Nuclear non-proliferation Treaty refers to :

Q: Nuclear non-proliferation Treaty refers to :

**Correct option: (B) Spread of nuclear weapons.** The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which came into force in 1970, is an international agreement whose core purpose is to prevent the **spread (proliferation) of nuclear weapons** and weapons technology to countries that do not already possess them, while separately promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy under safeguards.

Security in the Contemporary World

Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)

Options

(A)Peaceful use of nuclear energy

(B)Spread of nuclear weapons

(C)Development of nuclear fusion

(D)Reduction of nuclear weapons stockpiles

Official Answer

Correct option: (B) Spread of nuclear weapons.

The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which came into force in 1970, is an international agreement whose core purpose is to prevent the spread (proliferation) of nuclear weapons and weapons technology to countries that do not already possess them, while separately promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy under safeguards.

Nuclear Non-Proliferation TreatyNPT 1970proliferationnuclear weaponsarms controldisarmamenttraditional security

Marking Scheme

11 mark: for correctly selecting option (B).

Hint

Break the word down: 'non-proliferation' means preventing the spread of something — here, nuclear weapons.

Quick Oral Answer

The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is an international agreement aimed at preventing the further spread of nuclear weapons to countries that do not already possess them.

Analysis & Explanation

The NPT is a key term under the 'traditional' arms-control dimension of security studied in the chapter on Security in the Contemporary World.

Why (B) is correct

'Non-proliferation' literally means preventing the further 'proliferation' (spread) of nuclear weapons to more states.
The treaty divides the world into nuclear-weapon states and non-nuclear-weapon states and commits the latter not to acquire nuclear weapons.

Why the other options are wrong

(A) Peaceful use of nuclear energy is a related but separate provision within the NPT (Article IV), not what the term 'non-proliferation' itself refers to.
(C) Development of nuclear fusion is a scientific/technical process unrelated to the treaty's non-proliferation objective.
(D) Reduction of nuclear weapons stockpiles describes 'disarmament' agreements like SALT/START, which are related to but distinct from non-proliferation.

Common Mistakes

1Confusing 'non-proliferation' (preventing spread) with 'disarmament' (reducing existing stockpiles) — related but distinct concepts.
2Selecting 'peaceful use of nuclear energy' because it is a familiar phrase, without noting it is only a secondary provision of the NPT.

Interesting Facts

The NPT came into force in 1970 and has been signed by more countries than almost any other arms control agreement, though India, Pakistan and Israel have never signed it.

India has consistently opposed the NPT, calling it discriminatory because it permits five countries to retain nuclear weapons while barring all others.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main aim of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty?

The NPT aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology to states that do not already possess them, while allowing peaceful use of nuclear energy under international safeguards.

Has India signed the NPT?

No, India has not signed the NPT, arguing that it is discriminatory since it permits only five recognised nuclear-weapon states to retain their arsenals while barring all others.