Question

Nuclear non-proliferation Treaty refers to :

• A. Peaceful use of nuclear energy
• B. Spread of nuclear weapons
• C. Development of nuclear fusion
• D. Reduction of nuclear weapons stockpiles

Hint:

The NPT defines nuclear weapon states as those that manufactured and exploded a nuclear weapon prior to 1 January 1967 (USA, USSR/Russia, UK, France, and China). India chose not to sign the NPT because it considers the treaty discriminatory.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept: The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) is an international treaty opened for signature in 1968 that came into force in 1970. Its primary objectives are to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, to promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and to further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament and the reduction of nuclear weapon stockpiles.

Step 1: Analysis of the Treaty's Core Pillars.
The NPT is structured around three key pillars:
• Non-Proliferation: Non-nuclear weapon states agree not to acquire or manufacture nuclear weapons.
• Disarmament: Nuclear-weapon states (defined as those that tested nuclear devices prior to January 1, 1967) commit to pursue good-faith negotiations to reduce nuclear weapons stockpiles and achieve complete nuclear disarmament.
• Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy: All parties retain the right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, such as electricity generation, under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards.

Step 2: Identifying the correct option.
The NPT specifically aims to curb the proliferation of nuclear arms and encourage the reduction of nuclear weapons stockpiles among weapon-holding states. Among the given options, option (D) accurately reflects this central disarmament pillar of the treaty.