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
Qatar Releases Indian Navy personnel who faced death row
Source: This post Qatar Releases Indian Navy personnel who faced death row has been created based on the article “7 Indians who faced death row in Qatar return home” published in “The Hindu” on 13th February 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – International Relations – Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving… Continue reading Qatar Releases Indian Navy personnel who faced death row
A privileged strategic partnership-India and U.A.E.
Source-This post on India-U.A.E. relations has been created based on the article “A privileged strategic partnership, without a gulf” published in “The Hindu” on 10 February 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations – Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. News-The article highlights the robust bilateral… Continue reading A privileged strategic partnership-India and U.A.E.
India could help shape a whole new global consensus
Source: This post has been created based on the article “India could help shape a whole new global consensus” published in “Live Mint” on 12th February 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations – Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. News: The article discusses the events shaping global geopolitics and… Continue reading India could help shape a whole new global consensus
Importance of Indian Ocean for India UPSC
Source: This post on the Importance of Indian Ocean for India has been created based on the article “Ram Madhav writes: India, making waves in the Indian Ocean” published in “Indian Express” on 10th February 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations – India and its neighborhood. News: The article discusses the historical… Continue reading Importance of Indian Ocean for India UPSC
India’s BIT Framework
Source: The post India’s BIT framework has been created, based on the article “Why India needs a forward-looking approach to Bilateral Investment Treaties” published in Indian Express on 10th February 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 2 – International Relations – Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India News: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman… Continue reading India’s BIT Framework
The Decline of America’s Leadership
Source: The post factors impacting America’s global power has been created, based on the article “The decline of America’s leadership” published in “The Hindu” on 10th February 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper2- International relations- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests News: The article discusses the changing global… Continue reading The Decline of America’s Leadership
Keep MSME and Gender Issues Apart from WTO Rules
Source: This post has been created based on the article “Keep MSME and gender issues apart from WTO rules” published in “Live Mint” on 7th February 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations – Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. News: The article discusses the need to keep MSME and… Continue reading Keep MSME and Gender Issues Apart from WTO Rules
India’s model BITs – Bilateral agreements
Source: The post India’s model BITs has been created, based on the article “Bilateral agreements: India must align its treaties with best global practices” published in “Business standard” on 6th February 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – International relations- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests News:… Continue reading India’s model BITs – Bilateral agreements
India Sri Lanka Fishermen Issue an Unending woes
Source: The post India Sri Lanka Fishermen Issue has been created, based on the article “Unending woes: India must incentivize fishermen to give up bottom trawling” published in “The Hindu” on 5th February 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 –International relations –India and its neighborhood– relations. News: India Sri Lanka Fishermen Issue an Unending woes, The… Continue reading India Sri Lanka Fishermen Issue an Unending woes
Issue with WTO’s Dispute Settlement Mechanism (DSM)
Source: This post on Issues with WTO’s dispute settlement mechanism (DSM) has been created based on the article “How to restore WTO’s authority” published in “Indian Express” on 5th February 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations – Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. News: Issue with WTO’s Dispute Settlement Mechanism (DSM),The article… Continue reading Issue with WTO’s Dispute Settlement Mechanism (DSM)
Impact of Global Geopolitics on Business
Source: This post has been created based on the article “Ukraine war, Gaza conflict and Middle East strikes: It’s time businesses prepare for political risk” published in “Indian Express” on 5th February 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations – Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests. News:… Continue reading Impact of Global Geopolitics on Business
On India-France Bilateral Cooperation – What makes the India-France ‘strategic partnership’ tick
Source: This post on India-France Bilateral Cooperation has been created based on the article “What makes the India-France ‘strategic partnership’ tick” published in “The Hindu” on 1st February 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations – Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. News: The article discusses… Continue reading On India-France Bilateral Cooperation – What makes the India-France ‘strategic partnership’ tick
On China’s Relative Economic Decline
Source: This post on China’s Relative Economic Decline has been created based on the article “C Raja Mohan writes: India’s new possibilities amid China’s relative economic decline” published in “Indian Express” on 31st January 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations – Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on… Continue reading On China’s Relative Economic Decline
India at Davos 2024 – At World Economic Forum, how India made a mar
Source: The post India at Davos 2024 has been created, based on the article “At World Economic Forum, how India made a mark” published in “Indian express” on 31st January 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – International Relations – Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate. News: The article highlights India’s… Continue reading India at Davos 2024 – At World Economic Forum, how India made a mar
India and France Bilateral Relations – Ceremony, substance
Source: This post on India-France bilateral relations has been created based on the article “Ceremony, substance” published in “The Hindu” on 29th January 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations – Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. India and France Bilateral Relations, The article discusses the… Continue reading India and France Bilateral Relations – Ceremony, substance
Myanmar Military Coup and India
Source: This post Myanmar Military Coup and India has been created, based on the article “A closer look at Myanmar’s discontent” published in “The Hindu” on 29th January 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – International Relations – India and its Neighborhood – Relations News: This article discusses the political and military situation in… Continue reading Myanmar Military Coup and India
Tension between India and Maldives- Choppy waters
Source: The post tension between India and Maldives has been created, based on the article “Choppy waters-India and the Maldives must persist with quiet diplomacy to reset ties” published in “The Hindu” on 25th January 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper2- International relations- India and its neighbourhood- relations. News: India is concerned about the scheduled… Continue reading Tension between India and Maldives- Choppy waters
Legal context in the South Africa vs. Israel ICJ case- The issue of genocide and the world court
Source: The post legal context in the South Africa vs. Israel ICJ case has been created, based on the article “The issue of genocide and the world court” published in “The Hindu” on 25th January 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper2- International Relations-Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate. News: This article discusses… Continue reading Legal context in the South Africa vs. Israel ICJ case- The issue of genocide and the world court
Concerns Related to The India-Myanmar Border
Source: The post concerns related to the India-Myanmar border has been created, based on the article “Express View on India-Myanmar border: Keep it porous” published in “Indian express” on 24th January 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-International relations- India and its neighbourhood- relations. Concerns Related to The India-Myanmar Border, The article discusses India’s decision to… Continue reading Concerns Related to The India-Myanmar Border
India and French Bilateral Relations
Source: This post on India-French Bilateral Relations has been created based on the article “C Raja Mohan writes: As Modi meets Macron, the challenges that they will need to reflect on” published in “Indian Express” on 24th January 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations – Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements… Continue reading India and French Bilateral Relations
Canada’s Foreign Students Cap: Impact on Indian Students
Source-This post on the Canada Foreign Students Cap has been created based on the article “Why Canada has put curbs on foreign students, and how Indians are impacted” published in “The Indian Express” on 24th January 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – International Relations – Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving… Continue reading Canada’s Foreign Students Cap: Impact on Indian Students
Challenges faced by IMEC – A revival of the IMEC idea amid choppy geopolitics
Source: The post Challenges faced by IMEC has been created, based on the article “A revival of the IMEC idea amid choppy geopolitics” published in “The Hindu” on 22nd January 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – International Relations – Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. News:… Continue reading Challenges faced by IMEC – A revival of the IMEC idea amid choppy geopolitics
Consensus Regarding Cooperation Between India and France
Source: The post consensus regarding cooperation between India and France has been created, based on the article “Why India Says France Mon Ami” published in “Times of India” on 20th January 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – International Relations – Bilateral, Regional and Global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests… Continue reading Consensus Regarding Cooperation Between India and France
Defense Ties-up Between India and UK
Source: This post on India-U.K. Defense Ties has been created based on the article “Defense Ties-up Between India and UK” published in “The Hindu” on 19th January 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – International Relations – Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. News: The article discusses… Continue reading Defense Ties-up Between India and UK
Challenges faced by WEF – Davos is a talk show
Source: This post is created based on the article ‘Davos is a talk show: It’s voluble but not weighty’ published in “Live Mint” on 18th January 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – International Relations News: World Economic Forum’s (WEF) 54th Annual Meeting at Davos began this Monday. What are the highlights of the… Continue reading Challenges faced by WEF – Davos is a talk show
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.
