Nuclear Policy: NPT, CTBT, NSG — Set 15
International Relations · परमाणु नीति: NPT, CTBT, NSG · Questions 141–150 of 158
The 'Global Zero' initiative advocates for:
Correct Answer: B. Complete elimination of all nuclear weapons worldwide
The Global Zero initiative, launched in 2008 by political and military leaders, advocates for the complete elimination of all nuclear weapons worldwide. It has attracted support from former US secretaries of state, defence officials, and military commanders. Global Zero presents itself as a long-term goal requiring verified, phased reductions.
Plutonium-239, used in nuclear weapons, is produced in nuclear reactors by:
Correct Answer: B. Neutron bombardment of uranium-238
Plutonium-239 is produced when uranium-238 captures a neutron and undergoes beta decay in a nuclear reactor. This process occurs in both power reactors and research reactors. The separation of weapons-grade plutonium from reactor fuel requires reprocessing, which is why controlling reprocessing technology is a key non-proliferation objective.
India's nuclear tests in 1998 led the US to impose sanctions under which act?
Correct Answer: B. Glenn Act (Arms Export Control Act)
Following India's 1998 nuclear tests, the USA imposed sanctions under the Glenn Act (an amendment to the Arms Export Control Act) and the Foreign Assistance Act. The sanctions restricted US foreign aid, military sales, export credits, and US bank lending to India and Pakistan. Most US sanctions on India were lifted by 2001.
The NPT recognizes which date as the cutoff for countries to be classified as nuclear weapon states?
Correct Answer: B. January 1, 1967
The NPT defines nuclear weapon states as those that manufactured and exploded a nuclear weapon or other nuclear explosive device before January 1, 1967. This cutoff date includes the USA, Soviet Union (Russia), UK, France, and China (P5), while excluding India (1974 test), Pakistan (1998), Israel, and North Korea. India considers this a discriminatory criterion.
The concept of 'nuclear security' is different from 'nuclear safety' in that:
Correct Answer: B. Nuclear security addresses intentional malicious acts; safety addresses accidents
Nuclear security refers to measures to prevent unauthorized access to nuclear materials and facilities, protecting against theft, sabotage, and nuclear terrorism. Nuclear safety, on the other hand, focuses on preventing accidents in nuclear facilities and protecting workers and the public from radiation exposure. Both are important pillars of responsible nuclear governance.
Which Indian Navy ship is India's second nuclear ballistic missile submarine after INS Arihant?
Correct Answer: B. INS Arighat
INS Arighat is India's second nuclear ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), launched in 2017 and commissioned in August 2024. Like INS Arihant, it is part of India's Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project. INS Arighat carries longer-range K-15 and K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missiles, enhancing India's sea-based deterrence.
The Rajiv Gandhi Action Plan (1988) proposed:
Correct Answer: B. A time-bound plan for universal nuclear disarmament by 2010
Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi presented the 'Action Plan for Ushering in a Nuclear-Weapon-Free and Non-Violent World Order' to the UN General Assembly in June 1988. It proposed a time-bound program for the elimination of all nuclear weapons in three stages by 2010. The plan was a landmark statement of India's vision for universal disarmament.
The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) has a total of how many 'Annex 2' states whose ratification is required for it to enter into force?
Correct Answer: C. 44
The CTBT requires ratification by 44 specific 'Annex 2' states — countries that participated in negotiations and had nuclear reactors or power plants at the time. As of 2024, 8 of these 44 states have not ratified: USA, China, India, Pakistan, Israel, Iran, Egypt, and North Korea. The CTBT cannot enter into force until all 44 ratify.
The IAEA uses the term 'significant quantity' (SQ) to refer to:
Correct Answer: A. The minimum amount of nuclear material needed for a nuclear explosive device
The IAEA defines 'significant quantity' (SQ) as the approximate amount of nuclear material needed to make a nuclear explosive device, taking into account conversion and fabrication losses. For weapons-grade plutonium, 1 SQ = 8 kg. For highly enriched uranium (HEU), 1 SQ = 25 kg. The SQ concept is fundamental to nuclear safeguards calculations.
India's nuclear submarine INS Chakra is:
Correct Answer: B. A nuclear-powered attack submarine leased from Russia
INS Chakra is a nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) leased from Russia, not an indigenous ballistic missile submarine. India has leased two nuclear attack submarines from Russia under the Chakra name — INS Chakra I (Charlie-class, 1988-91) and INS Chakra II (Akula-class, 2012-2022). These are distinct from the indigenous Arihant-class SSBNs.