“Managing competition with China requires India to combine strategic caution with selective economic engagement.” Assess the factors that should guide India’s approach towards China.

Topic: India and its neighbourhood- relations. Q4. “Managing competition with China requires India to combine strategic caution with selective economic engagement.” Assess the factors that should guide India’s approach towards China. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: IE Why the question Evolving India-China relations, changing geopolitical dynamics, and the need to balance national security with …

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16 JUNE 2026

The current affairs article highlight major developments in international relations, climate change, environment, security, science, and culture. The proposed U.S.–Iran Preliminary Peace Accord aims to ease tensions in West Asia, stabilize energy markets, and benefit India's energy security. The Planetary Climate Vital Signs Report 2026 warns of worsening global climate indicators and an imminent breach …

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 June 2026

India’s disability welfare system needs reform through a universal disability pension to ensure equal treatment, dignity, and social security for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). AI data centers, while boosting digital growth, are raising concerns over excessive water, energy use, and environmental degradation. The Supreme Court-appointed National Task Force highlighted student suicides as a systemic issue …

Soft power is increasingly becoming a strategic instrument rather than merely a cultural asset in international relations. Discuss its relevance for India’s diplomatic outreach.

Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Q4. Soft power is increasingly becoming a strategic instrument rather than merely a cultural asset in international relations. Discuss its relevance for India’s diplomatic outreach. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: NIE Why the question Soft power has emerged as an …

“BRICS seeks reform of global governance institutions without seeking to replace them.” Examine the significance of this approach for developing countries.

Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Q4. “BRICS seeks reform of global governance institutions without seeking to replace them.” Examine the significance of this approach for developing countries. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: TH Why the question BRICS expansion and growing calls for reform of global …

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 JUNE 2026

The current affairs article highlights key developments in governance, environment, economy, history, and international affairs. It discusses the Malviya Nagar fire tragedy, emphasizing urban fire safety challenges and the need for stricter enforcement. The “Carry Me Back” policy at Kedarnath promotes sustainable waste management through public participation. India’s role in UN peacekeeping is showcased through …

“The erosion of international law reflects the growing tension between power politics and normative order.” Examine the factors contributing to the weakening of international legal norms and the consequences for international stability. Suggest measures to strengthen the rules-based order.

Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Q4. “The erosion of international law reflects the growing tension between power politics and normative order.” Examine the factors contributing to the weakening of international legal norms and the consequences for international stability. Suggest measures to strengthen the rules-based order. (15 …

Discuss the significance of the Quad in strengthening a free, open and resilient Indo-Pacific. How does cooperation in critical minerals expand the scope of the grouping?

Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Q4. Discuss the significance of the Quad in strengthening a free, open and resilient Indo-Pacific. How does cooperation in critical minerals expand the scope of the grouping? (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: NIE Why the question The growing strategic importance …

Evaluate the impact of geopolitical rivalries within BRICS on its long-term effectiveness. How can India contribute towards preserving strategic coherence within the bloc?

Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Q4. Evaluate the impact of geopolitical rivalries within BRICS on its long-term effectiveness. How can India contribute towards preserving strategic coherence within the bloc? (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: NIE Why the question The growing expansion of BRICS, internal geopolitical …

“Peace cannot be reduced to treaties and trade agreements. It requires a deeper societal and cultural engagement”. Elucidate.

Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests Q3. “Peace cannot be reduced to treaties and trade agreements. It requires a deeper societal and cultural engagement”. Elucidate. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: NIE Why the question Growing global conflicts and the limits of treaty-based diplomacy have revived debates …

China’s Panda Diplomacy

Context: China recalled its giant pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei from Japan ahead of schedule amid rising bilateral tensions, highlighting how panda diplomacy is increasingly constrained by geopolitics, nationalism, and animal-welfare controversies. About China’s Panda Diplomacy: What it is? Panda diplomacy refers to the practice by China of gifting (earlier) or long-term leasing (now) …

Evaluate the evolving role of alternative multilateral platforms in a fragmented global order. Discuss their interaction with the United Nations. Assess whether they complement or compete with the UN system.

Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. Q3. Evaluate the evolving role of alternative multilateral platforms in a fragmented global order. Discuss their interaction with the United Nations. Assess whether they complement or compete with the UN system. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: NIE Why the question Growing fragmentation of the …

“In a world of great power rivalry, middle powers are relevant only if they act collectively”. Assess this statement in the context of the changing global order. Analyse its implications for multilateral cooperation.

Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests Q3. “In a world of great power rivalry, middle powers are relevant only if they act collectively”. Assess this statement in the context of the changing global order. Analyse its implications for multilateral cooperation. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: IE …

The proposed Board of Peace reflects an attempt at alternative multilateralism rather than an outright rejection of the existing multilateral order. Examine the validity of this statement. Analyse its implications for global governance institutions. Also discuss the considerations that should guide India’s engagement with such initiatives.

Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests Q3. The proposed Board of Peace reflects an attempt at alternative multilateralism rather than an outright rejection of the existing multilateral order. Examine the validity of this statement. Analyse its implications for global governance institutions. Also discuss the considerations that should …

The next global order will be shaped less by markets and more by managed coalitions. Explain this statement in the context of emerging technology alliances. Assess the strategic logic behind such coalitions. Evaluate India’s constraints and opportunities within this framework.

Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Q4. The next global order will be shaped less by markets and more by managed coalitions. Explain this statement in the context of emerging technology alliances. Assess the strategic logic behind such coalitions. Evaluate India’s constraints and opportunities within this framework. …

Responsible Nations Index

Context: The World Intellectual Foundation (WIF) will launch the Responsible Nations Index (RNI), in collaboration with JNU, IIM Mumbai and Dr Ambedkar International Centre. About Responsible Nations Index: What it is? The Responsible Nations Index is a global ranking framework that evaluates how responsibly countries govern their societies, protect the environment, and contribute to global …