Power politics in the age of AI

Consider the following statements :
Statement-I: Recently, the United States of America (USA) and the European Union (EU) have launched the 'Trade and Technology Council'
Statement-II: The USA and the EU claim that through this they are trying to begin technological progress and physical productivity under their control.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statement?

1. A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
2. B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
3. C. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
4. D. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under “IAEA Safeguards” while others are not?

1. A. Some use uranium and other use thorium
2. B. Some use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies
3. C. Some are operated by foreign enterprises and other are operated by domestic enterprises
4. D. Some are State-owned and others are privately-owned

Consider the following statements regarding AI Action Summit held in Grand Palais, Paris in February 2025:

I. Co-chaired with India, the event builds on the advances made at the Bletchley Park Summit held in 2023 and the Seoul Summit held in 2024.
II. Along with other countries, US and UK also signed the declaration on inclusive and sustainable AI.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A. I only
2. B. II only
3. C. Both I and II
4. D. Neither I nor II

Consider the following statements about G-20:
1. The G-20 group was originally established as a platform for the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to discuss the international economic and financial issues.
2. Digital public infrastructure is one of India's G-20 priorities.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 2 only
3. C. Both 1 and 2
4. D. Neither 1 nor 2

India is one of the founding members of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a multimodal transportation corridor, which will connect

1. A. India to Central Asia to Europe via Iran
2. B. India to Central Asia via China
3. C. India to South-East Asia through Bangladesh and Myanmar
4. D. India to Europe through Azerbaijan

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: Recently, Venezuela has achieved a rapid recovery from its economic crisis and succeeded in preventing its people from fleeing/emigrating to other countries.
Statement-II: Venezuela has the world's largest oil reserves.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
2. B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
3. C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
4. D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Which of the following statements about Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and Critical Minerals is/are correct ?

1. Modern technological innovations including Artificial Intelligence, robotics and space exploration extensively utilise Rare Earth Elements (REEs).
2. China has the highest share in mining of REEs followed by India.
3. The Government of India launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in 2025 to establish a robust framework for self-reliance in the critical mineral sector.
4. Rare Earth Elements are a set of 13 metallic elements.

Select the answer using the code given below :

1. A. 1 and 3 only
2. B. 3 only
3. C. 1, 3 and 4
4. D. 1, 2 and 4

Consider the following statements with respect to the AI Impact Summit, 2026 held in New Delhi :

1. The Summit's intellectual framework was based on three foundational Sutras : People, Planning, and Progress.
2. The Preamble of the Summit stresses Democratising AI Resources, which acknowledges the Charter for Democratic Diffusion of AI as a binding framework to support locally relevant innovation and strengthen resilient AI ecosystems while respecting national laws.
3. The New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact was structured around seven Chakras (Pillars), which included Access for Social Empowerment, AI for Science, and Secure and Trusted AI.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

1. A. 1, 2 and 3
2. B. 1 and 2 only
3. C. 2 and 3 only
4. D. 3 only

In the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, an initiative of six countries, which of the following is/are not participant/ participants?
1. Bangladesh
2. Cambodia
3. China
4. Myanmar
5. Thailand

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 2, 3 and 4
3. C. 1 and 3 only
4. D. 1, 2 and 5 only

Which of the following statements with regard to the National Quantum Mission (NQM) is/are correct?

1. It aims at developing intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits.
2. Its implementation includes setting up of four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) in academic and national R&D institutes across India.

Select the answer using the code given below:

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 2 only
3. C. Both 1 and 2
4. D. Neither 1 nor 2

Does tribal development in India centre around two axes, those of displacement and of rehabilitation? Give your opinion.

Achieving sustainable growth with emphasis on environmental protection could come into conflict with poor people’s needs in a country like India – Comment.

How do you account for the growing fast food industries given that there are increased health concerns in modern society? Illustrate your answer with the Indian experience.

Discuss the evolution of collegium system in India. Critically examine the advantages and disadvantages of the system of appointment of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India and that of the USA.

Indian Constitution has conferred the amending power on the ordinary legislative institutions with a few procedural hurdles. In view of this statement, examine the procedural and substantive limitations on the amending power of the Parliament to change the Constitution.

Mahatma Jotirao Phule’s writings and efforts of social reforms touched issues of almost all subaltern classes. Discuss.

According to the article, which of the following best characterizes the 'harder-edged phase of realism' in the global order?

1. A. Increased reliance on multilateral institutions and diplomatic persuasion.
2. B. Power increasingly resting on the ability to compel rather than the authority to persuade.
3. C. Prioritizing long-term ethical consequences over immediate instruments of pressure.
4. D. A resurgence of ideological certainties and stronger ethical frameworks in international relations.

The article highlights that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is exacerbating the shift towards a harder-edged realism. In this context, which of the following is NOT identified as a concern related to AI's integration into state power?

1. A. Risk of moral detachment due to algorithmic efficiency.
2. B. Displacement of human judgment, empathy, and proportionality.
3. C. Normalisation of systems where accountability is diffused.
4. D. Strengthening of international norms for restraint and accountability in warfare.

The article suggests that India and Japan are uniquely positioned to address the challenges posed by the current global order. Which of the following reasons, as per the article, contributes to this unique positioning?

1. A. Their historical military dominance and extensive colonial empires.
2. B. Their shared commitment to narrow geopolitical opportunism.
3. C. Their ability to foster international dialogue on ethics, technology, and global statecraft to ensure human judgment.
4. D. Their exclusive control over critical AI technologies and supply chains.

The article highlights a shift in the global order towards a 'harder-edged realism' where power is increasingly based on compulsion rather than persuasion. Discuss the implications of this shift, particularly how emerging information technologies like Artificial Intelligence are exacerbating this trend and challenging ethical frameworks in international relations.

Introduce the concept of 'harder-edged realism' and its characteristics. Elaborate on how AI contributes to this trend through new forms of statecraft (e.g., surveillance, autonomous weapons) and the resulting ethical dilemmas (e.g., moral detachment, diffused accountability). Conclude with the broader challenges to global governance and the weakening of international norms.

The article contrasts historical moral leadership in international relations with the current weakening of ethical frameworks. Analyze the significance of moral purpose in the exercise of power and critically evaluate the unique role India and Japan can play in fostering international dialogue on ethics, technology, and global statecraft in the age of AI.

Begin by explaining the historical significance of moral leadership, citing examples like Wilson, Roosevelt, Gandhi, and Mandela, and how it legitimized power. Discuss the reasons for the current drift away from this tradition. Finally, evaluate the specific contributions India and Japan can make in establishing ethical guardrails for AI-enabled statecraft, leveraging their unique positions as mentioned in the article.