Question

UPSC Prelims 2020 Question:

In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under "IAEA Safeguards" while others are not?

1. Some use uranium and others use thorium.
2. Some use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies.
3. Some are operated by foreign enterprises and others are operated by domestic enterprises.
4. Some are State-owned and others are privately owned.

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2: Some use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies.

Detailed Solution

Explanation:

Safeguards are activities by which the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) can verify that a State is living up to its international commitments not to use nuclear programmes for nuclear-weapons purposes. The global Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and other treaties against the spread of nuclear weapons entrust the IAEA as the nuclear inspectorate.
By placing the reactors under the IAEA safeguards, India has given the IAEA 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 a necessary step under the Indo-US nuclear deal.

Therefore, option (2) is the correct answer.

Subject: Geography | Energy Resources

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