UPSC Prelims 2008 Q129: Current Affairs – International Organisations & Groupings
Consider the following statements:
1. The Nuclear Suppliers Group has 24 countries as its members.
2. India is a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation
Checking two claims about the Nuclear Suppliers Group
These statements examine the NSG's membership size and India's status within it, at the time of this question.
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. NSG has 24 member countries | Incorrect | The NSG's actual membership was significantly larger (around 45 countries) at the time, not 24 |
| 2. India is a member of the NSG | Incorrect | At the time, India was NOT a member of the NSG; India sought NSG membership/waivers but had not yet joined |
Correcting both claims:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| NSG membership size (at the time) | Around 45 countries, not 24 |
| India's NSG status (at the time) | NOT a member |
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The 24-country figure understates the NSG's actual membership size.
- (b) Incorrect. India was not an NSG member at the time, so statement 2 is false.
- (c) Incorrect. Both statements contain inaccuracies, so 'both' cannot be correct.
- (d) CORRECT. Both the understated membership figure and the India-membership claim are inaccurate.
Key point
The Nuclear Suppliers Group had around 45 member countries at the time (not 24), and India was NOT an NSG member — both statements are inaccurate.
Remember
The Nuclear Suppliers Group did not have 24 members, and India was NOT a member of it at the time.
Common mistakes
- Understating the NSG's actual membership size.
- Assuming India had already joined the NSG, when it was still seeking membership/waivers at the time.
- Confusing India's NSG waiver (civil nuclear deal) with actual NSG membership.
Exam tip
NSG had ~45 members at the time (not 24), and India was NOT a member — don't confuse the NSG waiver India sought with actual membership.
Sources
- Nuclear Suppliers Group — Participants
- Nuclear Suppliers Group — Guidelines for Nuclear Transfers (INFCIRC/254)