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Questions and Answers
What was the codename of the first nuclear explosion undertaken by India in 1974?
What was the codename of the first nuclear explosion undertaken by India in 1974?
What principle did India adopt regarding the use of nuclear weapons in January 2003?
What principle did India adopt regarding the use of nuclear weapons in January 2003?
Which country conducted simultaneous nuclear tests on May 28, 1998, under the name Chagai-I?
Which country conducted simultaneous nuclear tests on May 28, 1998, under the name Chagai-I?
Why did China object to India's application for membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group in 2016?
Why did China object to India's application for membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group in 2016?
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Which of the following statements is true regarding India's position on the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT)?
Which of the following statements is true regarding India's position on the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT)?
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Which of the following was emphasized by Pakistan in its nuclear weapons strategy?
Which of the following was emphasized by Pakistan in its nuclear weapons strategy?
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What was the stance of India on the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) during its indefinite extension in 1995?
What was the stance of India on the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) during its indefinite extension in 1995?
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Which organization was established in response to India’s nuclear test in 1974?
Which organization was established in response to India’s nuclear test in 1974?
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Who was the Prime Minister of India when the first nuclear explosion was conducted?
Who was the Prime Minister of India when the first nuclear explosion was conducted?
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What does the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities between India and Pakistan establish regarding communication between the two countries?
What does the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities between India and Pakistan establish regarding communication between the two countries?
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In which year was the first exchange of nuclear installation lists between India and Pakistan conducted?
In which year was the first exchange of nuclear installation lists between India and Pakistan conducted?
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Which institution was established by Homi J. Bhabha to conduct research in fundamental sciences?
Which institution was established by Homi J. Bhabha to conduct research in fundamental sciences?
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What significant development in India's nuclear program occurred in 1951?
What significant development in India's nuclear program occurred in 1951?
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What was the primary goal of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) established in 1954?
What was the primary goal of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) established in 1954?
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What does the term ‘nuclear installation or facility’ encompass according to the agreement?
What does the term ‘nuclear installation or facility’ encompass according to the agreement?
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Which event occurred after the establishment of the Atomic Energy Commission of India in 1948?
Which event occurred after the establishment of the Atomic Energy Commission of India in 1948?
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Which of the following is TRUE about the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) concerning India?
Which of the following is TRUE about the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) concerning India?
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In what area was the Atomic Energy Establishment, Trombay (AEET), significant?
In what area was the Atomic Energy Establishment, Trombay (AEET), significant?
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Who is the current Managing Director and CEO of the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF)?
Who is the current Managing Director and CEO of the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF)?
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Which of the following funds is NOT managed by the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF)?
Which of the following funds is NOT managed by the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF)?
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What was the investment amount signed in the first deal by the NIIF with the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA)?
What was the investment amount signed in the first deal by the NIIF with the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA)?
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Which institution announced its intention to invest USD 200 million in the NIIF?
Which institution announced its intention to invest USD 200 million in the NIIF?
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What percentage share does the Indian Government hold in the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund?
What percentage share does the Indian Government hold in the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund?
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What is the primary goal of the NIIF's planned second fund launched in May 2023?
What is the primary goal of the NIIF's planned second fund launched in May 2023?
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Which of the following is a domestic investor in the NIIF?
Which of the following is a domestic investor in the NIIF?
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What is the new completion deadline for the Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-I?
What is the new completion deadline for the Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-I?
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Which organization was responsible for approving the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF)?
Which organization was responsible for approving the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF)?
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What percentage of the Bharatmala Pariyojana project was completed by November 2023?
What percentage of the Bharatmala Pariyojana project was completed by November 2023?
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Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-I was initially expected to be completed by which year?
Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-I was initially expected to be completed by which year?
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What type of projects does the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) support?
What type of projects does the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) support?
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Which of the following is NOT a focus area of the Bharatmala Pariyojana?
Which of the following is NOT a focus area of the Bharatmala Pariyojana?
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Study Notes
India-Pakistan Nuclear Installations Exchange
- India and Pakistan exchanged lists of nuclear installations simultaneously in 2023, marking their 33rd consecutive exchange since 1992.
- The exchange is governed by the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations, known as the India-Pakistan Non-Attack Agreement, effective since 1991.
- Each January 1st, both countries must inform each other about nuclear installations, which include power reactors, fuel facilities, and establishments with radioactive materials.
India's Nuclear Journey
- The Indian nuclear program began in the late 1940s under Homi J. Bhabha's direction.
- Key institutions include the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR, established 1945) and the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC, established 1948) to govern nuclear policy.
- India's first uranium deposit was discovered in 1951, followed by the creation of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) in 1954, focusing on nuclear technology and radiation applications.
- The Atomic Energy Establishment, Trombay, foundational for India's nuclear research, later became the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in 1966.
Development of Nuclear Capabilities
- India signed an accord with the USA in 1963 for enriched fuel supply to the Tarapur plant, amidst rising global nuclear tensions.
- India's first nuclear test, “Smiling Buddha,” occurred in May 1974, claimed as a “peaceful nuclear explosion.”
- India opposed the indefinite extension of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in 1995 and has not signed the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).
- Operation Shakti in 1998 showcased India's capabilities with a series of nuclear tests, asserting itself as a nuclear power.
Regional Nuclear Dynamics
- Following India’s nuclear declaration, Pakistan, under Abdul Qadeer Khan, launched its own nuclear program, conducting five underground tests (Chagai-I) in May 1998.
- India adopted a No First Use (NFU) doctrine in January 2003, signaling nuclear retaliation only upon a nuclear attack, while Pakistan emphasizes tactical nuclear weapons without a declared NFU policy.
Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)
- NSG was established in response to India's 1974 nuclear test to promote non-proliferation and regulates nuclear exports among its 48 member states.
- The NSG operates on a consensus basis, currently chaired by Gustavo Ainchil from Argentina.
- China has long opposed India's NSG membership, insisting only NPT signatories should be eligible, while a majority of NSG members support India's bid due to its non-proliferation record.
Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-I
- Deadline extended to 2027-28 due to over 100% increase in estimated costs and slower implementation.
- Launched by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in 2017, originally set for completion by 2022.
- Aims to enhance existing infrastructure effectiveness and facilitate multimodal integration.
Key Features of Bharatmala Pariyojana
- Economic Corridors: Integrates connectedness between key production and consumption centers, boosting economic efficiency.
- Inter-corridor and Feeder Routes: Ensures improved first mile and last mile connectivity to transport systems.
- National Corridor Efficiency Improvement: Focuses on lane expansion and reducing congestion across existing National Corridors.
- Border and International Connectivity Roads: Enhancements to border roads improve trade and maneuverability with neighboring countries.
- Coastal and Port Connectivity Roads: Connects ports to coastal areas, fostering tourism and industrial growth.
- Green-field Expressways: New expressways alleviate congestion at choke points and manage higher traffic loads effectively.
Project Status
- As of November 2023, 15,045 km (42%) of Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-I has been completed.
National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF)
- Established in February 2015 for infrastructure investment aimed at maximizing economic impacts of commercial projects.
- Originated from a proposal in the Union Budget 2015-2016 by former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.
- Approved by the Department of Economic Affairs in August 2015.
- Headquarters located in Mumbai, India, under the Ministry of Finance led by Nirmala Sitharaman.
- Managed by CEO Sanjiv Agarwal.
Fund Structure and Investments
- NIIF is India's first sovereign wealth fund, registered with SEBI as a Category II Alternate Investment Fund.
- Currently manages three funds: Master Fund, Fund of Funds, and Strategic Fund.
- Signed the first investment deal worth USD 1 billion with the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) in October 2017.
- ADIA was the first international investor in NIIF's Master Fund, with the Indian Government holding a 49% share in NIIF.
- Domestic investors include HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, and Kotak Mahindra Life.
- Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank committed USD 200 million to NIIF in June 2018, distributing investments over time.
Future Plans for NIIF
- Plans to launch a second fund in May 2023, aiming to raise $1 billion.
- New fund will diversify investments across local asset managers, industries, markets, and asset classes.
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Description
IND-PAK Nuke Exchange, Bharatmala
