In your answer, it is not necessary to include all points mentioned here. Students are advised to select and organize relevant content based on the provided editorial and the allocated word limit.

Answer Length Guide:

150 words – 10 marker
200–225 words – 15 marker
300 words – 20 marker
350 words – 25 marker
Essay-type answers – 1000 to 1200 words

Past Questions (UPSC Mains)

GS Paper II – International Relations – 2020: “Evaluate the impact of global conflicts on India’s foreign policy.” This editorial critiques U.S. tariff threats affecting India.
GS Paper III – Indian Economy & Security – 2019: “Discuss the challenges to India’s energy security in a globalized world.” This editorial highlights Russian oil import risks.

Probable UPSC Mains Questions

GS Paper II – International Relations – Q1: “How does Trump’s Ukraine policy impact global diplomacy?”
GS Paper III – Indian Economy & Security – Q2: “Assess the impact of U.S. secondary tariffs on India’s energy security.”
GS Paper I – Indian Society – Q3: “Discuss the societal implications of global conflicts like Ukraine.”
GS Paper IV – Ethics and Human Interface – Q4: “Examine ethical challenges in using tariffs for conflict resolution.”

Introduction (Sets the context with a striking fact and three sentences to outline the issue, highlight developments, and state significance, ensuring clarity and relevance for high marks.)
Russia’s invasion has cost Ukraine over 20% of its territory since 2014. Trump’s shift from promising a 24-hour Ukraine peace deal to threatening 100% tariffs reflects battlefield realities. Ukraine agreed to a ceasefire, but Russia’s renewed attacks complicate talks. Sustained diplomacy, not ultimatums, is key to peace.

Keywords / Important Terms (Using technical terms catches the evaluator’s eye, demonstrating precise knowledge and alignment with UPSC’s analytical expectations for top scores.)

Trump’s U-Turn: From peace pledge to tariffs, weapons.
Secondary Tariffs: 100% on Russia’s trade partners.
Ukraine Losses: 20% territory, Sea of Azov coastline.
Ceasefire: Ukraine’s frontline-based truce, Russia’s rejection.
Patriot Systems: Defensive U.S. weapons via NATO.
Russian Oil: 36% of India’s imports, tariff risk.
Sanctions: 21,692 on Russia since 2022.

Flowchart (Visualizes complex dynamics, enhancing conceptual clarity, which impresses evaluators by showing structured thinking.)

Purpose: To map Trump’s Ukraine policy shift.
Triggers: Russia’s attacks, failed Istanbul talks.
Linkages: Tariffs → trade risks → India’s energy security.
Outcomes: Peace talks, trade disruptions, or escalation.

Core Issues / Root Causes (Identifying systemic issues with examples demonstrates depth, critical for scoring high by showcasing analytical rigor.)

Russia’s Intransigence: Rejects ceasefire, demands territorial concessions.
Failed Sanctions: 21,692 measures ineffective since 2022.
U.S. Policy Shift: Tariff threats risk alienating allies like India.
Diplomatic Stalemate: Istanbul talks yielded no progress.

Impact Analysis (Multi-dimensional analysis with examples shows comprehensive understanding, boosting marks by addressing diverse aspects.)

Geopolitical: Strains U.S.-Russia, U.S.-India ties.
Economic: Threatens India’s 36% Russian oil imports.
Security: Patriots aid Ukraine’s defense, not offense.
Global: Tariffs risk trade wars with China, Brazil.
Ethical: Ultimatums undermine cooperative diplomacy.

Government Schemes / Policy Interventions (Linking specific schemes to issues shows policy awareness, earning marks for practical relevance.)

Atmanirbhar Bharat: Reduces India’s oil import dependency.
India-U.S. BTA: Negotiations to mitigate tariff risks.
G20 Diplomacy: India’s role in fostering peace talks.

Way Forward / Solutions (Feasible, structured solutions reflect forward-thinking, impressing evaluators with actionable insights.)

Sustained Diplomacy: Host Russia-Ukraine talks via G20.
Diversify Energy: India to boost domestic, renewable sources.
Strengthen BTAs: Secure U.S. trade exemptions.
Support Ukraine: Balance aid with neutral mediation.
Sanctions Review: Reassess ineffective measures.

Ethical Dimensions (Highlighting ethical aspects aligns with GS Paper IV, enhancing marks by showing ethical sensitivity.)

Fair Diplomacy: Avoid coercive tariff ultimatums.
Global Equity: Protect allies like India from sanctions.

Conclusion (Summarizes key elements, offers a positive, visionary opinion, and reiterates the introduction’s sentiment with a mature, impactful tone for higher scores.)
Trump’s tariff threats signal a flawed approach to Ukraine’s peace. Diplomacy, not ultimatums, can bridge Russia-Ukraine divides. India must lead balanced mediation for global stability.

Editorials