UPSC Mains Answer Practice: Supreme Court on Homemakers and India’s Global Role

Preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Mains exam requires consistent practice. Every week, aspirants look for quality questions to improve their answer writing skills. In Week 159 of the UPSC Essentials initiative, the focus is on General Studies 2 (GS 2). This paper covers governance, constitution, polity, and international relations. This week, we look at two very important topics: the Supreme Court's landmark judgment on homemakers and India's rising role in global governance.

Writing answers for the UPSC Mains is not just about memorizing facts. It is about presenting your thoughts clearly and logically. This blog post breaks down the core themes of these two topics to help you write better answers for your exams.

Topic 1: Supreme Court Judgment on Homemakers

Unpaid domestic and care work is one of the most invisible parts of our economy. For decades, the hard work done by homemakers inside the house has been taken for granted. Millions of women spend hours cooking, cleaning, and caring for children and the elderly without any pay or formal recognition. This lack of recognition affects their social status and financial security.

Recently, the Supreme Court of India took a historic step to correct this long-standing inequality. The court called homemakers "nation builders" and introduced a separate compensation category called "loss of domestic care." In vehicle accident compensation cases, the court set a baseline value of ₹30,000 per month for unpaid domestic work. This decision is highly significant for advancing gender justice and social equity.

When we talk about women breaking barriers in society, we see examples of outstanding courage. For instance, the news about Major Deeksha Mudadevannanavar earning the Balidaan badge shows how women are reaching new heights in non-traditional roles. However, back at home, the everyday labor of millions of women is also a form of nation-building. The Supreme Court's ruling legally recognizes this contribution.

When writing an answer on this topic in GS 2, you should highlight how the judiciary plays a key role in bringing social justice. By giving a monetary value to household work, the court has helped shift the public mindset. It proves that the labor of a homemaker is just as valuable as any office job.

Topic 2: India's Role in Global Governance

The second topic for this week's practice looks at international relations. In recent years, India's foreign policy has become much more active. India is no longer just a passive observer in global politics. Instead, it is actively shaping the rules of global governance.

India’s regular participation in major international forums, such as the G7 and the G20, shows its growing influence. Even though India is not a formal member of the G7, its constant presence as an invitee highlights its strategic importance. India acts as a voice for the Global South, raising issues like climate change, digital public infrastructure, and economic reform on behalf of developing nations.

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This global rise is backed by a strong domestic focus on growth and human resources. To build a stronger nation, the government is also working to increase employment and skill development at home. For example, events like the 18th Rozgar Mela appointment letters highlights demonstrate how the country is trying to empower its young workforce. A strong and employed youth population inside the country is what allows India to project power on the global stage.

When writing your GS 2 answer on global governance, you should discuss India's strategic autonomy. Explain how India balances its relationships with different global powers while protecting its own national interests. Mention specific examples like India's presidency of the G20 to show how India leads global discussions.

Tips for Writing High-Scoring UPSC Answers

To score well in GS 2, you must follow a clear structure in your answers. Always start with a brief introduction that defines the core issue. For the homemaker question, you can start by mentioning the Supreme Court's recent observation. For the global governance question, start with a brief note on India’s current foreign policy direction.

Next, divide the body of your answer into clear subheadings. Use bullet points to make your arguments easy for the examiner to read. Back up your points with constitutional articles, supreme court cases, or recent global summits. Finally, always end your answer with a forward-looking conclusion that suggests a positive way ahead.

Regular practice is the only way to master this skill. Take some time today to write down your own answers to these questions and track your progress. Good luck with your preparation!