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
The Maldives, the evolution of a democracy
Source: This post has been created based on the article “The Maldives, the evolution of a democracy” published in The Hindu on 11th October 2023. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations — India and its neighborhood- relations News: This article discusses the recent Maldives election results. It also highlights its consequences on India-Maldives relations… Continue reading The Maldives, the evolution of a democracy
The New Delhi Declaration was a win for us and the world at large
Source: The post is based on the article “The New Delhi Declaration was a win for us and the world at large” published in Live mint on 10th October 2023. Syllabus: GS2- International relation- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests News: The article discusses India’s significant achievements and… Continue reading The New Delhi Declaration was a win for us and the world at large
The end of the two-state solution
Source: The post is based on the article “The end of the two-state solution” published in The Hindu on 10th October 2023. Syllabus: GS 2 – International Relations Relevance: reasons behind Palestine-Israel conflict News: The Jewish-Arab (Palestine) conflict is a longstanding historical issue with a solution that is clear but difficult to attain. Read – Israel… Continue reading The end of the two-state solution
Russia might pull back from nuclear test treaty
Source: This post has been created based on the article “Russia might pull back from nuclear test treaty” published in the The Hindu on 7th October 2023. 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 discusses the concerns regarding… Continue reading Russia might pull back from nuclear test treaty
If Indian troops are removed, Maldives will lose a diplomatic card to balance China
Source: The post is based on the article “If Indian troops are removed, Maldives will lose a diplomatic card to balance China…it will also distance France and US” published in The Times of India on 6th October 2023. Syllabus: GS 2 – International Relations – Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting… Continue reading If Indian troops are removed, Maldives will lose a diplomatic card to balance China
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict: History, India’s response
Source: This post has been created based on the article “Nagorno-Karabakh conflict: History, India’s response” published in the Indian Express on 6th October 2023. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 — International Relations: Bilateral relationships involving India and/or affecting India’s interests including India and West Asian Nations. News: The article discusses the history of the… Continue reading Nagorno-Karabakh conflict: History, India’s response
MDB reforms off the block
Source: This post has been created based on the article “MDB reforms off the block”, published in the Business Standard on 5th October 2023. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – International Relations – Important International institutions, agencies and fora– their structure, mandate. News: This article discusses the reforms in Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) as… Continue reading MDB reforms off the block
Election of China-friendly Mohamed Muizzu could test Indo-Maldives ties
Source: The post is based on the article “Election of China-friendly Mohamed Muizzu could test Indo-Maldives ties” published in The Indian Express on 4th October 2023. Syllabus: GS 2 – International Relations – Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Relevance: India and Maldives Relations News: Muizzu’s victory in the… Continue reading Election of China-friendly Mohamed Muizzu could test Indo-Maldives ties
At WTO, growing disregard for trade rules shows world is fragmenting
News: This post is created based on the article ‘At WTO, growing disregard for trade rules shows world is fragmenting’, published in Business Standard on 4th October 2023. Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2, International Relations and Organisations News: The article discusses the trends of unilateralism and reduced functioning of WTO. Since 2019, the WTO’s dispute… Continue reading At WTO, growing disregard for trade rules shows world is fragmenting
The shutdown of the Afghan embassy
Source: The post is based on the article “The shutdown of the Afghan embassy” published in “The Hindu” on 4th October 2023. Syllabus: GS2- International relations- India and its neighbourhood- relations. News: The Afghanistan embassy in Delhi is closing, citing issues like lack of support from India. Although the embassy represented the now-overthrown Afghan government,… Continue reading The shutdown of the Afghan embassy
Canada’s entrenched culture of self-righteousness is to blame for current crisis
Source: The post is based on the article “C Raja Mohan writes: Canada’s entrenched culture of self-righteousness is to blame for current crisis” published in “Indian express” on 3rd October 2023. Syllabus: GS2- International relation- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. News: The article discusses the strained relationship… Continue reading Canada’s entrenched culture of self-righteousness is to blame for current crisis
Building BRICS for the future
Source: This post is created based on the article ‘Building BRICS for the future, published in The Hindu on 3rd October, 2023. Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2, international Relations News: The article discusses the evolution and significance of the BRICS grouping, emphasizing its potential to challenge the dominance of established economic blocs like the G7.… Continue reading Building BRICS for the future
Global dispute settlement, India and appellate review
Source: This post is created based on the article ‘Global dispute settlement, India and appellate review’ published in The Hindu on 30th Sep, 2023. Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2, International Relations News: The G-20 Declaration emphasized the need for reforms in the World Trade Organization (WTO). It was aimed to enhance its functions and ensure… Continue reading Global dispute settlement, India and appellate review
The G-20’s screen over ‘mazdoors’, their rights
Source: The post is based on the article “The G-20’s screen over ‘mazdoors’, their rights” published in “The Hindu” on 28th September 2023. Syllabus: GS2- International relation- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. News: The author expresses concern that during the G-20 Summit, India, under Prime Minister Narendra… Continue reading The G-20’s screen over ‘mazdoors’, their rights
ASEAN’s China dilemma
Source– The post is based on the article “ASEAN’s China dilemma” published in “The Indian Express” on 28th September 2023. Syllabus: GS2- International Relations – Regional and global groupings News– During the recent ASEAN meeting, Indonesia successfully introduced new perspectives into often contentious ASEAN positions. Contents1 What was the approach of Indonesia on the Indo-Pacific… Continue reading ASEAN’s China dilemma
The need for quiet diplomacy to clear the air
Source– The post is based on the article “The need for quiet diplomacy to clear the air” published in “The Hindu” on 27th September 2023. Syllabus: GS2- Bilateral groupings and agreements Relevance- India and Canada bilateral relationship News– Recently, PM Justin Trudeau said in the nation’s Parliament that his government was probing “credible allegations” that… Continue reading The need for quiet diplomacy to clear the air
Diplomatic standoff – Indo-Canada row may have unintended costs
Source: The post is based on the article “Diplomatic standoff – Indo-Canada row may have unintended costs” published in Business Standard on 27th September 2023. Syllabus: GS 2 – International Relations – Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests Relevance: Issues with India and Canda relations News: Canadian Prime Minister Justin… Continue reading Diplomatic standoff – Indo-Canada row may have unintended costs
G-20 diplomacy and a shifting world order
Source– The post is based on the article “G-20 diplomacy and a shifting world order” published in “The Hindu” on 26th September 2023. Syllabus: GS2 – Global groupings News– Recently, India successfully conducted the G-20 meeting in Delhi. Contents1 What are some facts about the Delhi declaration agreed during the G20 summit in Delhi?2 Why… Continue reading G-20 diplomacy and a shifting world order
Prachanda & Himalayan Xiopolitics
Source– The post is based on the article “Prachanda & Himalayan Xiopolitics” published in “The Times of India” on 26th September 2023. Syllabus: GS 2 – Bilateral and regional groupings Relevance- India and Nepal bilateral relationship in context of China News– Nepal PM Prachanda’s visit to China from September 23 has resulted in numerous commitments… Continue reading Prachanda & Himalayan Xiopolitics
War in the Caucasus – Azerbaijan should respect the autonomy of the Armenian population
Source: The post is based on the article “War in the Caucasus – Azerbaijan should respect the autonomy of the Armenian population” published in The Hindu on 26th September 2023. Syllabus: GS 2 – International Relations Relevance: About Azerbaijan recapturing Nagorno-Karabakh News: Azerbaijan has recaptured Nagorno-Karabakh, an Armenian-populated enclave, with the help of Turkey. This shows the… Continue reading War in the Caucasus – Azerbaijan should respect the autonomy of the Armenian population
Covert action is a troublesome but often useful tool of statecraft
Source: The post is based on the article “Covert action is a troublesome but often useful tool of statecraft” published in “Live mint” on 25th September 2023. Syllabus: GS2- International relation- Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora. News: This article discusses accusations that India was involved… Continue reading Covert action is a troublesome but often useful tool of statecraft
Not Just Oil- New momentum in ties between India and Saudi Arabia could be a game changer
Source: The post is based on the article “Not Just Oil- New momentum in ties between India and Saudi Arabia could be a game changer” published in “Indian express” on 25th September 2023. Syllabus: GS2- International relation- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. News: The article discusses growing… Continue reading Not Just Oil- New momentum in ties between India and Saudi Arabia could be a game changer
Fukushima N-wastewater controversy
Source– The post is based on the article “Fukushima N-wastewater controversy” published in “The Hindu” on 25th September 2023. Syllabus: GS2- International relations. GS3- Science and Technology News– Recently, the Japanese government revealed its intentions to gradually release over one million tonnes of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean. It has… Continue reading Fukushima N-wastewater controversy
An economic corridor, the Israel link and the geopolitics
Source– The post is based on the article “An economic corridor, the Israel link and the geopolitics” published in “The Hindu” on 25th September 2023. Syllabus: GS2- Global groupings News– The 2023 summit of the G-20 under India’s presidency went exceptionally well given the group’s limited economic approach to the complex issues that the world… Continue reading An economic corridor, the Israel link and the geopolitics
Politicising exchanges
Source– The post is based on the article “Politicising exchanges” published in “The Hindu” on 25th September 2023. Syllabus: GS2- Bilateral groupings and agreements Relevance- India and China bilateral relationship News– Recently, Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur cancelled his visit to China to protest the last-minute denial of entry to three Indian Wushu players from… Continue reading Politicising exchanges
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.
