Nuclear Policy: NPT, CTBT, NSG — Set 10
International Relations · परमाणु नीति: NPT, CTBT, NSG · Questions 91–100 of 158
Which country is an NPT signatory but is suspected of pursuing a clandestine nuclear weapons program?
Correct Answer: B. Iran
Iran is an NPT signatory but has been suspected of pursuing a clandestine nuclear weapons program. The IAEA has found Iran's nuclear activities to be inconsistent with purely peaceful purposes. The 2015 JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) was negotiated to constrain Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.
The Nuclear Security Summit series was initiated by which country's leader?
Correct Answer: C. USA's Barack Obama
The Nuclear Security Summit series was initiated by US President Barack Obama following his April 2009 Prague speech on nuclear security and disarmament. Four summits were held: Washington (2010), Seoul (2012), The Hague (2014), and Washington (2016). The summits focused on securing nuclear materials to prevent nuclear terrorism.
What is 'dirty bomb' in the context of nuclear terrorism?
Correct Answer: B. A conventional explosive device combined with radioactive material
A 'dirty bomb' or Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD) combines conventional explosives with radioactive material. When exploded, it disperses radioactive contamination over an area but does not cause a nuclear explosion. While not as catastrophic as a nuclear bomb, it can cause panic, long-term contamination, and economic disruption.
The K-15 Sagarika is:
Correct Answer: B. India's submarine-launched ballistic missile
The K-15 Sagarika (Oceanic) is India's submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) with a range of approximately 750 km. It is deployed on INS Arihant, giving India its sea-based nuclear deterrent. The K-15 represents India's capability to develop the naval leg of its nuclear triad.
The Agni-V missile has an approximate range of:
Correct Answer: C. 5,000+ km
The Agni-V is India's longest-range ballistic missile with a range exceeding 5,000 km, making it an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). It can carry a nuclear warhead of around 1,500 kg. Agni-V significantly expands India's strategic reach, covering targets across Asia and beyond.
The concept of 'massive retaliation' in India's nuclear doctrine means:
Correct Answer: B. India will respond with overwhelming nuclear force to any nuclear attack
India's nuclear doctrine calls for 'massive retaliation' in response to any nuclear attack on India or its forces anywhere. This means India would respond with overwhelming nuclear force rather than a measured or proportional response. Critics argue this posture may not be credible in a limited nuclear exchange scenario.
The IAEA's 'Additional Protocol' is:
Correct Answer: A. A stricter safeguards agreement allowing more intrusive inspections
The IAEA's Additional Protocol is a voluntary agreement that allows IAEA inspectors more extensive rights to inspect nuclear facilities, including undeclared sites. It supplements the standard comprehensive safeguards agreement. India concluded its Additional Protocol with the IAEA in 2009 as part of the civil nuclear deal.
Which treaty bans nuclear weapons from the seabed?
Correct Answer: B. Seabed Arms Control Treaty (1971)
The Seabed Arms Control Treaty (1971), formally the Treaty on the Prohibition of the Emplacement of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction on the Sea-Bed, prohibits placing nuclear weapons or WMDs on the ocean floor beyond the 12-nautical-mile coastal zone. It entered into force in 1972. Note that submarine-launched missiles are not banned as they are not 'emplaced' on the seabed.
Which of the following countries is a member of the NSG but NOT a permanent member of the UN Security Council?
Correct Answer: C. Germany
Germany is a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) but is not a permanent member of the UN Security Council. The P5 (USA, Russia, UK, France, China) are all NSG members as well as UN Security Council permanent members. Germany is a major non-P5 NSG member that plays an important role in setting nuclear export control guidelines.
India's first Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) is located at:
Correct Answer: B. Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu
India's Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) is located at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, where the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) is also situated. The PFBR forms the second stage of India's three-stage nuclear power program. When operational, it will produce electricity while also creating more fissile material than it consumes.