GS-II: Bilateral Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

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                                                                                                                                                                                                            This is a dynamic E-Book comprising the below UPSC Mains Model Questions as well as their answers written by GKToday team. The PDF E-Book can be instantly downloaded after payment. No Hadcopy is provided.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. G-20 is an important platform for pressing issues and India should lead in making G-20 more effective in dealing with some inequities of the system. Has G-20 become more pronounced for its bilateral meetings than the main summit? Comment.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Give a brief overview of BIMSTEC explaining its significance for India.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. The aim of Information Technology Agreements (ITAs) is to lower all taxes and tariffs on information technology products by signatories to zero. What impact should such agreements have on India's interests?
                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. 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.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. India has recently signed to become founding a New Development Bank (NDB) and also the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) .How will the role of the two Banks be different? Discuss the significance of these two Banks for India.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. Discuss the implications of so called Ezulwini Consensus adopted by African nations on India's interests.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          7. "The decision to end one-child policy has come too late."Discuss in the light of demographic problems being faced by China.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          8. Critically examine India's concerns regarding the recently launched CPEC project, while suggesting policy options for India.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          9. Several countries have made competing territorial claims over the South China Sea. Who are these parties and what are the reasons for the disputes? Discuss.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          10. Critically discuss India's interest and geopolitical stance in the South China Sea. What constructive role can be played by India while protecting its own commercial and economic interests? Opine.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          11. What do you understand by the so called 'Peaceful Rise' (hepingjueqi) of China? Give arguments in favour / against the same.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          12. How India will be benefited from being a founding member of AIIB? Discuss various challenges in front of AIIB.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          13. "Canada-India free trade agreement, which is officially called as Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has been put on back burner due to several issues between both countries."Analyse the reasons for the same.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          14. While keeping in focus India's role in the UN peacekeeping operations, critically examine the practical difficulties and lacunae in peace keeping operations in current times. Make feasible suggestions for the improvement and development of India's role in UN peacekeeping.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          15. Do you agree with the view that huge imbalance in India-ASEAN trade has rendered the free trade agreement between India and ASEAN irrelevant? What are the major reasons for this imbalance? Discuss giving suitable suggestions. |
                                                                                                                                                                                                          16. Why India has neither signed nor ratified the 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol? Justify the government stand.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          17. While bringing out its major contours , examine the performance of the so called "Strategy for BRICS Economic Partnership" in two years of its existence.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          18. "Many challenges of South Asia can be addressed through "SAARC-minus-one". Discuss.|
                                                                                                                                                                                                          19. Examine the possible implications of US withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Do you agree with the view that despite of US exit, TPP can be a game-changer for Indo-pacific region? Comment.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          20. In the light of recent issues, critically examine why India needs to change replace its old Bilateral Investment Treaties with a new one and establish a mechanism to address BIT disputes.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          21. How the withdrawal of US from the Iran Nuclear Deal deal affect the Iran as well as the global market? Discuss.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          22. Why India has chosen not to sign the Hague Convention despite being pressurised by US, UK and other countries? Give arguments in support or against the government stand.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          23. India signed the UN Convention Against Torture almost two decades back but has so far not ratified it. While elucidating the contours of this treaty, critically examine India's stand so far.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          24. While highlighting the efforts of International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) towards nuclear non-proliferation, critically discuss why India refused to take part in negotiations on its text.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          25. What do you understand by "Development Partnership"? Critically analyze "development partnership" as cornerstone of India's economic ties in neighborhood and beyond.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          26. Despite of its promising prospects, BIMSTEC seems to be struggling to emerge as natural choice for strengthening integration between South Asia and Southeast Asia in last 20 years."" Critically discuss.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          27. Despite being a responsible power, why is India reluctant to join Non-Proliferation treaty? Discuss.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          28. Discuss the relevance and potential success or failure of the so called "Quadrilateral Contact Group" as envisaged by Afghanistan.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          29. Present a cost benefit analysis of so called India+3 and proposed talks of 'Rule of Law in Indo-Pacific'.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          30. What India stands to gain from Quad? Critically discuss while analyzing if there are any strategic or diplomatic takeaways for India from this recently rejuvenated multilateral forum.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          31. Examine the economic contours and associated problems with ASEAN-India relationship.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          32. Discuss the provisions of Article 36 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963 in the light of recent events. []
                                                                                                                                                                                                          33. Discuss the failures of SAARC towards nurturing the cooperation in South Asia. Can BIMSTEC be seen as a viable alternative to SAARC? Examine.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          34. An effective and robust cooperation between India and ASEAN will aid in realizing the dream of 21st century Asia. Elucidate the significance of ASEAN for India from economic, geo-political and security perspectives.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          35. What are the respective obligations of the partner countries taking membership of Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), Wassennar Arrangement and Australia Group? Explain while commenting on significance of India's partnership in these regimes.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          36. Examine the challenges posed by China's Belt and Road initiative for India.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          37. Do the initial scepticism about AIIB hold true now as well? How has been its performance so far?
                                                                                                                                                                                                          38. What are the objectives of European bank of reconstruction and Development? What are the advantages for India for its membership?
                                                                                                                                                                                                          39. In order to strengthen its regional ties in South Asia, India is getting more inclined towards BIMSTEC and BBIN distancing itself away from SAARC. Discuss the underlying reasons and possible implications.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          40. Should India join the comprehensive and progressive agreement for Transpacific partnership? Give arguments to support your point of view.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          41. How will India be benefited from its accession to MTCR, Australia Group and Wassennar Arrangement? Explain.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          42. Discuss the strategic and economic importance of Asia Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC) for India.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          43. How can India-ASEAN tie up help to counter China's growing influence in Southeast Asia? Discuss highlighting challenges towards that.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          44. Many argue that the proposed concept of "Asian NATO"to counter China's assertiveness in the region may not be as effective as it was in case of NATO to counter Russia. What are possible logics behind such argument? How do you counter such argument? Discuss.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          45. What are the reasons behind APEC not accepting India as its member? How can India's admission in APEC play a formative role in development of member economies? Discuss.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          46. To what extent do you think that ratifying the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) deal is in India's interest? Argue in the light of opportunities and challenges for India in RCEP.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          47. How in the changing geopolitical scenario CTBT (comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty) and NPT (Nuclear non proliferation treaty) are unable to avoid nuclear warfare? What are the global checks to nuclear safety and India's stand on it?
                                                                                                                                                                                                          48. "We've got to make sure we're writing the trade rules in the fastest-growing region of the world, the Asia-Pacific, as opposed to having China write those rules for us". Critically examine the statement.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          49. "Even though the magnitude of impact from trade diversion on India when the TPP is in place can be debated, it is certain that trade and investment diversions hurting the Indian economy is most likely to occur."Discuss how the recent changes in global trade regimes might affect Indian Economy.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          50. How India and Germany are cooperating in the areas of Clean Ganga Initiative, Energy sector and Green Mobility?
                                                                                                                                                                                                          51. Examine the key differences between the Iranian and North Korean nuclear programs. Why is that US could have a diplomatic breakthrough with Iran but such a breakthrough with North Korea appears to be far away?
                                                                                                                                                                                                          52. The international corridors are increasingly being seen as drivers of economic development in recent times. Elucidate the significance of International North South Transportation Corridor (INSTC) for India while drawing its comparisons with One Belt One Road of China.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          53. What significance does the swearing-in ceremony carry for the BIMSTEC?
                                                                                                                                                                                                          54. What significance does the G20 Summit which is slated to be held in last week of June carry for India in face of Trump�s bigoted racism?
                                                                                                                                                                                                          55. What is significance of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) towards India's Eurasia Policy?
                                                                                                                                                                                                          56. Indian bilateral investment treaties need to strike a balance between foreign investor interests and those of the state.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          57. Do you think that the shift in focus of India from SAARC to BIMSTEC is due to inability of SAARC to foster regional cooperation? Comment.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          58. Why do you think is there a need for defending multilateralism in India?
                                                                                                                                                                                                          59. Evaluate the origin and significance of the Quad. How Quad strategy is different from other multilaterals?
                                                                                                                                                                                                          60. What is the significance of the G20? Discuss the recent decisions taken by the group to change the tax codes.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          61. What is a Bilateral Investment Treaty? Critically analyze their effects on Indian economy.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          62. The idea of Indo-Pacific endures and is gaining ground. What outlook do you think will lead to the agreement between ASEAN and India on Indo-Pacific?
                                                                                                                                                                                                          63. What is RCEP? What are the concerns raised against the RCEP deal?
                                                                                                                                                                                                          64. How the Unified approach proposed by the OECD seeks to expand the tax base?
                                                                                                                                                                                                          65. India is yet to ratify UN Convention against Torture and enact a law on torture. Can the law serve as a panacea against torture by police in India?
                                                                                                                                                                                                          66. India-Australia look to sign the Logistics Support Agreement, a key agreement for both the countries. In this context, comment on the relations between India and Australia.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          67. India Is Driving Today's International Science And Tech Collaborations
                                                                                                                                                                                                          68. Has India played her hand with international politics by making some controversial domestic decisions in the past year? Discuss.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          69. India And China Must Find A Way To Work Together
                                                                                                                                                                                                          70. Palm Oil Trade and India Malaysia Relations
                                                                                                                                                                                                          71. There is an increasing demand for global minimum tax, across the world. Discuss the significance, prospects, and challenges for India.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          72. The announcement of the AUKUS security pact heralds a new era of global geopolitics. Comment. Also, discuss its implications for India.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          73. Analyze the factors, that are driving a global shift towards the Indo-Pacific region. Discuss in the context of evolving discourse on the region. Also, discuss the opportunities and challenges in this regard.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          74. In light of the economic rise of Bangladesh, examine the opportunities for India and hope for South Asia. Discuss the associated challenges and suggest a way forward.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          75. China’s BRI is often accused of creating unsustainable debt-for-infrastructure deals across the world. Discuss in light of debt-trap diplomacy of China.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          76. Trade and connectivity is the key for better engagement with neighbours. Discuss this in context of India and South Asia. Also examine the opportunities and challenges in this region.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          77. The recent efforts to normalise relations between Israel and UAE may open new possibilities for India. Analyse.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          78. Though Multilateral Development Banks are crucial for holistic development of developing nations like India, there are certain legitimate concerns about their functioning. Discuss.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          79. Throw some light on the importance of BIMSTEC for India in promoting regional cooperation and integration in neighbourhood.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          80. There are several issues associated with the working of World Trade Organization, which have eroded its credibility. Analyse.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          81. Energy cooperation among the South Asian countries has several gaps. In this context, discuss the steps taken by India to promote regional energy cooperation.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          82. Throw some light on the significance and challenges of membership in Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) for India.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          83. WTO has continuously faced the challenge of striking a balance between the interests of developed and developing economies. Discuss.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          84. Highlight the need to revisit India’s neighbourhood policy with respect to the transboundary water resources.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          85. As a member of World Trade Organization (WTO), mention the domestic support measures available to countries under the Agreement on Agriculture. In this context, analyse the ‘peace clause’ provision.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          86. The Shimla agreement 1972 and Lahore declaration 1999 are two important events in the history of Indian subcontinent that have far reaching impacts. Analyse
                                                                                                                                                                                                          87. Despite similar strategic interests, India-Indonesia relationships were not focussed upon, however rapidly evolving regional strategic realities have forced both to coordinate their policies even more closely. Analyze.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          88. India-Nepal bilateral relations have not normalized even after several attempts of resetting ties. Discuss.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          89. Highlight the factors that have led to formation of a dedicated Indo Pacific division in the MEA. What are the challenges for India in the Indo Pacific region?
                                                                                                                                                                                                          90. The bilateral relations among the members need to be overcome first for making SCO a successful regional grouping. Comment. Also, discuss the role that SCO can play in enhancing India’s interest in the Eurasian region.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          91. The ASEAN bloc is the central part of India’s Act East Policy and SAGAR initiative. Discuss.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          92. India has taken up the presidency of G20 for 2022-23. What are the opportunities presented by the presidency for India's leadership in climate action?
                                                                                                                                                                                                          93. In light of the Indian worker deaths in Qatar, examine the need to reorient public policy for migrant workers.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          94. What is the spiral model in international relations? Explain in context of the Russia-Ukraine War.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          95. What are the various ways in which India is helping Sri Lanka climb out of its crisis? How can India help its southern neighbour in future?
                                                                                                                                                                                                          96. What are the implications of the rising tensions between China and Taiwan for the chip making sector? Discuss its significance.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          97. In view of the term ‘permacrisis’ gaining media prominence, discuss how India can use its G-20 presidency for addressing the concerns of the Global South?
                                                                                                                                                                                                          98. Why is there a huge dependence on Chinese imports and why is there a need to reduce dependence on Chinese imports? What can be done to achieve this?
                                                                                                                                                                                                          99. Discuss the fallout of Myanmar’s democratic experiment being derailed by the 2021 military coup. What are its impacts on the external players, including India?
                                                                                                                                                                                                          100. One Earth, One Family, One Future” has been given as the theme of India’s upcoming G20 presidency. Comment on the significance and opportunities associated with it.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          101. In light of the External Affairs Minister’s recent visit to Russia, examine the role of India in the Russia-Ukraine crisis. How can India help improve the situation?
                                                                                                                                                                                                          102. Disclaimer: These questions have been written and answered by GKToday team over the period of time; and have included some previous years questions also. While every effort was made to ensure that these questions as well as their answers remain relevent and correct, it is possible, that some facts or context in some questions might have changed over time. GKToday does not assume and hereby disclaims any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by such change of facts or context in the questions and answers of this E-book.

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