[Download] PSIR & GS2 Daily Brief- 13 – May – 2026

Today’s brief covers these important themes:

C. Raja Mohan’s Indian Express article discusses five principles for India’s diplomacy in a changing world order.

Prerna Gandhi’s article analysis the impact of West Asian conflict on energy, fertilizers, shipping, food security and India’s growth.

Anupam Kumar’s VIF article focuses on the Trump-Xi meeting amid tariffs, rare earths, AI chips, Taiwan and US-China rivalry.

UPSC has previously asked question on these themes:

1. GS-II 2025: “Energy security constitutes the dominant kingpin of India’s foreign policy, and is linked with India’s overarching influence in Middle Eastern countries.” How would you integrate energy security with India’s foreign policy trajectories in the coming years?

2. PSIR Paper II 2025: “Explain the non-traditional security threats in the context of food and environmental crises.”

3. PSIR Paper II 2025: “The tariff threats have pushed India and the European Union closer. Evaluate the India-EU partnership.”

4. GS-II 2024: “The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China’s supply chain and strategically to counter China’s political and economic dominance.” Explain this statement with examples.

5. PSIR Paper II 2023: “Discuss the significance of ‘West Asia Quad’ in the light of India’s ‘Look West’ policy.”

6. PSIR Paper II 2023: “Discuss the major drivers of India’s interests in Africa.”