In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under “IAEA safeguards” while others are not?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2020 Prelims]
(a) Some use uranium and others use thorium
(b) Some use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies
(c) Some are operated by foreign enterprises and others are operated by domestic enterprises
(d) Some are State-owned and others are privately-owned
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) implements a series of technical safeguards to ensure that nuclear facilities are not diverted from peaceful purposes, and these safeguards are applied independently.
- According to Article 3 of the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty, non-nuclear weapon states must enter into a safeguard agreement with the IAEA.
- Presently, 26 of India’s nuclear facilities are under IAEA safeguard, and recently, the two Russian PLWR and two PHW reactors have also been placed under IAEA safeguards.
