[Download] PSIR & GS2 Daily Brief- 18 – May – 2026

Today’s brief covers these important themes:

Dhani Mehrishi article in ORF talks about how rich-world rate hikes hurt vulnerable economies.

Ashok K Kantha in The Indian Express analysis the Trump-Xi summit which gave China a little more than the U.S.

Ashok Lavasa in The Hindu focuses on why democracy needs real competition.

UPSC has previously asked question on these themes:

• GS-II 2025: “Discuss the ‘corrupt practices’ for the purpose of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Analyze whether the increase in the assets of the legislators and/or their associates, disproportionate to their known sources of income, would constitute ‘undue influence’ and consequently a corrupt practice.”

• GS-II 2025: “‘The reform process in the United Nations remains unresolved, because of the delicate imbalance of East and West and entanglement of the USA vs. Russo-Chinese alliance.’ Examine and critically evaluate the East-West policy confrontations in this regard.”

• PSIR 2024: “‘Nothing is going to move within the WTO negotiations unless India is on board.’ Discuss the main reasons behind India’s increased clout in the WTO.”

• PSIR 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.”

• PSIR 2023: “Critically examine the impact of Globalisation on the developing countries of the world.”

• PSIR 2023: “Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) performs an important role in India’s strategic balancing act to withstand the dominance of China in Asia. Discuss.”