Nuclear Policy: NPT, CTBT, NSG — Set 7
International Relations · परमाणु नीति: NPT, CTBT, NSG · Questions 61–70 of 158
The first nuclear-weapon-free zone was established by which treaty?
Correct Answer: C. Antarctic Treaty (1959)
The Antarctic Treaty of 1959 established Antarctica as the world's first nuclear-weapon-free zone, though the Treaty of Tlatelolco (1967) was the first treaty specifically focused on creating a nuclear-weapon-free zone in an inhabited region. The Antarctic Treaty banned military activities, including nuclear testing and deployment, in Antarctica. It came into force in 1961.
India's strategic nuclear forces are under the command and control of:
Correct Answer: B. Nuclear Command Authority (NCA)
India's nuclear forces are under the command and control of the Nuclear Command Authority (NCA), established in 2003. The NCA has a Political Council chaired by the Prime Minister and an Executive Council chaired by the National Security Adviser. Only the Prime Minister can authorize the use of nuclear weapons.
Which year did the NPT come into force?
Correct Answer: B. 1970
The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) entered into force on March 5, 1970, after being opened for signature in 1968. The treaty has been signed by 191 states, making it the most widely adhered-to arms limitation treaty. The NPT is reviewed every five years at NPT Review Conferences.
The 1968 NPT reviews are held every:
Correct Answer: C. Five years
NPT Review Conferences are held every five years to assess the implementation of the treaty. The most recent successful review conference was in 2010; the 2015 and 2020 reviews ended without consensus documents. These conferences are a key forum for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation discussions.
What was India's estimated number of nuclear warheads as per SIPRI 2023 estimates?
Correct Answer: C. Approximately 160-170
According to SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute) estimates for 2023, India possesses approximately 160-170 nuclear warheads. This places India's arsenal as smaller than those of China, the USA, and Russia. India's arsenal is growing as it develops more sophisticated delivery systems.
The Fissile Material Cutoff Treaty (FMCT) negotiations are held in which international forum?
Correct Answer: B. Conference on Disarmament (CD)
FMCT negotiations are conducted within the Conference on Disarmament (CD), the UN's single multilateral disarmament negotiating forum based in Geneva. The CD operates by consensus, meaning any one of its 65 member states can block negotiations. Pakistan has been the primary obstacle to starting FMCT negotiations at the CD.
Under the 2008 India-USA nuclear deal, India agreed to:
Correct Answer: B. Separate civilian and military nuclear facilities and place civilian ones under IAEA safeguards
Under the 2008 India-USA Civil Nuclear Deal, India agreed to separate its civilian and military nuclear facilities and voluntarily place its civilian facilities under IAEA safeguards. India was not required to sign the NPT or give up its nuclear weapons. This was a unique arrangement that acknowledged India's special status.
Which US President signed the Hyde Act (enabling legislation for the India-USA nuclear deal)?
Correct Answer: B. George W. Bush
President George W. Bush signed the Henry J. Hyde United States-India Peaceful Atomic Energy Cooperation Act (Hyde Act) in December 2006. This was a key piece of US legislation that enabled the India-USA Civil Nuclear Deal by amending the US Atomic Energy Act. The actual 123 Agreement was signed in 2008.
Which Indian Prime Minister was in power when the Smiling Buddha nuclear test was conducted in 1974?
Correct Answer: C. Indira Gandhi
Prime Minister Indira Gandhi authorized India's first nuclear test, Smiling Buddha, conducted on May 18, 1974. The test made India the sixth country to successfully detonate a nuclear device. India described the test as a peaceful nuclear explosion to avoid international backlash.
The NPT divides the world into Nuclear Weapon States (NWS) and Non-Nuclear Weapon States (NNWS). What obligation do NNWS have under the NPT?
Correct Answer: B. Not to acquire nuclear weapons and to accept IAEA safeguards
Under the NPT, Non-Nuclear Weapon States (NNWS) commit not to acquire or develop nuclear weapons and to accept comprehensive IAEA safeguards on all their nuclear activities. In exchange, they have the right to peaceful nuclear energy and NWS must work toward disarmament. This bargain is often called the NPT's 'grand bargain.'