Nuclear Policy: NPT, CTBT, NSG — Set 2

Correct Answer: B. India maintains minimum nuclear arsenal sufficient to deter adversaries

Credible Minimum Deterrence means India maintains a nuclear arsenal that is just enough to convincingly deter potential adversaries from using nuclear weapons against India. It does not imply matching nuclear weapons in number with adversaries. This doctrine was formally articulated in India's Nuclear Doctrine of 2003.

Correct Answer: C. 2008

The India-USA Civil Nuclear Deal, known as the 123 Agreement, was finalized and signed in October 2008. It allowed the USA to share civilian nuclear technology and fuel with India. The deal required India to separate its civilian and military nuclear facilities and place civilian ones under IAEA safeguards.

Correct Answer: A. Article 123 of the US Atomic Energy Act

The 123 Agreement is named after Section 123 of the United States Atomic Energy Act of 1954, which governs nuclear cooperation agreements between the USA and other countries. It was a landmark deal that allowed India civil nuclear cooperation despite not being an NPT signatory. The agreement required specific safeguards and commitments from India.

Correct Answer: C. IAEA

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), headquartered in Vienna, is the primary international body responsible for verifying nuclear safeguards. It inspects nuclear facilities of member states to ensure nuclear material is not diverted to weapons use. India's civilian nuclear facilities are under IAEA safeguards as per the 2008 civil nuclear deal.

Correct Answer: B. South Pacific

The Treaty of Rarotonga (1985) established the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone (SPNFZ). It prohibits the manufacture, acquisition, or deployment of nuclear explosive devices in the region. The treaty was named after the Cook Islands capital where it was signed.

Correct Answer: A. Treaty of Tlatelolco

The Treaty of Tlatelolco (1967) established the Latin American Nuclear Weapon Free Zone (LANWFZ). It was the first treaty to create a nuclear-weapon-free zone in a densely populated area. The treaty prohibits the testing, use, production, or acquisition of nuclear weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Correct Answer: C. 2016

India joined the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) in June 2016, becoming its 35th member. The MTCR is an informal political arrangement that seeks to limit the proliferation of missiles and related technology capable of delivering weapons of mass destruction. India's membership enhanced its credibility as a responsible nuclear state.

Correct Answer: B. Missile Technology Control Regime

MTCR stands for Missile Technology Control Regime, established in 1987 by G7 countries. It is a voluntary, informal arrangement among supplier countries to control exports of missiles and related technologies. India's membership in 2016 was a significant milestone in its integration into global non-proliferation frameworks.

Correct Answer: B. Chemical and biological weapons

The Australia Group is an informal grouping of countries that seeks to prevent the proliferation of chemical and biological weapons through export controls. It was established in 1985 following the use of chemical weapons in the Iran-Iraq war. India was admitted to the Australia Group in January 2018.

Correct Answer: C. 2018

India joined the Australia Group in January 2018, making it a member of all four key multilateral export control regimes. Along with MTCR membership in 2016 and Wassenaar Arrangement membership in 2017, India's entry into Australia Group demonstrated its growing credentials as a responsible nation. This was part of India's broader effort to join the NSG.