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
Recent development in India – Nepal relations – Explained, pointwise
For 7PM Editorial Archives click HERE → Contents1 Introduction2 What are the recent developments in India – Nepal relations?3 What are the areas of Cooperation between India – Nepal relations?4 What are the growth factors of India – Nepal relations?5 What is the importance of India to Nepal and vice versa?6 What are the potential benefits of India… Continue reading Recent development in India – Nepal relations – Explained, pointwise
India-Egypt Relations – Recent Developments – Explained, pointwise
For 7 PM Editorial Archives click HERE → Contents1 Introduction2 Recent Developments and their importance 3 A Brief Overview of India-Egypt Relations 4 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… Continue reading India-Egypt Relations – Recent Developments – Explained, pointwise
India – Pacific Islands relations: Significance and Challenges – Explained, pointwise
For 7PM Editorial Archives click HERE → Contents1 Introduction2 About Pacific Islands3 What are the historic ties between India – Pacific Islands relations?4 How India aims to strengthen India – Pacific Islands relations?5 What is the significance of India to Pacific Islands and vice versa? 6 What are the challenges faced in India – Pacific Islands relations?7 What… Continue reading India – Pacific Islands relations: Significance and Challenges – Explained, pointwise
India’s nuclear doctrine after 25 years of Pokhran – Explained, pointwise
For 7PM Editorial Archives click HERE → Contents1 Introduction2 What are the key features of India’s Nuclear Doctrine? 3 What is the evolution of India’s nuclear doctrine?4 What are the advantages of India’s nuclear doctrine?5 What are the challenges raised against India’s nuclear doctrine?6 What are the implications of shifting from the present nuclear doctrine?7 What should be done?… Continue reading India’s nuclear doctrine after 25 years of Pokhran – Explained, pointwise
India’s Evacuation Missions and challenges – Explained, pointwise
For 7PM Editorial Archives click HERE → Contents1 Introduction2 About India’s present Evacuation Mission – Operation Kaveri 3 About India’s Evacuation Missions in the Past4 Why there is a rising complexity in India’s Evacuation Missions?5 What is the policy support provided by the government for India’s Evacuation Missions?6 What are the operational challenges faced in India’s Evacuation Missions?7 What… Continue reading India’s Evacuation Missions and challenges – Explained, pointwise
India – Bhutan relations and its significance – Explained, pointwise
For 7PM Editorial Archives click HERE → Contents1 Introduction 2 About India – Bhutan relations in the past and what are the various areas of cooperation?3 What are the recent developments in India – Bhutan relations? 4 What is the importance of India to Bhutan and vice versa? 4.1 Importance of India to Bhutan: 4.2 Importance of Bhutan to India: 5 What are the… Continue reading India – Bhutan relations and its significance – Explained, pointwise
China – Russia relations and its implications on India – Explained, pointwise
For 7PM Editorial Archives click HERE → Contents1 Introduction2 What are the recent developments in China – Russia relations? 3 What are the implications of recent China – Russia relations on the US and its allies? 4 What are the implications of recent China – Russia relations on India? 5 What should be done by India? Introduction The… Continue reading China – Russia relations and its implications on India – Explained, pointwise
The UN High Seas Treaty: challenges and significance – Explained, pointwise
For 7PM Editorial Archives click HERE → Contents1 Introduction 2 What is the UN High Seas Treaty?3 What is the need for the High Seas Treaty? 4 What are the significant provisions of the High Seas Treaty? 5 What are the advantages of the High Seas Treaty?6 What are the challenges in implementing the High Seas Treaty?7 What are the implications… Continue reading The UN High Seas Treaty: challenges and significance – Explained, pointwise
Saudi-Iranian normalisation and implications for India – Explained, pointwise
For 7PM Editorial Archives click HERE → Contents1 Introduction 2 What are the conflicts between Iran and Saudi Arabia? 3 About the Saudi-Iranian normalisation deal 4 What are the various diplomatic challenges in implementing the Saudi-Iranian normalisation deal? 5 What are the Global Implications of Saudi-Iranian normalisation? 6 What are the Implications of Saudi-Iranian normalisation for India? 7 What can be done to fully reap the… Continue reading Saudi-Iranian normalisation and implications for India – Explained, pointwise
India-Australia relations: Challenges and Significance – Explained, pointwise
For 7PM Editorial Archives click HERE → Contents1 Introduction2 What are key discussions in the recent Australian Prime Minister (PM) visit to India?3 About the evolution of India-Australia relations in the past 4 What is the significance of Australia to India and vice versa? 5 What are the areas of cooperation in India-Australia Relations? 6 What are the challenges in India-Australia… Continue reading India-Australia relations: Challenges and Significance – Explained, pointwise
India-Egypt Relationship – Explained, pointwise
For 7PM Editorial Archives click HERE → Contents1 Introduction2 What is the significance of Egypt to India?3 How has the India-Egypt Relationship evolved?4 What are the areas of cooperation in India-Egypt Relationship?5 What are the challenges in India-Egypt Relationship?6 What can be done to strengthen India-Egypt Relationship?7 Conclusion Introduction The President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi was the… Continue reading India-Egypt Relationship – Explained, pointwise
India-Maldives Relationship – Explained, pointwise
For 7PM Editorial Archives click HERE → Contents1 Introduction2 What is the significance of Maldives to India?3 How has the India-Maldives Relationship evolved?4 What are the areas of cooperation in India-Maldives Relationship?5 What are the challenges in the India-Maldives Relationship?6 What can be done to enhance India-Maldives Relationship?7 Conclusion Introduction The External Affairs Minister of India recently visited… Continue reading India-Maldives Relationship – Explained, pointwise
India-Nepal Relationship – Explained, pointwise
For 7PM Editorial Archives click HERE → Contents1 Introduction2 What are the areas of cooperation in India-Nepal Relationship?3 What the challenges in India-Nepal Relationship?4 What should be done to further strengthen India-Nepal Relationship?5 Conclusion Introduction India and Nepal share deep social, cultural, strategic, political, and economic ties that have been forged over many centuries. However, the relationship has… Continue reading India-Nepal Relationship – Explained, pointwise
Governance of the Arctic – Explained, pointwise
For 7PM Editorial Archives click HERE → Contents1 Introduction2 What is the importance of Arctic Region for the World and India?2.1 Environment, Climate Change and Scientific Research2.2 Economic and Human Resources2.3 Geopolitical and Strategic3 What is the current framework for Governance of the Arctic?4 What are the challenges in Governance of the Arctic?5 What has been the India’s… Continue reading Governance of the Arctic – Explained, pointwise
India Taiwan Relationship – Explained, pointwise
For 7PM Editorial Archives click HERE → Contents1 Introduction2 How has India Taiwan Relationship evolved?3 What is the current status of India Taiwan Relationship?3.1 Strategic3.2 Trade and Investment3.3 Cultural4 What are the challenges in India Taiwan Relationship?5 What steps can be taken to further deepen India Taiwan Relationship?6 Conclusion Introduction Two recent developments have brought the India Taiwan… Continue reading India Taiwan Relationship – Explained, pointwise
India’s Approach to Multilateralism – Explained, pointwise
For 7PM Editorial Archives click HERE → Contents1 Introduction2 What is the meaning of Multilateralism?3 What has been historic evolution of India’s approach to Multilateralism?3.1 Cold War Era3.2 Post Cold-War4 What are the perceptions about India’s Approach to Multilateralism?5 What are the present day challenges to global order and Multilateralism?6 What has been India’s approach to Multilateralism?7 Conclusion… Continue reading India’s Approach to Multilateralism – Explained, pointwise
India’s Overseas Development Cooperation – Explained, pointwise
For 7PM Editorial Archives click HERE → Contents1 Introduction2 How has India’s Overseas Development Cooperation evolved over time?3 What is the current status of India’s Overseas Development Cooperation/Partnerships?3.1 Funds3.2 Instruments3.3 Institutional Arrangement4 What are the issues in India’s Overseas Development Cooperation?5 What should be the approach going ahead?6 Conclusion Introduction As India is developing and modernising, the Government… Continue reading India’s Overseas Development Cooperation – Explained, pointwise
United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Reforms – Explained, pointwise
For 7PM Editorial Archives click HERE → Contents1 Introduction2 About the Structure and Functioning of the UNSC3 What is the need for UNSC Reforms?4 What are the proposed plans for UNSC Reforms?4.1 Membership Reforms4.2 Power to Veto Reforms4.3 Procedural Reforms5 What are the challenges to UNSC Reforms?6 What are the arguments in favor of Permanent Membership of India?7… Continue reading United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Reforms – Explained, pointwise
An emigration Bill that does not go far enough
Source: The Hindu Relevance: The emigration bill and other reforms are essential to protect Indian workers abroad. Contents1 Synopsis:2 Introduction:3 How Emigration is governed at present?4 Why does India need the Emigration bill?5 What are the challenges with the emigration bill?6 Suggestions: Synopsis: The new emigration bill is better than the Emigration Act 1983, but more… Continue reading An emigration Bill that does not go far enough
The role that industry could play in India’s Indo-Pacific outreach
Source: Livemint Relevance: Understanding industry’s role in furthering India’s outreach in Indo-Pacific Synopsis: Industry’s contribution towards bolstering India’s interests in the Indo-pacific in the light of the recently held Indo-pacific business summit. Contents1 Background2 India’s Indo-pacific strategy3 Relevance of Indo-Pacific Business Summit4 Areas of cooperation5 Way forward Background The geostrategic relevance of the Indo- Pacific… Continue reading The role that industry could play in India’s Indo-Pacific outreach
How OPEC+ deal to withdraw output cut impacts India
Source: Indian Express Relevance – High global oil price contributes to increasing inflation level in India. Therefore, the decision of the OPEC+ meeting is important for India. Synopsis: OPEC (Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries) and its allies led by Russia have agreed to gradually withdraw Covid-related production cuts by September 2022. Background: OPEC and its… Continue reading How OPEC+ deal to withdraw output cut impacts India
A new chapter in Nepal’s quest for political stability
Source: The Hindu Relevance: Recent political events in Nepal, probable reasons, and lessons for India Synopsis: Unfolding of political events in Nepal in light of KP Oli’s tenure and possible lessons for India. Contents1 Background2 Impact of the verdict3 Oli tenure4 Lessons for India Background On July 12, 2021, the Supreme Court of Nepal passed… Continue reading A new chapter in Nepal’s quest for political stability
Long game with Beijing
Source: TOI, Indian Express Relevance: Understanding China’s future assertive foreign policy Synopsis: China believes its own rise and the decline of the US are inevitable. India must pay attention Contents1 Background2 US provocation3 China’s policy change4 Difference b/w Chinese and American multilateralism5 Problems before China6 Concerns for India7 Way forward Background In his speech for… Continue reading Long game with Beijing
How India can guard its interests should Kabul fall to the Taliban?
Source: Indian Express, The Hindu, Livemint Relevance: Understanding India’s future role and policy in Afghanistan, in light of American exit. Synopsis: Future course of action for India when it comes to recent events in Afghanistan. Contents1 Background2 Taliban – back to old ways3 India’s concerns4 Threat to India overblown5 India’s policy wrt Afghanistan Background With… Continue reading How India can guard its interests should Kabul fall to the Taliban?
B3W – An alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative
Source: Indian Express Relevance: Countering China’s growing influence in developing and low income countries. Synopsis: It is an analysis of G7’s counter to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Contents1 Background2 What is B3W?3 Why countering BRI is necessary?4 Major projects under BRI Background G-7 leaders have proposed Build Back Better World (B3W) to counter… Continue reading B3W – An alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative
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.
