Question 11 from UPSC CSE 2018 - Current Affairs/Gener al awareness

Question

What is/are the consequence/consequences of a country becoming a 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?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. 1 only

Strategy: The strategy involves two main points:

*   **Statement 1**: Focus on the benefit of NSG membership, specifically that access to advanced nuclear technology is the core incentive for joining.
*   **Statement 2**: Identify that this statement falsely equates NSG membership with NPT membership. Eliminate any options that include statement 2, selecting the answer that confirms only statement 1.

Key Info: The Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) is a multilateral export control regime established in 1974 to prevent nuclear proliferation. It achieves this by controlling the export of materials, equipment, and technology used for nuclear weapons development.

NSG membership offers several key advantages:
*   Access to sophisticated and efficient nuclear technology for civilian purposes, including reactors, fuel, and safety innovations.
*   Crucial for expanding nuclear power production and medical applications.
*   Easier acquisition of nuclear technology.
*   Participation in global nuclear trade.
*   Improved diplomatic standing in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

**NSG vs. NPT:**
*   The NSG is distinct from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which is the primary international treaty (effective since 1970) aimed at limiting nuclear weapons spread, promoting disarmament, and facilitating peaceful nuclear energy use.
*   NSG membership does not automatically confer or require NPT membership, though adherence to NPT or equivalent measures is an informal guideline.
*   The NSG operates by consensus and can include both NPT signatories and non-signatories (e.g., India, which seeks NSG membership despite not being an NPT member).

Other major treaties referenced, such as Pelindaba, Rarotonga, Tlatelolco, Bangkok, and Semipalatinsk, are regional nuclear-weapon-free-zone agreements. The NSG's export guidelines aim to balance nuclear commerce with non-proliferation goals.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: 2 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: Both 1 and 2

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: Neither 1 nor 2