Trade and Foreign Investment

13 UPSC Mains GS III questions on Trade and Foreign Investment, 2013 to 2026, newest first, as UPSC set them. See also practice questions on Trade and Foreign Investment toppers answered.

1. 2026 Q14Discuss the different types of subsidies and supports provided by the Government of India to agricultural sector. Examine the related issues pertaining to Agreement on Agriculture of World Trade Organisation (WTO).15 marks · 250 words
2. 2025 Q2What are the challenges before the Indian economy when the world is moving away from free trade and multilateralism to protectionism and bilateralism ? How can these challenges be met ?10 marks · 150 words
3. 2023 Q14What are the direct and indirect subsidies provided to farm sector in India? Discuss the issues raised by the World Trade Organization (WTO) in relation to agricultural subsidies.15 marks · 250 words
4. 2018 Q12How would the recent phenomena of protectionism and currency manipulations in world trade affect macroeconomic stability of India?15 marks · 250 words
5. 2017 Q2Account for the failure of manufacturing sector in achieving the goal of labour-intensive exports. Suggest measures for more labour-intensive rather than capital-intensive exports.10 marks · 150 words
6. 2016 Q5Justify the need for FDI for the development of the Indian economy. Why there is gap between MOUs signed and actual FDIs? Suggest remedial steps to be taken for increasing actual FDIs in India.12.5 marks · 200 words
7. 2015 Q7Craze for gold in Indians has led to a surge in import of gold in recent years and put pressure on balance of payments and external value of rupee. In view of this, examine the merits of the Gold Monetization Scheme.12.5 marks · 200 words
8. 2015 Q10There is a clear acknowledgement that Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are a tool of industrial development, manufacturing and exports. Recognizing this potential, the whole instrumentality of SEZs requires augmentation. Discuss the issues plaguing the success of SEZs with respect to taxation, governing laws and administration.12.5 marks · 200 words
9. 2014 Q9Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the defence sector is now set to be liberalized. What influence this is expected to have on Indian defence and economy in the short and long run?12.5 marks · 200 words
10. 2013 Q4Food Security Bill is expected to eliminate hunger and malnutrition in India. Critically discuss various apprehensions in its effective implementation along with the concerns it has generated in WTO.10 marks · 200 words
11. 2013 Q7Examine the impact of liberalization on companies owned by Indians. Are they competing with the MNCs satisfactorily ? Discuss.10 marks · 200 words
12. 2013 Q9(a)Discuss the impact of FDI entry into Multi-trade retail sector on supply chain management in commodity trade pattern of the economy.5 marks · 100 words
13. 2013 Q9(b)Though India allowed Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in what is called multi-brand retail through the joint venture route in September 2012, the FDI, even after a year, has not picked up. Discuss the reasons.5 marks · 100 words

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