Bangladesh anti-graft panel to probe Russia-backed Rooppur Nuclear Project

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About Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant

Location: Pabna district, 160 km from Dhaka (on the eastern bank of Padma (Ganga) river)
It is Bangladesh’s first nuclear power plant. It consists of twin 1,200-megawatt units.
Its construction started in 2017. After completion it will become Bangladesh’s largest power station in terms of generating capacity once fully operational.
This project is supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

India’s Role in the Rooppur Nuclear Project

The Rooppur project is the first initiative under an Indo-Russian deal to undertake atomic energy projects in third countries.
The Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) is the project’s lead authority from India.
India is not a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and hence cannot participate directly in construction of atomic power reactors.
India has signed civil nuclear agreements with 14 countries: USA, France, Russia, Canada, Argentina, Australia, Sri Lanka, UK, Japan, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, South Korea and Czech Republic.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

It is an autonomous international organisation (established in 1957) within the United Nations system.
It seeks to maximise the contribution of nuclear technology to society while verifying its peaceful use.
Member States: 175 ( India has been a member since its inception.)
Headquarter: Vienna, Austria.

Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)

NSG is a group of nuclear supplier countries established in 1974.
It aims to contribute to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons through the implementation of two sets of Guidelines for nuclear exports and nuclear-related exports.
NSG guidelines are designed to prevent nuclear trade for peaceful purposes from contributing to the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
Members: 48 (Including 5 nuclear weapon states US, UK, France, China, and Russia). India is not a member.
It is an informal organization, and its guidelines are not binding.
Decisions, including on membership, are made by consensus.

UPSC PYQ

Q. In the Indian context, what is the implication of ratifying the ‘Additional Protocol’ with the international Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’? (2019)

(a) The civilian nuclear reactors come under IAEA safeguards.

(b) The military nuclear installations come under the inspection of IAEA.

(d) The country automatically becomes a member of the NSG.

Answer: A