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

Examiners may confuse the Strait of Hormuz with the Strait of Malacca or Bab-el-Mandeb. Also, they may ask about BRICS membership: Indonesia joined in 2025, not 2024. The acronym expansion (SAARC vs. BRICS) is a common trap.

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

1. Target this Data: BRICS now has 11 members covering 49.5% of global population and ~40% of global GDP. 2. Target this Nodal Body: BRICS National Security Advisers' meeting hosted by India in New Delhi. 3. Target this Legal Point: The U.S.-Iran MoU on the opening of the Strait of Hormuz.

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NSA Doval Welcomes U.S.-Iran MoU on Strait of Hormuz at BRICS NSA Meet in New Delhi

Q: Which of the following is a critical maritime chokepoint for global oil shipments, mentioned in the context of the U.S.-Iran MoU?

Strait of Hormuz, The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and is a vital passage for oil tankers. The news specifically highlights NSA Doval welcoming its opening.

Q: Consider the following statements regarding the BRICS grouping: 1. BRICS originally comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. 2. Indonesia joined BRICS in 2024. 3. BRICS members represent about 40% of the global GDP. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Both 1 and 3, Statement 1 is correct: BRICS originally had five members. Statement 2 is incorrect: Indonesia joined in 2025, not 2024. Statement 3 is correct: the article states BRICS represents around 40% of global GDP.

Q: According to the article, what percentage of the global population do the BRICS countries represent?

Around 49.5%, The article explicitly states that BRICS members represent 'around 49.5 per cent of the global population'. The other options are close but incorrect.

Q: What is the primary strategic reason for India to welcome the opening of the Strait of Hormuz?

To secure stable energy imports and lower geopolitical risk, India is a major importer of oil and gas, much of which passes through the Strait of Hormuz. Stability in the strait directly impacts India's energy security and reduces the risk of supply disruptions or price spikes.

Intl. Relations Security & DefenceHIGH

Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCPrelims MediumMains MediumStatic GK Link

23 Jun 2026

~2 min

Source: The Hindu

Key Data:49.5% global population40% global GDP26% global trade

Bodies:BRICS

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~2 min · Quick mode

What This Article Covers

1.NSA Ajit Doval welcomed the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and the U.S.-Iran MoU, citing benefits for energy security and freedom of navigation.

2.India hosted the BRICS NSA conclave as current chair; BRICS now includes 11 members representing ~49.5% of global population and ~40% of global GDP.

3.Doval noted the inadequacy of current institutions to resolve conflicts and emphasized BRICS' role in advancing multipolarity and global governance reforms.

The Big Picture

Prelims · MediumMains · Medium

NSA Ajit Doval, at the BRICS NSA conclave in New Delhi, welcomed the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and the U.S.-Iran MoU as a boost to energy security. He highlighted the decline of multilateralism and the need for BRICS to strengthen the Global South amidst geopolitical uncertainties.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

EventBRICS National Security Advisers' meeting

HostIndia (New Delhi)

Key StatementOpening of Strait of Hormuz is a welcome move for energy security

BRICS Members (2025)11 countries (original 5 + Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, Indonesia)

BRICS Global Stats49.5% of global population, ~40% of global GDP, ~26% of global trade

1-Minute Revision

›Event: BRICS National Security Advisers' meeting
›Host: India (New Delhi)
›Target this Data: BRICS now has 11 members covering 49.5% of global population and ~40% of global GDP.
›Target this Nodal Body: BRICS National Security Advisers' meeting hosted by India in New Delhi.
›Target this Legal Point: The U.S.-Iran MoU on the opening of the Strait of Hormuz.

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News Snapshot

🌐

Strait of Hormuz Opening Welcomed

NSA Doval called the opening a positive step for global energy security and freedom of navigation.

🤝

U.S.-Iran MoU Gets Cautious Optimism

India expressed cautious optimism on the MoU between the U.S. and Iran, hoping it will sustain and aid energy security.

🌍

BRICS as a Platform for the Global South

Doval stressed BRICS' role in advancing multipolarity and reforming global governance amid declining multilateralism.

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, with about 20% of the world's petroleum passing through it. Tensions between the U.S. and Iran have repeatedly threatened its security. The recent MoU between the two countries marks a significant diplomatic breakthrough, and India, as a major energy importer, has a direct stake in its stability.

Core Analysis & Implications

Doval's remarks signal India's strategic balancing act: maintaining strong ties with the U.S. while engaging Iran for energy and connectivity (e.g., Chabahar port). By welcoming the MoU, India supports de-escalation in West Asia, which is vital for its energy security and the welfare of the Indian diaspora in the region. The statement also reinforces India's role as a voice of the Global South within BRICS.

Future Outlook / Way Forward

The success of the U.S.-Iran MoU will be closely watched. For India, continued stability in the Strait of Hormuz means lower energy costs and reduced geopolitical risk. BRICS, under India's chairmanship, is likely to push for reforms in global governance institutions like the UN and WTO, and for stronger South-South cooperation on issues like energy security and technology.

Key Facts at a Glance

EventBRICS National Security Advisers' meeting

HostIndia (New Delhi)

Key StatementOpening of Strait of Hormuz is a welcome move for energy security

BRICS Members (2025)11 countries (original 5 + Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, Indonesia)

BRICS Global Stats49.5% of global population, ~40% of global GDP, ~26% of global trade

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

Practice exam-style questions based on this article.

Q1Static LinkageEasyUPSC, SSC, State PSC

Which of the following is a critical maritime chokepoint for global oil shipments, mentioned in the context of the U.S.-Iran MoU?

Q2Statement-basedHardUPSC, SSC

Consider the following statements regarding the BRICS grouping:

1. BRICS originally comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

2. Indonesia joined BRICS in 2024.

3. BRICS members represent about 40% of the global GDP.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMediumUPSC, Banking, SSC

According to the article, what percentage of the global population do the BRICS countries represent?

Q4Application/ImpactMediumUPSC, SSC, Banking

What is the primary strategic reason for India to welcome the opening of the Strait of Hormuz?

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NSA Doval Welcomes U.S.-Iran MoU on Strait of Hormuz at BRICS NSA Meet in New Delhi

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

1-Minute Revision

News Snapshot

Strait of Hormuz Opening Welcomed

U.S.-Iran MoU Gets Cautious Optimism

BRICS as a Platform for the Global South

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

Core Analysis & Implications

Future Outlook / Way Forward

Prelims Flashpoints

Key Facts at a Glance