UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Nuclear nonproliferation talks in UN conclude without agreement

Q1. Under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), the application of safeguards to verify that non-nuclear-weapon States do not divert fissile material to weapons purposes is entrusted to which one of the following bodies?

  • A. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
  • B. Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO)
  • C. Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)
  • D. Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)

Q2. With reference to the definitions and obligations under the NPT, consider the following statements: 1. A 'nuclear-weapon State' is defined as one that manufactured and exploded a nuclear weapon or other nuclear explosive device prior to 1 January 1967. 2. The five nuclear-weapon States recognised under the treaty are the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France and China. 3. Under Article I of the treaty, non-nuclear-weapon States undertake not to manufacture or otherwise acquire nuclear weapons. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A 'nuclear-weapon State' is defined as one that manufactured and exploded a nuclear weapon or other nuclear explosive device prior to 1 January 1967.
  2. The five nuclear-weapon States recognised under the treaty are the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France and China.
  3. Under Article I of the treaty, non-nuclear-weapon States undertake not to manufacture or otherwise acquire nuclear weapons.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q3. With reference to India's position on nuclear treaties, consider the following statements: 1. India refused to accede to the NPT on the ground that it is discriminatory. 2. India has signed but not yet ratified the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). 3. In 2008 India obtained a country-specific waiver from the Nuclear Suppliers Group permitting civil nuclear commerce. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. India refused to accede to the NPT on the ground that it is discriminatory.
  2. India has signed but not yet ratified the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).
  3. In 2008 India obtained a country-specific waiver from the Nuclear Suppliers Group permitting civil nuclear commerce.
  • A. 1 and 3 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q4. The 2026 NPT Review Conference's failure to adopt a consensus outcome document was notable because, following the 2015 and 2022 conferences, it was the how-manyth successive Review Conference to end without such a document?

  • A. Second
  • B. Third
  • C. Fourth
  • D. Fifth

Q5. With reference to the NPT Review Conferences, consider the following statements: 1. The 1995 Review and Extension Conference decided that the treaty should continue in force indefinitely. 2. The 1995 Conference adopted a Resolution on the Middle East calling for a zone free of weapons of mass destruction in the region. 3. NPT Review Conferences are convened once every ten years. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The 1995 Review and Extension Conference decided that the treaty should continue in force indefinitely.
  2. The 1995 Conference adopted a Resolution on the Middle East calling for a zone free of weapons of mass destruction in the region.
  3. NPT Review Conferences are convened once every ten years.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q6. The 11th NPT Review Conference of 2026 concluded under the presidency of which one of the following?

  • A. Do Hung Viet of Viet Nam
  • B. Gustavo Zlauvinen of Argentina
  • C. Rafael Grossi of Argentina
  • D. Izumi Nakamitsu of Japan

Q7. At NPT Review Conferences, the requirement that a final outcome document be adopted 'by consensus' means that:

  • A. it is adopted provided no State Party registers a formal objection to it
  • B. it must always be approved by a two-thirds majority of the States Parties present and voting
  • C. it requires only the affirmative agreement of the five nuclear-weapon States
  • D. it must be ratified by the national legislature of every State Party before taking effect

Q8. With reference to developments in Iran's nuclear programme during 2025, consider the following statements: 1. Israel launched strikes on several Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025. 2. The United States struck three Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025. 3. Iran declared the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) void in October 2025. 4. In 2025 the IAEA formally declared Iran to be in full compliance with its safeguards obligations. Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. Israel launched strikes on several Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025.
  2. The United States struck three Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025.
  3. Iran declared the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) void in October 2025.
  4. In 2025 the IAEA formally declared Iran to be in full compliance with its safeguards obligations.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 1, 2 and 4
  • C. 2, 3 and 4
  • D. 1, 3 and 4

Q9. In assessments of Iran's nuclear programme, the term 'breakout time' refers to:

  • A. the time needed to produce enough weapons-grade fissile material for a single nuclear weapon
  • B. the time needed to assemble and field a deliverable nuclear warhead once fissile material is available
  • C. the time needed to resume enrichment after an IAEA inspection has been completed
  • D. the time within which a state must give notice before withdrawing from the NPT under Article X

Q10. Which one of the following correctly describes the Zangger Committee?

  • A. A body that harmonises the application of IAEA safeguards as a condition of nuclear exports, deriving from Article III.2 of the NPT
  • B. The organisation established to verify compliance with the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty
  • C. The multilateral regime controlling exports of conventional arms and dual-use goods and technologies
  • D. The 48-member grouping that granted India a country-specific exemption in 2008

Q11. The 1995 Resolution on the Middle East, calling for a zone free of weapons of mass destruction, was sponsored by which of the following?

  • A. The three NPT depositary States — the United States, the United Kingdom and Russia
  • B. All five recognised nuclear-weapon States acting jointly
  • C. The member States of the League of Arab States
  • D. The United States, France and China