Editor’s Pick
UPSC PYQs
Important International Institutions
Editor’s Pick
- The United Nations is often described as “a frozen, 1945-invented mechanism.” What is your perspective on this view? Provide reasons and examples to justify your answer. (Answer in 150 words)
- Explain the role of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) in tackling current global economic challenges. (Answer in 150 words)
- Provide a summary of the structure and mandate of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). What challenges does it face in enforcing its decisions and maintaining international law? (Answer in 150 words)
- What potential impacts could the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) have on India, and what steps can India take to minimize these effects? (Answer in 250 words)
- Analyze the relevance of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in light of the emerging challenges confronting the multilateral trading system. (Answer in 250 words)
- Discuss the importance of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in reducing environmental harm, ensuring security, and fostering sustainable practices in the maritime sector. (Answer in 250 words)
UPSC PYQs
- Sea is an important Component of the Cosmos’ Discuss in the light of the above statement the role of the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) in protecting the environment and enhancing maritime safety and security. (250 words) [UPSC 2023]
- Too little cash, too much politics, leaves UNESCO fighting for life.’ Discuss the statement in the light of US’ withdrawal and its accusation of the cultural body as being ‘anti-Israel bias’. (150 words) [UPSC 2019]
- What are the key areas of reform if the WTO has to survive in the present context of Trade War’, especially keeping in mind the interest of India? (250 words) [UPSC 2018]
- What are the main functions of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)? Explain different functional commissions attached to it. (150 words) [UPSC 2017]
- “The broader aims and objectives of WTO are to manage and promote international trade in the era of globalization. But the Doha round of negotiations seem doomed due to differences between the developed and the developing countries.” Discuss in the Indian perspective. (200 words) [UPSC 2016]
- What are the aims and objectives of the McBride Commission of the UNESCO? What is India’s position on these? (200 words) [UPSC 2016]
- Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in UN Security Council. (200 words) [UPSC 2015]
- Some of the International funding agencies have special terms for economic participation stipulating a substantial component of the aid to be used for sourcing equipment from the leading countries. Discuss on merits of such terms and if, there exists a strong case not to accept such conditions in the Indian context. (200 words) [UPSC 2014]
- WTO is an important international institution where decisions taken affect countries in a profound manner. What is the mandate of WTO and how binding are their decisions? Critically analyse India’s stand on the latest round of talks on Food security. (200 words) [UPSC 2014]
Bilateral Relations
Editor’s Pick
- “India’s strong ties with Iran are likely to persist, despite potential challenges with the West. In light of this, explain the importance of India maintaining its relationship with Iran.” ( 200 Words)
- What are the opportunities and challenges in enhancing trade, connectivity, and investment integration among South Asian countries? (Answer in 150 words)What are the opportunities and challenges in enhancing trade, connectivity, and investment integration among South Asian countries? (Answer in 150 words)
- Despite recent developments, India is likely to continue prioritizing its strategic ties with the Maldives due to the latter’s significant role in India’s broader Indian Ocean strategy. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)
- How have transboundary river disputes impacted India’s bilateral relations with its neighbors? Discuss with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)
- While India and Bhutan have historically maintained strong ties, new challenges are beginning to surface in their relationship. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)
- Examine the consequences of dismantling the Free Movement Regime (FMR) between India and Myanmar. (Answer in 250 words)
UPSC PYQs
- India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss India’s role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in the light of the preceding statement. (150 words)[UPSC 2022]
- What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (250 words) [UPSC 2020]
- The time has come for India and Japan to build a strong contemporary relationship, one involving global and strategic partnership that will have a great significance for Asia and the world as a whole.’ Comment. (150 words) [UPSC 2019]
- What introduces friction into the ties between India and the United States is that Washington is still unable to find for India a position in its global strategy, which would satisfy India’s national self-esteem and ambitions.’ Explain with suitable examples. (250 words) [UPSC 2019]
- “India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss. (150 words) [UPSC 2018]
- The question of India’s Energy Security constitutes the most important part of India’s economic progress. Analyze India’s energy policy cooperation with West Asian countries. (250 words) [UPSC 2017]
- Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pros and cons. Critically examine. (200 words) [UPSC 2015]
- Project ‘Mausam’ is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of the Indian Government to improve relationship with its neighbours. Does the project have a strategic dimension? Discuss. (200 words) [UPSC 2015]
- Terrorist activities and mutual distrust have clouded India-Pakistan relations. To what extent the use of soft power like sports and cultural exchanges could help generate goodwill between the two countries? Discuss with suitable examples. (200 words) [UPSC 2015]
- With respect to the South China sea, maritime territorial disputes and rising tension affirm the need for safeguarding maritime security to ensure freedom of navigation and over flight throughout the region. In this context, discuss the bilateral issues between India and China. (200 words) [UPSC 2014]
Regional & Global groupings & agreements
Editor’s Pick
- Examine the role of the India-China Border Peace and Tranquility Agreement (BPTA) in mitigating border tensions between India and China.
- How do evolving geopolitical dynamics underscore the strategic significance of the Bay of Bengal within the broader Indo-Pacific framework? Discuss the role of BIMSTEC in fostering regional cooperation and ensuring stability in this context. ( 200 Words)
- Examine how India’s growing defense diplomacy enhances its regional influence. ( 200 Words)
- What are the potential benefits for India by engaging in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF)? (Answer in 150 words)
- Evaluate how the expansion of BRICS signifies a new phase in its evolution. Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of BRICS in the current context. (Answer in 250 words)
- In what ways does the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) promote economic cooperation and regional integration among its member states? What challenges does it face in achieving its goals? (Answer in 250 words)
- Although it has not advanced as quickly as many had anticipated, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) has established itself as a central platform for coordinating certain aspects of security and economic cooperation. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)
- Discuss the importance of India’s ‘Look West’ policy in improving regional connectivity and promoting strategic cooperation. Additionally, highlight the challenges India faces in its engagement with the region. (Answer in 250 words)
- Examine the potential impacts of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) on India and the global economy. (Answer in 250 words)
UPSC PYQs
- Virus of Conflict is affecting the functioning of the SCO’ In light of the above statement point out the role of India in mitigating the problems. (150 words)[UPSC 2023]
- The expansion and strengthening of NATO and a stronger US-Europe strategic partnership works well for India.’
What is your opinion about this statement? Give reasons and examples to support your answer. (250 words) [UPSC 2023] - Do you think that BIMSTEC is a parallel organization like the SAARC? What are the similarities and dissimilarities between the two? How are Indian foreign policy objectives realized by forming this new organization? (150 words)[UPSC 2022]
- How will I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India’s position in global politics? (250 words) [UPSC 2022]
- “If the last few decades were of Asia’s growth story, the next few are expected to be of Africa’s.” In light of this statement, examine India’s influence in Africa in recent years. (150 words) [UPSC 2021] (Answer in 150 words)10
- Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. What importance does it hold for India? (250 words) [UPSC 2021]
- The newly tri-nation partnership AUKUS is aimed at countering China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. Is it going to supersede the existing partnerships in the region? Discuss the strength and impact of AUKUS in the present scenario. (250 words) [UPSC 2021]
- Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)’ is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times Discuss. (250 words) [UPSC 2020]
- “Increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in India and growing interference in the internal affairs of several member-states by Pakistan are not conducive for the future of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation).” Explain with suitable examples. (200 words) [UPSC 2016]
- The aim of Information Technology Agreements (ITAs) is to lower all taxes and tariffs on information technology products by signatories to zero. What impact would such agreements have on India’s interests? (200 words) [UPSC 2014]
- India has recently signed to become founding member of New Development Bank (NDB) and also the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). How will the role of the two Banks be different? Discuss the strategic significance of these two Banks for India. (200 words) [UPSC 2014]
Important Current Events
Editor’s Pick
- Over a decade since its launch, the benefits of the Belt and Road Initiative seem to have been illusory, particularly for developing countries. Discuss. (200 Words)
- Analyze the impact of escalating conflicts in West Asia on both regional and global stability, with a focus on the major consequences for India. (200 Words)
- Assess the implications of the rising debt crisis in developing countries worldwide. (Answer in 150 words)
UPSC PYQs
- Clean energy is the order of the day. Describe briefly India’s changing policy towards climate change in various international fora in the context of geopolitics. (250 words) [UPSC 2022]
- “The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of a China, that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union.” Explain. (150 words) [UPSC 2021]
- The judicial systems in India and UK seem to be converging as well as diverging in recent times. Highlight the key points of convergence and divergence between the two nations in terms of their judicial practices. (150 words) [UPSC 2020]
- The long-sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised nations has disappeared on account of its new found role in the emerging global order. Elaborate. (250 words) [UPSC 2019]
- A number of outside powers have entrenched themselves in Central Asia, which is a zone of interest to India. Discuss the implications, in this context, of India’s joining the Ashgabat Agreement, 2018. (150 words) [UPSC 2018]
- In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to this situation? (250 words) [UPSC 2018]
- “China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia.” In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbour. (150 words) [UPSC 2017]
Indian Diaspora
Editor’s Pick
- How can the Indian diaspora contribute to enhancing political and economic ties between India and African countries? (200 Words)
- Discuss the vital role played by India’s diverse diaspora across the world in advancing the country’s interests, with relevant examples. (Answer in 150 words)
UPSC PYQs
- Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the West. Describe its economic and political benefits for India. (150 words)[UPSC 2023]
- Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries’. Comment with examples. (150 words) [UPSC 2020]
- Indian diaspora has an important role to play in South-East Asian countries’ economy and society. Appraise the role of Indian diaspora in South-East Asia in this context. (250 words) [UPSC 2017]