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-UAE Bilateral Investment Treaty compared to India’s Model BIT
Source: The post India-UAE Bilateral Investment Treaty compared to India’s Model BIT has been created, based on the article “A bilateral investment treaty with a ‘bit’ of change” published in “The Hindu” on 22nd November 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-International Relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests… Continue reading India-UAE Bilateral Investment Treaty compared to India’s Model BIT
Challenges in India’s Commitment to the Global South
Source: The post challenges in India’s commitment to the Global South has been created, based on the article “This time for Africa: India must take forward its commitment to Africa, the Global South” published in “The Hindu” on 19th November 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper2- International Relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving… Continue reading Challenges in India’s Commitment to the Global South
Reasons and Impacts of the Discontinuation of Canada’s SDS Visa
Source: The post reasons and impacts of the discontinuation of Canada’s SDS Visa has been created, based on the article “Will the end of SDS Visa derail Indian students’ Canadian dreams?” published in “The Hindu” on 15th November 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 2-International Relations-Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries… Continue reading Reasons and Impacts of the Discontinuation of Canada’s SDS Visa
Significance of India’s PM visit to Nigeria
Source: The post significance of India’s PM visit to Nigeria has been created, based on the article “Leverage similarity, complementarity in Nigeria” published in “The Hindu” on 15th November 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper2- International Relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. Context: The article discusses Prime Minister… Continue reading Significance of India’s PM visit to Nigeria
Decline of multilateralism, especially with Donald Trump’s re-election
Source: The post decline of multilateralism, especially with Donald Trump’s re-election has been created, based on the article “C Raja Mohan writes: India, Trump, and the crisis in multilateralism” published in “Indian Express” on 13th November 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – International Relations – Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving… Continue reading Decline of multilateralism, especially with Donald Trump’s re-election
Progress and challenges of the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC)
Source: The post progress and challenges of the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) has been created, based on the article “A mixed report card for the IMEC” published in “The Hindu” on 13th November 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – International Relations – Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting… Continue reading Progress and challenges of the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC)
Causes and impacts of strained India-Canada ties
Source: The post Causes and impacts of strained India-Canada ties has been created, based on the article “Stop the free fall: India and Canada must not allow their ties to deteriorate further” published in “The Hindu” on 13th November 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- International Relations – Effect of Policies and Politics of… Continue reading Causes and impacts of strained India-Canada ties
Indonesia’s new President, his controversial past, and strategic importance
Source: The post Indonesia’s new President, his controversial past, and strategic importance has been created, based on the article “With Indonesia, India’s opportunity and Beijing’s eye” published in “Indian Express” on 12th November 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… Continue reading Indonesia’s new President, his controversial past, and strategic importance
India’s recent peace efforts with China
Source: The post India’s recent peace efforts with China has been created, based on the article “The LAC agreement, the détentes and the questions” published in “The Hindu” on 12th November 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-India and its Neighborhood- Relations. Context: The article discusses India’s recent peace efforts with China, focusing on troop disengagement… Continue reading India’s recent peace efforts with China
Why Won’t India Travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy?
Source: The post Why Won’t India Travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy has been created, based on the article “Distant neighbours: India and Pakistan seem incapable of normal sporting ties” published in “The Hindu” on 11th November 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- International relations-India and its neighbourhood- relations Context: The article discusses India’s… Continue reading Why Won’t India Travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy?
Significance of the 2024 BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia
Source: The post significance of the 2024 BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia has been created, based on the article “The BRICS journey — gaining heft while in transition” Published in “The Hindu” on 9th November 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. Context:… Continue reading Significance of the 2024 BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia
Need for Review of Indus Water Treaty
Source: This post Need for Review of Indus Water Treaty has been created based on the article “India, Pakistan and modifying the Indus Waters Treaty”, published in The Hindu on 8th Nov 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topics: GS Paper 2 – International Relations News: India issued a formal notice on August 30, 2024, to Pakistan to revisit… Continue reading Need for Review of Indus Water Treaty
Tensions between Canada and India over the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Source: The post tensions between Canada and India over the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar has been created, based on the article “On India-Canada diplomatic relations” published in “The Hindu” on 6th November 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- International Relations – Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests.… Continue reading Tensions between Canada and India over the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
India-Sri Lanka fishing dispute in the Palk Bay
Source: The post India-Sri Lanka fishing dispute in the Palk Bay has been created, based on the article “Sharing resources: Fishermen from both sides of the Palk Bay must meet to resolve dispute” published in “The Hindu” on 4th November 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- Internatonal Relations-India and its neighbourhood- relations. Context: The article… Continue reading India-Sri Lanka fishing dispute in the Palk Bay
India-Iran Partnership Strengthens Through Strategic Cooperation at BRICS Summit
Source: The post India-Iran partnership strengthens through strategic cooperation at BRICS summit has been created, based on the article “The BRICS summit boost to India-Iran ties” published in “The Hindu” on 4th November 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 India-Iran Partnership Strengthens Through Strategic Cooperation at BRICS Summit
India’s Diplomatic Balancing Act Amid Myanmar Civil War and ASEAN Struggles
Source: The post India’s diplomatic balancing act amid Myanmar Civil War and ASEAN struggles has been created, based on the article “A collective effort towards peace in Myanmar” published in “The Hindu” on 30th October 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-international relations-India and its neighbourhood- relations. Context: The article discusses Myanmar’s ongoing civil war, ASEAN’s… Continue reading India’s Diplomatic Balancing Act Amid Myanmar Civil War and ASEAN Struggles
Global South’s Position on the Israel-Palestine Conflict
Source: The post Global South’s position on the Israel-Palestine conflict has been created, based on the article “The Gaza war and the Global South’s ‘interventions’” published in “The Hindu” on 25th October 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- International Relations Context: The article discusses recent developments in the Israel-Palestine conflict, highlighting the role of… Continue reading Global South’s Position on the Israel-Palestine Conflict
UK transfer the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius
Source: The post UK transfer the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius has been created, based on the article “UK-Mauritius Chagos Deal: Crossroads for India’s strategic autonomy” published in “Indian Express” on 9th October 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- International Relations-Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Context: The… Continue reading UK transfer the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius
Role of the UN in maintaining peace
Source: The post role of the UN in maintaining peace has been created, based on the article “The world needs blue helmets who act as blue helmets” published in “The Hindu” on 23rd October 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations – Important International institutions, agencies and fora – their structure, mandate. Context:… Continue reading Role of the UN in maintaining peace
Significance of Scholz’s visit to India
Source: The post significance of Scholz’s visit to India has been created, based on the article “C Raja Mohan writes: In German chancellor’s India visit, a chance for deeper ties with Berlin” published in “Indian Express” on 22nd October 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- Bilateral groupings and agreements Context: The article discusses the… Continue reading Significance of Scholz’s visit to India
Adoption of the Global Digital Compact and the importance of DPI for global cooperation
Source: The post adoption of the Global Digital Compact and the importance of DPI for global cooperation has been created, based on the article “How to realise the full potential of Digital Public Infrastructure” published in “Indian Express” on 21st October 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- International Relations-Effect of policies and politics of… Continue reading Adoption of the Global Digital Compact and the importance of DPI for global cooperation
Signs of a potential improvement in India-Pakistan relations
Source: The post signs of a potential improvement in India-Pakistan relations has been created, based on the article “In India-Pakistan meet on sidelines of SCO, a kind of hope” published in “Indian Express” on 18th October 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – International Relations-India and its neighbourhood- relations. Context: The article discusses signs… Continue reading Signs of a potential improvement in India-Pakistan relations
The major issues in Pakistan’s western borderlands
Source: The post the major issues in Pakistan’s western borderlands has been created, based on the article “‘C Raja Mohan writes: Why India must pay attention to the churn on Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan” published in “Indian Express” on 16th October 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-international relations-India and its neighbourhood- relations. Context: The… Continue reading The major issues in Pakistan’s western borderlands
The Wilmington Declaration’s impact on India’s relationship with China
Source: The post the Wilmington Declaration’s impact on India’s relationship with China has been created, based on the article “China, India and New Delhi’s Quad dilemma” published in “The Hindu” on 14th October is 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-international relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Context:… Continue reading The Wilmington Declaration’s impact on India’s relationship with China
Maldives President’s visit to India was aimed at improving relations
Source: The post the Maldives President’s visit to India was aimed at improving relations has been created, based on the article “First responder: India and Maldives let subtle diplomacy surpass muscular posturing” published in “The Hindu” on 11th October is 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-International relations- India and its Neighborhood- Relations. Context: The… Continue reading Maldives President’s visit to India was aimed at improving relations
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.
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