Nuclear Policy: NPT, CTBT, NSG — Set 14
International Relations · परमाणु नीति: NPT, CTBT, NSG · Questions 131–140 of 158
The Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization (KEDO) was set up in 1995 to:
Correct Answer: B. Provide North Korea with light water reactors in exchange for freezing its plutonium program
KEDO was established in 1995 following the US-North Korea Agreed Framework of 1994. Under the deal, North Korea agreed to freeze its graphite-moderated reactors (which could produce weapons-grade plutonium) in exchange for two light water reactors and interim energy assistance. The deal collapsed in 2002 when the USA confronted North Korea about its clandestine uranium enrichment program.
India's nuclear weapons are primarily a deterrent against which two countries?
Correct Answer: B. China and Pakistan
India's nuclear deterrent is primarily aimed at its two nuclear-armed neighbors, China and Pakistan. China's nuclear arsenal is significantly larger than India's, while Pakistan has been expanding its arsenal rapidly. India's nuclear doctrine of credible minimum deterrence must account for both these threats simultaneously.
The Strategic Partnership Agreement between India and France (2008) included cooperation in:
Correct Answer: C. Civil nuclear energy (Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant)
India and France concluded a civil nuclear agreement in 2008 following India's NSG waiver. France's Areva (now Orano/EDF) was selected to build the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant in Maharashtra, which will be the world's largest nuclear power plant when completed. Nuclear liability concerns have delayed the Jaitapur project.
What is the primary purpose of the International Monitoring System (IMS) established by the CTBTO?
Correct Answer: B. Detect nuclear explosions anywhere on Earth
The International Monitoring System (IMS) is a global network of monitoring stations established by the CTBTO to detect nuclear explosions anywhere on Earth. It uses seismic, hydroacoustic, infrasound, and radionuclide monitoring technologies. The IMS detected North Korea's nuclear tests and can distinguish nuclear explosions from earthquakes.
India's nuclear weapons program began with research at which institution?
Correct Answer: B. TIFR (Tata Institute of Fundamental Research)
India's nuclear weapons program traces its origins to the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), founded by Dr. Homi Bhabha in 1945. The Atomic Energy Establishment (now BARC) was established in 1954 for operational nuclear research. The Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) was established in 1948 to provide policy direction.
Under India's nuclear doctrine, who has the final authority to authorize a nuclear strike?
Correct Answer: C. Prime Minister of India
Under India's nuclear doctrine, the Prime Minister chairs the Political Council of the Nuclear Command Authority (NCA) and has the final authority to authorize a nuclear strike. This ensures strict civilian control over India's nuclear arsenal. In case of incapacitation of the Prime Minister, there are designated successors in the chain of authority.
The JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, 2015) was an agreement between Iran and:
Correct Answer: B. P5+1 (USA, Russia, China, UK, France, and Germany)
The JCPOA (2015) was negotiated between Iran and the P5+1 (the five permanent UN Security Council members plus Germany), along with the EU. It imposed limits on Iran's nuclear program in exchange for relief from economic sanctions. The USA withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018 under President Trump.
Which country hosts the Permanent Mission to the IAEA and the CTBTO in Vienna?
Correct Answer: C. Austria
Austria hosts both the IAEA and the CTBTO Preparatory Commission at their headquarters in Vienna. Austria is also home to several other international organizations, including OPEC and UNIDO. Vienna is considered one of the world's major international city hubs.
Which year did France join the NPT?
Correct Answer: D. 1992
France signed and ratified the NPT in August 1992, despite being a nuclear weapon state recognized under the treaty. France was the last of the five recognized nuclear weapon states to formally join the NPT. France had long resisted joining, viewing the NPT as interfering with its independent nuclear deterrent ('force de frappe').
The 'Non-Proliferation Treaty Extension Conference' of 1995 resulted in:
Correct Answer: B. The NPT was extended indefinitely
The 1995 NPT Review and Extension Conference decided to extend the NPT indefinitely by consensus. The conference also agreed to strengthen the review process and work toward a CTBT. The indefinite extension was seen as a major victory for non-proliferation advocates but disappointed those seeking a fixed-term extension with disarmament conditions.