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
On UK’s Rwanda Bill: Why it’s a solution that doesn’t work
Source: The post the Rwanda Bill has been created, based on the article “UK’s Rwanda Bill: Why it’s a solution that doesn’t work” published in “Indian express” on 25th April 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- international relations- Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests News: The article… Continue reading On UK’s Rwanda Bill: Why it’s a solution that doesn’t work
Sri Lanka’s efforts to improve its economy:
Source: The post Sri Lanka’s efforts to improve its economy has been created, based on the article “Sri Lanka & Bangladesh look east” published in “Business standard” on 25th April 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-international relations- India and its neighbourhood- relations. News: The article discusses Sri Lanka’s efforts to improve its economy by… Continue reading Sri Lanka’s efforts to improve its economy:
India and Maldives Relations – Recent Updates
Source: The post recent elections in the Maldives has been created, based on the article “Divided Maldivian polity: India should review its position” published in “Business standard” on 24 April 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-international relations-India and its neighbourhood- relations. News: The article discusses the recent elections in the Maldives, where the People’s… Continue reading India and Maldives Relations – Recent Updates
What India-Mauritius treaty amendments mean for foreign investors
News: The India-Mauritius tax treaty amendments have been primarily targeted to curb “treaty shopping,”. This has significant implications for cross-border investment flows between India and Mauritius, particularly given Mauritius’ role as a major source of foreign direct investment (FDI) into India. What India-Mauritius treaty amendments mean for foreign investors ? What are Tax Treaties? Purpose… Continue reading What India-Mauritius treaty amendments mean for foreign investors
India and Maldives relations, after Muizzu’s re-election
Source: This post India and Maldives relations, after Muizzu’s re-election is created based on the article ‘Muizzu’s win, India’s pragmatism’, published in Indian Express on 23rd April 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic – GS paper 2 – International Relations – India and its neighborhood News: Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has won the recent elections, with huge… Continue reading India and Maldives relations, after Muizzu’s re-election
B-READY Index
Source: The post B-READY Index has been created, based on the article “B-READY for business: India’s investment culture needs strengthening” published in “Business standard” on 23 April 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- international relations-Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate. News: The article discusses India’s preparation for the new World Bank… Continue reading B-READY Index
Views on Israeli-Palestinian conflict: Israel, a two-state solution, some recent perceptions
Source: The post views on Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been created, based on the article “Israel, a two-state solution, some recent perceptions” published in “The Hindu” on 20th April 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-International Relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests News: The article discusses the complex and… Continue reading Views on Israeli-Palestinian conflict: Israel, a two-state solution, some recent perceptions
India’s new position in the South China Sea dispute: India’s nuanced approach in the South China Sea
Source: The post India’s new position in the South China Sea dispute has been created, based on the article “India’s nuanced approach in the South China Sea” published in “The Hindu” on 19th April 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’s new position in the South China Sea dispute: India’s nuanced approach in the South China Sea
Impact of Myanmar’s internal conflicts: Myanmar and regional security
Source: The post impact of Myanmar’s internal conflicts has been created, based on the article “Myanmar and regional security” published in “Business standard” on 17th April 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-international relations -India and its neighborhood- relations. News: The article discusses the complex political situation in Myanmar. It highlights the long-standing conflicts involving Myanmar’s… Continue reading Impact of Myanmar’s internal conflicts: Myanmar and regional security
True innovation requires supporting those who challenge the norm: The innovation trap
Source: The post true innovation requires supporting those who challenge the norm has been created, based on the article “The innovation trap: There is a way for organizations to avert it” published in “Live mints” on 16th April 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 News: The article discusses how organizations often think they are… Continue reading True innovation requires supporting those who challenge the norm: The innovation trap
Importance of Arctic for India
Source-This post on Importance of Arctic for India has been created based on the article “India’s Arctic imperative” published in “The Hindu” on 16 April 2024. UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2-International relations- Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. Context– In March 2024, India has successfully completed its first winter mission… Continue reading Importance of Arctic for India
India’s increased involvement in Southeast Asia to boost its role in the Indo-Pacific region
Source: The post India’s increased involvement in Southeast Asia to boost its role in the Indo-Pacific region has been created, based on the article “India’s East Asia outreach shows its centrality to regional stability” published in “Live mints” on 15th April 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – International Relation – Bilateral, regional and… Continue reading India’s increased involvement in Southeast Asia to boost its role in the Indo-Pacific region
US-China trade war affected global trade: Needed an Apple encore
Source: The post US-China trade war affected global trade has been created, based on the article “Needed an Apple encore: India can do better in electronics exports” published in “Business standard” on 12th April 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- International Relations-Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests,… Continue reading US-China trade war affected global trade: Needed an Apple encore
Concerns in Myanmar: For peace, Myanmar needs outside help.
Source: The post concerns in Myanmar has been created, based on the article “For peace, Myanmar needs outside help. Friends, including India, must step in” published in “Indian express” on 8th April 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-International relations-India and its neighbourhood- relations. News: The article discusses the ongoing conflict in Myanmar, involving the… Continue reading Concerns in Myanmar: For peace, Myanmar needs outside help.
NATO responding to global security issues: Nato@75: The transatlantic alliance seeks a global role
Source: The post NATO responding to global security issues has been created, based on the article “Nato@75: The transatlantic alliance seeks a global role” published in “Business standard” on 4th April 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – International Relations – Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate. News: This article discusses… Continue reading NATO responding to global security issues: Nato@75: The transatlantic alliance seeks a global role
Major issues with the WTO: A requiem for the WTO
Source: The post major issues with the WTO has been created, based on the article “A requiem for the WTO” published in “Business standard” on 4th April 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. News: The article discusses challenges facing the World… Continue reading Major issues with the WTO: A requiem for the WTO
EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD): The EU’s sustainability directive may weaken trade ties
Source: The post EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) has been created, based on the article “The EU’s sustainability directive may weaken trade ties” published in “Live mints” on 3rd April 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-International relations- Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, News: This… Continue reading EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD): The EU’s sustainability directive may weaken trade ties
India’s new focus in foreign policy: How Delhi maps the world
Source: The post India’s new focus in foreign policy has been created, based on the article “How Delhi maps the world: Katchatheevu and beyond, islands and India’s new geopolitics” published in “Indian express” on 3rd April 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-International relations- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/oraffecting India’s… Continue reading India’s new focus in foreign policy: How Delhi maps the world
Africa-At the heart of India’s Global South vision
Source– This post on Africa-At the heart of India’s Global South vision has been created based on the article “Why India must put Africa at the heart of its Global South vision” published in “The Indian Express” on 30 March 2024. UPSC Syllabus–GS Paper-2-International relations- Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or… Continue reading Africa-At the heart of India’s Global South vision
WHO Pandemic Agreement: The countdown to a pandemic treaty
Source: The post WHO Pandemic Agreement has been created, based on the article “The countdown to a pandemic treaty” published in “The Hindu” on 29th March 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-International relations- Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate. News: The article discusses negotiations for a WHO Pandemic Agreement. This agreement… Continue reading WHO Pandemic Agreement: The countdown to a pandemic treaty
Impact of politics on humanitarian aid: The politics of humanitarian aid
Source: The post impact of politics on humanitarian aid has been created, based on the article “The politics of humanitarian aid” published in “The Hindu” on 28th March 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-International Relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s Interests. News: The article discusses how politics often… Continue reading Impact of politics on humanitarian aid: The politics of humanitarian aid
Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD): WTO’s investment facilitation negotiations are not illegal
Source: The post Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) has been created, based on the article “WTO’s investment facilitation negotiations are not illegal” published in “The Hindu” on 28th March 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-International Relations-Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate. News: The article discusses India’s opposition to the Investment Facilitation… Continue reading Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD): WTO’s investment facilitation negotiations are not illegal
The shift in India’s foreign policy language – How Delhi talks to world
Source: The post India’s foreign policy language has shifted from being defensive to more assertive and confident has been created, based on the article “How Delhi talks to world” published in “Indian express” on 27th March 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 The shift in India’s foreign policy language – How Delhi talks to world
UN resolution on the ceasefire in Gaza: Express View on US, Israel and UN: A loud abstention
Source: The post UN resolution on the ceasefire in Gaza has been created, based on the article “Express View on US, Israel and UN: A loud abstention” published in “Indian express” on 27th March 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-International relations- Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate. News: This article discusses… Continue reading UN resolution on the ceasefire in Gaza: Express View on US, Israel and UN: A loud abstention
Two wars and the consequences for America’s standing
Source-This post has been created based on the article “Two wars, the consequences for America’s standing” published in “The Hindu” on 22 March 2024. UPSC Syllabus – GS Paper 2 – International relations- Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests Context – United States Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer… Continue reading Two wars and the consequences for America’s standing
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.
