Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 1 — 1 only

This question tests knowledge about India's membership in international organizations related to grain trade and the prerequisites for international grain commerce. Let's evaluate each statement:

✅ Statement 1 – Correct: India is indeed a member of the International Grains Council (IGC), which serves as a platform for international cooperation on grain market issues.

❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: Membership in the IGC is not mandatory for countries to export or import rice and wheat; non-member countries can freely engage in grain trade based on bilateral agreements and WTO regulations.

📝 Short Notes: International Grains Council (IGC)

• Establishment: Founded in 1949 as the International Wheat Council, renamed to IGC in 1995 to reflect expanded scope beyond wheat.
• Headquarters: London, United Kingdom.
• Membership: Comprises both exporting and importing countries; India is a member nation.
• Purpose: Serves as a forum for intergovernmental consultation and cooperation on grain market matters, provides market information, and promotes international collaboration.
• Functions: Market analysis and reporting, facilitating dialogue between grain producers and consumers, providing statistical data on global grain markets.
• Key Point: IGC membership is voluntary and not a prerequisite for engaging in international grain trade; countries can trade grains based on WTO rules and bilateral/multilateral agreements.
• Grains Covered: Primarily focuses on wheat, maize (corn), barley, sorghum, and rice.