Nuclear Programme & Policy — Set 12

Correct Answer: B. Japan is the only country to have suffered nuclear attacks and its approval legitimised India's nuclear status

The India-Japan Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement (2016) was historically significant because Japan — the only country to have suffered nuclear attacks (Hiroshima and Nagasaki, 1945) — agreed to nuclear cooperation with India despite India being a non-NPT signatory. This agreement carried strong moral and diplomatic weight, further legitimising India's responsible nuclear posture. The agreement also unlocks Japanese companies (Mitsubishi, Toshiba) to participate in India's nuclear reactor construction programme.

Correct Answer: C. 1000 MWe Sodium-cooled Fast Reactor (SFR)

After the 500 MWe PFBR, India plans to build a series of 1000 MWe Sodium-cooled Fast Reactors (SFRs) as part of the commercial fast reactor fleet under Stage 2 of the nuclear programme. IGCAR is conducting R&D for these larger fast reactors. Simultaneously, BARC is developing the 300 MWe Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR) for Stage 3 thorium utilisation. The combination of fast reactors and AHWRs will enable India to shift to a thorium-based nuclear economy.

Correct Answer: B. All nuclear weapon states must ratify CTBT simultaneously

India's position on CTBT is that it cannot sign a treaty that does not lead to universal nuclear disarmament. India has stated it would consider signing CTBT only when all nuclear weapon states commit to a time-bound framework for disarmament. India also objects to Article XIV of CTBT which requires India's ratification for the treaty to enter into force — effectively holding India's entry hostage. India maintains the moratorium voluntarily but will not be legally bound by CTBT without universal disarmament commitments.

Correct Answer: B. Under civilian control with no military veto

India's nuclear doctrine explicitly mandates civilian political control over nuclear weapons with no military veto over nuclear release authority. The Prime Minister as head of the Political Council of the NCA is the sole authority for nuclear weapons use. Military commanders (Strategic Forces Command) execute orders but cannot initiate nuclear use. This strict civilian control is fundamental to India's nuclear governance and is consistent with democratic accountability.

Correct Answer: B. India's first wholly indigenous nuclear power plant built without foreign assistance

MAPS (Madras Atomic Power Station) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, was India's first wholly indigenous nuclear power plant designed and built entirely by Indian engineers without foreign collaboration. After Canadian cooperation was cut following the 1974 test, India indigenously replicated and improved the PHWR design. MAPS Unit-1 was commissioned in 1984, 10 years after the technology denial. It demonstrated India's capacity for nuclear self-reliance. The Kalpakkam complex also hosts IGCAR, FBTR, PFBR, and BHAVINI.

Correct Answer: A. K. Subrahmanyam

The draft nuclear doctrine (August 1999) was prepared by the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) chaired by K. Subrahmanyam, India's foremost strategic analyst. The draft document outlined NFU, credible minimum deterrence, civilian control, and a nuclear triad. PM Vajpayee's NSA was Brajesh Mishra. K. Subrahmanyam's intellectual contributions shaped India's strategic doctrine significantly. The official doctrine adopted in January 2003 was based largely on the 1999 NSAB draft with modifications.

Correct Answer: C. Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) Project

India's nuclear submarine programme is officially designated the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) Project, started in the 1970s under the aegis of the DAE and later DRDO/Navy. The programme was classified for decades. The first vessel — INS Arihant — took 30 years from conception to commissioning (2016). The ATV project involved developing a nuclear reactor for submarine propulsion, a first for India. Subsequent SSBNs (INS Arighat, S4, S4*) are also part of the ATV programme.

Correct Answer: B. 700 MWe PHWR

India's strategy for expanding nuclear power capacity focuses on the 700 MWe PHWR as the standard indigenous reactor. India has developed this design indigenously (first commissioned at Kakrapar in 2023) and has received government approval to build 10 units in fleet mode. The 700 MWe PHWR is 3 times the capacity of older 220 MWe units, significantly improving economics. International reactors (VVERs at Kudankulam, EPRs at Jaitapur) are also being added, but 700 MWe PHWRs form the backbone of expansion.

Correct Answer: B. China blocks India's NSG membership

China has been the primary obstacle to India's membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). China argues that India's NSG membership without signing the NPT would set a bad precedent and demands a criteria-based approach that would also include Pakistan. The USA strongly supports India's NSG membership as part of the strategic partnership. Most other major countries (France, Russia, UK) also support India's membership. China's repeated blocking has prevented India from joining NSG despite the 2008 waiver.

Correct Answer: C. Atomic Energy Commission (AEC)

The Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) under the Prime Minister is responsible for policy-making and long-term planning for India's nuclear energy programme. AEC oversees all DAE organisations including BARC, NPCIL, IGCAR, BHAVINI, NFC, and HWPs. The AEC is advised by the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC-AEC). Long-term planning includes the three-stage programme, international nuclear cooperation strategy, and integration with India's national energy policy. The Chairman of AEC is appointed by the PM and also serves as Secretary of DAE.