International Institutions & Fora — UPSC Questions
Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.
Previous year questions and Mains practice questions on this exact syllabus topic, collected from every GainingSun analysis mapped to it. Each question links back to the analysis it came from, so you can read the material behind the answer.
Previous year questions (from 2 analyses)
Questions UPSC has set on this syllabus topic, as cited in our analyses.
With growing scarcity of fossil fuels, atomic energy is gaining more and more significance in India. Discuss the availability of raw material required for nuclear energy in India and in the world. (UPSC Mains GS1, 2013)
From SHANTI Act and Small Modular Reactors: Why India May Keep Strict Nuclear Safety Rules
"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." (UPSC Mains 2017, General Studies Paper II)
From US-Iran MoU Explained: Strait of Hormuz Reopening, the 60-Day Deal and India's Energy Security
Mains practice questions (from 16 analyses)
Practice questions written for this topic, each tied to the current affairs that would answer it.
India’s push for Small Modular Reactors requires balancing private-sector innovation with strict nuclear safety regulation. Discuss in the context of the SHANTI Act, 2025 and India’s clean-energy transition.
From SHANTI Act and Small Modular Reactors: Why India May Keep Strict Nuclear Safety Rules
The 2026 crisis over the Strait of Hormuz has once again exposed the structural vulnerabilities in India's energy security. In this light, examine the steps India has taken to safeguard its energy supplies during the conflict and suggest a long-term strategy to reduce its dependence on a single maritime chokepoint. (250 words)
From US-Iran MoU Explained: Strait of Hormuz Reopening, the 60-Day Deal and India's Energy Security
"Free Trade Agreements offer India expanded market access but also pose risks to its domestic manufacturing and trade balance." Critically examine, with reference to the concepts of tariff asymmetry, inverted duty structure and FTA utilisation. (15 marks, 250 words)
From India's FTAs Explained: Oman CEPA, Trade Deficit, Inverted Duty Structure & FTA Utilisation
"A survivable second-strike capability is the cornerstone of India's nuclear deterrence." In the light of India's doctrine of credible minimum deterrence and No First Use, examine the significance of the sea-based leg of India's nuclear triad. (15 marks, 250 words)
From SIPRI 2026 Explained: India's 190 Nuclear Warheads, the Triad & No First Use Doctrine
The Supreme Court's Victim Protection Plan reframes survivors of trafficking as rights-holders entitled to dignity and rehabilitation rather than as criminals. In this light, examine the constitutional and legal framework against human trafficking in India and the reforms needed for an effective, victim-centric response. (15 marks, 250 words)
From SC's Victim Protection Plan Explained: Trafficking, Consent, Dignity and Rehabilitation
The recent disruption at the Strait of Hormuz has exposed the vulnerability of energy supply chains that depend on maritime chokepoints. Examine India's dependence on the Strait of Hormuz for its energy imports and discuss the measures needed to strengthen India's energy security. (15 marks, 250 words)
From Strait of Hormuz 'Dark Fleet' Explained: AIS, Energy Tankers and India's Oil Security
A rules-based international order is essential for global peace and stability. In the context of the recent India-Austria summit, discuss the importance of this principle and evaluate India’s approach towards ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Europe.
From Explained: Modi & Austrian Chancellor Push Rules-Based Order for Lasting Peace
Assess the impact of the US resumption of nuclear testing on the global non-proliferation architecture, and evaluate how it influences India's strategic autonomy and defence preparedness in the Indo-Pacific context.
Evaluate the potential of foreign university campuses in India to address the challenges of access, equity, and quality in higher education, while suggesting measures to integrate them effectively with the domestic ecosystem.
Evaluate the strategic rationale behind the US-led international force for Gaza stabilization and assess its potential impact on regional alliances in the Middle East, particularly involving key players like Israel, Arab states, and emerging powers such as India.
Examine the implications of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement under Trump's peace plan for regional stability in West Asia and India's strategic interests.
Discuss India's proposal for a new global governance index in the context of its criticisms of existing international rankings. Evaluate its potential impact on multilateral reforms and the representation of the Global South in global assessments.
From India Proposes New Global Governance Index at IIAS Brussels to Counter Biases in Western Assessments
Discuss the key components of US President Donald Trump's 20-point Gaza peace plan and critically evaluate its potential to achieve sustainable peace in the region, with reference to India's strategic interests in West Asia.
Discuss the significance of India-Russia cooperation in nuclear energy, including localisation of power plants, in achieving India's sustainable development and energy security goals.
From Russia's Proposal to Localise Nuclear Power Plants in India: Strengthening Energy Security and Ties
Examine the role of the UN Security Council's 1267 Sanctions Committee in addressing global terrorism, with reference to recent proposals involving regional militant groups and their implications for India's security interests in South Asia.
Examine the role of joint military stations and integrated education structures in advancing theatre commands and overall jointness in India's armed forces, and discuss their potential impact on operational efficiency and national security in a multi-domain threat environment.