[Download] PSIR & GS2 Daily Brief- 4 – May – 2026

Today’s brief covers these themes:
Rudraditya Khare in Bar & Bench talks about how obstruction of ED investigations raises questions of rule of law, Article 32, Article 256 and cooperative federalism.

Shana Tabak in Carnegie Endowment for International Peace analyses the ICJ’s 2025 climate advisory opinion and why international law can clarify duties but cannot by itself force climate action.

Poorva Paksha in Deccan Herald focuses on whether India can convert growth, Quad relevance, supply-chain strength and Global South leadership into real agenda-setting power.

UPSC has previously asked question on these themes:

• PSIR Paper-II 2025: “Would you agree with the contention that India’s inclination to lean on a ‘more aggressive hyper-realist posture’ has gained a new momentum in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist strike? Comment.”
• PSIR Paper-II 2025: “Explain the non-traditional security threats in the context of food and environmental crises.”
• PSIR Paper-II 2024: “Discuss the potential role that India could play as the leader of the Global South in realising the goal of establishing a new international economic order in the 21st century.
• GS-II 2024: “The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China’s supply chain and as a strategic ally to counter China’s political and economic dominance. Explain this statement with examples.”
• GS-II 2024: “What changes has the Union Government recently introduced in the domain of Centre-State relations? Suggest measures to be adopted to build the trust between the Centre and the States and for strengthening federalism.”
• PSIR Paper-II 2023: “What is the structure and functions of International Court of Justice?”
• PSIR Paper-II 2023: “Narrate the various ways in which rapid environmental degradation is posing a serious threat to human security. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples.”