Nuclear Policy: NPT, CTBT, NSG — Set 11

Correct Answer: B. Pursue negotiations toward nuclear disarmament in good faith

Article VI of the NPT obligates all parties, especially nuclear weapon states, to pursue negotiations in good faith toward nuclear disarmament and a treaty on general and complete disarmament. Non-nuclear states argue that the P5 have not fulfilled this obligation. Article VI remains the most contested provision of the NPT.

Correct Answer: C. Pakistan

Pakistan has declared a 'first-use' nuclear doctrine and has explicitly stated it would use nuclear weapons in response to a serious conventional military threat from India. Unlike India's No First Use doctrine, Pakistan maintains nuclear weapons as a counter to India's conventional military superiority. This creates a dangerous asymmetry in South Asian nuclear doctrine.

Correct Answer: C. Vienna, Austria

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is headquartered in Vienna, Austria. It was established in 1957 and reports to both the UN General Assembly and the Security Council. The IAEA's role encompasses nuclear safety, nuclear security, safeguards verification, and promotion of peaceful nuclear uses.

Correct Answer: C. 2016

INS Arihant was commissioned into the Indian Navy in August 2016, marking a historic milestone in India's nuclear deterrence capability. It completed its first deterrence patrol in November 2018. INS Arihant gives India a second-strike capability by providing a survivable sea-based nuclear platform.

Correct Answer: B. Strategic Plans Division (SPD)

Pakistan's nuclear weapons program is managed by the Strategic Plans Division (SPD) under the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee. The SPD ensures the safety, security, and reliability of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal. The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) manages the civilian nuclear program.

Correct Answer: B. Pakistan's AQ Khan nuclear proliferation network

The 'Khan Network' refers to the nuclear proliferation network operated by Pakistani nuclear scientist Dr. A.Q. Khan, who sold nuclear weapons designs and technology to Libya, Iran, and North Korea. Khan's network was exposed in 2003-2004 and was one of the most significant nuclear proliferation events of the 21st century. Pakistan pardoned Khan in 2004.

Correct Answer: B. 14

Under the Separation Plan agreed as part of the India-USA nuclear deal, India designated 14 of its reactors as civilian, to be placed under IAEA safeguards. The remaining reactors are classified as strategic and are not subject to IAEA inspection. This separation was finalized in the India-IAEA Safeguards Agreement of 2009.

Correct Answer: B. Russia

Russia (Soviet Union) provided nuclear technology to China in the 1950s before the Sino-Soviet split. China later transferred nuclear weapons designs and fissile material to Pakistan. This China-Pakistan nuclear nexus is considered a major proliferation challenge and has significantly affected South Asian strategic stability.

Correct Answer: B. Haryana (Bahadurgarh)

The Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership (GCNEP) is located at Bahadurgarh in Haryana. It was established by India as an international centre for excellence in nuclear energy training and research. GCNEP offers courses in nuclear security, advanced nuclear energy systems, and radiation safety to participants from developing countries.

Correct Answer: B. Plutonium implosion device

The 1974 Smiling Buddha test used a plutonium implosion-type fission device with a yield of approximately 8 kilotons. The plutonium for the device was produced in the CIRUS research reactor at BARC, which was supplied by Canada and fueled by heavy water from the USA. This use of imported materials for a nuclear device caused major controversy.