Which of the following nuclear arms control agreements are correctly matched?

A. 1959 – Antarctic Treaty
B. 1963 – Partial Test Ban Treaty
C. 1968 – Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
D. 1990 – Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty
E. 1982 – Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is B

Let's evaluate each nuclear arms control agreement for correctness:

A. 1959 – Antarctic Treaty:

Correctness: Correct. The Antarctic Treaty was indeed signed in 1959 and entered into force in 1961. It designates Antarctica as a scientific preserve, establishes freedom of scientific investigation, and bans military activity on the continent, including nuclear explosions and disposal of radioactive waste. While not solely a "nuclear arms control agreement" in the strictest sense, its prohibition on nuclear explosions makes it relevant in this context.

B. 1963 – Partial Test Ban Treaty (PTBT):

Correctness: Correct. The Partial Test Ban Treaty, officially known as the Treaty Banning Nuclear Weapon Tests in the Atmosphere, in Outer Space and Under Water, was signed in 1963 and entered into force the same year. It prohibits nuclear weapons tests in the atmosphere, outer space, and underwater.

C. 1968 – Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT):

Correctness: Correct. The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) was opened for signature in 1968 and entered into force in 1970. It aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament.

D. 1990 – Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT):

Correctness: Incorrect. The Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1996 and opened for signature in the same year. It bans all nuclear explosions in all environments, for military or civilian purposes. It has not yet entered into force.

E. 1982 – Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty (ABM Treaty):

Correctness: Incorrect. The Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty (ABM Treaty) was signed in 1972 between the United States and the Soviet Union. It limited the number of anti-ballistic missile systems used to defend areas against missile-delivered nuclear weapons. The U.S. withdrew from the treaty in 2002.

Based on this analysis, the correctly matched agreements are A, B, and C.