Zaporizhzhia in Ukraine

In News: The global attention on the war in Ukraine has remained nervously focused on Zaporizhzhia, an important town in the country’s southeast that houses the largest nuclear power plant in Europe.

• A team of officials from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) arrived in Ukraine to assess the condition of the plant,

About: Zaporizhzhia power plant

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

• Widely known as the world’s “Atoms for Peace and Development” organization within the United Nations family, the IAEA is the international centre for cooperation in the nuclear field.
• The IAEA was created in 1957 in response to the deep fears and expectations generated by the discoveries and diverse uses of nuclear technology.
• Headquarter: Vienna, Austria.

Objectives and Functions

• The Agency works with its Member States and multiple partners worldwide to promote safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear technologies.
• IAEA seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and to inhibit its use for any military purpose, including nuclear weapons.
• It reports annually to the United Nation General Assembly.
• When necessary, the IAEA also reports to the UN Security Council in regards to instances of members’ non-compliance with safeguards and security obligations.
• In 2005, it was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their work for a safe and peaceful world.

Source: Indian Express

Previous Year Question

Q.1) In the Indian context, what is the implication of ratifying the ‘Additional Protocol’ with the ‘International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’? (2018)

1. The civilian nuclear reactors come under IAEA safeguards.
2. The military nuclear installations come under the inspection of IAEA.
3. The country will have the privilege to buy uranium from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
4. The country automatically becomes a member of the NSG.

Q.2) In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under “IAEA Safeguards” while others are not? (2020)

1. Some use Uranium and others use thorium.
2. Some use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies.
3. Some are operated by foreign enterprises and others are operated by domestic enterprises.
4. Some are State- owned and others are privately-owned.