With reference to 'Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)', consider the following statements : 1. It is an organization of European Union in working relation with NATO and WHO. 2. It monitors chemical industry to prevent new weapons from emerging. 3. It provides assistance and protection to States (Parties) against chemical weapons threats. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Why the answer is (b)
• The OPCW, based in The Hague, implements the Chemical Weapons Convention (1997) with 193 member States; it is an independent international organisation, not an EU body — statement 1 is wrong.
• Statement 2 is correct: it inspects chemical industry facilities to prevent diversion of dual-use chemicals into weapons.
• Statement 3 is correct: Article X of the CWC obliges it to provide assistance and protection to member States threatened with chemical weapons.
• It won the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize for destroying Syria's stockpile.
• Hence 2 and 3 only, option (b).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 only
- Statement 1 is wrong: OPCW is not an EU organisation.
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- Statement 1 is wrong; statement 2 is correct.
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
- Statement 1 is wrong.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2016, held on 7 August 2016. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.