2018 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2018 · GS Paper I

Question 7: International Relations and Current Affairs

What is/are the consequence/consequences of a country becoming the member of the ‘Nuclear Suppliers Group’ ?

  1. 1.It will have access to the latest and most efficient nuclear technologies.
  2. 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 ?

a1 only
b2 only
cBoth 1 and 2
dNeither 1 nor 2

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).

The Nuclear Suppliers Group is a club of nuclear-supplier countries that controls exports of nuclear material and technology. Joining it lets a state take part in setting those rules and gives easier access to nuclear technology, fuel and equipment from other members. It does not make a state a party to the NPT: NSG membership and NPT membership are separate, and India has stayed outside the NPT while seeking NSG entry. Remember: the NSG is an export-control group, not a treaty.

  • 1. Members get access to nuclear technology and trade among themselves.
  • 2. The NSG is a voluntary export-control group; the NPT is a separate treaty.

How you could have got this

  1. If you were sure statement 1 is correct, (b) and (d) go: each of them leaves 1 out.

    What you needed to know: Members get access to nuclear technology and trade among themselves.

  2. Then, if you were sure statement 2 is not correct, (c) goes: it includes 2.

    What you needed to know: The NSG is a voluntary export-control group; the NPT is a separate treaty.

Only (a) is left. This one needs every statement.

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) Right: NSG members gain access to nuclear technology; NPT membership does not follow.
  • (b) Wrong: NSG membership does not make a country an NPT member.
  • (c) Wrong: statement 2 is false.
  • (d) Wrong: statement 1 is accepted as true.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

Practise this paper timedPrevious questionNext question

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2018, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.