What is the common examiner trap about Intl. Relations in UPSC exams?

They will ask about the 'post-9/11 wars' cost ($8 trillion) but provide options mixing it with the cost of the 'US-Iran war'. They may also swap the casualty figures for civilians vs. total deaths from the Cost of War project.

What should UPSC aspirants remember about Intl. Relations for Prelims?

1. Target this Data: US spent $11.3 billion in first 6 days of war (Feb 28, 2026). 2. Target this Nodal Body: Costs of War Project (Watson School, Brown University). 3. Target this Comparison: India's defence budget for 2026 is ₹7.8 lakh crore.

International RelationsEconomy

Take AI Challenge ▸

News 13 of 24

US-Israel War with Iran Costs $14B Weekly, 50% Oil Price Rise, Compared to India's ₹7.8 Lakh Cr Defence Budget

Q: The 'Costs of War' research project, cited in the article for data on post-9/11 conflicts, is run by which university?

Brown University, The article explicitly states that the Watson School of International and Public Affairs in Brown University runs the Cost of War research project. This is a factual recall from the provided content.

Q: Consider the following statements regarding the costs associated with the US-Iran war as per the article: 1. Israel's Finance Ministry claimed the country is spending $3 billion per week on the conflict. 2. The US Department of Defense spent close to $2 billion per day in the first six days of the war. 3. The post-9/11 wars, according to a 2021 study, have cost the US government about $8 trillion in current dollars. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

All three, Statement 1 is correct as per the Israeli Finance Ministry claim mentioned. Statement 2 is correct; the article states the US spent $11.3 billion in six days, which is ~$2B/day. Statement 3 is correct as per the cited 2021 study from the Costs of War project. All facts are directly from the article.

Q: According to the article, by what percentage have crude oil prices increased since the start of the US-Iran war?

50%, The article clearly states: 'Crude oil prices have shot up by almost 50% since the start of the war.' The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Q: As discussed in the article, what is the primary implication of the concept of 'opportunity cost' in the context of war expenditure?

It signifies the societal benefits foregone (like education, infrastructure) when resources are diverted to war., The article defines opportunity cost as the '"money which could have gone towards societally beneficial expenditures such as infrastructure improvements, educational investments, and environmental protection" instead of military spending.' This matches option C. The other options are not supported by the article's explanation.

Intl. Relations Economy Security & DefenceHIGH

Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCTeachingSSC GAPrelims HighMains High

13 Mar 2026

~2 min

Source: Indian Express

Key Data:$3 billion per week (Israel)$11.3 billion in 6 days (US)50% oil price rise₹7.8 lakh crore (India Defence Budget 2026)Over 940,000 deaths (Post-9/11 wars)

Bodies:Israeli Finance MinistryUS Department of DefenseCosts of War Project (Brown University)

Practice MCQs from today's news ▸

~2 min · Quick mode

What This Article Covers

1.The US-Israel war with Iran, starting Feb 28, 2026, costs Israel $3B/week and the US ~$2B/day ($11.3B in 6 days).

2.Crude oil prices have surged 50%, feeding global inflation, while the conflict's human cost is estimated at over 940,000 deaths in post-9/11 wars.

3.Examiners will test the economic 'opportunity cost' of war, environmental impact of military emissions, and data comparisons like India's defence budget (₹7.8 lakh crore).

The Big Picture

Prelims · HighMains · High

The US-Israel conflict with Iran, beginning February 28, 2026, is costing over $14 billion per week, highlighting the massive economic and human toll of modern warfare. This news is critical for understanding the geopolitical impact on global inflation, energy security, and the opportunity cost of military spending, linking IR, Economy, and Security syllabus segments.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Israel's Weekly War Cost$3 billion

US Cost (First 6 Days)$11.3 billion

Crude Oil Price Rise50%

India's 2026 Defence Budget₹7.8 lakh crore

Post-9/11 War Deaths (2001-23)Over 940,000 (432,000+ civilians)

1-Minute Revision

›Israel's Weekly War Cost: $3 billion
›US Cost (First 6 Days): $11.3 billion
›Target this Data: US spent $11.3 billion in first 6 days of war (Feb 28, 2026).
›Target this Nodal Body: Costs of War Project (Watson School, Brown University).
›Target this Comparison: India's defence budget for 2026 is ₹7.8 lakh crore.

Mastered this topic? Test your knowledge with a full MCQ quiz.

Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

News Snapshot

💰

Staggering Direct Costs

The US-Israel war with Iran is costing an estimated $14 billion per week, with the US spending $11.3 billion in just the first six days.

🛢️

Global Economic Shock

Crude oil prices have shot up by 50% since the war began, threatening to worsen global inflation and the cost-of-living crisis.

⚖️

Human & Environmental Toll

Beyond economics, the war highlights immense human costs and environmental damage, with the US Department of Defense being the world's largest institutional oil consumer.

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

The conflict between the US-Israel alliance and Iran escalated on February 28, 2026. This follows a long history of regional tensions and provides a contemporary case study for analyzing the multi-dimensional costs of modern warfare, similar to the Russia-Ukraine war of 2022.

Core Analysis & Implications

The direct military expenditure is enormous ($14B/week), but the indirect costs are more pervasive. A 50% surge in oil prices fuels global inflation, impacting economies worldwide. The concept of 'opportunity cost' is crucial—these funds could have been used for infrastructure, education, or environmental protection. The human cost (over 940,000 deaths in post-9/11 wars) and the erosion of civil liberties documented by the Costs of War project add severe non-economic dimensions.

Future Outlook / Way Forward

With unclear war goals, the conflict may shift to lower-frequency attacks, shifting focus from direct military costs to long-term global economic instability. Future diplomatic efforts and conflict resolution mechanisms will be tested. This scenario underscores the need for international frameworks to manage geopolitical crises and mitigate their spillover effects on the global economy and security architecture.

Key Facts at a Glance

Israel's Weekly War Cost$3 billion

US Cost (First 6 Days)$11.3 billion

Crude Oil Price Rise50%

India's 2026 Defence Budget₹7.8 lakh crore

Post-9/11 War Deaths (2001-23)Over 940,000 (432,000+ civilians)

You've read the full analysis. Now test your understanding.

Practice exam-style questions based on this article.

Q1Static LinkageEasyUPSC, SSC, State PSC

The 'Costs of War' research project, cited in the article for data on post-9/11 conflicts, is run by which university?

Q2Statement-basedHardUPSC, SSC

Consider the following statements regarding the costs associated with the US-Iran war as per the article:

1. Israel's Finance Ministry claimed the country is spending $3 billion per week on the conflict.

2. The US Department of Defense spent close to $2 billion per day in the first six days of the war.

3. The post-9/11 wars, according to a 2021 study, have cost the US government about $8 trillion in current dollars.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMediumUPSC, Banking, SSC

According to the article, by what percentage have crude oil prices increased since the start of the US-Iran war?

Q4Application/ImpactMediumUPSC, SSC, Banking

As discussed in the article, what is the primary implication of the concept of 'opportunity cost' in the context of war expenditure?

All 25 MCQs ▸

Read original article from Indian Express

You finished this topic

Practice 3 MCQs from this news Next Article

Explore Related Topics

Intl. RelationsView Topic MCQs →EconomyView Topic MCQs →Security & DefenceView Topic MCQs →

PreviousSC Closes 1985 MC Mehta PIL, Orders New Suo Motu Case on NCR Air Pollution Next India Co-Sponsors UNSC Resolution 2817 Condemning Iran's Attacks on GCC Nations and Jordan

Related Current Affairs

Economy Current Affairs

West Asia Crisis: India's Net Oil & Gas Import Bill Surges 43.4% to $57.8 Billion (Apr-Jul)

India's net oil and gas import bill jumped 43.4% to $57.8 billion in April-July 2026 due to the West Asia crisis and Strait of Hormuz disruptions. This is a critical development for UPSC Economy as it directly impacts India's current account deficit, inflation, and rupee stability. The data reveals India's vulnerability to global oil shocks and the double whammy of supply tightness and price surge.

Intl. Relations Current Affairs

India-Belgium Sign Letter of Intent for Defence Cooperation: €50 Mn Ammo Plant, MCM Vessels & Drone Projects

India and Belgium signed a Letter of Intent for structural defence cooperation, covering joint exercises, maritime security, and industrial projects. Key deals include a €50 million ammunition production line (100 million rounds/year), mine countermeasure vessels, and assembly of 70mm rockets in India. This strengthens India's defence indigenisation and Belgium's foothold in the Indo-Pacific.

Intl. Relations Current Affairs

India-Belgium Strengthen Defence & Fintech Ties, Agree to Double $13.01 Bn Bilateral Trade

India and Belgium agreed to expand defence ties including co-development and co-production, set up an Investment Fast-Track Mechanism, and aim to double bilateral trade over five years. PM Modi hosted Belgian PM Bart De Wever in Delhi, a visit described as the first by a Belgian PM in two decades. Key data points — $13.01 bn trade, $4.2 bn FDI, and 7.8% GDP growth — make this relevant for prelims and mains IR/economy questions.

Economy Current Affairs

Russia Accounts for 51% of India's Oil Imports in July 2026; US House Passes 100% Tariff Bill

India's reliance on Russian oil hit a record high of 51% in July 2026, even as the US House passed a bill to impose 100% tariffs on countries importing Russian oil. This poses a strategic dilemma for India's energy security and foreign policy.

Economy Current Affairs

US Sanctioning Act: 100% Tariff on India's Russian Oil Imports

The U.S. has enacted the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, 2026, which imposes a 100% tariff on goods from countries that continue to import Russian oil. India, a top importer, faces a strategic dilemma between its energy security needs and potential trade losses.

Economy Current Affairs

Russia's Share in India's Oil Imports Hits 48% as U.S. Senate Passes 100% Tariff Bill

India’s dependence on Russian oil has hit a record 48% of total crude imports in June 2026, even as the U.S. Senate passed a bill to impose up to 100% tariffs on top buyers of Russian oil. This creates a strategic dilemma for India—balancing energy security with potential U.S. sanctions exposure—making it a high-priority topic for Economy and IR questions in exams.

Intl. Relations Current Affairs

US-Venezuela Oil Deal: 65 Billion Barrels Reserved Amid Iran War & Energy Security Crisis

President Trump announces a historic deal with Venezuela to control 65 billion barrels of oil reserves, aiming to lower US gas prices amid the Iran war disrupting global oil supply. The agreement, negotiated by Secretary Rubio and Defense Secretary Hegseth with interim President Rodriguez, marks a major shift in US-Venezuela relations after the capture of Maduro.

Intl. Relations Current Affairs

India Becomes Key Petrol Supplier to Russia as Drone Attacks Cut Refinery Output by 70%

India has emerged as a key supplier of petrol to Russia, supplying 1 million barrels in two months, as Ukrainian drone attacks have slashed Russian refinery output by up to 70%. This ironic reversal of energy flows highlights the geopolitical complexities of the Russia-Ukraine war and has direct implications for India's energy security, crude import strategy, and compliance with sanctions regimes.

Start Today's Quiz(25 Qs)

Take Today's Quiz

25 Qs • 5-7 Mins

US-Israel War with Iran Costs $14B Weekly, 50% Oil Price Rise, Compared to India's ₹7.8 Lakh Cr Defence Budget

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

1-Minute Revision

News Snapshot

Staggering Direct Costs

Global Economic Shock

Human & Environmental Toll

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

Core Analysis & Implications

Future Outlook / Way Forward

Prelims Flashpoints

Key Facts at a Glance