UPSC Prelims 2015— Question 88

Correct answer: Option A. Under the NPT, the five states recognized as nuclear-weapon states are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. India, Israel and Pakistan possess nuclear weapons but are not recognized as nuclear-weapon states under the treaty because they are outside that treaty category. Among the listed countries, only China and France are NPT-recognized nuclear-weapon states. Option-wise analysis: Option A: “1 and 2 only” is correct. It directly matches the factual or conceptual requirement tested by the question and is supported by the principle explained above. Option B: “1, 3, 4 and 5 only” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Option C: “2, 4 and 5 only” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Option D: “1, 2, 3, 4 and 5” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Prelims takeaway: Focus on the precise institutional role, constitutional provision, geographical association, or technical definition being tested. UPSC questions often place a broadly familiar fact beside a narrowly incorrect qualifier; identifying that qualifier is essential for elimination.