AIR 11 · CSE 2025 · GS2 · 26 pages

Yashaswi Raj Vardhan: GS2 answer copy

7 answers by Yashaswi Raj Vardhan, as written in the test. Each question opens a page with how other toppers answered it.

The questions

  1. Q1Q1.
  2. Q2"The bond between Indian Diaspora and their homeland is eternal" (President Murmu). Discuss the role of Indian Diaspora in India's development and foreign policy, and examine the challenges in institutionalising their engagement. Q3. The Indus Water Treaty has survived three wars, several proxy wars and complete diplomatic breakdown. Examine the diplomatic and security implications of recent calls to review or suspend the treaty.
  3. Q4"Indian Ocean Region is where India asserts, China eyes, and USA intervenes". Discuss.
  4. Q5Recent tensions between Iran backed Yemen based Houthi Rebels and other countries have created a crisis in Red Sea.
  5. Q6Critically examine the efficacy of BRICS in the evolving global order. Also discuss India's recent diplomatic shifts regarding Afghanistan and the Iran-Israel conflict.
  6. Q9"New imperative of GeoEconomics and Geo-Technology are appending the old premises and promises of globalisation" - Vikram Misri (Foreign Secy). Evaluate the role of WTO as the cornerstone of global trade architecture and discuss the challenges undermining it. Suggest measures for reform.
  7. Q1010.

The answers

Question 1 · 214 words written

Q1.

Opening

The Reciprocal Tariff plan of USA is a Tit-for-Tat game, which has escalated a new series of trade wars, a shift from liberal free trade position. India was called "Tariff king" and faces a ~26% tariff.

Body · points

Economic challenges for India

  1. Possible slowdown Tariff ↑ → Export ↓ → Production ↓ → investment ← savings ↓ ← wages ↓
  2. Imported inflation due to retaliatory tradewars Eg oil imports (85% energy needs)
  3. Uncertainty ↑ < investment ↓ / currency fluctuation ↑
  4. H1-B visa changes: Talent mobility issues

Geopolitical challenges

  1. Russia-China axis strengths
  2. De-globalisation → failure of multilateralism
  3. Threat of sanctions: Iran and Russia crude oil

Opportunities for India

  1. Lower Tariff than competitors Eg: Vietnam (~ 48%), Bangladesh (~ 37%), China (> 100%)
  2. Opportunity for Textile sector
  3. Exemptions to pharma sector (major export)
  4. Boost to Electronic manufacturing
  5. solar panel exports ↑

Steps India should take

  1. Sign FTAs with US, EU, etc.
  2. Regional integration Eg: BIMSTEC chamber of commerce
  3. Strategic multialignment Eg: US/EU - BRICS/SCO, "Dragon-Elephant Tango"
  4. Capitalise on China+1 through PLI, MII, etc.
  5. Boost Domestic Demand through Budget Reforms (2025) and Repo cuts

Close

"Trump's Transactional America first stance is good for India... promotes multipolarity" (EAM Jaishankar)