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 the issues with Supreme Court’s MFN verdict – A verdict that hampers international law obligations
Source: This post on the issues with Supreme Court’s MFN verdict has been created based on the article “A verdict that hampers international law obligations” published in The Hindu on 8th 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. GS… Continue reading On the issues with Supreme Court’s MFN verdict – A verdict that hampers international law obligations
On India-Bhutan Relations – India’s emerging challenge in Bhutan
Source: The post is based on the article “India’s emerging challenge in Bhutan” published in “Business standard” on 3rd November 2023. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations – India and its neighborhood- relations. News: The article discusses Bhutan’s Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji’s visit to China, marking progress in resolving border disputes and potentially… Continue reading On India-Bhutan Relations – India’s emerging challenge in Bhutan
On the shortcomings of UN – Is the United Nations toothless in ending wars?
Source: This post on the shortcomings of UN has been created based on the article “Is the United Nations toothless in ending wars?” published in The Hindu on 3rd November 2023. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations – Important International institutions, agencies and fora – their structure, mandate. News: This article discusses the reasons… Continue reading On the shortcomings of UN – Is the United Nations toothless in ending wars?
On India’s approach to the Most Favoured Nation status – Supreme Court’s decision on tax treaties clarifies India’s Most Favoured Nation approach
Source: The post on India’s approach to the Most Favoured Nation status is based on the article “Supreme Court’s decision on tax treaties clarifies India’s Most Favoured Nation approach” published in “Indian Express” on 2nd November 2023. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International relations – Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India… Continue reading On India’s approach to the Most Favoured Nation status – Supreme Court’s decision on tax treaties clarifies India’s Most Favoured Nation approach
On the working of the IMF – Act with urgency to reform the international monetary system
Source: The post on the working of the IMF is based on the article “Act with urgency to reform the international monetary system” published in Live mint on 1st November 2023. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International relations – Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate. News: The global economy faces challenges… Continue reading On the working of the IMF – Act with urgency to reform the international monetary system
On India’s stance in the UN on the Israel-Palestine Conflict – India’s vote on UN resolution marks a new realism in Middle East policy; No Error On Terror
Source: This post on India’s stance in the UN on the Israel-Palestine Conflict has been created based on the articles “India’s vote on UN resolution marks a new realism in Middle East policy” and “No Error On Terror” published in The Indian Express and The Times of India respectively on 30th October 2023. UPSC Syllabus… Continue reading On India’s stance in the UN on the Israel-Palestine Conflict – India’s vote on UN resolution marks a new realism in Middle East policy; No Error On Terror
On Potential of India-China Relations: A China-India partnership, its vast global potential
Source: The post on Potential of India-China Relations is based on the article “A China-India partnership, its vast global potential” published in “The Hindu” on 28th October 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… Continue reading On Potential of India-China Relations: A China-India partnership, its vast global potential
On Israel-Palestine Conflict- Israel & limits of military power
Source: This post on the Israel-Palestine conflict has been created based on the article “Israel & limits of military power” published in Business Standard on 28th October 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 shortcomings… Continue reading On Israel-Palestine Conflict- Israel & limits of military power
On India’s bid to host Olympics 2036 – Is India ready to host the Olympic Games?
Source: This post on India’s bid to host Olympics 2036 has been created based on the article “Is India ready to host the Olympic Games?” published in The Hindu on 27th October 2023. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations — India’s Soft Power. GS Paper 2 Governance — Government policies and interventions for… Continue reading On India’s bid to host Olympics 2036 – Is India ready to host the Olympic Games?
On India-Qatar relations – Qatar Questions
Source: This post on India-Qatar relations has been created based on the article “Qatar Questions” published in The Times of India on 27th October 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: This article discusses the recent challenge for Indian… Continue reading On India-Qatar relations – Qatar Questions
The legality of using white phosphorus
Source: This post on the topic white phosphorus has been created based on the article “The legality of using white phosphorus” published in The Hindu on 26th October 2023. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations — Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements. News: This article discusses the military applications of white phosphorus in… Continue reading The legality of using white phosphorus
On Pakistani artists in India – Bombay High Court’s ‘salaam’ to art without borders
Source: This post has been created based on the article “Bombay High Court’s ‘salaam’ to art without borders” published in The Indian Express on 25th October 2023. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations — India and its neighborhood- relations. News: This article discusses the recent Bombay High Court decision to lift the ban on Pakistani… Continue reading On Pakistani artists in India – Bombay High Court’s ‘salaam’ to art without borders
Behind the Global South-The geopolitical phrase of 2023
Source: The post is based on the article “Behind the Global South-The geopolitical phrase of 2023 – but what does it actually mean?” published in Business standard on 23rd October 2023. Syllabus: GS2- International relation- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests News: The article discusses India’s aspirations to… Continue reading Behind the Global South-The geopolitical phrase of 2023
Trade potential — India should reconsider its RCEP decision
Source: This post has been created based on the article “Trade potential — India should reconsider its RCEP decision” published in Business Standard on 23rd October 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: This article discusses the need for… Continue reading Trade potential — India should reconsider its RCEP decision
C Raja Mohan writes: If the Gaza crisis explodes, India too will lose
Source: This post has been created based on the article “If the Gaza crisis explodes, India too will lose” published in The Indian Express on 21st October 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 implications… Continue reading C Raja Mohan writes: If the Gaza crisis explodes, India too will lose
Sea service — Ferry between Tamil Nadu, Northern Sri Lanka holds much potential.
Source: This post has been created based on the article “Sea service” published in The Hindu on 19th October 2023. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations — India and its neighborhood- relations. News: This article discusses the potential of the recent opening of passenger ferry service between Sri Lanka and India. It also proposes… Continue reading Sea service — Ferry between Tamil Nadu, Northern Sri Lanka holds much potential.
A renewed Sri Lankan engagement
Source: The post is based on the article “A renewed Sri Lankan engagement” published in “Business standard” on 18th October 2023. Syllabus: GS2- International relation- India and its neighbourhood- relations. News: Sri Lanka faced a big economic crisis. India helped a lot, giving money and resources. Many Sri Lankans now feel positive towards India. Tourism… Continue reading A renewed Sri Lankan engagement
India-Sri Lanka ferry service restarted after 40 yrs: Opportunities, challenges
Source: The post is based on the article “India-Sri Lanka ferry service restarted after 40 yrs: Opportunities, challenges” published in The Indian Express on 17th October 2023. Syllabus: GS 2 – International Relations – Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Relevance: About the launch of ferry service between India… Continue reading India-Sri Lanka ferry service restarted after 40 yrs: Opportunities, challenges
On Middle East, Delhi must stay with abiding principles, find points of convergence
Source: The post is based on the article “On Middle East, Delhi must stay with abiding principles, find points of convergence” published in The Indian Express on 16th October 2023. Syllabus: GS 2 – International Relations – Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests Relevance: concerns associated with Israel-Palestine conflict… Continue reading On Middle East, Delhi must stay with abiding principles, find points of convergence
A war that ends the Saudi-Israel ‘normalisation’ process
Source: This post has been created based on the article “A war that ends the Saudi-Israel ‘normalisation’ process” published in The Hindu on 14th October 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 negative fallout of… Continue reading A war that ends the Saudi-Israel ‘normalisation’ process
India and Maldives ties: Despite China, bound by history and geography
Source: The post is based on the article “India and Maldives ties: Despite China, bound by history and geography” published in “Indian express” on 14th October 2023. Syllabus: GS2- International relation- India and its neighbourhood- relations. News: The article discusses the deep-rooted relationship between India and Maldives, highlighting the historical, economic, and strategic connections. It… Continue reading India and Maldives ties: Despite China, bound by history and geography
Balancing policy- India must pressure Israel to act responsibly in the face of terror
Source: The post is based on the article “Balancing policy- India must pressure Israel to act responsibly in the face of terror” published in The Hindu on 14th October 2023. Syllabus: GS2- International relation- Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests. News: The article discusses India’s response to a… Continue reading Balancing policy- India must pressure Israel to act responsibly in the face of terror
P20: A parliamentary dimension to global governance
Source: This post has been created based on the article “P20: A parliamentary dimension to global governance” published in The Indian Express on 13th October 2023. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations — Global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. News: This article discusses the various achievements of Indian democracy since… Continue reading P20: A parliamentary dimension to global governance
UN Security Council reform is a song in a loop
Source: This post has been created based on the article “UN Security Council reform is a song in a loop” published in The Hindu on 12th October 2023. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations — Important International institutions, agencies and fora – their structure, mandate. News: This article discusses the structural issues of equity… Continue reading UN Security Council reform is a song in a loop
The essentials of G20’s corridor initiative
Source: The post is based on the article “The essentials of G20’s corridor initiative” published in Business Standard on 11th October 2023. Syllabus: GS 2 – International Relations – Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Relevance: About the India Middle East Europe Corridor (IMEEC) News: The article explains about… Continue reading The essentials of G20’s corridor 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.
