In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept 'IAEA Safeguards' while others are not

In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept ‘IAEA Safeguards’ while others are not

In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept ‘IAEA Safeguards’ while others are not?

(a)

Some use uranium and others use thorium

(b)

Some use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies

(c)

Some are operated by foreign enterprises and others are operated by domestic

(d)

Some are State-owned and others are privately-owned

Answer:

(b)

Explanation

There are at present 22 operational reactors, of which 14 are under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards as they use imported fuel. India currently imports uranium from Russia, Kazakhstan and Canada. Plans are also afoot to procure the fuel from Uzbekistan and Australia. The remaining “military” facilities remained off-limits to international inspectors. By placing the reactors under the IAEA safeguards, India gives the international nuclear energy watchdog access to them. This step was taken by the country in 2014 to demonstrate that its nuclear energy programme was for peaceful purposes. This is a necessary step under the Indo-US nuclear deal. Therefore, the correct answer is (b).