Nuclear Policy: NPT, CTBT, NSG — Set 3

Correct Answer: C. Conventional arms and dual-use goods

The Wassenaar Arrangement is a multilateral export control regime dealing with conventional arms and dual-use goods and technologies. It was established in 1996 in Wassenaar, Netherlands. India joined the Wassenaar Arrangement in December 2017.

Correct Answer: B. USA, Russia, UK, France, China

The five Nuclear Weapon States (NWS) recognized under the NPT are the USA, Russia, UK, France, and China — also known as the P5 permanent members of the UN Security Council. These states are permitted to keep their nuclear weapons under the NPT but are required to work toward disarmament. No other state is recognized as a nuclear weapon state under the NPT.

Correct Answer: B. USA's proposal for peaceful use of nuclear energy

Atoms for Peace was a speech delivered by US President Dwight D. Eisenhower to the UN General Assembly in December 1953, proposing the peaceful use of nuclear energy. This initiative led to the establishment of the IAEA in 1957. It sought to channel nuclear technology toward electricity generation and medical uses rather than weapons.

Correct Answer: B. 1963

The Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage was adopted in 1963 under the auspices of the IAEA. It establishes a framework for liability in case of nuclear accidents causing damage. India ratified an amendment to this convention as part of its nuclear liability framework.

Correct Answer: B. 2010

India's Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA) was passed by Parliament in 2010. The law establishes the liability of nuclear operators in case of a nuclear accident and compensation for victims. It has been a point of contention with the USA and other nuclear suppliers who argue that its 'right of recourse' clause against suppliers is not in line with international norms.

Correct Answer: C. China

China conducted its first nuclear test on October 16, 1964, becoming the first Asian country to join the nuclear club. The test, known as '596,' was carried out at the Lop Nor test site in Xinjiang. China's nuclear capability significantly influenced India's own nuclear aspirations.

Correct Answer: D. Treaty of Westphalia

The Treaty of Westphalia (1648) established the modern system of sovereign nation-states and is not related to nuclear weapons. The Treaty of Tlatelolco covers Latin America, Rarotonga covers the South Pacific, and the Treaty of Bangkok covers Southeast Asia as nuclear-weapon-free zones. These are distinct multilateral disarmament initiatives.

Correct Answer: B. Ban production of fissile material for nuclear weapons

The Fissile Material Cutoff Treaty (FMCT) aims to prohibit the production of fissile material (highly enriched uranium and plutonium) for nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices. Negotiations on the FMCT have been stalled in the Conference on Disarmament (CD) for decades. Pakistan has been the principal blocker of FMCT negotiations.

Correct Answer: B. Efforts to prevent nuclear terrorism and secure nuclear materials

The NTI (Nuclear Threat Initiative) Nuclear Security Index evaluates countries on the security of their nuclear materials and the robustness of conditions that could contribute to nuclear theft or terrorism. It measures both capabilities and conditions of nuclear security. India has consistently improved its ranking in the index.

Correct Answer: B. Key states including USA and China have not ratified it

The CTBT requires ratification by 44 specific 'Annex 2' states to enter into force, including nuclear-capable countries. Eight of these states — including the USA, China, India, Pakistan, Israel, Iran, Egypt, and North Korea — have either not signed or not ratified. The USA signed in 1996 but has not ratified.