Nuclear Policy: NPT, CTBT, NSG — Set 13
International Relations · परमाणु नीति: NPT, CTBT, NSG · Questions 121–130 of 158
The Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) was originally called:
Correct Answer: B. London Club
The Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) was originally called the 'London Club' because its first meetings were held in London starting in 1975. It was established informally following India's 1974 nuclear test to coordinate export controls. The group was formalized over the following years and eventually became known as the NSG.
Which statement best describes the NPT's three pillars?
Correct Answer: B. Non-proliferation, disarmament, and peaceful use of nuclear energy
The correct answer is Non-proliferation, disarmament, and peaceful use of nuclear energy. The NPT rests on three pillars: non-proliferation (NNWS commit not to acquire nuclear weapons), disarmament (NWS commit to work toward elimination of their arsenals), and peaceful use (all parties have the right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes). India considers all three pillars important but argues the disarmament pillar has been neglected by the NWS. This topic is frequently tested in competitive examinations such as RRB NTPC, SSC, and UPSC.
Which country conducted a nuclear test in 2006, 2009, 2013, 2016, and 2017?
Correct Answer: C. North Korea
North Korea conducted nuclear tests in 2006, 2009, 2013, 2016, and 2017, progressively increasing in yield. The 2017 test was claimed to be a thermonuclear (hydrogen bomb) test with an estimated yield of 100-250 kilotons. North Korea's nuclear program remains one of the most serious non-proliferation challenges globally.
The 'Strategic Arms Limitation Talks' (SALT) in the 1970s were between:
Correct Answer: B. USA and Russia (Soviet Union)
The Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT I and II) in the 1970s were between the USA and the Soviet Union (Russia). SALT I (1972) froze the number of strategic ballistic missile launchers. SALT II (1979) set further limits but was never ratified by the US Senate due to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
India's 'Cold Start' doctrine, though related to conventional warfare, has nuclear implications because:
Correct Answer: B. It might trigger Pakistan's tactical nuclear weapons threshold
India's Cold Start doctrine envisages rapid, limited conventional military operations into Pakistan before international intervention. Pakistan fears this would overwhelm its conventional defenses and has developed tactical nuclear weapons (TNWs) for use against Indian armored thrusts. This has significantly lowered the nuclear threshold in South Asia.
The Hatf-IX (Nasr) is Pakistan's:
Correct Answer: B. Tactical nuclear missile with very short range
The Hatf-IX (Nasr) is Pakistan's short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile with a range of approximately 60 km, designed to deliver tactical nuclear warheads. It was developed specifically to counter India's Cold Start doctrine and to lower the nuclear threshold. Nuclear analysts consider tactical nuclear weapons extremely dangerous as they blur the line between conventional and nuclear warfare.
The Outer Space Treaty (1967) is relevant to nuclear policy because it:
Correct Answer: B. Prohibits placing nuclear weapons in outer space or on celestial bodies
The Outer Space Treaty (1967) prohibits placing nuclear weapons or other WMDs in orbit, on the moon, or on any other celestial body. It also bans establishing military bases or testing weapons in outer space. This has been an important arms control measure in preventing the nuclearization of space.
The Partial Test Ban Treaty (PTBT) of 1963 prohibits nuclear tests in:
Correct Answer: C. Atmosphere, outer space, and underwater (all but underground)
The Partial Test Ban Treaty (PTBT, 1963) prohibits nuclear weapons testing in the atmosphere, in outer space, and underwater, but allows underground tests. It was negotiated in the aftermath of the Cuban Missile Crisis and concerns about radioactive fallout from atmospheric tests. The CTBT (1996) aimed to ban all nuclear tests including underground ones.
India's nuclear doctrine was publicly announced for the first time in:
Correct Answer: C. 1999 by the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB)
India's nuclear doctrine was first publicly announced in August 1999 when the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) released a draft nuclear doctrine. This was followed by the official codification of the doctrine by the Cabinet Committee on Security in January 2003. The 1999 draft and 2003 official version share key elements including No First Use and credible minimum deterrence.
Which of the following is a key difference between IAEA 'comprehensive safeguards' and the 'Additional Protocol'?
Correct Answer: B. The Additional Protocol allows more intrusive inspections including at undeclared facilities
IAEA Comprehensive Safeguards (under NPT) cover all declared nuclear materials and facilities of a state. The Additional Protocol (1997) was created after the Iraqi clandestine nuclear program was discovered post-Gulf War and provides for more intrusive inspections, including at sites not declared by the state. India has both a Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement and an Additional Protocol with the IAEA for its designated civilian facilities.