Theme T123 · International Relations

WTO, trade wars & protectionism

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What UPSC asks

Questions ask WTO reforms amid trade war, the Doha round impasse, ITA's effect on India, binding decisions and food security talks, challenges of protectionism and bilateralism, currency manipulation effects, de-globalisation and sovereign nationalism, and gold imports' effect on BoP.

Prepare these

• WTO structure and dispute settlement crisis
• Doha round; food security peace clause; public stockholding
• ITA-1 and Indian electronics
• Protectionism, bilateral FTAs, India's trade strategy
• BoP and rupee: gold imports, Gold Monetisation Scheme

Answer writing

• Always state India's interest and negotiating position

Directive words in these PYQs: Elucidate (1), Discuss (1), Examine (1), Analyse (1), Critically (1).

Linked themes

Builds on: study these first

These come earlier in the roadmap. Questions in this theme use them.

Syllabus lines covered

• GS2-L19 — Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests, Indian diaspora.
• GS2-L20 — Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.
• GS3-L1 — Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.
• GS3-L8 — Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.

All 8 PYQs, newest first

1. GS2202510 marks · 150 wordsGS2-IR-05-M2025-Q10

   "With the waning of globalization, post-Cold War world is becoming a site of sovereign nationalism." Elucidate.

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2. GS3202510 marks · 150 wordsGS3-ECO-08-M2025-Q02

   What 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?

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3. GS22018GS2-IR-06-M2018-S01

   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?

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4. GS32018GS3-ECO-08-M2018-S01

   How would the recent phenomena of protectionism and currency manipulations in world trade affect macroeconomic stability of India?

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5. GS22016GS2-IR-06-M2016-S01

   “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.

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6. GS32015GS3-ECO-08-M2015-S01

   Craze 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 Gold Monetization Scheme.

   Also needs: T132 Financial inclusion & rural creditCopyReport a typo
7. GS22014GS2-IR-06-M2014-S01

   The 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?

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8. GS22014GS2-IR-06-M2014-S03

   WTO 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.

   Also needs: T75 Hunger, malnutrition & food security law: NFSA, Mid-Day Meal, milletsAlso needs: T141 Farm subsidies, MSP & crop insurance (incl. WTO Agreement on Agriculture)CopyReport a typo