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
A geopolitical roadmap in uncertain times
Source: The Business Standard Relevance: The centrality of the India-China-US triangle is an important topic for International Relations Contents1 Synopsis: 2 Recent geopolitical developments around the world:3 The growth of China and its future policies:4 China’s growth in US prism:5 Geopolitics of India:6 The centrality of the India-China-US triangle:7 Suggestions to improve India’s relations: Synopsis: The book… Continue reading A geopolitical roadmap in uncertain times
China’s realpolitik lesson to India
Context: The well-known historian Avtar Singh Bhasin’s latest book “Nehru, Tibet and China” answers a simple question: As both India and China emerged in their current avatars at the end of the 1940s, what went wrong in relations between them and why. About the India-China war in 1962: Like other analysts, he also apportions a large share of the blame… Continue reading China’s realpolitik lesson to India
Can Perpetual bonds provide some relief against economic effects of COVID 19 pandemic ?
Read to know more about a possible solution to economic crisis due to COVID-19.
What is Maze Ransomware and why is it the biggest data threat to organizations?
What is this ransomware that we keep hearing about. Read on to find out what is it and how is it changing our world.
Why is UN Security Council struggling to pass a resolution on corona pandemic?
What to expect from the meeting of UNSC on corona pandemic amidst the geopolitical rivalry between China and US ?
India steps up agro-diplomacy with China
India steps up agro-diplomacy with China News: The article discusses about the new possibilities of enhancing Sino-India trade ties in lieu of trade war between US and China. Important Facts: Background about trade war: 3. Areas of pushing Sino-India trade ties: Agri-products:This area is crucial since China would look first at its food security and… Continue reading India steps up agro-diplomacy with China
India’s Act East policy can meet OBOR: Chinese envoy
India’s Act East policy can meet OBOR: Chinese envoy News: Days ahead of a likely meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping along the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina, Chinese Ambassador Luo Zhaohui in the 1st India-China Youth Dialogue held recently batted for the ‘One Belt One Road’ project.… Continue reading India’s Act East policy can meet OBOR: Chinese envoy
Four corners: on the Quad’s agenda
Four corners: on the Quad’s agenda Article Quad officials are scheduled to meet at Singapore to discuss their common agenda. Important Analysis Quad stands for ‘Quadrilateral’ grouping of India, Australia, Japan and the U.S. Its objective is to ensure and support a “free, open and prosperous” Indo-Pacific region. Quad was established in 2007, following cooperation… Continue reading Four corners: on the Quad’s agenda
Sri Lanka court stays dissolution, snap elections
Sri Lanka court stays dissolution, snap elections News: Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court (SC) stayed President Maithripala Sirisena’s dissolution of Parliament and restrained the Election Commission from preparing for snap elections. Important Facts: Background: President Sirisena’s on November 9 decided to dissolve Parliament after his party publicly admitted to lacking a majority in the House, heightening… Continue reading Sri Lanka court stays dissolution, snap elections
Not in direct talks with Taliban: MEA
Not in direct talks with Taliban: MEA News: Amid reports of a significant shift in stance with India attending talks with the Taliban at the second 12-nation ‘Moscow format meeting of consultations on Afghanistan’ in Moscow, the Ministry of External Affairs has clarified that no direct conversation between the two sides was part of the… Continue reading Not in direct talks with Taliban: MEA
India appreciates sanctions waiver
India appreciates sanctions waiver News: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed appreciation for the United States’ waiver on India-Iran energy trade and the Chabahar Port project. Important Facts: Background: US has granted temporary waivers for Iran oil imports to eight countries including India owing to the significant reductions in their oil imports from… Continue reading India appreciates sanctions waiver
In a first, India to send two former diplomats to talks that include Taliban representatives
In a first, India to send two former diplomats to talks that include Taliban representatives News: Russia has invited a group of senior Afghan politicians to talks with the Taliban in Moscow, in which India would be participating at a “non-official” level. Important Facts: Russia in August proposed holding multilateral peace talks in Moscow and… Continue reading In a first, India to send two former diplomats to talks that include Taliban representatives
U.S. imposes ‘toughest ever’ sanctions on Iran
U.S. imposes ‘toughest ever’ sanctions on Iran News: US has granted temporary waivers for Iran oil imports to eight countries including India owing to the significant reductions in their oil imports from Iran. Important Facts: India, China, Greece, Italy, Turkey, South Korea, Taiwan and Turkey are the eight major importers of Iranian oil who… Continue reading U.S. imposes ‘toughest ever’ sanctions on Iran
Iran oil: India likely to be exempted from U.S. sanctions
Iran oil: India likely to be exempted from U.S. sanctions News: India is likely to be one of eight countries which can temporarily import oil from Iran post sanctions from US beginning on November 5. Important Facts: Relaxation from US sanctions come aftermath these countries (including India) have made “significant reductions” in oil imports from… Continue reading Iran oil: India likely to be exempted from U.S. sanctions
Russia to host Taliban dialogue
Russia to host Taliban dialogue News: Russia has quietly invited a group of senior Afghan politicians to talks with the Taliban in Moscow, bypassing President Ashraf Ghani’s government. Important Facts: Russia in August proposed holding multilateral peace talks in Moscow and invited 12 countries and the Taliban to attend a summit the following month. It… Continue reading Russia to host Taliban dialogue
India protests China-Pakistan bus via PoK
India protests China-Pakistan bus via PoK News: India has lodged a protest with Pakistan and China over a bus service set to be launched today between Lahore and Kashghar (a city in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in China’s far west) through the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) under the ambitious CPEC project. Background: Pakistan and China… Continue reading India protests China-Pakistan bus via PoK
India invites Italy for defence production
India invites Italy for defence production News: On the first visit of Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte tenure, India invited Italy to participate in the defence sector under the “Make in India” scheme. Important Facts: Highlights of Joint Statement: A mutual agreement to counter terrorist financing and state sponsors of terrorism. A clear reference to… Continue reading India invites Italy for defence production
Modi, Abe back ‘free Indo-Pacific’
Modi, Abe back ‘free Indo-Pacific’ News: India and Japan outlined a vision document for strengthening bilateral relations at the 13th annual summit held in Japan recently. Important Facts: 2. Highlights of the vision document: Both sides called for a “free and open Indo-Pacific” which is usually seen as a response to China’s growing dominance in… Continue reading Modi, Abe back ‘free Indo-Pacific’
The great game in West Asia
The great game in West Asia News: The article discusses about the Jamal Khashoggi disappearance which Turkey has used to sharpen the battle lines with Saudi Arabia. Important Facts: About Jamal Khashoggi: He was a journalist who was once a Saudi government insider, but had gone into self-imposed exile in the U.S. in 2017. He’d… Continue reading The great game in West Asia
Gulf in strategic precepts
Gulf in strategic precepts News: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Japan to take part in an annual summit with his Japanese counterpart, Shinzo Abe, to take stock of the challenges both nations face, notably with regard to the U.S. and China.
No pressure on India to buy F-16 fighters from U.S.: Envoy
No pressure on India to buy F-16 fighters from U.S.: Envoy News: A senior U.S. diplomat has stated that US in not going to put pressure on India to buy its F-16 fighter jets. Important Facts: 2. About F-16 fighter jets: The F-16 Fighting Falcon, manufactured by Lockheed Martin ( American global aerospace, defense, security… Continue reading No pressure on India to buy F-16 fighters from U.S.: Envoy
The Bhutan vote
The Bhutan vote News: The last round of Bhutan general elections are going to be conducted on October 18, 2018. Important Facts: The first round of elections in September 2018 witnessed defeat of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) against the Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT). In first round of elections DNT emerged winner followed by… Continue reading The Bhutan vote
Saudi Arabia promises to meet India’s oil needs
Saudi Arabia promises to meet India’s oil needs News Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently met chiefs of national and international oil and gas companies and other stakeholders to discuss the challenges posed by volatile oil prices. Important facts: Backdrop: Oil prices have increased in 2018 on expectations that U.S. sanctions on Iran will strain supplies… Continue reading Saudi Arabia promises to meet India’s oil needs
India, France in talks to conduct tri-service exercise
India, France in talks to conduct tri-service exercise News: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during her visit to France discuss for a bilateral tri-service military exercise and to operationalise the logistics agreement between two countries. Important facts Bilateral tri-service military exercise between two countries will be India’s third such joint exercise. The first joint tri-service exercise… Continue reading India, France in talks to conduct tri-service exercise
U.S. to pull out of Russia missile pact
U.S. to pull out of Russia missile pact News: S. is planning to pull out of the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty with Russia, after its alleged development and deployment of the Novator 9M729 missile. Important Facts: About Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty: It is a bilateral treaty signed by the US and the USSR… Continue reading U.S. to pull out of Russia missile pact
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.
