UPSC Essentials GS-2 Mains Practice Week 143: US-Iran Tensions, IEA Importance
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• Updated on 25 Feb, 2026, 6:37 PM, by Arman Kumar
The latest UPSC Essentials Week 143 article provides structured mains answer practice for GS-2, focusing on how escalating tensions between the US and Iran could influence global oil markets and the strategic implications for India’s foreign policy and energy security. The second question explores the significance of the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the importance of India securing full membership for broader engagement in global energy governance.
The UPSC Essentials weekly feature for Mains answer practice — GS-2 (Week 143) has been published, presenting aspirants with two significant analytical questions tailored to sharpen conceptual clarity and answer-writing skills for the UPSC Civil Services Main Examination.
GS-2 Question 1: Escalating US-Iran Tensions and Global Oil Markets
The first practice question invites candidates to discuss how rising geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran may affect global oil markets, and what strategic implications such developments could hold for India’s foreign policy and energy security. Experts suggest that heightened conflict risks disrupting energy flows through strategic chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of crude exports passes. Military escalation or potential blockade scenarios could lead to volatility in international oil prices and pressure on imports for major consumers like India. For India — one of the leading global consumers of oil — sustained price spikes would increase the import bill substantially and necessitate recalibration of diplomatic engagement to balance relations with the United States, Iran and other Gulf producers while safeguarding national energy interests.
GS-2 Question 2: IEA’s Role and India’s Strategic Importance
The second question focuses on the International Energy Agency (IEA), a key global energy governance institution that has expanded its role beyond oil supply stability to encompass broader energy transition, climate policies and critical minerals analysis. Candidates are asked to evaluate the significance of the IEA and explain why India obtaining full membership holds strategic importance. Analysts note that full membership would deepen India’s engagement in shaping global energy frameworks, enhance access to comprehensive energy data, and reinforce its role in international deliberations concerning energy security and clean energy transitions. With India emerging as one of the fastest-growing energy markets in the world, active participation in the IEA’s decision-making architecture could bolster its influence on global energy governance and support long-term sustainability goals.
UPSC Preparation Value of Weekly Answer Practice
Weekly UPSC Essentials answer practice articles serve as an invaluable resource for aspirants preparing for GS-2 mains, particularly in current affairs and international relations segments. They offer structured questions along with thought processes and key points that help in conceptualising comprehensive answers under exam conditions. English SEO slug) for multilingual publication, just let me know!
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