Global Institutions

18 UPSC Mains GS II questions on Global Institutions, 2013 to 2026, newest first, as UPSC set them. See also practice questions on Global Institutions toppers answered.

1. 2026 Q10“BRICS acts as a powerful counterweight in global governance, actively amplifying the voice and influence of the Global South.” Explain the role of BRICS in projecting itself as an alternative to other groupings.10 marks · 150 words
2. 2025 Q10“With the waning of globalization, post-Cold War world is becoming a site of sovereign nationalism.” Elucidate.10 marks · 150 words
3. 2025 Q20“The reform process in the United Nations remains unresolved, because of the delicate imbalance of East and West and entanglement of the USA vs. Russo-Chinese alliance.” Examine and critically evaluate the East-West policy confrontations in this regard.15 marks · 250 words
4. 2024 Q19‘Terrorism has become a significant threat to global peace and security.’ Evaluate the effectiveness of the United Nations Security Council’s Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC) and its associated bodies in addressing and mitigating this threat at the international level.15 marks · 250 words
5. 2023 Q20‘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 environment and enhancing maritime safety and security.15 marks · 250 words
6. 2020 Q9Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the Covid-19 pandemic.10 marks · 150 words
7. 2019 Q10‘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’.10 marks · 150 words
8. 2019 Q19‘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.15 marks · 250 words
9. 2018 Q19What 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?15 marks · 250 words
10. 2017 Q10What are the main functions of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)? Explain different functional commissions attached to it.10 marks · 150 words
11. 2016 Q17“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.12.5 marks · 200 words
12. 2016 Q20What are the aims and objectives of the McBride Commission of the UNESCO ? What is India’s position on these ?12.5 marks · 200 words
13. 2015 Q18Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in UN Security Council.12.5 marks · 200 words
14. 2014 Q17The 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 ?12.5 marks · 200 words
15. 2014 Q18Some 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.12.5 marks · 200 words
16. 2014 Q19India 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.12.5 marks · 200 words
17. 2014 Q20WTO 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.12.5 marks · 200 words
18. 2013 Q25The World Bank and the IMF, collectively known as the Bretton Woods Institutions, are the two inter-governmental pillars supporting the structure of the world’s economic and financial order. Superficially, the World Bank and the IMF exhibit many common characteristics, yet their role, functions and mandate are distinctly different. Elucidate.10 marks · 200 words

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination question papers, upsc.gov.in. Topics are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.