Nuclear Programme & Policy — Set 1
Defence GK · परमाणु कार्यक्रम और नीति · Questions 1–10 of 120
India's first nuclear test, codenamed 'Smiling Buddha', was conducted in which year?
Correct Answer: B. 1974
India conducted its first nuclear test, officially codenamed 'Smiling Buddha' (Operation Pokhran-I), on 18 May 1974 at Pokhran in Rajasthan. It was a peaceful nuclear explosion (PNE) as India claimed. Dr. Raja Ramanna led the team of scientists. This made India the sixth country to conduct a nuclear test.
India's second series of nuclear tests in 1998 was codenamed:
Correct Answer: A. Operation Shakti
India conducted five nuclear tests at Pokhran from 11–13 May 1998 under the codename 'Operation Shakti' (also known as Pokhran-II). The tests included two fission devices and one thermonuclear device. Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee announced India as a nuclear-armed state after the tests. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and Dr. R. Chidambaram led the scientific team.
The thermonuclear device tested during Pokhran-II in 1998 was codenamed:
Correct Answer: C. Shakti-I
During Operation Shakti (Pokhran-II) on 11 May 1998, three devices were tested simultaneously — Shakti-I (thermonuclear), Shakti-II (fission), and Shakti-III (sub-kiloton). Two more sub-kiloton tests were conducted on 13 May 1998. The thermonuclear yield of Shakti-I was estimated at 43-45 kilotons. India became the sixth country to test a thermonuclear weapon.
India's Nuclear Doctrine of 2003 is based on which primary principle?
Correct Answer: B. No First Use (NFU)
India's Nuclear Doctrine, formalised in January 2003, is based on No First Use (NFU) — India will not be the first to use nuclear weapons in any conflict. The doctrine also includes credible minimum deterrence, massive retaliation against a nuclear attack, and no use against non-nuclear states. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) oversees India's nuclear policy.
India's Nuclear Doctrine states that in retaliation for a nuclear attack on India, India will respond with:
Correct Answer: B. Massive retaliation to inflict unacceptable damage
India's 2003 Nuclear Doctrine explicitly states that nuclear retaliation to a first strike will be massive and designed to inflict unacceptable damage. This is the concept of assured destruction — the aggressor will suffer severe consequences. The doctrine also states India reserves the right to use nuclear weapons against biological or chemical weapon attacks. Civilian political authority exercises control over nuclear weapons.
Which organisation is the apex body overseeing India's nuclear weapons programme?
Correct Answer: C. Nuclear Command Authority (NCA)
The Nuclear Command Authority (NCA) is India's apex body for all matters related to nuclear weapons. It comprises the Political Council chaired by the Prime Minister, and the Executive Council chaired by the National Security Advisor (NSA). The Strategic Forces Command (SFC) under the NCA manages and administers India's nuclear arsenal. The NCA was established in January 2003.
India's Strategic Forces Command (SFC) was established in:
Correct Answer: C. 2003
India's Strategic Forces Command (SFC) was established in January 2003 following the formalisation of the Nuclear Doctrine. It is a tri-service command that manages and administers all strategic nuclear forces. The Commander-in-Chief of SFC is a three-star officer. SFC reports to the Nuclear Command Authority (NCA) chaired by the Prime Minister.
Which Indian organisation is responsible for designing and developing nuclear weapons?
Correct Answer: B. BARC (Bhabha Atomic Research Centre)
BARC (Bhabha Atomic Research Centre), located at Trombay, Mumbai, is India's premier nuclear research centre responsible for designing nuclear weapons. It was established in 1954 as the Atomic Energy Establishment Trombay and renamed after Dr. Homi J. Bhabha in 1966. BARC is under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). It also conducts research in reactor technology, radiation biology, and nuclear fuel.
The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) was established by Dr. Homi J. Bhabha in which year?
Correct Answer: C. 1954
The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) was established on 3 August 1954 under the direct charge of the Prime Minister. Dr. Homi J. Bhabha, known as the father of India's nuclear programme, was the first Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC). DAE oversees BARC, IGCAR, NPCIL, NFC, and other nuclear organisations. India's atomic energy programme is guided by Homi Bhabha's three-stage nuclear power programme.
India's three-stage nuclear power programme was conceived by:
Correct Answer: C. Dr. Homi J. Bhabha
Dr. Homi J. Bhabha conceived India's three-stage nuclear power programme in the 1950s to exploit India's vast thorium reserves. Stage 1 uses natural uranium in PHWRs (Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors) to produce plutonium. Stage 2 uses plutonium in Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) to breed U-233 from thorium. Stage 3 uses U-233 fuel in Advanced Heavy Water Reactors (AHWRs). This programme aims for long-term energy independence.