Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT)

IN NEWS:

• In the light of USA holding discussions on another nuclear test since 1992, China has urged USA to meet 'due obligations' under CTBT.

COMPREHENSIVE NUCLEAR-TEST-BAN TREATY:

• The CTBT is the treaty banning all nuclear explosions - everywhere, by everyone.
• The Treaty was negotiated at the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly.
• It was opened for signature in 1996. 182 countries have signed and 154 countries have ratified the Treaty.
• But the Treaty’s entry into force depends on 44 specific States that must have signed and ratified the Treaty.  These States had nuclear facilities at the time the Treaty was negotiated and adopted.
• Of this 44, India, North Korea and Pakistan have not signed the tresty, while China, Israel, Iran, Egypt, and the United States have not ratified it.

PRELIMS QUESTION:

Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT):

1. It bans all forms of nuclear explosions
2. It came into force in 1996
3. India has not signed the treaty

Which of the above statements is/are correct:

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1 and 3 only
3.  2 and 3 only
4. All of the above

Answer to Prelims question

Source: Economic Times