Nuclear (Physics) Part-II

Total Questions: 39

31. Consider the following statements: [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1994]

Assertion (A): India's nuclear policy incorporates in unpreparedness to open its nuclear plants to international inspection.

Reason (R): India will not produce any nuclear bomb.

Select your answer from the code given below:

Correct Answer: (c) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
Solution:

India is not ready to open its nuclear plants for international inspection because of the possibility of technological privacy breach. But India has kept open the option of making a nuclear bomb.

32. India has refused to sign the treaty on non-proliferation of nuclear weapon. [R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1992]

Correct Answer: (a) It is discriminatory.
Solution:

There are two types of members in the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT: Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons) Nuclear Weapon States and Non-Nuclear Weapon States. Only five countries (including China) who had fired a nuclear device before 1967 were given the status of Nuclear Weapon States.

Any other nation who wished to sign the NPT had to do so as a Non-Nuclear Weapon State. India exploded its first nuclear device in 1974. This implies that the only option by which India could sign the NPT is being a Non-Nuclear Weapons State.

If India signs the NPT as a Non-Nuclear Weapon State, India cannot even keep a minimal nuclear deterrent. Hence, India finds it discriminatory.

33. Consider the following countries: [I.A.S. (Pre) 2015]

1. China

2. France

3. India

4. Israel

5. Pakistan

Which among the above are Nuclear Weapons States as recognized by the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, commonly known as Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)?

Correct Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Solution:

The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT: Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons), which entered into force in March 1970, seeks to inhibit the spread of nuclear weapons.

Its all states-parties are classified in two categories Nuclear Weapon States (NWS) consisting of the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom -and Non-Nuclear Weapon States (NNWS).

Under the treaty, the five NWS (Nuclear Weapon States) commit to pursuing general and complete disarmament, while the NNWS (Non-Nuclear Weapon States) agree to forgo developing or acquiring nuclear weapons.

34. What is/are the consequence/consequences of a country becoming the member of the 'Nuclear Suppliers Group'? [I.A.S. (Pre) 2018]

1. It will have access to the latest and most efficient nuclear technologies.

2. It automatically becomes a member of "The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)".

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: (a) 1 only
Solution:

Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) is a group of nuclear supplier countries that seeks to prevent nuclear proliferation by controlling export materials, equipment and technology that can be used to manufacture nuclear weapons.

It was established in 1974. NSG consists of 48 members which include the five recognized nuclear-weapon states US, UK, France, China and Russia. Its members have access to the latest and most efficient nuclear technologies.

If a country becomes member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, it does not automatically become a member of the NPT. India is trying for the membership of NSG without signing the NPT.

35. Which among the following countries is not a member of Nuclear Suppliers Group? [M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2008]

Correct Answer: (d) Iran
Solution:

As of March, 2024, the Nuclear Suppliers Group has 48 members. According to the options given in the question, Iran is not the member country of NSG.

36. Which country was the first, after the ban on India was lifted by the Nuclear Suppliers Group, to sign an agreement that would allow supply of civil nuclear technology to India? [M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2008]

Correct Answer: (d) France
Solution:

After the ban on India was lifted by the Nuclear Suppliers Group, France was the first country to sign an agreement that would allow the supply of civil nuclear technology to India.

37. In the Indian context, what is the implication of ratifying the 'Additional Protocol' with the 'International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)'? [I.A.S. (Pre) 2018]

Correct Answer: (a) The civilian nuclear reactors come under IAEA safeguards
Solution:

The additional protocol is not a stand-alone agreement but rather a protocol to the safeguards agreement that provides additional tools for verification. In particular, it significantly increases the IAEA's ability to verify the peaceful use of nuclear materials in States with comprehensive safeguards agreements.

In its safeguard agreement, India committed itself to allowing the IAEA access to specified civil nuclear facilities where imported nuclear fuel was being used.

The additional protocol to safeguards agreement between the Government of India and IAEA for the application of Safe-guards to Civilian Nuclear Facilities came into force on 25 July, 2014

38. In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under 'IAEA Safeguards' while others are not? [I.A.S. (Pre) 2020]

Correct Answer: (b) Some use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies
Solution:

In India, some nuclear reactors kept under International Atomic Energy (IAEA) safeguards while others are not as some use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies. By placing these reactors under the IAEA safeguards, India gives the international energy watchdog access to them.

This step was taken by the country in 2014 to demonstrate that its nuclear energy programme was for peaceful purposes. It was also a necessary step under the India - US Civilian Nuclear Deal (2005), which makes IAEA safeguards mandatory for reactors using imported fuel

39. Recently, India signed a deal known as 'Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field' with which of the following countries? [I.A.S. (Pre) 2019]

Correct Answer: (b) Russia
Solution:

India and Russia on 5 October 2018, following their 19 edition of the joint summit, inked an Action Plan for expanding civil nuclear partnership comprising second site for Russian nuclear reactors in India.

"The Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field identified jointly by Russia and India' is the full name of the signed deal.

The two countries intent to develop a project of six nuclear power units of Russian design at a new site in India, further enhance cooperation in the third countries and bring in new perspective nuclear technologies together with joint construction of nuclear power plants.