UPSC Prelims 2009 · General Studies
Question 33: International Relations and Current Affairs
Consider the following countries :
- 1.Switzerland
- 2.Malta
- 3.Bulgaria
Which of the above are members of European Union ?
AnswerThe answer is (b).
Malta joined the European Union in 2004 and Bulgaria in 2007, so statements 2 and 3 are correct. Switzerland, though surrounded by EU states and closely linked through bilateral treaties, has stayed outside the Union. Remember Switzerland, Norway and Iceland as European countries that are not EU members.
- 1. Switzerland is not in the EU.
- 2. Malta joined in 2004.
- 3. Bulgaria joined in 2007.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 1 is not correct, (a), (c) and (d) go: each of them includes 1.
What you needed to know: Switzerland is not in the EU.
Only (b) is left. You didn’t need statements 2 or 3.
This follows an unofficial answer: UPSC has not published its key for this year, and if that answer is wrong, so is this path.
Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong: Switzerland is not an EU member.
- (b) Right: Malta and Bulgaria are EU members.
- (c) Wrong: Switzerland is not an EU member, and Malta is.
- (d) Wrong: Switzerland is not an EU member.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2009, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.