GS Paper II · Global Relations
BRICS, SCO & G20 Current Affairs for UPSC (GS Paper II)
From the syllabus: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests; effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests; Indian diaspora; important international institutions
Why it matters: Multilateral summits and consensus building mechanisms are examined to test your knowledge of how India shapes international economic and political governance.
In the news
September 2026
21 Sep 2026
Local Currency Settlement Mechanism in BRICS TradeIndia's exports to core BRICS nations surged by 34 percent during April to August, reflecting deeper economic integration within the bloc. However, shifting to local currency trade mechanisms presents complex policy trade-offs regarding...
20 Sep 2026
BRICS Nations Oppose EU Carbon Border Tax and Demand Climate FundsBRICS member countries have jointly condemned unilateral climate measures such as the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), calling them discriminatory and protectionist. The bloc emphasized that such measures...
18 Sep 2026
BRICS Explores Cooperative Framework on Artificial Intelligence DevelopmentMember nations of the BRICS grouping are exploring a cooperative framework for Artificial Intelligence (AI) development. This initiative is being positioned as an alternative to the dominant geopolitical and West-centric models of AI...
17 Sep 2026
BRICS framework proposes alternative model for global AI cooperationThe BRICS forum has proposed developing a multilateral framework for Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance as an alternative to western-dominated technological paradigms. The policy initiative aims to ensure equitable access to...
15 Sep 2026
BRICS prioritizes cross-border payment mechanisms over common currencyDuring the 18th BRICS Summit economic track negotiations, member nations focused on interconnecting national payment systems rather than creating a unified common currency. Discussions highlighted the practical complexities and...
14 Sep 2026
India and China Reaffirm Three Mutuals at 18th BRICS SummitAt the 18th BRICS Summit, India and China underscored the necessity of maintaining peace and tranquility in border areas. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed that bilateral ties must be guided by three core principles: mutual respect,...
13 Sep 2026
Prime Minister Warns Against Weaponisation of Technology and Critical MineralsSpeaking at the BRICS Summit, India highlighted four core pillars for future cooperation: resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability. India cautioned global leaders against the growing tendency to weaponise technology and...
13 Sep 2026
BRICS Leaders Deliberate on Local Currency Settlements and Health CooperationAt the 18th BRICS Summit hosted in New Delhi, member nations emphasized the linking of national payment systems and trading in local currencies rather than introducing a single common currency. The leaders also adopted the New Delhi...
12 Sep 2026
18th BRICS Summit Focuses on Multilateralism and Local CurrenciesThe 18th BRICS Summit concluded with the New Delhi Declaration, calling for stronger multilateralism and greater representation for developing countries. Discussions centered on trade in local currencies, support for micro, small, and...
12 Sep 2026
BRICS Summit Calls for Local Currency Trade and Linked Payment SystemsAt the 18th BRICS Business Forum, member nations discussed connecting national payment systems and expanding cross-border trade in local currencies. Leaders highlighted the need to mitigate vulnerabilities associated with...
07 Sep 2026
Enhancing India's Regional Diplomacy at the SCOAs the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meets, experts emphasize that India must broaden its diplomatic engagement with Eurasian multilateral platforms. Balancing relationships with both Western alliances and regional groups like...
06 Sep 2026
BRICS Explores Local Currency and Cross-Border Payment AlternativesThe BRICS group is actively assessing alternative cross-border payment mechanisms to facilitate trade in national currencies and reduce reliance on western payment systems such as SWIFT. Member states are discussing interconnected...
August 2026
23 Aug 2026
High-Level Diplomatic Engagement Precedes India-China Border DiscussionsIndia's National Security Adviser is scheduled to visit Beijing ahead of the upcoming BRICS Summit. The visit coincides with diplomatic friction over China's criticism of India's formal naming of 27 locations in Arunachal Pradesh. Both...
22 Aug 2026
India Outlines Priorities at BRICS Science and Technology MinisterialIndia called for stronger global technological collaboration during the BRICS Science and Technology Ministerial meeting under its 2026 BRICS Presidency. The theme chosen for India's presidency is 'Building for Resilience, Innovation,...
19 Aug 2026
BRICS Blocs Oppose EU Carbon Border Tax and Seek Climate FinanceThe BRICS grouping has voiced strong opposition to unilateral environmental trade measures, notably the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Member states emphasized that such measures penalize developing...
July 2026
31 Jul 2026
Panel Urges India to Appoint Polar Ambassador, Seek Arctic Council MembershipA parliamentary committee has recommended that India appoint a dedicated "Polar Ambassador" to coordinate its interests in polar science and geopolitics. The panel also urged the government to pursue full membership in the Arctic...
18 Jul 2026
Strengthening Ties with Australia and New ZealandIn an era of global geopolitical turbulence, India is actively strengthening its partnerships with Australia and New Zealand. Shared concerns over Indo-Pacific security, maritime trade, and economic resilience are driving this...
17 Jul 2026
BIMSTEC gears up for its 30th anniversaryThe Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is receiving renewed focus as it approaches its 30th anniversary. Established in 1997, the seven-member regional bloc bridges South and...
12 Jul 2026
NATO Adapts Structure to Deepen European Defense AutonomyConfronted with persistent geopolitical friction and internal political transitions in the United States, European member states are taking active steps to play a larger role within NATO. The shift is designed to ensure the alliance...
Practise BRICS, SCO & G20
10 of our latest questions on this topic (out of 19).
Question 1 of 10
Consider the following statements regarding local currency trade mechanisms among BRICS countries: 1. India's exports to core BRICS nations have registered significant growth in recent months. 2. Shifting completely to local currency trade eliminates exchange rate volatility and convertibility challenges. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Mains practice
As the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) approaches its 30th anniversary, critically analyze its role as a bridge between South and Southeast Asia. What structural and geopolitical challenges have hindered its full potential, and how can India leverage this grouping to secure its strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific?
15 marks
Previous years' questions
Past exam questions sorted by topic are coming here. Until then, the full papers are in our previous papers library.