UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Iranian Parliament mulls possible exit from nuclear treaty

Q1. Under which Article of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) would Iran have to invoke its right to withdraw, as currently being debated in its Parliament?

  • A. Article IV
  • B. Article VI
  • C. Article VIII
  • D. Article X

Q2. In the context of Iran's proposed NPT withdrawal bill, what is the 'Guardian Council', the body that must clear the legislation?

  • A. A 12-member constitutional body that vets legislation for conformity with the constitution and Islamic law before it takes effect
  • B. The elected lower chamber of the Iranian Parliament that originates all nuclear legislation
  • C. An IAEA-appointed inspection panel that verifies Iran's safeguards compliance
  • D. The supreme command council that controls Iran's Revolutionary Guard nuclear assets

Q3. As Iran debates a possible exit, how many States are currently parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)?

  • A. 187
  • B. 189
  • C. 191
  • D. 193

Q4. With reference to the NPT, consider the following States: 1. India 2. Israel 3. Pakistan 4. North Korea Which of the above is/are correctly identified as States that have never signed/joined the NPT?

  1. India
  2. Israel
  3. Pakistan
  4. North Korea
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1, 2 and 3 only
  • C. 3 and 4 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q5. Comparing Iran's proposed NPT exit with North Korea's earlier withdrawal, consider the following statements: 1. North Korea, in 2003, became the only State ever to withdraw from the NPT, and Iran would be only the second if it exits. 2. Both North Korea's 2003 withdrawal and Iran's proposed exit are/would be effected through Article X of the NPT. 3. Unlike North Korea, India formally withdrew from the NPT under Article X. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. North Korea, in 2003, became the only State ever to withdraw from the NPT, and Iran would be only the second if it exits.
  2. Both North Korea's 2003 withdrawal and Iran's proposed exit are/would be effected through Article X of the NPT.
  3. Unlike North Korea, India formally withdrew from the NPT under Article X.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3