Which of the following pairs are not matched properly ?

A. First nuclear test/explosion by USA : 1945
B. First nuclear test/explosion by USSR : 1949
C. First nuclear test/explosion by France : 1965
D. First nuclear test/explosion by China : 1974
E. First nuclear test/explosion by India : 1974

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is C

Let's evaluate each pair:

• A. First nuclear test/explosion by USA : 1945 – This is correct. The USA conducted the first nuclear test, codenamed "Trinity", on July 16, 1945, in New Mexico.

• B. First nuclear test/explosion by USSR : 1949 – This is correct. The Soviet Union conducted its first nuclear test, "First Lightning", on August 29, 1949.

• C. First nuclear test/explosion by France : 1965 – This is incorrect. France conducted its first nuclear test on February 13, 1960 in the Sahara Desert, not in 1965.

• D. First nuclear test/explosion by China : 1974 – This is incorrect. China conducted its first nuclear test on October 16, 1964, not in 1974.

• E. First nuclear test/explosion by India : 1974 – This is correct. India conducted its first nuclear test, called "Smiling Buddha", on May 18, 1974 at Pokhran.

Thus, the pairs C and D are not matched properly . Hence Option 3 is the Correct Answer .

Information Booster :

1. Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)

• Overview: The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), signed in 1968, is the most prominent international treaty aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons. It seeks to:

  • Prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology (Non-Proliferation).

  • Promote peaceful uses of nuclear energy (Peaceful Use).

  • Foster nuclear disarmament (Disarmament).

• Key Features:

  • Nuclear-Weapon States (NWS): The treaty recognizes five nuclear-armed states: the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom. These states are allowed to maintain nuclear arsenals.

  • Non-Nuclear-Weapon States (NNWS): Countries that do not possess nuclear weapons agree not to acquire or develop them.

2. Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT)

• Overview: The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1996, aims to ban all nuclear explosions for both civilian and military purposes.

• Key Features:

  • Complete Ban on Nuclear Tests: The treaty prohibits all nuclear explosions, both underground and above ground.

  • International Monitoring System: The treaty has established a global monitoring network to detect any nuclear explosions.

  • Status: The treaty has not yet entered into force, as it requires ratification by 44 specific countries, including the United States, China, India, Pakistan, and North Korea, which have not yet ratified it.

3. Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (NWFZ) Treaties

• Overview: Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones (NWFZs) are regions in which the development, possession, or deployment of nuclear weapons is prohibited. Various regions of the world have established such zones to promote peace and security.

• Examples:

  • Treaty of Tlatelolco (1967): Established a nuclear-weapon-free zone in Latin America and the Caribbean.

  • Treaty of Rarotonga (1985): Created a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the South Pacific.

  • Pelindaba Treaty (1996): Created a nuclear-weapon-free zone in Africa.

  • Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (2006): Aimed at making Central Asia a nuclear-weapon-free region.

4. Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT)

• Overview: The Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) were two rounds of bilateral negotiations between the United States and the Soviet Union (now Russia) during the Cold War, aimed at curbing the growth of nuclear arms.

• SALT I (1972): This treaty resulted in two key agreements:

  • Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty: Limiting the number of anti-ballistic missile systems.

  • Interim Agreement on the Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms: Placed limits on the number of strategic nuclear weapons, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs).

• SALT II (1979): This treaty aimed to further reduce the number of strategic nuclear weapons but was not ratified by the U.S. Senate. However, both sides adhered to the limits of the treaty after it was signed.

5. Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START)

• Overview: The START treaties, particularly START I (1991) and New START (2010), were agreements between the U.S. and Russia to reduce and limit the number of strategic nuclear weapons.

• START I:

  • Signed in 1991, START I led to a significant reduction in the number of strategic nuclear weapons held by both superpowers.

  • It placed limits on the number of warheads and delivery systems (ICBMs, SLBMs, bombers).

• New START (2010):

  • Signed between the U.S. and Russia, New START further reduced the number of deployed nuclear warheads and delivery vehicles. It also enhanced transparency through inspections and data exchanges.