Previous Year Question
In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under ‘IAEA Safeguards’ while others are not?
Some use uranium and others use thorium
Some use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies
Some are operated by foreign enterprises and others are operated by domestic enterprises
Some are state-owned and others are privately-owned
Correct Answer: B
Detailed Solution
The purpose of IAEA Safeguards is to verify that nuclear material and technology provided for peaceful nuclear activities are not diverted towards nuclear weapons or other military purposes.
India has separated its nuclear programme into civilian and strategic facilities. The civilian reactors that India has declared under IAEA Safeguards may use imported uranium obtained through international civil nuclear cooperation. Supplier countries require that the nuclear fuel provided by them be used only for peaceful purposes and remain open to IAEA verification.
All facilities associated with domestic uranium and the indigenous fuel cycle do not automatically come under IAEA Safeguards. Therefore, in the context of the question, the principal distinction between the reactors is the use of imported uranium and domestic supplies.
The application of Safeguards is not based on the distinction between uranium and thorium, foreign and domestic operators, or state and private ownership. India’s India-specific Safeguards Agreement entered into force in 2009, and the associated Additional Protocol became effective in 2014.