2018 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2018 · GS Paper I

Question 33: International Relations and Current Affairs

In the Indian context, what is the implication of ratifying the ‘Additional Protocol’ with the ‘International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’ ?

aThe civilian nuclear reactors come under IAEA safeguards.
bThe military nuclear installations come under the inspection of IAEA.
cThe country will have the privilege to buy uranium from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
dThe country automatically becomes a member of the NSG.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).

The Additional Protocol is an agreement between a state and the IAEA that widens the agency's rights of access and information, so it can verify that a state's civilian nuclear programme has no undeclared material or activity. For India it relates to civilian facilities placed under IAEA safeguards; military installations are not opened to inspection. It does not entitle a country to buy uranium from the NSG, and it does not make a country an NSG member.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Right: the Protocol strengthens IAEA safeguards over civilian nuclear activity.
  • (b) Wrong: military installations are kept out.
  • (c) Wrong: buying from NSG members is governed by NSG rules, not by this Protocol.
  • (d) Wrong: NSG membership is a separate decision by its members.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2018, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.