UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: Essential GS Paper 2 Guidance
As UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 preparation gains momentum, strategic answer writing practice becomes crucial for aspirants targeting the prestigious examination. The General Studies Paper 2, covering governance, constitution, polity, social justice, and international relations, demands structured responses with comprehensive analysis and factual accuracy.
Question 1: Striking Balance in Higher Judicial Services Seniority
The Supreme Court of India currently faces a significant constitutional challenge regarding seniority criteria in higher judicial services. A five-judge Constitution Bench led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai is examining the proper balance between merit, experience, and equitable representation of promotee and direct recruit judges within the district judge cadre.
The core issue revolves around the age disparity between two entry streams into the Higher Judicial Services. Direct recruits typically join in their mid-30s, while promotees reach the district judge level around their mid-40s after extensive service in lower courts. Since seniority determination primarily depends on entry date through the 40-point roster system, promotee judges consistently face disadvantages in career progression.
Recent data from various High Courts reveals concerning patterns. In Bihar, the Patna High Court reported that among 91 judges serving as Principal District and Sessions Judges, 86 are direct recruits while only five are promotees. Similarly, Uttar Pradesh shows 58 direct recruits against 12 promotees in 70 District and Sessions Judge positions.
This structural imbalance creates multiple challenges. Promotee judges, despite their extensive trial court experience, often reach senior positions near retirement age. The system potentially loses decades of valuable judicial experience that shapes understanding of evidence, procedure, and practical law application. Furthermore, this imbalance affects morale within the judiciary, potentially discouraging talented lawyers from joining at entry levels and demotivating civil judges serving years in trial courts.
Judicial Reforms and Way Forward
In May 2025, the Supreme Court revisited the 2002 framework, implementing crucial clarifications. The court restored the Limited Departmental Competitive Examination quota to 25% of promotional intake from the reduced 10% practiced by many states. It also decreased qualifying service eligibility from five years to three years, enabling faster progression for meritorious officers.
The judiciary reinforced the requirement for entry-level civil judge posts to mandate at least three years of legal practice, addressing High Courts' concerns about inexperienced recruits lacking courtroom maturity. Additionally, the court directed that all promotion quotas should calculate based on total sanctioned cadre strength rather than current vacancies, preventing distortions in quota application.
Question 2: Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands Dispute and Regional Implications
The ongoing territorial conflict over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands represents significant geopolitical tensions in East Asia. These uninhabited islands, comprising five small islands and rocks covering approximately 1.4 square miles at their largest (Uotsuri Island), are administered by Japan but claimed by China and Taiwan.
The dispute's significance extends beyond territorial sovereignty to potential hydrocarbon resources believed to exist beneath the surrounding East China Sea waters. Although extraction remains unrealized, any exploration attempts by involved nations trigger immediate protests from others, transforming resource claims into sovereignty assertions.
Historical context plays a crucial role in understanding current tensions. Japan assumed control of Taiwan and Senkaku Islands in 1895 following the first Sino-Japanese War. Japanese authorities claim thorough surveys conducted since 1885 confirmed the islands were uninhabited without Qing Dynasty control traces. Conversely, China and Taiwan reference historical navigation records and maps indicating Chinese dynastic control.
The 1971 Okinawa Reversion Agreement between United States and Japan, returning Senkaku Islands and Okinawa to Japanese administration, intensified protests from China and Taiwan, though Japan maintains their claims lack validity.
Geopolitical Implications and Regional Stability
The Senkaku Islands dispute reflects complex bilateral relations between Japan and China, complicated by historical grievances including Japanese colonization attempts, World War aggressions, and ongoing nationalist sentiments under leadership of both countries. While China demands acknowledgment and apologies for historical incidents, Japan often resists such demands.
Regional stability faces multiple threats from this dispute. Frequent intrusions by Chinese Coast Guard into Japanese-controlled waters create potential military escalation risks through miscalculation. The situation underscores the importance of US-Japan alliance for regional security, which Japan considers vital for long-term stability.
Effective crisis management and diplomatic efforts have prevented major escalations thus far, with factors like reduced non-governmental action and established "new status quo" contributing to relative calm. However, the conflict highlights regional fragility exacerbated by other challenges including North Korea's nuclear program and unresolved historical tensions between Japan and South Korea.
Strategic Answer Writing Approach for UPSC Mains
Introduction Framework: Restrict introductions to 3-5 lines, avoiding one-liners. Include basic definitions from trusted sources and authentic facts to establish context.
Body Structure: Understand question demands thoroughly. Combine points and short paragraphs rather than lengthy explanations or bullet-only formats. Incorporate facts from authentic government sources while maintaining analytical balance without over-analysis.
Presentation Techniques: Underline keywords strategically to enhance answer visibility. Use flowcharts and tree diagrams logically where appropriate to save time and improve scores.
Conclusion Strategy: Maintain positive, forward-looking approaches while highlighting critical problems when necessary. Avoid repeating body or introduction points. Incorporate relevant reports, surveys, and quotes from national and international sources.
Self-Evaluation Practice: Regular assessment using guiding points and thought processes helps identify improvement areas and strengthen answer quality progressively.
