UPSC CSE Prelims 2018
Statement 1 is correct. Membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), an international body comprising nuclear supplier countries, facilitates access to advanced and efficient nuclear technologies for peaceful purposes. These technologies include those used for nuclear power generation, research, and medical applications. NSG membership also allows a country to participate in the formulation and implementation of global nuclear export control guidelines, thereby influencing international non-proliferation efforts and nuclear trade norms.
Statement 2 is incorrect. Membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) does not automatically confer membership in 'The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)'. The NSG and the NPT are distinct international regimes with separate membership criteria and objectives. The NPT is a multilateral treaty aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and promoting disarmament, while the NSG is a group of countries that controls the export of nuclear and nuclear-related items to prevent their diversion for nuclear weapons purposes. A country can be a member of one without being a signatory or member of the other. For example, India is not a signatory to the NPT but has sought NSG membership.
Option 2 is incorrect because Statement 2 is false. Option 3 is incorrect as Statement 2 is false. Option 4 is incorrect because Statement 1 is true.