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
Challenges in Adopting Global Pandemic Agreement
Source-This post on Challenges in Adopting Global Pandemic Agreement has been created based on the article “The global struggle for a pandemic treaty” published in “The Hindu” on 1 August 2024. UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2- Important International Institutions and Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health. Context– Intellectual property protections, hoarding… Continue reading Challenges in Adopting Global Pandemic Agreement
Significance of India’s PM Visit to Ukraine
Source: The post significance of India’s PM visit to Ukraine has been created, based on the article “C Raja Mohan writes: Why the Ukraine war makes India and Europe important for each other” published in “Indian Express” on 31st July 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- international relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving… Continue reading Significance of India’s PM Visit to Ukraine
Key Discussions at 2nd BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ Retreat
Source: The post key discussions at 2nd BIMSTEC foreign ministers’ retreat has been created, based on the article “A new push in the Bay of Bengal” published in “The Hindu” on 27th July 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- international relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Context: India… Continue reading Key Discussions at 2nd BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ Retreat
India’s Prime Minister’s visit to Russia and its implications
Source: The post India’s Prime Minister’s visit to Russia and its implications has been created, based on the article “The ‘geo-calculus’ of the Moscow visit” published in “The Hindu” on 26th July 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 India’s Prime Minister’s visit to Russia and its implications
India’s Strategic Challenges in the Face of China’s Rise
Source-This post on India’s Strategic Challenges in the Face of China’s Rise has been created based on the article “THE CHINA CHALLENGE” published in “Business Standard” on 26 July 2024. UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2- India and its Neighborhood- Relations. Context-This article discusses the evolving strategic rivalry between India and China, focusing on the challenges India faces… Continue reading India’s Strategic Challenges in the Face of China’s Rise
India’s strategic involvement in both the Quad and BRICS
Source: The post India’s strategic involvement in both the Quad and BRICS has been created, based on the article “The importance of both Quad and BRICS” published in “The Hindu” on 22nd July 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… Continue reading India’s strategic involvement in both the Quad and BRICS
India’s strategic autonomy amid its relationship with the U.S. and Russia
Source: The post India’s strategic autonomy amid its relationship with the U.S. and Russia has been created, based on the article “India and a case for strategic autonomy” published in “The Hindu” on 18th July 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- international relations -Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s… Continue reading India’s strategic autonomy amid its relationship with the U.S. and Russia
How India and Russia have doubled their payments in national currencies despite Western sanctions
Source: The post how India and Russia have doubled their payments in national currencies despite Western sanctions has been created, based on the article “India and Russia have doubled rupee-rouble payments in 2024” published in “The Hindu” on 16th July 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-International Relation- Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving… Continue reading How India and Russia have doubled their payments in national currencies despite Western sanctions
Reasons for strained India-Nepal relations
Source: The post Reasons for strained India-Nepal relations has been created, based on the article “‘Big brother’ to ‘Brother’, a Nepal-India reset” published in “The Hindu” on 16th July 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-International relations– India and its Neighborhood- Relations. Context: The article discusses the strained relationship between India and Nepal, worsened by political… Continue reading Reasons for strained India-Nepal relations
Significance of the Indian Prime Minister’s recent visit to Vienna, Austria
Source: The post significance of the Indian Prime Minister’s recent visit to Vienna, Austria has been created, based on the article “How PM Modi’s visit to Austria sends a message both to Moscow and the West” published in “Indian express” on 12th July 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-international relations Context: The article discusses Indian… Continue reading Significance of the Indian Prime Minister’s recent visit to Vienna, Austria
Trade Relationship Between India and China
Source: The post Trade Relationship Between India and China has been created, based on the article “Use dialogue, deterrence and trade to deal with China” published in “Live mints” on 2nd July 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- International relations Context: The article discusses India’s increasing manufacturing capabilities in sectors like solar cells and electronics,… Continue reading Trade Relationship Between India and China
New projects and agreements between Nepal and India
Source: The post new projects and agreements between Nepal and India has been created, based on the article “Nepal and India’s special relationship – and how it is getting better” published in “Indian express” on 1st July 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- international relations- India and its neighbourhood- relations. Context: The article discusses the… Continue reading New projects and agreements between Nepal and India
India-Sri Lanka Fishing Dispute
Source-This post on India-Sri Lanka Fishing Dispute has been created based on the article “Net damage” published in “The Hindu” on 28 June 2024. UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2-International Relations- India and its Neighborhood- Relations. Context– The article reports a clash between Indian fishermen and the Sri Lankan Navy on June 25th near Kankesanthurai. Sri Lankan Navy… Continue reading India-Sri Lanka Fishing Dispute
India’s Tibet Policy amid US-China Tensions
Source-This post on India’s Tibet Policy amid US-China Tensions has been created based on the article “It’s time for India to reclaim its voice on Tibet” published in “The Hindu” on 27 June 2024. UPSC Syllabus–GS Paper-2-International Relations- India and its Neighborhood- Relations. Context– A US delegation visited Dharamshala soon after the US Congress passed… Continue reading India’s Tibet Policy amid US-China Tensions
India –Maldives Relations
Source-This post on India –Maldives Relations has been created based on the article “From China tilt to a balancing with Beijing and Delhi” published in “The Hindu” on 25 June 20204. UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2- India and its Neighborhood- Relations. Context– The article discusses the Maldivian President’s fluctuating policy stance towards India, which has shifted from… Continue reading India –Maldives Relations
The new pact between Russia and North Korea
Source: The post the new pact between Russia and North Korea has been created, based on the article “Why the Russia-North Korea pact is a big deal” published in “Indian express” on 20th June 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-international relations- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements. Context: The article discusses a new military… Continue reading The new pact between Russia and North Korea
The key area of focus in the India-Bangladesh relationship
Source: The post the key area of focus in the India-Bangladesh relationship has been created, based on the article “India-Bangladesh ties: A shared vision” published in “Indian express” on 24th June 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-international relations-India and its neighbourhood- relations. Context: The article discusses the strong relationship between India and Bangladesh, led by… Continue reading The key area of focus in the India-Bangladesh relationship
Limitations of the existing Laws on Mercenaries
Source: The post limitations of the existing Laws on Mercenaries has been created, based on the article “Laws on mercenaries in war zones” published in “The Hindu” on 18th June 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-international relation-Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate. Context: The article discusses the recruitment of Indian citizens by… Continue reading Limitations of the existing Laws on Mercenaries
Migrant workers are vulnerable in GCC states
Source: The post migrant workers are vulnerable in GCC states has been created, based on the article “Under Kafala, workers are dispensable” published in “The Hindu” on 17th June 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-international relation-Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora. Context: The article discusses… Continue reading Migrant workers are vulnerable in GCC states
Issue with Meloni’s Privatization Plan
Source: The post issue with Meloni’s Privatization Plan has been created, based on the article “Economic shortsightedness is jeopardising Italy’s G7 ambitions” published in “Business standard” on 15th June 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-international relation-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Context: The article discusses Italy’s hosting… Continue reading Issue with Meloni’s Privatization Plan
Significance of upcoming G7 summit
Source: This post Significance of upcoming G7 summit has been created based on the article C Raja Mohan on PM’s first trip abroad in Modi 3.0: A chance to reboot relations with the West, published in Indian Express on 12th June 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – International Relations – International Orgnisation News:… Continue reading Significance of upcoming G7 summit
Successes and challenges in the India-U.S. relationship
Source: The post successes and challenges in the India-U.S. relationship has been created, based on the article “From warp speed to reset, the state of India-U.S. ties” published in “The Hindu” on 11th June 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – International relations – bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or… Continue reading Successes and challenges in the India-U.S. relationship
India’s neighbours at swearing-in: Shared stakes in stable ties
Source: This article India’s neighbours at swearing-in: Shared stakes in stable ties has been created based on the article Settling trade disputes through ‘litigotiation’ published in The Hindu on 10th June 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – International Relations – Bilateral relations between India and other countries News: The article highlights the significance… Continue reading India’s neighbours at swearing-in: Shared stakes in stable ties
Significance of diplomatic resolution of India US trade dispute
Source: This article significance of diplomatic resolution of India US trade dispute has been created based on the article Settling trade disputes through ‘litigotiation’ published in The Hindu on 10th June 2024. UPSC Syllabus: GS Paper 2- International Relations- Bilateral relations between India and other countries News: Recently, a decade old trade dispute between India… Continue reading Significance of diplomatic resolution of India US trade dispute
Aukus alliance aims to enhance military capabilities against China
Source: The post Aukus alliance aims to enhance military capabilities against China has been created, based on the article “Aukus focus: The strategic pivot to France” published in “Business standard” on 7th June 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… Continue reading Aukus alliance aims to enhance military capabilities against China
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.
