GS Paper II · International Relations

International Relations Current Affairs for UPSC 2026

India’s ties with neighbours and major powers, groupings, agreements and global institutions — explained the way UPSC asks them. Lock the facts for Prelims, and frame India’s interests for Mains.

Read today’s lead story →See the exam lens

Inside every article

01
Quick-facts tableThe Prelims facts, in one glance
02
5 Prelims MCQsUPSC-style statements, answers hidden
03
Mains answer structureIntro, body dimensions, conclusion
04
Punjab & Haryana PCS angleThe state exam link, where it exists
The UPSC exam lens

How IR is tested

● Prelims radar

What gets asked

Prelims asks who is in which grouping, where a place is, and what an agreement or exercise involves.

Groupings & membersQUAD, BRICS, SCO, G20
Places in newsStraits, borders, conflict zones
Agreements & exercisesPartners, scope, year
Global institutionsHeadquarters, mandate
India–USIndia–ChinaIndia–RussiaBRICSQUADUnited NationsWest Asia
● Mains lens · GS II

The syllabus, and the question it becomes

Each line below is from the official UPSC syllabus, with the angle examiners usually take.

  1. India and its neighbourhood — relationsNeighbourhood First, connectivity, security concerns.
  2. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreementsWhat India gains, trade-offs and strategic autonomy.
  3. Effect of policies of developed and developing countries on IndiaTariffs, sanctions, technology and energy security.
  4. Indian diasporaSoft power, remittances and protection of workers.
  5. Important international institutions, agencies and foraStructure, mandate and the case for reform.
Today’s lead

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The archive

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Aspirants ask

Frequently Asked Questions

Which UPSC paper covers international relations?

General Studies Paper II covers India and its neighbourhood, bilateral and global groupings, the effect of other countries’ policies on India, the Indian diaspora, and international institutions.

How should I study IR current affairs for Prelims?

Track groupings and their members, places in the news on a map, and the partners and scope of agreements and military exercises. Revise with the MCQs at the end of each article.

How often is this page updated?

Every day. New international relations articles appear here as soon as they are published, with the newest as the lead story.

Are these notes useful for state PCS exams?

Yes. Each article carries a Punjab and Haryana PCS angle, so the same notes work for Punjab PCS, HCS and other state services along with UPSC.

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