Current Events (National & International) — UPSC Questions

“Industrial growth rate has lagged-behind in the overall growth of Gross-Domestic-Product (GDP) in the post-reform period.” Give reasons. How far are the recent changes in Industrial-Policy capable of increasing the industrial growth rate? (UPSC Mains GS3, 2017)

Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does AI help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to privacy of the individual in the use of AI in healthcare? (UPSC Mains GS3, 2023)

What are the different elements of cyber security? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy. (UPSC Mains GS3, 2022)

National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (UPSC Mains 2020, GS Paper 2, 250 words, 15 marks)

The quality of higher education in India requires major improvements to make it internationally competitive. Do you think that the entry of foreign educational institutions would help improve the quality of higher and technical education in the country? Discuss. (UPSC Mains 2015, GS Paper 2, 200 words, 12.5 marks)

With reference to India's satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements: PSLVs launch satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.

GSLV Mk III is a four-stage launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) 1 only B) 2 and 3 C) 1 and 2 D) 3 only Correct Answer: A (UPSC Prelims 2018)

Discuss India's achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology has helped India in its socio-economic development? (UPSC Mains 2016, GS Paper 3)

With reference to the Indus river system, of the following four rivers, three of them pour into one of them which joins the Indus directly. Among the following, which one is such a river that joins the Indus directly? (UPSC Prelims 2021) A) Chenab B) Jhelum C) Ravi D) Sutlej Correct Answer: D

Present an account of the Indus Water Treaty and examine its ecological, economic and political implications in the context of changing bilateral relations. (UPSC Mains 2016, GS Paper II, 200 words, 12.5 marks)

India aims to become a semiconductor manufacturing hub. What are the challenges faced by the semiconductor industry in India? Mention the salient features of the India Semiconductor Mission. (UPSC Mains 2025, GS Paper 3)

With reference to Agni-IV Missile, which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC Prelims 2014) It is a surface-to-surface missile. It is fuelled by liquid propellant only. It can deliver one-tonne nuclear warheads about 7500 km away. Select the correct answer using the code given below: A) 1 only B) 2 and 3 only C) 1 and 3 only D) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Answer: A Explanation: Agni-IV is a two-stage surface-to-surface ballistic missile developed by DRDO, so statement 1 is correct. It uses solid propellant, not liquid propellant only, making statement 2 incorrect. Its range is about 4,000 km with a one-tonne payload — not 7,500 km — making statement 3 incorrect. Hence only statement 1 is correct.

'Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA)' is sometimes seen in the news in the context of negotiations held between India and (UPSC Prelims 2017) A) European Union B) Gulf Cooperation Council C) Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development D) Shanghai Cooperation Organization Correct Answer: A Explanation: The BTIA is the formal name of the free trade agreement negotiations launched between India and the European Union in 2007, covering goods, services and investment. The talks stalled in 2013 and were relaunched in 2021-22; they remain ongoing alongside India's newly operational CETA with the UK, which is expected to serve as a template for the India-EU deal.

Do you think that Constitution of India does not accept principle of strict separation of powers rather it is based on the principle of ‘checks and balance’? Explain. (UPSC Mains GS2, 2019)

Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD)’ is the transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times. Discuss. (UPSC Mains GS2, 2020)

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. (UPSC Mains GS2, 2023)

Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario. (UPSC Mains GS2, 2016)

Consider the following countries: Bahrain Syria Qatar Egypt

Ships from which of the above countries have to cross the Strait of Hormuz to reach out into the open ocean? (UPSC Prelims 2026)

'Climate Change' is a global problem. How will India be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (UPSC Mains 2017)

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? (UPSC GS Paper II, 2018)

'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. (UPSC GS Paper II, 2019)

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 CSE Mains 2017, GS Paper II)

India’s recent industrial growth has been led by capital goods, intermediate goods and infrastructure-related production, while mass-consumption goods remain relatively weak. Examine what this divergence reveals about the nature, inclusiveness and sustainability of India’s economic growth.

The emerging AI competition is increasingly a contest over open models, semiconductors, data, standards and global technological ecosystems rather than model performance alone. Examine this statement and discuss the strategy India should adopt to achieve innovation, strategic autonomy and responsible AI governance.

The OpenAI-Hugging Face security incident shows that an AI system need not possess human-like intent to produce serious real-world harm. Examine the risks posed by autonomous AI agents and suggest a techno-legal framework for their safe development and deployment in India.

Successive Indian education policies since the Kothari Commission have recommended raising public spending on education to 6 per cent of GDP, yet the target remains unmet and the Union government's share of education spending has declined as a proportion of total expenditure. Critically examine whether India's educational deficit is primarily a problem of inadequate financing or of institutional capacity, and suggest measures to align allocation with outcomes. (250 words, 15 marks)

The success of India's first private orbital launch marks a shift from a state-monopoly space programme to a broader national space ecosystem. Discuss the strategic and economic significance of private launch capability for India in the context of the global race for Low Earth Orbit, and examine the policy and structural bottlenecks that must be addressed to sustain it. (250 words, 15 marks) (GS Paper 3)

"The Indus Waters Treaty, 1960 partitions rivers rather than sharing waters, and is silent on groundwater, water quality, and climate change." In light of India's notices seeking renegotiation and the treaty's abeyance, critically examine whether the IWT needs updating, drawing on global best practices in transboundary river governance. (250 words, 15 marks)

The transition from ISM 1.0 to Semicon 2.0 marks a shift from subsidising individual chip plants to building a complete semiconductor ecosystem. Critically examine the design of Semicon 2.0, and discuss the role of Centre–state coordination in realising India's ambition of becoming a top semiconductor nation by 2035. (250 words, 15 marks)

China's first submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missile test in international waters signals the maturation of its nuclear triad and a shift away from minimum deterrence. Examine the implications of China's evolving nuclear posture for India's security, and suggest measures India should take to strengthen the credibility and survivability of its own nuclear deterrent. (250 words, 15 marks)

The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) marks a decisive shift in India's trade policy from defensive protectionism to strategic engagement with developed economies. Critically examine the opportunities and challenges this agreement presents for India's economy, and discuss how India should approach issues such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism in future trade negotiations. (250 words, 15 marks)

The Justice Varma controversy shows that resignation may end the possibility of removal but cannot erase the need for public accountability. Discuss the constitutional, institutional and ethical issues involved in judicial accountability in India.

India-Australia relations have moved from a cricket-and-diaspora relationship to a strategic partnership covering defence, energy, critical minerals and the Indo-Pacific. Discuss the significance and challenges of this transformation for India’s foreign policy.

The NATO Ankara Summit reflects both the strengthening and the internal strain of the transatlantic alliance. Discuss its implications for India’s strategic autonomy, defence security and Indo-Pacific interests.

India-Indonesia cooperation is moving from civilisational goodwill to defence exports, critical-mineral security and maritime connectivity. Discuss its significance for India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific strategy.

The legality of a coastal state charging fees on vessels transiting a natural international strait remains contested under international law. In the light of the recent Strait of Hormuz dispute, examine the difference between "transit passage" and "innocent passage" under UNCLOS, and discuss the implications of such chokepoint vulnerabilities for India's energy security. (250 words)

"Attribution science has transformed the climate debate from general warnings into event-specific evidence." In light of the recent European heatwave, discuss how extreme-event attribution strengthens both climate mitigation and adaptation policy. Examine its relevance for a heat-vulnerable country like India. (250 words)

The recent India–US trade negotiations unfold against the backdrop of a shifting and increasingly unilateral global trade order. In this context, examine the challenges and opportunities a bilateral trade agreement with the United States presents for India's external sector, with particular reference to its agriculture, investment climate and trade balance. (250 words)

As Artificial Intelligence emerges as a general-purpose technology, the absence of a common global governance framework risks both fragmenting innovation and creating "digital colonies." In this context, examine the institutional architecture being built for global AI governance and discuss how India can safeguard the interests of the Global South. (250 words, 15 marks)

The 2026 US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding, while ending a war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, leaves key questions on Iran's nuclear and missile programmes unresolved. In this context, examine the implications of West Asian instability for India's energy security, connectivity and diaspora interests, and suggest how India can safeguard them. (250 words, 15 marks)

"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)

The 2026 Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak highlights the vulnerabilities of the global health security architecture against emerging zoonotic diseases. In this context, examine the relevance of the "One Health" approach and assess India's preparedness to deal with such public health emergencies. (250 words)

The recurrence of zoonotic outbreaks such as the Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease underscores the limitations of a purely human-centric public health model. In this context, discuss the relevance of the "One Health" approach and examine India's preparedness to detect and respond to emerging infectious diseases. (250 words)

India's recent breakthrough in men's 100m sprinting, exemplified by Gurindervir Singh's national record of 10.09 seconds, reflects a structural transformation in the Indian sporting ecosystem. In the light of this statement, critically examine the role of government schemes like Khelo India and TOPS, alongside public-private partnerships, in nurturing elite Indian athletes. Suggest measures to consolidate this momentum towards the LA 2028 Olympics. (250 words, 15 marks)

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.

Discuss the strategic importance of freedom of navigation in international straits for India’s energy security in the context of recent disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Discuss the strategic vulnerabilities in global supply chains of critical materials like helium and analyse how geopolitical conflicts in West Asia can impact India’s semiconductor ambitions and broader technology self-reliance goals.

Examine the role of international sporting events like the FIDE Chess World Cup in enhancing India's soft power and youth development, and assess how hosting such tournaments contributes to the nation's strategic positioning in global cultural diplomacy.

Examine the implications of conservative leadership shifts in Japan for regional security and bilateral relations with India in the Indo-Pacific context.

Examine the role of reverse brain drain initiatives in enhancing India's scientific and technological self-reliance, with reference to global geopolitical shifts in higher education policies.

Examine the role of India's AI Mission in promoting equitable and responsible AI development, with reference to its integration with fintech and global partnerships.

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.

Discuss India's performance at the World Para Athletics Championships 2025 and analyze the factors contributing to its record medal haul, along with the implications for the development of para sports in the country.