Nuclear Policy: NPT, CTBT, NSG — Set 4
International Relations · परमाणु नीति: NPT, CTBT, NSG · Questions 31–40 of 158
Under India's nuclear doctrine, what is the policy regarding use of nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapon states?
Correct Answer: B. India pledges not to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapon states
India's nuclear doctrine includes a 'negative security assurance,' pledging not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapon states. This is part of India's commitment to responsible nuclear stewardship. The doctrine also commits India to work toward global, verifiable, and non-discriminatory nuclear disarmament.
The Pokhran test site where India conducted its nuclear tests is located in which state?
Correct Answer: B. Rajasthan
The Pokhran test site, officially known as the Pokhran Test Range, is located in the Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan. India conducted its Smiling Buddha test here in 1974 and Operation Shakti tests in 1998. The remote Thar Desert location was chosen for its sparse population and strategic secrecy.
How many nuclear tests did India conduct during Operation Shakti in 1998?
Correct Answer: C. Five
India conducted five nuclear tests during Operation Shakti in May 1998 — three on May 11 (Shakti-I, II, III) and two on May 13 (Shakti-IV and V). One of the tests was a thermonuclear (hydrogen bomb) device. The tests were conducted under the leadership of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Which scientist is associated with leading India's nuclear tests in 1998?
Correct Answer: C. APJ Abdul Kalam
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, who later became President of India, played a key role as the chief scientific adviser and DRDO chief in the successful 1998 nuclear tests. The tests were also overseen by the Atomic Energy Commission. Dr. R. Chidambaram, the then chairman of AEC, also played a crucial scientific role.
Who was the first scientist to lead India's nuclear program and is called the 'Father of India's Nuclear Program'?
Correct Answer: C. Homi J. Bhabha
Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha is regarded as the Father of India's nuclear program. He founded the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in 1945 and the Atomic Energy Establishment in Trombay (now BARC) in 1954. He was instrumental in convincing Prime Minister Nehru to develop India's nuclear capability.
What does 'BARC' stand for in the context of India's nuclear program?
Correct Answer: A. Bhabha Atomic Research Centre
BARC stands for Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, located in Trombay, Mumbai. It is India's premier nuclear research institute, named after Dr. Homi J. Bhabha. BARC conducts research in nuclear science and technology, including the development of nuclear reactors and weapons-related research.
The NSG currently has how many member countries (as of 2024)?
Correct Answer: C. 48
The Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) has 48 member countries as of 2024. India has been seeking full NSG membership since 2008 but has been blocked primarily by China. NSG membership would give India a formal voice in setting global nuclear export control guidelines.
India's nuclear doctrine was formally codified (made into a document) in which year?
Correct Answer: C. 2003
India's nuclear doctrine was formally codified in January 2003 by the Cabinet Committee on Security. It articulated the principles of No First Use, credible minimum deterrence, and civilian control over nuclear weapons. The doctrine also stated that India would respond with massive retaliation to any nuclear attack on India or its forces.
Raja Ramanna is associated with which landmark event in India's nuclear history?
Correct Answer: B. Conducting the 1974 Smiling Buddha test
Raja Ramanna was the head of the team of scientists who conducted India's first nuclear test, the Smiling Buddha, in May 1974. He personally informed Prime Minister Indira Gandhi that the test was successful. He later became the chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and Minister of State for Defence.
Which country was the first to develop and use nuclear weapons in warfare?
Correct Answer: C. USA
The USA was the first country to develop nuclear weapons through the Manhattan Project during World War II. It used atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima (August 6, 1945) and Nagasaki (August 9, 1945). These remain the only uses of nuclear weapons in warfare in history.