UPSC Prelims 2016 Q20: Current Affairs – International Organisations & Groupings
With reference to “Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)”, consider
the following statements:
1. It is an organization of European Union in working relation with NATO and WHO.
2. It monitors chemical industry to prevent new weapons from emerging.
3. It provides assistance and protection to States (Parties) against chemical weapons threats.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation
Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)
The OPCW implements the Chemical Weapons Convention, in force from 1997.
Headquarters: The Hague, Netherlands.
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. It is an organization of the European Union in working relation with NATO and WHO | Incorrect | It is an independent international body with a working relationship with the United Nations |
| 2. It monitors chemical industry to prevent new weapons from emerging | Correct | It inspects chemical plants |
| 3. It provides assistance and protection to States Parties against chemical weapons threats | Correct | This is one of its core tasks |
Key facts:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Members | 193 States Parties |
| Award | Nobel Peace Prize, 2013 |
| India | An original signatory; destroyed its stockpile by 2009 |
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The OPCW is not an organization of the European Union.
- (b) CORRECT. The OPCW monitors chemical industry and gives assistance and protection.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false; it has no formal tie to NATO.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false; the OPCW is a global treaty body.
Key point
OPCW (The Hague, 1997): implements the Chemical Weapons Convention; inspects chemical industry; 193 members; Nobel Peace Prize 2013.
Remember
OPCW = The Hague, Chemical Weapons Convention, Nobel 2013.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a body based in The Hague belongs to the European Union.
- Thinking the OPCW is a UN agency; it is independent but works with the UN.
- Confusing the Chemical Weapons Convention with the Biological Weapons Convention.
Exam tip
Arms-control bodies are global, not regional. An 'EU and NATO' link is a red flag.
Sources
- Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons — About us
- Chemical Weapons Convention (1993)