Nuclear Programme & Policy — Set 10

Correct Answer: A. Nuclear warheads are kept separate from delivery systems

India follows a 'de-mated' nuclear posture in peacetime, meaning nuclear warheads are stored separately from their delivery systems (missiles, bombs). This reduces the risk of accidental or unauthorised nuclear use. During a crisis, warheads would be mated with delivery systems under strict NCA authorisation. This contrasts with the USA and Russia which maintain some weapons at higher readiness. India's de-mated posture is consistent with its NFU policy and minimum deterrence philosophy.

Correct Answer: A. TAPS (Tarapur) — near Mumbai

Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS) in Palghar district, Maharashtra, is approximately 100 km from Mumbai — making it one of the closest nuclear plants to a major city in India. MAPS at Kalpakkam is about 80 km south of Chennai. While TAPS is geographically close to Mumbai, nuclear plants in India maintain comprehensive emergency planning zones. The choice of Tarapur was made in the 1960s when the area was sparsely populated.

Correct Answer: C. 123 Agreement

The Indo-US Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement is officially called the '123 Agreement', named after Section 123 of the US Atomic Energy Act which requires bilateral agreements for nuclear cooperation. It was signed on 10 October 2008. The US Henry J. Hyde Act (2006) and the US Atomic Energy Act were amended to enable this deal. The agreement was a landmark in transforming US-India relations, acknowledging India as a responsible nuclear power despite not being an NPT signatory.

Correct Answer: B. 750 km

K-15 Sagarika (BO-5) is India's first SLBM (Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile) with a range of approximately 750 km. It is designed to be launched from INS Arihant and INS Arighat. K-15 has been tested from a submerged platform multiple times. While its range is limited, it provides India's sea-based second-strike capability. Longer-range K-4 (3500 km range) SLBMs are also being developed for deployment on Indian SSBNs, significantly extending the nuclear deterrence reach.

Correct Answer: B. Prithvi

IGMDP produced Prithvi (surface-to-surface ballistic missile with ranges of 150-350 km), which became India's first nuclear-capable ballistic missile. The Prithvi-II (250 km range) is the nuclear-capable variant used by the Army. Agni was also developed under IGMDP but evolved into a separate programme. Prithvi-III (Dhanush) is a sea-launched variant. The IGMDP, led by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, was launched in 1983 and successfully developed five missile systems for India's conventional and strategic forces.

Correct Answer: B. Pakistan only

India's Pokhran-II tests in May 1998 prompted Pakistan to conduct its own series of nuclear tests — Chagai-I (5 tests on 28 May 1998) and Chagai-II (1 test on 30 May 1998) in Balochistan. Pakistan's tests were in response to India's tests and domestic pressure. China had already tested nuclear weapons in the 1990s. North Korea's tests came later (2006 onwards). Pakistan's tests formalised the South Asian nuclear arms dynamic and heightened international concerns about regional stability.

Correct Answer: B. 14 civilian reactors

Under India's Separation Plan agreed as part of the Indo-US Civil Nuclear Deal, India separated its civilian (14 reactors) and military nuclear facilities. The 14 civilian reactors were placed under IAEA safeguards, while India retained its military nuclear programme outside safeguards. This plan was approved by the IAEA Board and resulted in an India-specific Safeguards Agreement. Future civilian reactors built with foreign assistance will also be under IAEA safeguards, while military reactors (including naval) remain outside.

Correct Answer: A. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, who served as DRDO Chief (Scientific Adviser to Defence Minister) and later Chairman of the Space Commission, played a crucial role in both Agni/Prithvi missile development and the 1998 Pokhran-II preparations. He coordinated the deployment of DRDO scientists for the test and worked on delivery system development. After the tests, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1997. He later became India's 11th President (2002-2007), known as the 'People's President'.

Correct Answer: A. Atomic Energy Act, 1962

Nuclear power in India is governed by the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, which gives the government exclusive control over all aspects of nuclear energy. The Act prohibits private sector participation in nuclear power generation in India. NPCIL has a monopoly on nuclear power generation. The government has proposed allowing Nuclear Power Corporation of India to form joint ventures with PSUs to attract public investment while maintaining state control. The Act also governs nuclear materials, radiation safety, and liability.

Correct Answer: B. India pursues both nuclear weapons deterrence and civilian nuclear power simultaneously

India's nuclear programme is described as 'twin-track' because it simultaneously pursues: (1) civilian nuclear power — to meet India's growing energy needs through PHWRs, Fast Breeder Reactors, and international partnerships, and (2) military nuclear deterrence — through nuclear weapons, ballistic missiles, and submarine-based SLBMs. Both tracks are managed under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), with the civilian programme open to international cooperation and IAEA oversight, while the military programme remains closed.