Nuclear Programme & Policy — Set 3
Defence GK · परमाणु कार्यक्रम और नीति · Questions 21–30 of 120
Which country helped India build the Rawatbhata nuclear plant initially?
Correct Answer: B. Canada
Rajasthan Atomic Power Station (RAPS) at Rawatbhata was built with Canadian assistance initially. The first unit (RAPS-1) was similar to Canada's Douglas Point reactor and went critical in 1972. However, after India's 1974 nuclear test, Canada cut off nuclear cooperation. India indigenously completed and built subsequent units at Rawatbhata. Today RAPS operates 6 units with an installed capacity of about 1180 MWe.
India signed the Additional Protocol with IAEA in which year?
Correct Answer: C. 2009
India signed the India-IAEA Safeguards Agreement and Additional Protocol in 2009, following the Indo-US Civil Nuclear Agreement of 2008. The Safeguards Agreement allows IAEA to inspect India's civilian nuclear facilities. India maintains a separation plan between civilian (under IAEA safeguards) and military (outside safeguards) nuclear facilities. 14 of India's reactors are placed under IAEA safeguards.
The Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) granted India a waiver to access civilian nuclear technology in:
Correct Answer: C. 2008
The Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) granted India a clean waiver on 6 September 2008, allowing India to trade in civilian nuclear materials and technology despite not being an NPT signatory. This waiver enabled India to access nuclear fuel and technology from NSG member countries. The waiver was a result of intense Indian and US diplomacy. India can now sign bilateral civil nuclear agreements with NSG member states.
India's nuclear doctrine is under constant review by which body?
Correct Answer: C. Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS)
India's nuclear policy and doctrine are reviewed by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by the Prime Minister. Other members include the Ministers of Defence, External Affairs, Home Affairs, and Finance. The CCS is advised by the National Security Council (NSC) headed by the National Security Advisor (NSA). The Political Council of the Nuclear Command Authority (NCA) overlaps with key CCS members.
Which is the nodal agency for nuclear security in India?
Correct Answer: B. Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)
The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) is India's nuclear regulatory body, established in 1983. AERB regulates nuclear and radiation safety for civilian nuclear installations. However, AERB's jurisdiction covers civilian facilities, not military. The Nuclear Power Regulatory Authority (NPRA) was proposed to replace AERB for greater independence. AERB reports to the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), not directly to Parliament, which critics consider a limitation.
Where is India's uranium enrichment facility located?
Correct Answer: B. Rattehalli, Karnataka
India's uranium enrichment facility is located at Rattehalli near Mysore (now called the Rare Materials Plant). This facility produces highly enriched uranium (HEU) for use in naval reactors, particularly for INS Arihant's pressurised light water reactor. India has developed indigenous enrichment technology. The facility is under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and is outside IAEA safeguards as part of India's military programme.
The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) under construction at Kalpakkam has a capacity of:
Correct Answer: C. 500 MWe
The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam has a capacity of 500 MWe and uses liquid sodium as coolant. It is being constructed by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI), a DAE enterprise. The PFBR is the centrepiece of India's Stage 2 nuclear power programme, using plutonium fuel to breed U-233 from thorium. Commercial operation has been delayed multiple times and is now expected in 2024-25.
India's Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) status is:
Correct Answer: C. India has not signed CTBT
India has not signed the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). After voting against the CTBT in the UN General Assembly in 1996 (as the treaty did not include a timeframe for disarmament), India declined to sign. Following its 1998 Pokhran tests, India declared a unilateral moratorium on further nuclear testing but has not formally signed the CTBT. India maintains it cannot sign a treaty that does not lead to universal disarmament.
The Narora Atomic Power Station (NAPS) is located in which state?
Correct Answer: B. Uttar Pradesh
Narora Atomic Power Station (NAPS) is located at Narora in Bulandshahr district, Uttar Pradesh. It has two 220 MWe PHWRs (Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors), commissioned in 1991 and 1992. NAPS was the first nuclear plant in North India. A fire in the turbine building in 1993 was India's most serious nuclear incident, though no radiation was released. It is operated by NPCIL.
Kakrapar Atomic Power Station is located in which state?
Correct Answer: B. Gujarat
Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) is located at Kakrapar in Surat district, Gujarat, on the banks of the Tapi river. It has four units — two 220 MWe PHWRs (commissioned in 1993 and 1995) and two 700 MWe PHWRs (commissioned in 2023 and 2024). KAPS-3, India's first 700 MWe PHWR, achieved criticality in 2020. KAPS is operated by NPCIL.