UPSC PracticeUPSC Practice
Current Affairs

Editorials · International Relations

Syllabus-mapped editorials, PIB updates, reports, judgments, and policy news for prelims and mains revision.

Today's practice test

20 August 2026

GS-2Editorials20 Aug 2026thehindu.com

A Palestinian state is the foundation for regional peace

The article argues that the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and viable Palestinian state is the only solution to the decades-long conflict in West Asia, essential for regional peace and stability. It discusses the 'two-state solution' and its historical context, including the Balfour Declaration, the 1947 UN resolution, and the Oslo Accords. The piece highlights the roles of key regional players like Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah, and external mediators such as the United States and the United Nations. It also touches upon the historical evolution of relations between Israel and its neighbors, the impact of the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran, and the current challenges to peace, particularly post-October 2023 events. The author emphasizes the need for enlightened leadership and external mediation to achieve a lasting resolution.

International Relations
Read analysis

17 August 2026

16 August 2026

GS-2Editorials16 Aug 2026indianexpress.com

Power of the name: Why ‘Mecca’ matters in new defence pact

The article title "Power of the name: Why ‘Mecca’ matters in new defence pact" suggests an analysis of the geopolitical significance of the city of Mecca within the context of a recently formed defense agreement. It likely explores how the symbolic or religious importance of Mecca influences the dynamics, membership, or objectives of this pact, indicating a focus on international relations and regional power dynamics.

International Relations
Read analysis

15 August 2026

13 August 2026

11 August 2026

GS-2Editorials11 Aug 2026thehindu.com

Do not write the obituary of international law yet

The article argues against the premature declaration of international law's demise, despite ongoing global conflicts and the perceived ineffectiveness of international institutions. It highlights that states continue to invoke and justify their actions based on international legal principles, and that international law underpins daily global interactions, from aviation to trade and diplomacy. While acknowledging its imperfections and structural limitations, the article emphasizes that international law provides a crucial framework for cooperation, dispute resolution, and a rules-based international order, especially for developing nations, and that crises often lead to its adaptation rather than abandonment.

International Relations
Read analysis

10 August 2026

GS-2Editorials10 Aug 2026thehindu.com

Xi Jinping’s doctrine for a self-governing party

The article analyzes Chinese President Xi Jinping's doctrine of 'comprehensive and strict self-governance' within the Communist Party of China (CPC), highlighting its connection to his extensive anti-corruption campaign and broader party-building agenda. It discusses the establishment of 'Xi Jinping Thought on Party Building' as a systematized doctrine to entrench his authority, enforce loyalty, and mold a political class aligned with his vision, ahead of his likely bid for a fourth term as General Secretary.

International Relations
Read analysis
GS-2Editorials10 Aug 2026thehindu.com

Shifting sands: On the Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye Joint Defence Agreement

The article discusses the 'Mecca Agreement,' a joint defense pact signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye in August 2026. This agreement reflects shared strategic anxieties and a shifting security architecture in West Asia, driven by a reduced U.S. strategic presence and ongoing regional conflicts involving Iran and Israel. The pact aims to bolster collective security and deterrence, treating an attack on one member as an attack on all. While the alliance appears formidable on paper due to the capabilities of its members (Pakistan's nuclear status, Saudi Arabia's economic influence, Türkiye's military industrial base), the article questions its immediate credibility and effectiveness as a deterrent, given that it was signed amidst ongoing conflicts.

International Relations
Read analysis
GS-2Editorials10 Aug 2026thehindu.com

A new security triangle emerges with the Makkah Pact

The article analyzes the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement (MJDA) signed by Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Pakistan, exploring its potential as a 'Muslim NATO' and its implications for regional security. It discusses the motivations, internal challenges, and uncertainties surrounding the alliance, including historical rivalries and differing expectations among signatories. The piece also examines Saudi Arabia's security needs, the role of the U.S., and the potential impact of the MJDA on India's interests in the turbulent Gulf region, emphasizing India's stable and moderate ties with Riyadh.

International Relations
Read analysis

08 August 2026

GS-2Editorials08 Aug 2026thehindu.com

The changing logic of the India-U.S. partnership

The article analyzes the evolving India-U.S. partnership, highlighting a shift in U.S. foreign policy towards 'flexible realism,' which prioritizes national interest, reciprocity, and tangible strategic and economic value over mere strategic convergence. This change, partly influenced by China's rise, means India can no longer solely rely on U.S.-China competition to enhance its strategic relevance. Instead, India must build its own capabilities (economic, technological, military) and pursue 'strategic autonomy' through 'multi-alignment' to strengthen its position and make the partnership more balanced and resilient.

International Relations
Read analysis

UPSC MAINS PREP

Practise these topics in Mains evaluation

Upload a handwritten answer on any of these topics and get examiner-style feedback in under 2 minutes.

Upload your answer