In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under "IAEA Safeguards" while others are not ?
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Answer: B. Reactors that use imported uranium, or were built with foreign help, are placed under IAEA safeguards as per India's agreements (such as the 2008 India-US civil nuclear deal and NSG waiver). Reactors using domestic uranium can stay outside safeguards.
Watch for: Students think safeguards depend on who runs the plant, but they depend on where the fuel comes from.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Wrong because the type of fuel (uranium or thorium) is not the basis.
- C. Wrong because all Indian power reactors are run by Indian bodies like NPCIL.
- D. Wrong because Indian nuclear power reactors are all State-owned.
Source to check: India's Separation Plan (2006) and India-specific Safeguards Agreement with IAEA (2008); Department of Atomic Energy (dae.gov.in)
Answer from the official UPSC key. Written and fact-checked by AI against the official key. Spotted a mistake? Report it.