Question 1

In which year was the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) opened for signature?

Accepted Answer

1968. The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) was opened for signature in 1968 and entered into force in 1970. It aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote disarmament. India has never signed the NPT, viewing it as discriminatory.

Question 2

Why has India refused to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)?

Accepted Answer

India considers it discriminatory as it divides world into nuclear and non-nuclear states. India considers the NPT discriminatory because it creates two unequal categories of states — nuclear weapon states and non-nuclear weapon states. India argues that the treaty perpetuates a nuclear apartheid by allowing the P5 to retain their weapons. India believes in universal disarmament rather than selective non-proliferation.

Question 3

What was the code name of India's first nuclear test conducted in 1974?

Accepted Answer

Smiling Buddha. India's first nuclear test in May 1974 was code-named 'Smiling Buddha' and was also known as Pokhran-I. It was conducted at the Pokhran test site in Rajasthan under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. India described it as a 'peaceful nuclear explosion,' though it alarmed the international community.

Question 4

What was the code name of India's nuclear tests conducted in May 1998?

Accepted Answer

Operation Shakti. India conducted five nuclear tests in May 1998 under the code name 'Operation Shakti,' also called Pokhran-II. These tests were carried out during Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's government. Following these tests, the USA and several other countries imposed economic sanctions on India.

Question 5

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) was adopted by the UN General Assembly in which year?

Accepted Answer

1996. The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) was adopted by the UN General Assembly on September 10, 1996. It bans all nuclear explosions for both civilian and military purposes. India has not signed the CTBT, objecting to its failure to set a timeline for nuclear disarmament.

Nuclear Policy: NPT, CTBT, NSG — Set 1