UPSC Prelims 2015 Q88: Current Affairs – International Relations & Treaties
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 1, 3, 4 and 5 only
- (c) 2, 4 and 5 only
- (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation
Nuclear Weapons States under the NPT
The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons was signed in 1968 and came into force in 1970.
It recognises as Nuclear Weapons States only those that tested a nuclear device before 1 January 1967.
| Country | Recognised by the NPT? |
|---|---|
| 1. China | Yes |
| 2. France | Yes |
| 3. India | No; never signed |
| 4. Israel | No; never signed |
| 5. Pakistan | No; never signed |
The five recognised States: United States, Russia, United Kingdom, France and China.
They are also the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.
Others outside the NPT:
| Country | Status |
|---|---|
| India, Pakistan, Israel | Never joined |
| North Korea | Withdrew in 2003 |
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Of the five listed, only China and France are recognised by the NPT.
- (b) Incorrect. India, Israel and Pakistan are not recognised by the NPT.
- (c) Incorrect. Israel and Pakistan never signed the treaty.
- (d) Incorrect. The NPT recognises only five States, and three of these are not among them.
Key point
NPT (1968, in force 1970): Nuclear Weapons States are those that tested before 1 January 1967 - US, Russia, UK, France, China. India, Pakistan, Israel never signed.
Remember
NPT recognises five: US, Russia, UK, France, China.
Common mistakes
- Confusing countries that have nuclear weapons with those the NPT recognises.
- Forgetting the cut-off date: 1 January 1967.
- Thinking India signed the NPT; India calls it discriminatory.
Exam tip
NPT nuclear States = the five permanent members of the Security Council.
Sources
- United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs — Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons
- Ministry of External Affairs — India's position on disarmament and non-proliferation