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
Impacts of China’s Mega-Dam Project
Source: The post Impacts of China’s Mega-Dam Project has been created, based on the article “Implications of China’s mega-dam project ” published in “The Hindu” on 6th January 2025. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper- 2- International relations Context: The article delves into the geopolitical, ecological, and socio-economic implications of China’s ambitious mega-dam project on the… Continue reading Impacts of China’s Mega-Dam Project
2024 Faces Uncertainty With Global Polycrises
Source: The post 2024 Faces Uncertainty With Global Polycrises has been created, based on the article “Steering towards stability after a year of uncertainty” published in “Indian Express” on 6th January 2025 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- International Relations-Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests. Context: The article highlights… Continue reading 2024 Faces Uncertainty With Global Polycrises
India Pledges Support to Maldives
Source: This post on India Pledges Support to Maldives has been created based on article “India pledges support to Maldives to help it navigate economic issues” published in The Hindu on 4th January 2025. UPSC Syllabus topic: GS 2- International Relations Context: The article discusses the strengthening of bilateral ties between India and the Maldives,… Continue reading India Pledges Support to Maldives
Issue of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in India
Source: The post issue of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in India has been created, based on the article “Express view on illegal immigration in India: Loose political rhetoric won’t solve the problem” published in “Indian Express” on 4th January 2025 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- International Relations-India and its neighbourhood- relations. Context: The article discusses the… Continue reading Issue of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in India
Falling Rupee Impacts Fertilizer Costs
Source: The post Falling Rupee Impacts Fertilizer Costs has been created, based on the article “Express view on fertilizer subsidies: Let the market decide” published in “Indian Express” on 4th January 202 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-International Relations-Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests. And GS paper 3- Economy… Continue reading Falling Rupee Impacts Fertilizer Costs
India’s growing global influence through various channels
Source: The post India’s growing global influence through various channels has been created, based on the article “A global outreach beyond business” published in “Business Standard” on 4th January 2025 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- International Relations- Soft power Context: The article discusses India’s growing global influence through various channels like chess, yoga, and cinema,… Continue reading India’s growing global influence through various channels
Impact of Donald Trump’s economic policies on U.S. growth and inflation
Source: The post impact of Donald Trump’s economic policies on U.S. growth and inflation has been created, based on the article “The good, the bad and the uncertainty of the year ahead” published in “Live mint” on 3rd January 2025 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- International Relations-Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing… Continue reading Impact of Donald Trump’s economic policies on U.S. growth and inflation
Global Conflicts Challenge UN and India’s Role
Source: The post Global Conflicts Challenge UN and India’s Role has been created, based on the article “In 2025, India must play the role of peacemaker” published in “Live mint” on 3rd January 2025 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- International Relations-Important International institutions, agencies and fora – their structure, mandate. Context: The article discusses global… Continue reading Global Conflicts Challenge UN and India’s Role
India’s Obligations Towards the Rohingya
Source: This post on India’s Obligations Towards the Rohingya has been created based on article On India’s obligations towards the Rohingya published in The Hindu on 31st December 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Syllabus 2: International relations Context: This article delves into India’s obligations and policies concerning Rohingya refugees, a marginalized and stateless population facing… Continue reading India’s Obligations Towards the Rohingya
Sheikh Hasina Extradition Demand
Source: This post on Sheikh Hasina Extradition Demand has been created based on The Sheikh Hasina extradition demand, India’s options published in The Hindu on 31st December 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Syllabus 2: International relations Context: This article discusses the complex legal, diplomatic, and human rights implications of Bangladesh’s formal request to India for… Continue reading Sheikh Hasina Extradition Demand
How Culture and Merit Shape American Policies
Source: The post How Culture and Merit Shape American Policies has been created, based on the article “America needs Indians on H-1B visas” published in “Indian Express” on 31st December 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-International Relations-Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests. Context: The article discusses the tension… Continue reading How Culture and Merit Shape American Policies
India’s Global Leadership in Growth and Sustainability
Source: The post India’s Global Leadership in Growth and Sustainability has been created, based on the article “India’s leadership has a valuable role to play in a multipolar world” published in “Live mint” on 26th December 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-Global Groupings and Agreements affecting India’s interests. Context: The article highlights India’s growing… Continue reading India’s Global Leadership in Growth and Sustainability
India’s PM visit boosts India Kuwait ties and stability
Source: The post India’s PM visit boosts India Kuwait ties and stability has been created, based on the article “Key partnership: India and Kuwait are trying to deepen ties during a crucial period” published in “The Hindu” on 26th December 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2– International Relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements… Continue reading India’s PM visit boosts India Kuwait ties and stability
India and China Strengthening Trust and Cooperation
Source: The post India and China Strengthening Trust and Cooperation has been created, based on the article “An India-China reset needs bold and new thinking” published in “The Hindu” on 26th December 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2– International Relations-India and its neighbourhood- relations. Context: The article emphasizes peaceful dispute resolution and cooperation between… Continue reading India and China Strengthening Trust and Cooperation
How the US China science agreement evolved
Source: The post How the US China science agreement evolved has been created, based on the article “U.S. and China renew S&T Agreement” published in “The Hindu” on 26th December 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2– International Relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. Context: The article discusses… Continue reading How the US China science agreement evolved
India’s Renewed Strategic Partnership with Kuwait
Source: The post India’s Renewed Strategic Partnership with Kuwait has been created, based on the article “Express view on PM’s Kuwait visit: Delhi must deliver on West Asia promise” published in “Indian Express” on 24th December 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-International Relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.… Continue reading India’s Renewed Strategic Partnership with Kuwait
Rupee’s Fall Driven by Stronger US Dollar
Source: The post Rupee’s Fall Driven by Stronger US Dollar has been created, based on the article “Why the Rupee’s fall should not be cause for concern” published in “Indian Express” on 23rd December 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- International Relations-Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests. And… Continue reading Rupee’s Fall Driven by Stronger US Dollar
Significance of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Kuwait
Source: The post significance of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Kuwait has been created, based on the article “A chance to strike gold during the Kuwait visit” published in “The Hindu” on 21st December 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-International relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. Context: The… Continue reading Significance of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Kuwait
5 ways in which India-Russia relations will shape in 2025
Source: The post 5 ways in which India-Russia relations will shape in 2025 has been created, based on the article “5 ways in which India-Russia relationship will shape the world in 2025” published in “Indian Express” on 20th December 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- International Relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India… Continue reading 5 ways in which India-Russia relations will shape in 2025
Positive Signals from India-China Talks
Source: This post on Positive Signals from India-China Talks has been created based on “Positive signals emerge from India-China talks” published in The Hindu on19th December 2024. UPSC Syllabus topic: GS 2- India and its Neighborhood- Relations Context: The article discusses the resumption of boundary talks between India and China, marking the first meeting of… Continue reading Positive Signals from India-China Talks
Significance of President Dissanayake’s visit to India
Source: The post significance of President Dissanayake’s visit to India has been created, based on the article “Express view on President Dissanayake’s India visit: Building bridges with Sri Lanka” published in “Indian Express” on 19th December 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- International relations -India and its neighbourhood- relations. Context: The article discusses Sri Lankan… Continue reading Significance of President Dissanayake’s visit to India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Kuwait Visit
Source: The post Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Kuwait Visit has been created, based on the article “C Raja Mohan writes: What Indian PM’s first visit to Kuwait in four decades means for diplomacy in Middle East” published in “Indian Express on 18th December 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS2- International relations- Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings… Continue reading Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Kuwait Visit
France faces political crisis after failed elections
Source: The post France faces political crisis after failed elections has been created, based on the article “Costly gambles: Emmanuel Macron is driving France into one crisis after another” published in “The Hindu” on 17th December 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- International relations Context: The article discusses France’s political crisis after President Macron’s failed… Continue reading France faces political crisis after failed elections
How Powerful Countries Dominate Through Global Chaos
Source: The post How Powerful Countries Dominate Through Global Chaos has been created, based on the article “Geopolitics has played a massive role in the rise of ‘Master States’” published in “Live mint” on 17th December 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- International relations Context: The article explains how powerful countries, or “Master States,” use… Continue reading How Powerful Countries Dominate Through Global Chaos
India’s mineral diplomacy
Source: The post India’s mineral diplomacy has been created, based on the article “India’s firmer attempts at mineral diplomacy” published in “The Hindu” on 16th December 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper2-international relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Context: The article discusses India’s efforts to secure critical minerals… Continue reading India’s mineral diplomacy
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.
