Nuclear Policy: NPT, CTBT, NSG — Set 9
International Relations · परमाणु नीति: NPT, CTBT, NSG · Questions 81–90 of 158
Which country successfully opposed India's NSG membership bid at the 2016 Seoul plenary meeting?
Correct Answer: C. China
China blocked India's bid for full NSG membership at the June 2016 Seoul plenary meeting, arguing that non-NPT states should not be admitted. China demanded that a consensus approach be developed for all non-NPT states, which would include Pakistan. The USA, UK, France, Russia, and many other NSG members supported India's bid.
The Fissile Material Cutoff Treaty (FMCT) if concluded would primarily benefit which country's security interests by freezing existing imbalances?
Correct Answer: C. Pakistan
Pakistan has the most to gain strategically from delaying the FMCT, as it has been rapidly expanding its fissile material stockpile. An FMCT that caps production would freeze any asymmetry in India-Pakistan fissile material stocks. This is why Pakistan has been the primary blocker of FMCT negotiations at the Conference on Disarmament.
What was the 'Pressler Amendment' replaced by in US law, which resumed some military sales to Pakistan?
Correct Answer: B. Brown Amendment
The Brown Amendment (1995) partially relieved the restrictions of the Pressler Amendment by allowing the USA to resume some military sales to Pakistan despite its nuclear weapons program. It released $368 million worth of previously frozen military equipment to Pakistan. This reflected the strategic value the USA placed on its relationship with Pakistan.
India's nuclear power plants are operated by:
Correct Answer: C. NPCIL
India's commercial nuclear power plants are operated by NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited). BARC conducts nuclear research, DRDO develops defence systems, and IGCAR focuses on fast breeder reactor research. NPCIL is a government enterprise under the Department of Atomic Energy.
The Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) was adopted at the UN General Assembly by a vote of:
Correct Answer: B. 158 for, 3 against
The CTBT was adopted by the UN General Assembly on September 10, 1996, with a vote of 158 in favor and 3 against (India, Bhutan, Libya). India voted against because it was excluded from the drafting of the treaty and objected to the entry-into-force clause requiring India's ratification. Pakistan and the USA ultimately signed but have not ratified.
Which of the following correctly describes India's nuclear arsenal management approach?
Correct Answer: B. Warheads are kept separate from delivery systems (de-mated posture)
India maintains a 'de-mated' nuclear posture where warheads are kept separate from delivery systems in peacetime. This is intended to reduce the risk of accidental launch and maintain civilian control. The warheads can be assembled and deployed within a short timeframe when ordered.
Which country was the first to ratify the CTBT?
Correct Answer: C. Fiji
Fiji was the first country to ratify the CTBT, doing so in October 1996, shortly after the treaty was opened for signature. Many small island states and non-nuclear countries quickly ratified, but the treaty cannot enter into force without ratification by the 44 specific 'Annex 2' states. France and the UK have ratified, but the USA, China, India, Pakistan, and others have not.
The nuclear reactor that India built entirely indigenously and without foreign assistance was:
Correct Answer: B. Dhruva research reactor
The Dhruva research reactor at BARC, Trombay, was designed and built entirely by Indian scientists without any foreign assistance, commissioned in 1985. It is a heavy water moderated research reactor and is used for neutron research and isotope production. Dhruva demonstrated India's self-reliance in nuclear technology.
Which key provision in the India-USA 123 Agreement allowed India to reprocess US-supplied nuclear fuel?
Correct Answer: D. Upfront consent for reprocessing
The 123 Agreement granted India 'upfront consent' for reprocessing, meaning India was given a blanket advance approval to reprocess US-supplied nuclear fuel. This was significant because the USA typically grants reprocessing rights only on a case-by-case basis or not at all. However, a joint facility for reprocessing was yet to be agreed upon.
India's nuclear doctrine requires civilian control over nuclear weapons. This means:
Correct Answer: B. Only the Prime Minister, heading the Nuclear Command Authority, can authorize use
India's nuclear command and control is under civilian authority, with the Prime Minister heading the Political Council of the Nuclear Command Authority (NCA). The NCA's Political Council authorizes any nuclear use. The Executive Council, chaired by the National Security Adviser, provides inputs and manages strategic forces.