International Relations Current Affairs Updates For UPSC IAS Mains 2024 Examination
On this page you will find articles that falls under subject International Relations for UPSC IAS Mains 2024 examination
India’s challenges in dealing with China and neighboring countries
Source: The post India’s challenges in dealing with China and neighboring countries has been created, based on the article “Aggressive China and neighbourhood woes: India is at a strategic crossroads” published in “Indian Express” on 7th August 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper2- International relation- India and its neighbourhood- relations. Context: The article discusses India’s… Continue reading India’s challenges in dealing with China and neighboring countries
Partnerships with Africa can help secure India’s Critical Mineral Mission
Source: The post partnerships with Africa can help secure India’s critical mineral mission has been created, based on the article “Africa can make India’s ‘critical mineral mission’ shine” published in “The Hindu” on 6th August 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper2-international relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Context:… Continue reading Partnerships with Africa can help secure India’s Critical Mineral Mission
“Development Compact” Proposed by India
Source: The post “Development Compact” Proposed by India has been created, based on the article “India offers an alternate development path for Global South nations” published in “Indian Express” on 6th August 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 2 – International Relations – Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s… Continue reading “Development Compact” Proposed by India
The upcoming Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC)
Source: The post the upcoming Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has been created, based on the article “Dealings at a China-Africa forum that India must track” published in “The Hindu” on 3rd August 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- international relations- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Context:… Continue reading The upcoming Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC)
Severe humanitarian crisis in Sudan
Source: The post severe humanitarian crisis in Sudan has been created, based on the article “A crisis in WANA that no one talks about” published in “The Hindu” on 2nd August 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- international relation- Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests Context: The… Continue reading Severe humanitarian crisis in Sudan
India’s role in its neighboring countries’ political developments
Source: The post India’s role in its neighboring countries’ political developments has been created, based on the article “India’s neighbourhood watch, past and present” published in “The Hindu” on 2nd August 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- international relation- India and its neighbourhood- relations. Context: The article discusses India’s role in its neighboring… Continue reading India’s role in its neighboring countries’ political developments
Resolve the military stand-off in eastern Ladakh
Source: The post resolve the military stand-off in eastern Ladakh has been created, based on the article “Express View: On Delhi and Beijing, a hint of hope” published in “Indian Express” on 31st August 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- International Relations-India and its neighbourhood- relations. Context: The article discusses the ongoing talks between… Continue reading Resolve the military stand-off in eastern Ladakh
India’s ambitious bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games
Source: The post India’s ambitious bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games has been created, based on the article “A game plan for India’s success as 2036 Olympic host” published in “The Hindu” on 31st August 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2 International Relations — India’s Soft Power. Context: The article discusses India’s ambitious bid… Continue reading India’s ambitious bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games
Bangladesh’s Development Model
Source-This post on Bangladesh’s Development Model has been created based on the article “What microfinance can teach economists” published in “Business Standard” on 31 August 2024. UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2- the Role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders. Context– Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel Prize-winning microfinance expert, recently called economics… Continue reading Bangladesh’s Development Model
India’s Potential Role in Russia-Ukraine Conflict Mediation
Source-This post on India’s Potential Role in Russia-Ukraine Conflict Mediation has been created based on the article “War and peace – India is not well-placed to broker a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine” published in “The Hindu” on 29 August 2024. UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2- Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting… Continue reading India’s Potential Role in Russia-Ukraine Conflict Mediation
Prime Minister Modi’s Historic Visit to Ukraine
Source-This post on Prime Minister Modi’s Historic Visit to Ukraine has been created based on the article “Reckoning in Kyiv India’s mediatory moves may remain limited” published in “Business Standard” on 27 August 2024. UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2- Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. Context -The Indian Prime Minister’s… Continue reading Prime Minister Modi’s Historic Visit to Ukraine
Concerns About China’s Trade Practices
Source: The post concerns about China’s trade practices has been created, based on the article “The paradox of China’s globalisation” published in “Business Standard” on 24th August 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- International Relations-Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests. Context: The article discusses concerns about China’s trade… Continue reading Concerns About China’s Trade Practices
Indian Prime Minister Visit to Ukraine
Source-This post on Indian Prime Minister Visit to Ukraine has been created based on the article “Not taking sides – Narendra Modi’s visit to Ukraine was more a balancing act than a peace effort” published in “The Hindu” on 24 August 2024. UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2- Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or… Continue reading Indian Prime Minister Visit to Ukraine
Taxation of MNCs
Source-This post on Taxation of MNCs has been created based on the article “How not to tax multi-national corporations” published in “The Indian Express” on 24 August 2024. UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2- Important International Institutions, agencies and fora – their Structure, Mandate. Context– After the global financial crisis, the G20 asked the OECD(Organization for Economic Co-operation… Continue reading Taxation of MNCs
India’s PM Historic Visit to Ukraine: Implications for India’s Diplomacy and Global Relations
Source: The post India’s PM historic visit to Ukraine: implications for India’s diplomacy and global relations has been created, based on the article “PM Modi’s landmark visit to Ukraine set for Aug 23” published in “Indian Express” on 21st August 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- international relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements… Continue reading India’s PM Historic Visit to Ukraine: Implications for India’s Diplomacy and Global Relations
Issues associated with India Bangladesh BIT
Source: This post Issues associated with India Bangladesh BIT is based on the article “Protecting Indian capital in Bangladesh”, published in The Hindu on 20th August 2024. UPSC Syllabus: GS paper 2 – International Relations – India and its neighborhood Context: The article discusses the potential risks and challenges faced by Indian companies operating in… Continue reading Issues associated with India Bangladesh BIT
Political upheaval in Bangladesh
Source: The post political upheaval in Bangladesh has been created, based on the article “Hasina’s exit and India’s hour of reckoning” published in “The Hindu” on 19th August 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- India and its Neighborhood- Relations. Context: The article discusses a major political upheaval in Bangladesh in August 2024. It started… Continue reading Political upheaval in Bangladesh
Key Areas of Cooperation between Japan and India
Source: The post key areas of cooperation between Japan and India has been created, based on the article “Japan’s Foreign Minister writes: India and Japan, co-creators of new solutions” published in “Indian Express” on 19th August 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- international relations- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or… Continue reading Key Areas of Cooperation between Japan and India
India’s relationship with its neighboring countries
Source: The post India’s relationship with its neighboring countries has been created, based on the article “Respect thy neighbour” published in “Business Standard” on 17th August 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – International Relations – India and its neighborhood- relations. Context: The article discusses India’s relationship with its neighboring countries, highlighting challenges and… Continue reading India’s relationship with its neighboring countries
What lessons should India learn from shocks in its neighborhood?
Source: The post what lessons should India learn from shocks in its neighborhood has been created, based on the article “The shock-effects of South Asian tumult” published in “The Hindu” on 14th August 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-international relations-India and its neighbourhood- relations. Context: The article discusses how India’s foreign policy in South… Continue reading What lessons should India learn from shocks in its neighborhood?
Bangladesh and the ‘foreign hand’ bogey
Source-This post on Bangladesh and the ‘foreign hand’ bogey has been created based on the article “C Raja Mohan writes: Bangladesh and the ‘foreign hand’ bogey” published in “The Indian Express” on 14 August 2024. UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2- India and its Neighborhood- Relations. Context– Indian media suggests that Muhammad Yunus, an economist, caused the fall… Continue reading Bangladesh and the ‘foreign hand’ bogey
The Transition in Bangladesh
Source-This post on The Transition in Bangladesh Stability has been created based on the article “A Bangladesh without Sheikh Hasina, a reset for Delhi” published in “The Indian Express” on 13 August 2024. UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2- India and its Neighborhood- Relations. Context- The recent political upheaval in Bangladesh, marked by the removal of the former… Continue reading The Transition in Bangladesh
Setbacks in Indian Foreign and Security Interests
Source-This post on Setbacks in Indian Foreign and Security Interests has been created based on the article “On Bangladesh, Maldives and Afghanistan, why was India taken by surprise?” published in “The Indian Express” on 12 August 2024. UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2- India and its Neighborhood- Relations. Context- In the past three years, India has experienced major… Continue reading Setbacks in Indian Foreign and Security Interests
How Should India Respond to the Present Bangladesh’s Political Crisis?
Source: The post how should India respond to the present Bangladesh’s political crisis has been created, based on the article “Express View: Delhi must reach out to Dhaka” published in “Indian Express” on 10th August 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-international relations-India and its neighbourhood- relations. Context: The article discusses India’s response to political turmoil… Continue reading How Should India Respond to the Present Bangladesh’s Political Crisis?
Current political crisis in Bangladesh
Source: The post current political crisis in Bangladesh has been created, based on the article “Change in Bangladesh, the challenges for India” published in “The Hindu” on 9th August 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-international relations-India and its neighbourhood- relations. Context: The article discusses the 2009 Bangladesh Rifles mutiny, the challenges faced by Sheikh… Continue reading Current political crisis in Bangladesh
How to Read International Relations for UPSC IAS
International Relations (IR) is the most dynamic and challenging subject in the UPSC and IAS preparation. It is the part of UPSC Mains syllabus– General Studies Paper II. This subject is unavoidable as every year UPSC asked questions of around 100 marks in General Studies Paper-II.
Why this subject is important: International Relations for UPSC helps us to understand evolution of India’s foreign policy, India’s relations with other countries in the world, changes happening in international arena and India’s roles and responsibilities (COVID-19 Situation and India’s support to its neighbor through Vaccine Maitri Initiative), roles and responsibilities of India towards major international organization.
In this article we will discuss about the study approach of International Relations for UPSC which includes overview of the syllabus, plan to read International Relations, how to make notes, what all are important for International Relations and International Affairs.
Approach towards International Relations for UPSC: The most difficult question for all the UPSC aspirants is how to read International Relations so that they can understand the subject and score well in the exam. The answer lies in the term itself. International Relations simply means India’s relations with major countries in the world (including neighboring countries). So, students must try to understand India’s relations, its roles and responsibilities towards the world.
- Read the syllabus:Before starting the subject, you must have the command over the UPSC Mains syllabus for International Relations. You should refer the syllabus word by word, line by line. This will create the foundation.
| Subject | Syllabus |
| UPSC Mains- General Studies Paper II | · International relations · Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests · India and its neighborhood- relations · Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate · Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests · Indian diaspora |
- Refer Previous Years’ UPSC Mains Question Paper: Unlike other subjects, where it is recommended to complete one reading of the syllabus, then refer the previous years’ questions, different strategies work for International Relations. In this subject, you must see the past year’s questions before starting your study. Those questions will give you great knowledge about the nature and demand of the questions. It will also help you in your newspaper reading.
- Read one newspaper daily: Newspaper will give you knowledge about current events in the world. International Relations for UPSC is a dynamic topic. Newspaper will help you in preparing India’s foreign policy. The Hindu is one of the best newspapers which covers in details India’s relations with other nations. It also strengthens the different perspective of India towards the current happenings and what steps India should take as a world leader to improve the relations. Columns of The Hindu cover these topics in details. Ultimately, the analytical skills of the students will increase and gradually their answers will also improve. The demand of the UPSC in International Relations subject is that, aspirants should think like a diplomat. Daily newspaper reading will give you that skill.
- Build the foundation:If you will study International Relations for UPSC without knowing the background like events that took place after independence era, the cold war and non-alignment time, Wars between India and Pakistan and China and Pakistan, Fall of the USSR, incident of 9/11 and what all happened after that, then you will not be able to understand why such things are happening now, reasons behind them. Knowing background will help you to co-relate the news.
- Notes making from the newspaper:Notes making is unavoidable in case of International Relations. But here is trick. You cannot simply write down in your copy what all are important for International Relations for UPSC. You should make notes country wise. For example, if there is news regarding Bilateral relations between India and USA, then you must make comprehensive notes of it. It should include background, economic relations, cultural relations, defense relations, opportunities and challenges for India. Likewise, they should cover all counties’ bilateral relations with India. International Relations also mean bilateral relations between two major countries of the world. For example, USA and Russia. So, you should also put focus on news related to that and make notes for that.
- Refer one good monthly current affairs magazine:It is very important to read one monthly current affairs magazine. Sometimes, we miss some topics in the newspaper or we fail to understand what article is trying to tell us. It happens with most of us because of the tedious language the author use. Current affairs magazine of a good institute covers all the news and articles and explain that in simple language. It becomes easy for students to read and revise them.
- Miscellaneous sources to refer: You can refer frontline magazine. Official Website of The Ministry of External Affairs is also very helpful. Pax Indica – Shashi Tharoor, India’s Foreign Policy: Coping With The Changing World – Muchkund Dubey are good books on foreign policy. You can read them if possible.
- Some important topics: These topics you must cover thoroughly and make notes on those topics.
- India and its relations with its neighbors like Bangladesh, Pakistan, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Myanmar, China, Sri Lanka, and Nepal
- India’s opportunities and contribution to various organizations including the United Nations, ASEAN, G20, G7, GCC, EU, World Bank, IMF, SAARC, etc.
- Relationship between India and other international regions like Central Asia, USA, Middle East, Africa, Europe, Russia etc.
- India’s relations with the affluent nations of the world, like Germany, Japan, USA, etc.
- India and the 5 UNSC members i.e., USA, China, France, Russia and UK.
- Cover important organizations: You must cover important organizations which are important from the India’s perspective. Some of them are:
- United Nations
- International Monetary Fund
- World Health Organization
- World Bank
- European Union
- League of Nations
- G20
- G7 etc.
- Answer writing practice:Once you understand the subject, you should immediately start writing answers on a daily basis. In starting you can write answers of past years’ questions. And gradually you can speed up the process. Daily practice will increase the quality and areas covered. The more dynamic your answers will be, the more marks you will get.
- Revise the notes properly and keep updating that: It is important to revise the notes prepared by notes regularly. Along with that, you should also update the notes according to happenings in the world. For example, India’s role as a leader during COVID-19 pandemic.
- Every year UPSC ask around 7-9% questions from International Relations (IR) in Prelims. We will see the trend analysis for Geography in UPSC Prelims exam:
- 2016 – 9
- 2017 – 6
- 2018 – 7
- 2019 – 5
- 2020 – 6
- 2021 – 7
- 2022 – 13
- 2023 – 8
In all your preparation journey of International Relations for UPSC, you must think like a diplomat try to increase the dimensions as much as possible. It will help you in your answer writing.
