Nuclear Policy: NPT, CTBT, NSG — Set 5

Correct Answer: B. 1957

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was established in 1957, following US President Eisenhower's Atoms for Peace speech. It is headquartered in Vienna, Austria, and serves as the global nuclear watchdog. The IAEA promotes the peaceful use of nuclear energy while ensuring it is not used for military purposes.

Correct Answer: C. North Korea

North Korea announced its withdrawal from the NPT in January 2003 — the only country ever to formally withdraw. North Korea has since conducted multiple nuclear tests and developed ballistic missiles. Its nuclear program remains one of the most serious proliferation challenges globally.

Correct Answer: B. Southeast Asia

The Treaty of Bangkok (1995), also known as the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Treaty, established a nuclear-weapon-free zone in Southeast Asia. It was signed by the 10 ASEAN member countries. The zone covers the territories, continental shelves, and Exclusive Economic Zones of the member states.

Correct Answer: B. Homi J. Bhabha

Dr. Homi J. Bhabha designed India's three-stage nuclear power program to optimize India's use of its vast thorium reserves. Stage 1 uses natural uranium in pressurized heavy water reactors; Stage 2 uses plutonium from Stage 1 in fast breeder reactors; Stage 3 uses thorium. The program aims for long-term energy independence.

Correct Answer: D. Japan

Japan does not possess nuclear weapons and is under the US nuclear umbrella for its defence. India, Pakistan, and Israel are de facto nuclear weapon states that are not recognized as such under the NPT. Japan is a signatory to the NPT and is committed to the three non-nuclear principles: not possessing, producing, or permitting nuclear weapons on its soil.

Correct Answer: C. Africa

The Treaty of Pelindaba (1996) established the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (ANWFZ). It prohibits African countries from researching, developing, testing, or possessing nuclear weapons. The treaty is named after Pelindaba, South Africa, where the signing ceremony was held.

Correct Answer: A. Central Asia

The Treaty of Semipalatinsk (2006) established the Central Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (CANWFZ), covering Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. It was the first such zone established in the Northern Hemisphere. The treaty was named after the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site in Kazakhstan.

Correct Answer: B. Monitor compliance with the CTBT once it enters into force

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) is tasked with building up and operating the global monitoring system for nuclear tests and promoting the treaty's universality. It maintains the International Monitoring System (IMS) with hundreds of monitoring stations worldwide. Although the CTBT has not entered into force, the CTBTO is operational as a preparatory commission.

Correct Answer: B. Chagai district of Balochistan

Pakistan conducted five nuclear tests on May 28 and one on May 30, 1998, in the Chagai district of Balochistan province, in response to India's Operation Shakti tests. The tests were code-named 'Chagai-I' and 'Chagai-II.' Pakistan proclaimed itself a nuclear-armed state following these tests.

Correct Answer: B. Pakistan's nuclear weapons program

The Pressler Amendment was a US law enacted in 1985 requiring the US President to certify annually that Pakistan does not possess nuclear weapons as a condition for US aid. When President George H. W. Bush could not certify this in 1990, US military and economic aid to Pakistan was suspended. The amendment was subsequently weakened by other legislation.