UPSC Prelims 2009 Q123: Current Affairs – International Organisations & Groupings
A present group of nations known as 'G - 8' started first as G - 7. Which one among the
following was not one of them ?
- (a) Canada
- (b) Italy
- (c) Japan
- (d) Russia
Answer: (d) Russia
Explanation
Which country was NOT an original G-7 member
The G-8 evolved from an earlier grouping of seven major economies, with one country joining later.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Canada | Was original G-7 | Canada was indeed one of the original G-7 members |
| (b) Italy | Was original G-7 | Italy was also an original G-7 member |
| (c) Japan | Was original G-7 | Japan was also an original G-7 member |
| (d) Russia | NOT original G-7 | Russia joined later, transforming the G-7 into the G-8 |
G-7 to G-8 evolution:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Original G-7 members | USA, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Canada |
| Later addition | Russia, forming the G-8 |
Answer: (d) Russia.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Canada was indeed an original G-7 member.
- (b) Incorrect. Italy was also an original G-7 member.
- (c) Incorrect. Japan was also an original G-7 member.
- (d) CORRECT. Russia joined later, transforming the G-7 into the G-8.
Key point
Russia was NOT one of the original G-7 members; it joined later, transforming the grouping into the G-8.
Remember
Russia was not one of the original G-7 members; it joined later to form the G-8.
Common mistakes
- Assuming all G-8 members were part of the group from its very founding as G-7.
- Not knowing the specific seven original G-7 member countries.
- Confusing Russia's later addition with the original founding members.
Exam tip
Original G-7: USA, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Canada. Russia joined later, forming the G-8.
Sources
- G7 Research Group, University of Toronto — G7 and G8 membership: Russia joined in 1997
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Group of Eight