International Relations Current Affairs Updates For UPSC IAS Mains 2024 Examination

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

India-Nepal relations

Source-This post on India-Nepal relations has been created based on the article “Amid Nepal’s continuing political turmoil, confidence vote win for PM Prachanda, the task for India” published in “The Indian Express” on 18 March 2024. UPSC Syllabus–GS Paper-2-International relations– India and its Neighborhood- Relations. News– Nepal’s Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda has recently… Continue reading India-Nepal relations

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Gelephu Mindfulness City project: Bhutan’s opening move, its Gelephu gambit

Source: The post Gelephu Mindfulness City project has been created, based on the article “Bhutan’s opening move, its Gelephu gambit”published in “ The Hindu” on 15th March 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-International relations-India and its neighbourhood- relations. News: The article discusses Bhutan’s plan to build a carbon-neutral city called Gelephu Mindfulness City, which… Continue reading Gelephu Mindfulness City project: Bhutan’s opening move, its Gelephu gambit

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Ramification of regime change in USA for India

Source – This post on Ramification of regime change in USA for India has been created based on the article “C Raja Mohan writes: The challenges of a Trump presidency for India” published in “The Indian Express” on 13 March 2024. UPSC Syllabus – GS Paper- 2 -International relations- Effect of Policies and Politics of… Continue reading Ramification of regime change in USA for India

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The India-EFTA trade deal : A win-win proposition on various dimension

Source-This post on The India-EFTA trade deal: A win-win proposition on various dimension has been created based on the article “The India-EFTA trade deal: It is a win-win on various dimensions” and “India should focus on bringing technology” published in “Mint” and “Business Standard” on 12 March 2024. UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2-International relations- Bilateral, Regional and… Continue reading The India-EFTA trade deal : A win-win proposition on various dimension

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Indians’ diaspora in conflict zones – Not law, nor duty Indians are being lured into fighting another country’s war

Source: The post integrating modern and traditional medicine (AYUSH) systems has been created, based on the article “Not law, nor duty Indians are being lured into fighting another country’s war” published in “Indian express” on 11th March 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – International Relations – Effect of policies and politics of developed… Continue reading Indians’ diaspora in conflict zones – Not law, nor duty Indians are being lured into fighting another country’s war

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India Joining the IEA as a full member- India and the IEA: Friends with benefits?

Source: The post India joining the IEA as a full member has been created, based on the article “India and the IEA: Friends with benefits?” published in “Business Standard” on 7th March 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – International relations – Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate News: This article… Continue reading India Joining the IEA as a full member- India and the IEA: Friends with benefits?

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Developing rail networks to improve economic ties and transportation efficiency- Railways holds the key to regional growth

Source: The post developing rail networks to improve economic ties and transportation efficiency has been created, based on the article “Railways holds the key to regional growth” published in “Indian express” on 4th March 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-International relations- India and its neighbourhood- relations. News: The article discusses the development of railway… Continue reading Developing rail networks to improve economic ties and transportation efficiency- Railways holds the key to regional growth

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Change and continuity in India’s Palestine policy

Source: This post has been created, based on the article “Change and continuity in India’s Palestine policy” published in “The Hindu” on 2nd March 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 how India’s policy towards Palestine has… Continue reading Change and continuity in India’s Palestine policy

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Development of Agaléga – India’s rising power in the Indian Ocean

Source-This post on Development of Agaléga:-India’s rising power in the Indian Ocean has been created based on the article “With Mauritius joining project, India’s rising power in the Indian Ocean” published in “The Indian Express” on 2 March 2024. UPSC Syllabus–GS Paper 2– International Relations-India and its Neighborhood. News– Prime Ministers of India and Mauritius… Continue reading Development of Agaléga – India’s rising power in the Indian Ocean

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Common challenges in the Ukraine and Middle East conflicts- There’s a lesson for India in the wars going on overseas

Source: The post common challenges in the Ukraine and Middle East conflicts has been created, based on the article “There’s a lesson for India in the wars going on overseas” published in “Live mints” on 1st March 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-International relation-Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s… Continue reading Common challenges in the Ukraine and Middle East conflicts- There’s a lesson for India in the wars going on overseas

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Indian recruitment in conflict zones- Lives and livelihoods

Source: The post Indian recruitment in conflict zones has been created, based on the article “Lives and livelihoods: India must have protocols in place to protect emigrants from conflicts” published in “The Hindu” on 29th February 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-International relations-Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s… Continue reading Indian recruitment in conflict zones- Lives and livelihoods

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Raisina Dialogue: Significance and issues

Source-This post on Raisina Dialogue: Significance and issues has been created based on the article “At the high table” published in “The Hindu” on 24 February 2024. Syllabus-GS Paper 2 – International Relations – Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. News– Recently, the 9th edition of the Raisina… Continue reading Raisina Dialogue: Significance and issues

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IMEC potential to address Red sea crisis

Source-This post on MEC potential to address Red sea crisis has been created based on the article “Can the IMEC address the Red Sea crisis?” published in “The Hindu” on 22 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.… Continue reading IMEC potential to address Red sea crisis

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On the Nordic-Baltic Countries’ Relations with India – The NB8 visit to India focuses on cooperation and trust

Source: This post on the Nordic-Baltic Countries’ Relations with India has been created based on the article “The NB8 visit to India focuses on cooperation and trust” published in “The Hindu” on 24th February 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations – Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting… Continue reading On the Nordic-Baltic Countries’ Relations with India – The NB8 visit to India focuses on cooperation and trust

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On India-UK Defence Ties – In a tough world, the beacon of U.K.-India strategic ties

Source: This post on India-UK Defence Ties has been created based on the article “In a tough world, the beacon of U.K.-India strategic ties” published in “The Hindu” on 23rd 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 On India-UK Defence Ties – In a tough world, the beacon of U.K.-India strategic ties

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Factors are responsible for strengthening the relationship between Greece and India

Source: The post factors are responsible for strengthening the relationship between Greece and India has been created, based on the article “Greece’s gateway to Asia, India’s gateway to Europe” published in “The Hindu” on 20th February 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-International Relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s… Continue reading Factors are responsible for strengthening the relationship between Greece and India

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The rise of Diplomatic Fora and ‘Intelligence Diplomacy’

Source: This post has been created based on the article “C Raja Mohan writes: The rise of ‘intelligence diplomacy’ in a time of global security challenges” published in “Indian Express” on 20th February 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations – Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. News: The article… Continue reading The rise of Diplomatic Fora and ‘Intelligence Diplomacy’

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India “non-West” but not “anti-West” alignment -Express View on India’s Foreign Policy

Source: The post India as “non-West” but not “anti-West” has been created, based on the article “Express View on India’s foreign policy: Non-West, not anti-West” published in “Indian express” on 19th 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… Continue reading India “non-West” but not “anti-West” alignment -Express View on India’s Foreign Policy

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China’s ‘Xiaokang’ border defence villages

Source: The post China’s ‘Xiaokang’ border defence villages has been created, based on the article “Explained: China’s ‘Xiaokang’ border defence villages along the LAC, now being occupied” published in “Indian express” on 17th February 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 2-International relations- India and its neighbourhood- relations. News: The article discusses how China is building… Continue reading China’s ‘Xiaokang’ border defence villages

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Challenges of India and Europe FTA – Brave new world

Source: The post Challenges of India and Europe FTA has been created, based on the article “Brave new world: India must invest in fundamental research to develop reliable drugs” published in “The Hindu” on 17th February 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 2- International Relations- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or… Continue reading Challenges of India and Europe FTA – Brave new world

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Defence Exports: A Strategic Imperative

Source: This post has been created based on the article “Defence exports: A strategic imperative” published in “Business Standard” on 16th 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 India’s defence exports industry – its… Continue reading Defence Exports: A Strategic Imperative

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US opioid crisis-The US opioid crisis: Is it a theatre of Cold War Il?

Source: The post US opioid crisis has been created, based on the article “The US opioid crisis: Is it a theatre of Cold War Il?” published in “Live mints” on 16th February 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper2-International relations – Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests. News: This… Continue reading US opioid crisis-The US opioid crisis: Is it a theatre of Cold War Il?

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On Strengthening of India’s Ties with the Gulf

Source: This post on Strengthening of India’s Ties with the Gulf has been created based on the article “C Raja Mohan writes: In closer ties with the Gulf, a significant win for Indian diplomacy” published in “Indian Express” on 14th February 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations – Bilateral, regional and global… Continue reading On Strengthening of India’s Ties with the Gulf

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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

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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.

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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.
SubjectSyllabus
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.

 

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