Mains Answer Writing - 22 Jan, 2026

GS2

International Relations

10 marks

“The BRICS Plus naval exercise reflects emerging divergences within the BRICS grouping regarding the scope and direction of cooperation.”
Critically examine this statement in the context of India’s strategic autonomy and its approach towards separating economic multilateralism from security alignments.

Attempt Challenge on App See Model Answer

Tips for your answer

Start with context, not description: Briefly mention the BRICS Plus naval exercise only to highlight the shift from economic cooperation to security signalling, and immediately link it to internal divergences within BRICS.
Clearly bring out India’s strategic rationale: Emphasise India’s principles—strategic autonomy, issue-based alignment, and separation of economic forums from military blocs—while explaining why India opted out despite being a core BRICS member.
Balance critique with pragmatism: Acknowledge the Global South narrative and maritime security rationale, but critically assess risks of militarisation, China-led security posturing, and perception of BRICS as an anti-West platform, concluding with India’s calibrated multilateral approach.

6/10

Topper’s Answer Sheet

With detailed evaluation

More Challenges

View All

GS3
Internal Security
16 Jun, 2026
"Recent protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit-Baltistan highlight the challenges of governance, political representation, and resource distribution in Pakistan-administered regions of the former princely state of Jammu & Kashmir." Discuss. Also examine the strategic significance of these developments for India.
View Challenge
GS2
SOCIAL_ISSUES_AND_SCHEMES
Yesterday
"Despite constitutional guarantees and statutory protections, disability welfare in India continues to suffer from fragmented implementation and inadequate social security coverage."
In this context, examine the need for a Uniform Nationwide Disability Pension System in India. Discuss the constitutional basis, socio-economic rationale, key challenges, and suggest measures for effective implementation.
View Challenge
GS1
Art & Culture
14 Jun, 2026
What is a Geographical Indication (GI) tag? Explain how GI-tagged products such as Tezpur Litchi contribute to rural development, branding, and export promotion in India.
View Challenge