour-intensive sectors alongside advanced industries so growth translates into broad-based jobs.
- MSME integration: Competitive supplier networks allow smaller firms to participate in large domestic and global value chains.
- Infrastructure and logistics: Reliable power, ports, freight corridors and digital clearances reduce transaction costs.
- Skills: Industrial expansion requires technicians, tool-makers, engineers and shop-floor workers whose training matches firm demand.
Key challenges
- High import dependence in critical components and capital goods can limit genuine value addition.
- Small firms face credit, technology and quality-certification constraints.
- Automation can weaken the employment impact of manufacturing unless sector choice and skilling are aligned.
- Global trade tensions make supply-chain diversification necessary but more complex.
Way forward
- Link incentives increasingly to domestic value addition, exports and technology transfer.
- Build supplier-development programmes connecting MSMEs with anchor manufacturers.
- Invest in industrial R&D, testing facilities and vocational ecosystems.
Conclusion
The success of Make in India 2.0 should therefore be measured by whether India becomes a producer of capabilities, components and technologies—not merely a location for assembly. Manufacturing depth is the foundation of both competitiveness and strategic resilience.
“The constitutional status granted to Urban Local Bodies by the 74th Constitutional Amendment has not been matched by adequate fiscal and functional autonomy.” Examine and suggest measures to strengthen municipal governance.
Attempt the answer before checking the model
Model Answer
Introduction
The 74th Constitutional Amendment gave Urban Local Bodies constitutional recognition and envisaged democratic decentralisation of urban governance. Yet many municipalities remain dependent on State governments for finances, personnel and key functions, creating a gap between constitutional status and operational autonomy.
Body
Why autonomy remains limited
- Weak own-source revenue: Property tax coverage, user charges and local fee collection remain inadequate in many cities.
- Dependence on transfers: Municipal budgets often rely heavily on State and Union grants, reducing spending flexibility.
- Incomplete functional devolution: Water, transport, housing and planning are frequently controlled by State-level parastatals rather than elected ULBs.
- Weak State Finance Commissions: Delayed constitution and inconsistent implementation of recommendations reduce predictable local finance.
- Capacity gaps: Shortages of planners, engineers, accountants and digital systems weaken service delivery and project preparation.
How municipal governance can be strengthened
- Modernise property-tax systems using GIS mapping, rational valuation and wider coverage.
- Provide predictable formula-based fiscal transfers linked to service responsibilities.
- Devolve the 12th Schedule functions together with funds and personnel.
- Strengthen metropolitan planning committees for transport, land use and regional infrastructure.
- Expand municipal bonds and pooled finance for creditworthy ULBs with strong disclosure standards.
- Improve ward committees, participatory budgeting and public dashboards for local accountability.
Conclusion
Urbanisation cannot be effectively governed through constitutionally recognised but fiscally weak institutions. India’s cities need empowered municipalities with clear functions, predictable finances, professional capacity and direct accountability to citizens.
- 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 concepts or examples?
- Did I give a practical way forward where required?
- Did I stay within the word limit?
