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
Prachanda, the US, and China
Source: The post is based on the article “Prachanda, the US, and China” published in “Indian express” on 23rd September 2023. Syllabus: GS2- International relation- India and its neighbourhood- relations. News: The article discusses Nepal’s Prime Minister Prachanda’s efforts to balance relations between China, the US, and India. This comes amid concerns about human rights… Continue reading Prachanda, the US, and China
Canada needs to see India – not just the diaspora
Source– The post is based on the article “Canada needs to see India – not just the diaspora” published in the “The Indian Express” on 21st September 2023. Syllabus: GS2- Bilateral groupings and agreements Relevance- India and Canada bilateral relationship News– Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has alleged that Indian agents killed Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh… Continue reading Canada needs to see India – not just the diaspora
With G20-IMEC plan, the global order shifts to Eurasia
Source– The post is based on the article “With G20-IMEC plan, the global order shifts to Eurasia” published in the “The Times of India” on 20th September 2023. Syllabus: GS2- International relations Relevance- Connectivity projects impacting the global politics News– At the G20 Summit, President Joe Biden, joined by the leaders of India, Saudi Arabia,… Continue reading With G20-IMEC plan, the global order shifts to Eurasia
The Indo-Pacific power play
Source– The post is based on the article “The Indo-Pacific power play” published in the “Business Standard” on 20th September 2023. Syllabus: GS2- International relations Relevance- Indo-pacific News– The article explains the US strategy in Indo-pacific to counter China How is the US increasing its presence in the Indo-Pacific region to counter China? Ties with… Continue reading The Indo-Pacific power play
The ‘mantras’ that powered success at the G-20 summit
Source: The post is based on the article “The ‘mantras’ that powered success at the G-20 summit” published in “The Hindu” on 20th September 2023. Syllabus: GS2- International relation- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. News: The article talks about India’s role during its G-20 presidency, highlighting how… Continue reading The ‘mantras’ that powered success at the G-20 summit
India-Middle East-Europe Corridor: The way to a new world order
Source: The post is based on the article “India-Middle East-Europe Corridor: The way to a new world order” published in The Indian Express on 19th September 2023. Syllabus: GS 2 – International Relations – Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Relevance: About the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). News: India,… Continue reading India-Middle East-Europe Corridor: The way to a new world order
It’s time for India and Africa to deal with food and security issues together
Source: The post is based on the article “It’s time for India and Africa to deal with food and security issues together” published in Indian express on 18th September 2023. Syllabus: GS2- International relation- Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora. & GS3- Agriculture- food security News:… Continue reading It’s time for India and Africa to deal with food and security issues together
Expert Explains: With the announced India-Europe Economic Corridor, a look at India’s supply chain opportunity
Source: The post is based on the article “Expert Explains: With the announced India-Europe Economic Corridor, a look at India’s supply chain opportunity” published in “Indian express” on 14th September 2023. Syllabus: GS2- International relation- Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests. & GS3- Economy- Effects of liberalisation on… Continue reading Expert Explains: With the announced India-Europe Economic Corridor, a look at India’s supply chain opportunity
Just What Is Justin Up To? – On India Canada Relations
Source– The post is based on the article “Just What Is Justin Up To?” published in “The Indian Express” on 14th September 2023. Syllabus: GS2- Bilateral groupings and agreements Relevance- India and Canada bilateral relationship News– Canadian PM Justin Trudeau got a cold response from India at recently concluded G20 summit in India What are… Continue reading Just What Is Justin Up To? – On India Canada Relations
Haseeb Drabu writes: What the 16th Finance Commission needs to do differently
Source– The post is based on the article “Haseeb Drabu writes: What the 16th Finance Commission needs to do differently” published in “The Indian Express” on 14th September 2023. Syllabus: GS2 – Issue pertaining to federalism. GS3- Government budgeting News– The article highlights the need for relook at federal fiscal transfer due to the introduction… Continue reading Haseeb Drabu writes: What the 16th Finance Commission needs to do differently
The new India-US dynamic
Source: This post is based on the article “The new India-US dynamic”, published in Business Standard, on 13th Sep 2023. Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – International Relations – News: India’s successful role in the recent G20 summit highlights improved India-US relations and growing geopolitical importance. What have been the important development in India US… Continue reading The new India-US dynamic
G20 meet’s climate action promise: Significant, but not enough
Source– The post is based on the article “G20 meet’s climate action promise: Significant, but not enough” published in “The Indian Express” on 13th September 2023. Syllabus: GS2- Global groupings Relevance- G20 and climate change News– At the recent G20 summit, there was a commitment to work towards tripling global renewable energy capacity by 2030.… Continue reading G20 meet’s climate action promise: Significant, but not enough
African Union and the G20: Africa on the high table
Source– The post is based on the article “African Union and the G20: Africa on the high table” published in “The Indian Express” on 13th September 2023. Syllabus: GS2- Regional and global groupings Relevance- G20 News– Recently, the African Union was included as the new member of G20. Contents1 What is the significance of the… Continue reading African Union and the G20: Africa on the high table
Still Just Five- With an even more aggressive China against UNSC permanent membership for India, reform looks tough
Source: The post is based on the article “Still Just Five- With an even more aggressive China against UNSC permanent membership for India, reform looks tough” published in “Times of India” on 12th September 2023. Syllabus: GS2- International relation- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests News: The article… Continue reading Still Just Five- With an even more aggressive China against UNSC permanent membership for India, reform looks tough
China’s BRI Now Faces A Credible Indian Challenger
Source– The post is based on the article “China’s BRI Now Faces A Credible Indian Challenger” published in “The Times of India” on 11th September 2023. Syllabus: GS2- International relations Relevance- Connectivity related issues in international politics News– During the recent G20 summit, India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEE-EC) was introduced. Contents1 What are some facts… Continue reading China’s BRI Now Faces A Credible Indian Challenger
African Dividend – On India- Africa Relations
Source– The post is based on the article “African Dividend” published in “The Times of India” on 11th September 2023. Syllabus: GS2- Bilateral, regional groupings Relevance- India and Africa bilateral relationship News– The African Union (AU) has been included as a permanent member of the G20. What is the geopolitical significance of African Union inclusion… Continue reading African Dividend – On India- Africa Relations
New currency, next steps- Global collaboration and cooperation on regulation of crypto-assets
Source: The post is based on the article “New currency, next steps- Global collaboration and cooperation on regulation of crypto-assets is needed” published in The Indian express on 11th September 2023. Syllabus: GS2- International relation- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests & GS3- Security- security challenges (crypto currency… Continue reading New currency, next steps- Global collaboration and cooperation on regulation of crypto-assets
An unforgettable presidency – on G20 Summit
Source: The post is based on the article “An unforgettable presidency– India’s convening power, ability to generate a consensus at G20 summit has set a benchmark difficult to emulate” published in “The Indian express” on 11th September 2023. Syllabus: GS1: Art and culture- India’s soft power & GS2- International relation- Bilateral, regional and global groupings… Continue reading An unforgettable presidency – on G20 Summit
India should quit the Brics
Source: The post is based on the article “India should quit the Brics” published in Business Standard on 8th September 2023. Syllabus: GS 2 – Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Relevance: concerns for India after the expansion of BRICS News: The upcoming G20 summit in New Delhi marks the end… Continue reading India should quit the Brics
Finding Seoul in the Indo-Pacific
Source– The post is based on the article “Finding Seoul in the Indo-Pacific” published in “The Hindu” on 8th September 2023. Syllabus: GS2- Bilateral groupings and agreements Relevance- India and South Korea bilateral relationship News– The historic Camp David summit in August this year among the leaders of the United States, Japan, and the Republic… Continue reading Finding Seoul in the Indo-Pacific
India, US and the China anxiety- For Delhi and Washington, the other’s China choices matter
Source: The post is based on the article “Modi-Biden meet: India, US and the China anxiety- For Delhi and Washington, the other’s China choices matter. They must address each other’s concerns” published in “The Indian express” on 8th September 2023. Syllabus: GS2- International relation- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s… Continue reading India, US and the China anxiety- For Delhi and Washington, the other’s China choices matter
Chandrayaan 3 success: India’s role in democratising space
Source– The post is based on the article “Chandrayaan 3 success: India’s role in democratising space” published in “The Indian Express” on 7th September 2023. Syllabus: GS2- International relations Relevance- International law related to outer space News– The article explains the the issues related to consideration of space as “global common” and explain the international… Continue reading Chandrayaan 3 success: India’s role in democratising space
Xi’s ‘one mountain, two tigers’ diplomatic puzzle
Source– The post is based on the article “Xi’s ‘one mountain, two tigers’ diplomatic puzzle” published in the “Business Standard” on 7th September 2023. Syllabus: GS3- Bilateral groupings and agreements Relevance- India and China bilateral relationship News– Chinese President Xi Jinping is skipping the G20 summit as India hosts world leaders in Delhi. How Xi’s… Continue reading Xi’s ‘one mountain, two tigers’ diplomatic puzzle
PM Narendra Modi writes: G20 will reach the last mile, leave no one behind
Source– The post is based on the article “PM Narendra Modi writes: G20 will reach the last mile, leave no one behind” published in “The Indian Express” on 7th September 2023. Syllabus: GS2- Global groupings Relevance- G20 News– The articel explains how Indian G20 presidency can contribute towards a better world. Contents1 How the world… Continue reading PM Narendra Modi writes: G20 will reach the last mile, leave no one behind
The implications of expansion of BRICS
Source– The post is based on the article “Not A Job For Quotas” published in “The Hindu” on 6th September 2023. Syllabus: GS2 – International Relations – Regional and global groupings News– The 15th BRICS summit in Johannesburg announced that the five-member grouping had invited six new members from West Asia; Egypt and Ethiopia from… Continue reading The implications of expansion of BRICS
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.
