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 power of an acronym
Source: The post is based on the article “The power of an acronym” published in “Business standard” on 19th August 2023. Syllabus: GS2- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. News: In this article author discusses the evolution and relevance of the BRICS group, highlighting its inconsistencies and China’s… Continue reading The power of an acronym
Arun Prakash writes: Delhi and Taipei, just friends – on India Taiwan relations
Source: The post is based on the article “Arun Prakash writes: Delhi and Taipei, just friends” published in “The Indian express” on 14th August 2023. Syllabus: GS2- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests, News: In this article author discusses the recent visit of retired Indian military chiefs to… Continue reading Arun Prakash writes: Delhi and Taipei, just friends – on India Taiwan relations
India’s Myanmar quandary, its paradoxical policy
Source: The post is based on the article “India’s Myanmar quandary, its paradoxical policy” published in The Hindu on 11th August 2023. Syllabus: GS 2 – International Relations Relevance: India and Myanmar Relations News: Myanmar’s President extended the emergency by six months, and the military has decided to release political prisoners. Still, these actions don’t suggest a… Continue reading India’s Myanmar quandary, its paradoxical policy
Stop the fence-sitting in cluster bomb use
Source: The post is based on the article “Stop the fence-sitting in cluster bomb use” published in The Hindu on 10th August 2023. Syllabus: GS 2 – International Relations – International Treaty and Organization Relevance: International law related to prohibition of cluster bombs News: The decision by the United States to provide cluster munitions to Ukraine as… Continue reading Stop the fence-sitting in cluster bomb use
The grammar of commerce in a new age of geopolitics
Source– The post is based on the article “The grammar of commerce in a new age of geopolitics” published in “The Hindu” on 9th August 2023. Syllabus: GS2- International relations News – Since March 2018, 23 advanced and developing countries have agreed for currency swap arrangements with India, extending credits in settling transactions. Contents1 How… Continue reading The grammar of commerce in a new age of geopolitics
Talking peace in Jeddah: India offers a new perspective
Source: The post is based on the article “Talking peace in Jeddah: India offers a new perspective” published in “Business Standard” on 9th August 2023. Syllabus: GS2- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. News: In this article author discusses a peace summit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where countries… Continue reading Talking peace in Jeddah: India offers a new perspective
Blessed By Beijing – China’s propaganda war is well funded and waged subtly. Centre and states must coordinate”
Source: The post is based on the article “Blessed By Beijing – China’s propaganda war is well funded and waged subtly. Centre and states must coordinate” published in The Times of India on 8th August 2023. Syllabus: GS 2 – International Relations Relevance: concerns with Chinese growing influence. News: An NY Times investigation has exposed a complex… Continue reading Blessed By Beijing – China’s propaganda war is well funded and waged subtly. Centre and states must coordinate”
G-20 negotiators face climate change hurdle
Source– The post is based on the article “G-20 negotiators face climate change hurdle” published in “The Hindu” on 7th August 2023. Syllabus: GS 2 – Global groupings and agreements News– G-20 negotiators are now worried about reaching a consensus over climate change issues ahead of the leaders’ summit in September. Why are G20 negotiators… Continue reading G-20 negotiators face climate change hurdle
The lessons of Hiroshima must not drift away
Source– The post is based on the article “The lessons of Hiroshima must not drift away” published in “The Hindu” on 5th August 2023. Syllabus: GS 2 – International relations Relevance: Issues related to nuclear weapons and disarmament. News– The article explains the concept of nuclear taboo and nuclear deterrence. What are some facts about… Continue reading The lessons of Hiroshima must not drift away
From state visit to a more robust trade relationship
Source: The post is based on the article “From state visit to a more robust trade relationship” published in “The Hindu” on 3rd August 2023. Syllabus: GS2- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests News: In this article author discusses the historic visit of India’s Prime Minister to Washington.… Continue reading From state visit to a more robust trade relationship
C Raja Mohan writes: South Asia, now open to business
Source: The post is based on the article “C Raja Mohan writes: South Asia, now open to business” published in The Indian express on 2nd August 2023. Syllabus: GS2- India and its neighborhood-relations. News: In this article author talks about India’s growing economy and its potential positive effect on South Asia. They discuss how regional… Continue reading C Raja Mohan writes: South Asia, now open to business
Expansion worries: Enlarging Brics will not inevitably restore relevance
Source: The post is based on the article “Expansion worries: Enlarging Brics will not inevitably restore relevance” published in Business standard on 2nd August 2023. Syllabus: GS2- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. News: This article discusses the potential expansion of the BRICS group. China wants more countries… Continue reading Expansion worries: Enlarging Brics will not inevitably restore relevance
Express View on India-China ties: Riding on hope
Source– The post is based on the article “Express View on India-China ties: Riding on hope” published in the “The Indian Express” on 31st July 2023. Syllabus: GS2- Bilateral groupings and agreements Relevance: Bilateral relationship between India and China News- The Chinese President Xi Jinping might visit Delhi in September for the G20 summit. Why… Continue reading Express View on India-China ties: Riding on hope
Prolific In Pacific: Small islands, big powers & an Indo-French option
Source: The post is based on the article “Prolific In Pacific: Small islands, big powers & an Indo-French option” published in “Times of India” on 29th July 2023. Syllabus: GS2- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests News: The author discusses how France’s strong presence in the Indo-Pacific can… Continue reading Prolific In Pacific: Small islands, big powers & an Indo-French option
Turning the tide on brain drain
Source: The post is based on an article “Turning the tide on brain drain” published in Business Standard on 29th July 2023. Syllabus: GS 2 – Indian Diaspora Relevance: reasons behind Indian citizens migrating abroad News: The article discusses the causes behind Indians going overseas and the actions required to retain them in India. Contents1 What are… Continue reading Turning the tide on brain drain
BYDing Time – on India’s decision to reject Chinese companys’ investment
Source– The post is based on the article “BYDing Time” published in “The Times of India” on 27th July 2023. Syllabus: GS2- Bilateral groupings and agreements Relevance: India and China bilateral relationship News- Indian government has decided to reject Chinese EV giant BYD’s $1 billion investment plan for a car and battery manufacturing plant. What… Continue reading BYDing Time – on India’s decision to reject Chinese companys’ investment
The SCO is a success story that can get better
Source: The post is based on the article “The SCO is a success story that can get better” published in “The Hindu” on 27th July 2023. Syllabus: GS2- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. News: In this article author talks about recent important changes in the Shanghai Cooperation… Continue reading The SCO is a success story that can get better
On carbon burden, Europe’s glaring hypocrisy
Source: The post is based on the article “On carbon burden, Europe’s glaring hypocrisy” published in “The Indian express” on 27th July 2023. Syllabus: GS2- Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests. & GS3- Environment conservation News: The European Union (EU) is starting a carbon tax on imports to… Continue reading On carbon burden, Europe’s glaring hypocrisy
FTAs: Learning from peers
Source– The post is based on the article “FTAs: Learning from peers” published in the “Business Standard” on 27th July 2023. Syllabus: GS3- Economy Relevance: Issues related to external trade News- The article compares the India approach to FTAs with other emerging economies. What are the impacts of tariff liberalisation? In the early stages of… Continue reading FTAs: Learning from peers
Pratap Bhanu Mehta writes: In Israel’s floundering, their future, and ours
Source– The post is based on the article “Pratap Bhanu Mehta writes: In Israel’s floundering, their future, and ours” published in “The Indian Express” on 27th July 2023. Syllabus: GS2- International politics Relevance: The state of Israel and nationalism News- The Israeli Knesset has voted 64-0 on a bill to limit judicial power. One of… Continue reading Pratap Bhanu Mehta writes: In Israel’s floundering, their future, and ours
C Raja Mohan writes: Why India may not be averse to UAE rescuing Pakistan’s economy
Source– The post is based on the article “C Raja Mohan writes: Why India may not be averse to UAE rescuing Pakistan’s economy” published in “The Indian Express” on 26th July 2023. Syllabus: GS2- International relations Relevance: triangular dynamics between Middle east, India and Pakistan News- According to media reports, the United Arab Emirates has… Continue reading C Raja Mohan writes: Why India may not be averse to UAE rescuing Pakistan’s economy
ASEAN, a persistence with dialogue, on a trodden path
Source– The post is based on the article “ASEAN, a persistence with dialogue, on a trodden path” published in “The Hindu” on 25th July 2023. Syllabus : GS 2- Regional groupings and agreements Relevance: ASEAN News- The 56th Foreign Ministers Meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the post-ministerial conferences and other related regional… Continue reading ASEAN, a persistence with dialogue, on a trodden path
India Sri Lanka relations: Explained, pointwise
For 7 PM Editorial Archives click HERE → Contents1 Introduction2 What is the highlight of the visit? 3 About India Sri Lanka relations 4 What is the strategic significance of Sri Lanka? 5 Is Sri Lankan economic crisis an opportunity for India? 6 What are the challenges in India Sri Lanka relations? 7 Conclusion Introduction Recently, President Ranil Wickremesinghe of Sri Lanka visited… Continue reading India Sri Lanka relations: Explained, pointwise
Why India-Pakistan needs a nuclear dialogue
Source: The post is based on the article “Arun Prakash writes: Why India-Pakistan needs a nuclear dialogue — whatever the political situation” published in “The Indian express” on 24th July 2023. Syllabus: GS2- India and its neighborhood-relations. News: The article discusses the implications of Pakistan’s nuclear policies and comments made by Lt. General Khalid Kidwai.… Continue reading Why India-Pakistan needs a nuclear dialogue
Dilemmas of India’s great power ambitions
Source– The post is based on the article “Dilemmas of India’s great power ambitions” published in “The Indian Express” on 24th July 2023. Syllabus: GS32- International relations Relevance: Issues related to Indian foreign policy News- The article explains the dilemma for India in projecting itself a global power. What are the strengths of India on… Continue reading Dilemmas of India’s great power ambitions
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.
