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
On India losing influence in South Asia
Source: The post on India losing influence in South Asia has been created based on the article “Is India ‘losing’ South Asia? That’s not the question” published in “Indian Express” on 27th December 2023. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – International Relations-India and its neighbourhood- relations. News: The article discusses India’s waning influence in… Continue reading On India losing influence in South Asia
On International Maritime Trade and Choke Points – Global trade disruption
Source: This post on International Maritime Trade and Choke Points has been created based on the article “Global trade disruption” published in “Business Standard” on 26th December 2023. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations – Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests. News: The article discusses the… Continue reading On International Maritime Trade and Choke Points – Global trade disruption
Present challenges in the Red Sea-The stormy Red Sea
Source: The post challenges in the Red Sea has been created on the article “The stormy Red Sea, the complexities of global events” published in “The Hindu” on 18th December 2023. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper2- International relations- Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, & GS paper3- Security-… Continue reading Present challenges in the Red Sea-The stormy Red Sea
Maldives not allowing India to survey its waters –x` Patience and vigilance
Source: The post Maldives not allowing India to survey its waters has been created on the article “Express View on Maldives and India: Patience and vigilance” published in “Indian express” on 16th December 2023. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper2- International relation-India and its neighborhood-relations. News: The Maldives government chose not to renew a 2019 agreement… Continue reading Maldives not allowing India to survey its waters –x` Patience and vigilance
On India-Oman Bilateral Relations – A time-honoured connect that will help bridge the Gulf
Source: This post on India-Oman Bilateral Relations has been created based on the article “A time-honoured connect that will help bridge the Gulf” published in “The Hindu” on 16th December 2023. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations – India and its neighborhood-relations. News: The article discusses the importance and the key highlights of… Continue reading On India-Oman Bilateral Relations – A time-honoured connect that will help bridge the Gulf
India’s evolving foreign policy, a new pointer to India’s changed world view
Source: The post India’s evolving foreign policy has been created on the article “Gaza, a new pointer to India’s changed world view” published in “The Hindu” on 14th December 2023. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 2- International relation- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests News: The article discusses… Continue reading India’s evolving foreign policy, a new pointer to India’s changed world view
Economic relations between India and Sri Lanka -Bridge this deficit
Source: The post economic relations between India and Sri Lanka has been created based on the article “Bridge this deficit between India and Sri Lanka” published in The Hindu on 9th December 2023. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- International relation- India and its neighborhood- relations. News: The article discusses Sri Lanka’s efforts to strengthen… Continue reading Economic relations between India and Sri Lanka -Bridge this deficit
On India-Maldives relations – Maldives: From a beach resort to a worry spot
Source: This post on India-Maldives relations has been created based on the article “Maldives: From a beach resort to a worry spot” published in “Live Mint” on 8th December 2023. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations – India and its neighborhood – relations. News: The article discusses the changing dynamics of India-Maldives bilateral… Continue reading On India-Maldives relations – Maldives: From a beach resort to a worry spot
India’s neighbourhood dilemmas -India’s growing neighbourhood dilemmas
Source: The post India’s neighbourhood dilemmas has been created on the article “India’s growing neighbourhood dilemmas” published in “The Hindu” on 8th December 2023. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 2- International relation- India and its neighbourhood- relations. News: The article discusses India’s difficulties in managing relationships with neighbouring countries in South Asia. It highlights challenges… Continue reading India’s neighbourhood dilemmas -India’s growing neighbourhood dilemmas
On Kra Isthmus Project- Kra, New Delhi’s New KRA
Source: The post on Kra Isthmus Project has been created based on the article “Kra, New Delhi’s New KRA” published in “The Times of India” on 2nd December 2023. 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 Thailand’s… Continue reading On Kra Isthmus Project- Kra, New Delhi’s New KRA
On Foreign Policy – Henry Kissinger was a man of the world
Source: This post on Foreign Policy has been created based on the article “Henry Kissinger was a man of the world” published in “Indian Express” on 1st December 2023. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations – Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests. News: This article discusses… Continue reading On Foreign Policy – Henry Kissinger was a man of the world
US charge against India in Pannun case – A lot at stake
Source: The post on A US charge against India in Pannun case has been created based on the article “A lot at stake-India’s reputation as a principled power is at stake after the indictment” published in “The Hindu” on 1st December 2023. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 2- International relation- Bilateral, regional and global groupings… Continue reading US charge against India in Pannun case – A lot at stake
Shift in Maldives’ foreign policy- With Mohamed Muizzu’s India-out policy, Turkey’s inroads into Maldives
Source: The post shift in Maldives’ foreign policy has been created on the article “With Mohamed Muizzu’s India-out policy, Turkey’s inroads into Maldives” published in “Indian express” on 29 November 2023. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 2- International relation-India and its neighbourhood-relations. News: The article talks about how the Maldives, under its new President Mohamed… Continue reading Shift in Maldives’ foreign policy- With Mohamed Muizzu’s India-out policy, Turkey’s inroads into Maldives
On the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework- IPEF agreement: India has played its cards quite well
Source: The post on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework has been created based on the article “IPEF agreement: India has played its cards quite well” published in “Live Mint” on 24th November 2023. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- International relation– Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests News: The… Continue reading On the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework- IPEF agreement: India has played its cards quite well
APEC summit 2023 – To beat China, India must engage with APEC
Source: The post APEC summit 2023 has been created based on the article “To beat China, India must engage with APEC” published in “Indian express” on 24th November 2023. 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 is… Continue reading APEC summit 2023 – To beat China, India must engage with APEC
On US-China Relations – Building the floor
Source: This post on US-China Relations has been created based on the article “Building the floor” published in The Hindu on 18th November 2023. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations – Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests. News: This article discusses the main outcomes of the… Continue reading On US-China Relations – Building the floor
On The Myanmar Crisis – How resistance forces in Myanmar pose a serious threat to the junta
Source: The post on the Myanmar crisis has been created on the article “How resistance forces in Myanmar pose a serious threat to the junta” published in Indian Express on 18th November 2023. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations – India and its neighbourhood- relations. News: The article discusses the intense conflict in… Continue reading On The Myanmar Crisis – How resistance forces in Myanmar pose a serious threat to the junta
On India-West Asia Relations – Why peace in West Asia matters to India
Source: This post on India-West Asia Relations has been created on the article “Ram Madhav writes: Why peace in West Asia matters to India” published in Indian Express on 18th November 2023. 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 On India-West Asia Relations – Why peace in West Asia matters to India
On the Impact of US-China Summit on India – The US-China truce
Source: This post on is based on the article “The US-China truce: Where India needs to assess the changes in great power relations” published in Indian Express on 17th November 2023. 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… Continue reading On the Impact of US-China Summit on India – The US-China truce
On India’s approach to Defence Modernisation – Sukhoi upgrade
Source: This post on India’s approach to Defence Modernisation is based on the article “Sukhoi upgrade: An ode to our geopolitical neutrality” published in Live Mint on 15th November 2023. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations. GS Paper 3 Science and Technology – Indigenisation of technology and developing new technology. News: This article… Continue reading On India’s approach to Defence Modernisation – Sukhoi upgrade
On India-Qatar relations – The Qatar death row and India’s options
Source: This post on India-Qatar relations has been created based on the article “The Qatar death row and India’s options” published in The Hindu on 15th November 2023. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations – Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests. News: This article discusses the various… Continue reading On India-Qatar relations – The Qatar death row and India’s options
Couter terrorism policies – Realism, not machismo, to counter terror
Source: The post on counterterrorism policies is based on the article “Realism, not machismo, to counter terror” published in “The Hindu” on 14th November 2023. Syllabus: GS2- International relation- India and its neighborhood- relations. News: The article discusses India’s strategic restraint after the 2008 Mumbai attacks and contrasts it with Israel’s response to Hamas. It… Continue reading Couter terrorism policies – Realism, not machismo, to counter terror
On the India-UK Trade Deal – Prospects & challenges
Source: This post on the India-UK Trade Deal is based on the article “India-UK trade deal: Prospects & challenges” published in Business Standard on 9th November 2023. 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 the Free… Continue reading On the India-UK Trade Deal – Prospects & challenges
On India and the Taiwan conflict – Taiwan, a Malacca blockade and India’s options
Source: This post on India and the Taiwan conflict has been created based on the article “Taiwan, a Malacca blockade and India’s options” published in The Hindu on 9th November 2023. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations – Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests. News: This article… Continue reading On India and the Taiwan conflict – Taiwan, a Malacca blockade and India’s options
On India-Bhutan Relations – Closer together
Source: The post on India-Bhutan relations is based on the article “Closer together – India and Bhutan can change the development story of the region” published in The Hindu on 8th November 2023. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations – India and its neighbourhood – relations. News: This article discusses the outcomes of… Continue reading On India-Bhutan Relations – Closer together
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.
