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
India’s strategic choices
Source: The post is based on the article “India’s strategic choices” published in “Business Standard” on 7th July 2023. Syllabus: Syllabus: GS 2- Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests & GS 3- Science and Technology- indigenization of technology and developing new technology. News: the article talks about the… Continue reading India’s strategic choices
Who Will Be The +1 In China+1?
Source– The post is based on the article “Who Will Be The +1 In China+1?” published in “The Times of India” on 6th July 2023. Syllabus: GS 2 – Bilateral groupings and agreements Relevance: India and China bilateral relationship News- Rising tensions between the United States and China has brought the race among nations to… Continue reading Who Will Be The +1 In China+1?
India and SCO: relevance and challenges – Explained, pointwise
For 7 PM Editorial Archives click HERE → Contents1 Introduction2 What is SCO? 3 What are the highlights of the summit? 4 Why SCO is relevant for India? 5 What are the challenges facing SCO? 6 What should be the future course of action? Introduction India recently hosted the 23rd summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in a virtual format. This… Continue reading India and SCO: relevance and challenges – Explained, pointwise
Should India join NATO Plus? Explained, pointwise
For 7 PM Editorial Archives click HERE → Contents1 Introduction2 What is NATO and NATO Plus?3 Why the US invited India to join NATO Plus?4 Why India refused to join NATO Plus?5 Why should India join NATO Plus?6 Why should India not join NATO Plus?7 What should be the future course of action? Introduction At the beginning of… Continue reading Should India join NATO Plus? Explained, pointwise
The rise of bilateralism
Source: The post is based on the article “The rise of bilateralism” published in “Business Standard” on 3rd July 2023. Syllabus: GS 2 Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. News: During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the United States, six disputes between the countries at the… Continue reading The rise of bilateralism
Navigating the maze of EU tech Regulations
Source: The post is based on the article “Navigating the maze of EU tech Regulations” published in “Business Standard” on 3rd July 2023. Syllabus: GS 2 – International Relations – Effects of policies of developed and developing countries in India News: The European Union (EU) has agreed on a new Data Act. It became the… Continue reading Navigating the maze of EU tech Regulations
A bigger BRICS – Expansion of the group
Source: The post is based on an article “A bigger BRICS – Expansion of the group is in offing, challenge for founder members is to ensure it does not become a Chinese bandwagon” published in The Indian Express on 3rd July 2023. Syllabus: GS 2 – Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting… Continue reading A bigger BRICS – Expansion of the group
A new chapter in India-Africa ties can be written
Source- The post is based on the article “A new chapter in India-Africa ties can be written” published in the “The Hindu” on 1st July 2023. Syllabus: GS2- Bilateral and regional groupings Relevance- India and Africa relationship News- The 20-member Africa Expert Group (AEG), established by the Vivekananda International Foundation, recently presented the VIF Report… Continue reading A new chapter in India-Africa ties can be written
India and the US-China chips war
Source: The post is based on the article “India and the US-China chips war” published in The Indian Express on 30th June 2023. Syllabus: GS 2 – International Relations – Effect of Policies & Politics of Developed & Developing Countries on India’s Interests Relevance: concerns with the semiconductor industry News: The article explains about the concerns associated… Continue reading India and the US-China chips war
Manila and New Delhi: A 21st Century Partnership
Source: The post is based on the article “Manila and New Delhi: A 21st Century Partnership” published in The Indian Express on 29th June 2023. Syllabus: GS2- Bilateral and regional groupings Relevance: India-Philippines Relations News: Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Philippines will be meeting with India’s External Affairs Minister for the fifth iteration of… Continue reading Manila and New Delhi: A 21st Century Partnership
Private, unlimited – Indo-US tech deals expand scope for private sector
Source: The post is based on the article “Private, unlimited” published in “Business Standard” on 29th June 2023. Syllabus: GS 2 – Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India. News: Indo-US tech deals signed during Prime Minister Modi’s state visit to the US appear to primarily benefit the government sector, but they have… Continue reading Private, unlimited – Indo-US tech deals expand scope for private sector
Tracing the arc of American ‘exception-ism’ for India
Source– The post is based on the article “A lifeline for Indian science” published in the “The Hindu” on 28th June 2023. Syllabus: GS 2- Bilateral groupings and agreements Relevance- India and US bilateral relationship News- The article explains the recent improvement in Indo-US relationship and exceptions made by the US for India to forge… Continue reading Tracing the arc of American ‘exception-ism’ for India
The concerns about India-U.S. digital trade
Source– The post is based on the article “The concerns about India-U.S. digital trade” published in “The Hindu” on 28th June 2023. Syllabus: GS2- Bilateral groupings and agreements Relevance- India and US bilateral relationship News– During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s U.S. state visit, cooperation on technology emerged as a prominent outcome. Contents1 What is the… Continue reading The concerns about India-U.S. digital trade
How India’s renewed ties with Egypt can help its global standing
Source: The post is based on the article “How India’s renewed ties with Egypt can help its global standing” published in “The Indian Express” on 28th June 2023. Syllabus: GS 2 – Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India. News: The renewed India-Egypt collaboration empowers both nations to expand economic and geopolitical influence.… Continue reading How India’s renewed ties with Egypt can help its global standing
New Delhi’s approach to multilateral ties needs clarity
Source: The post is based on the article “New Delhi’s approach to multilateral ties needs clarity” published in “Mint” on 27th June 2023. Syllabus: GS 2 – Important International institutions, agencies, and fora. News: The recent resignation of the Canadian director for global communications at the AIIB (Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank), alleging influence by the… Continue reading New Delhi’s approach to multilateral ties needs clarity
India-Egypt Relations – Recent Developments -Explained, pointwise
For 7 PM Editorial Archives click HERE → Contents1 Introduction2 Recent Developments and their importance3 A Brief Overview of India-Egypt Relations4 What is the significance of India Egypt Relations?5 What are the challenges of India Egypt Relations?6 What should be the future path? Introduction India-Egypt relations have taken significant strides recently, especially following Indian Prime Minister visit to… Continue reading India-Egypt Relations – Recent Developments -Explained, pointwise
Why Taiwan Strait Matters To India
Source- The post is based on the article “Why Taiwan Strait Matters To India” published in “The Times of India” on 26th June 2023. Syllabus: GS2- International relations Relevance- Regional and global; issues impacting strategic interest of India News- The article explains the possibility of a crisis in Taiwan strait and its implications for India.… Continue reading Why Taiwan Strait Matters To India
Ashok Gulati writes on the US and India: Old friends in a changing world
Source- The post is based on the article “Ashok Gulati writes on the US and India: Old friends in a changing world” published in “The Indian Express” on 26th June 2023. Syllabus: GS2- Bilateral groupings and agreements Relevance– India and US bilateral relationship in global context News- Recently, PM Modi visited the US and addressed… Continue reading Ashok Gulati writes on the US and India: Old friends in a changing world
Recent Development in India-US Relations – Implications and Significance – Explained, pointwise
For 7 PM Editorial Archives click HERE → Contents1 Introduction2 What is the Significance of these developments for India and the US?3 What are the Implications of these developments for India?4 What are the challenges in India-US relationship?5 What should be the course of action for India? Introduction The recent visit of the Indian Prime Minister to the… Continue reading Recent Development in India-US Relations – Implications and Significance – Explained, pointwise
Artemis Accords: In a new space
Source: The post is based on an article “Artemis Accords: In a new space” published in the Indian Express on 24th June 2023. Syllabus: GS 2 – International Relations. Relevance: About the significance of Artemis Mission and associated challenges. News: Recently, India signed the Artemis Accord. It demonstrates India’s commitment to following best practices in space exploration. … Continue reading Artemis Accords: In a new space
Squaring the circle at the India-Egypt summit
Source– The post is based on the article “A doorway to an entrepreneurial university” published in “The Hindu” on 24th June 2023. Syllabus: GS2- Bilateral groupings and agreements Relevance- India and Egypt bilateral relationship News– Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Egypt (June 24-25, 2023). What is the status of the bilateral relationship between India… Continue reading Squaring the circle at the India-Egypt summit
Not Allies But Something Like It
Source– The post is based on the article “Not Allies But Something Like It” published in “The Times of India” on 23rd June 2023. Syllabus: GS2- Bilateral groupings and agreements Relevance– India and US bilateral relations News – Prime Minister Modi is on an official visit to the USA. Is India-US relationship a strategic partnership?… Continue reading Not Allies But Something Like It
Friends And Benefits: Overlapping interests between India and US show that a formal alliance is not necessary for a solid relationship
Source: The post is based on the article “Friends And Benefits: Overlapping interests between India and US show that a formal alliance is not necessary for a solid relationship” published in The Times of India on 22nd June 2023 Syllabus: GS 2 – Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.. Relevance: About India-US relationship . News:… Continue reading Friends And Benefits: Overlapping interests between India and US show that a formal alliance is not necessary for a solid relationship
More HIT than miss in India-Nepal ties
Source– The post is based on the article “More HIT than miss in India-Nepal ties” published in “The Hindu” on 22nd June 2023. Syllabus: GS2- Bilateral groupings and agreements Relevance– India and Nepal bilateral relations News- Recently, Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ was on a four-day official visit to India. Contents1 What is… Continue reading More HIT than miss in India-Nepal ties
India – China border dispute: Three years after Galwan clash– Explained, pointwise
For 7PM Editorial Archives click HERE → Contents1 Introduction2 About the Galwan Clash3 What is the status of the present conflict between India and China?4 What is the status of boundary talks between India and China?5 What are the challenges in resolving the India – China border dispute?6 What should be done? Introduction Three years after the infamous… Continue reading India – China border dispute: Three years after Galwan clash– Explained, pointwise
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.
