What is/are the consequence/consequences of a country becoming the member of the ‘Nuclear Suppliers Group’ ? 1. It will have access to the latest and most efficient nuclear technologies. 2. It automatically becomes a member of “The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)”. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
- (a) 1 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Why the answer is (a)
• The Nuclear Suppliers Group (48 members) coordinates export controls on nuclear material, equipment and technology.
• Statement 1 is correct: membership gives access to advanced nuclear technology and trade with other members, a key reason India seeks entry (blocked by China).
• Statement 2 is wrong: NSG membership does not make a country an NPT member; the NPT is a separate treaty, and India's non-signature of it is the very obstacle cited against its NSG bid.
• Hence 1 only, option (a).
Why the other options are wrong
- (b) 2 only
- Statement 2 is wrong: NSG and NPT are separate.
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- Statement 2 is wrong.
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
- Statement 1 is correct: members gain technology access.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2018, held on 3 June 2018. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.