UPSC Prelims 2007 Q16: Science & Technology – Energy & Environment
Recently, the European Union and six other countries including India signed the
International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) Project.
Which one of the following was NOT a signatory to it?
- (a) Canada
- (b) China
- (c) Japan
- (d) USA
Answer: (a) Canada
Explanation
ITER Project signatories
| Country | ITER signatory (2006)? |
|---|---|
| Canada | No — withdrew interest earlier |
| China | Yes — founding party |
| Japan | Yes — founding party, early host contender |
| USA | Yes — founding party |
The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) Project was signed in 2006 by the European Union, India, China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, and the USA. Canada was NOT among the signatories.
Answer: (a) Canada.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Canada was not a signatory to the ITER agreement.
- (b) Incorrect. China is a founding ITER member.
- (c) Incorrect. Japan is a founding ITER member (and an early host-site contender).
- (d) Incorrect. USA is a founding ITER member.
Key point
ITER signatories (2006): EU, India, China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, USA — Canada is NOT a signatory.
Remember
ITER signatories exclude Canada.
Common mistakes
- Assuming all major industrialised nations, including Canada, automatically joined ITER.
- Confusing ITER membership with other international nuclear/energy agreements Canada does belong to.
- Not recalling the seven specific ITER signatory parties.
Exam tip
ITER's seven parties: EU, India, China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, USA — Canada is the odd one out.
Sources
- ITER Organization — Agreement on the Establishment of the ITER International Fusion Energy Organization (signed 21 November 2006)
- ITER Organization — ITER Members: China, European Union, India, Japan, Korea, Russia, United States