Daily Quiz 138

MCQs on Iran’s nuclear programme, specifically designed for UPSC Civil Services (Prelims + Mains analytical perspective)

TNS

Chandigarh, Updated At : 04:08 PM Jun 24, 2025 IST

A satellite view shows an overview of Fordow underground complex, after the U.S. struck the underground nuclear facility, near Qom, Iran June 22, 2025. MAXAR TECHNOLOGIES/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES. MANDATORY CREDIT. DO NOT OBSCURE LOGO.

1. Which of the following statements best explains why Fordow is considered more resilient against airstrikes compared to Natanz?

A. It is located in a densely populated civilian area.

B. It is equipped with advanced Russian S-400 defence systems.

C. It is buried deep inside a mountain, making aerial targeting difficult.

D. It does not host any uranium enrichment activity.

2. Arrange the following Iranian nuclear facilities in order of their primary strategic significance for weapons-related enrichment (as per IAEA and open intelligence assessments):

1. Isfahan

2. Natanz

3. Bushehr

4. Fordow

A. 4-2-1-3

B. 2-4-1-3

C. 1-2-4-3

D. 3-1-2-4

3. Consider the following pairs with reference to Iran’s nuclear facilities and their core functions:

Facility	Function
1. Isfahan	Uranium conversion and uranium metal work
2. Bushehr	Plutonium extraction
3. Khondab	Heavy-water reactor construction
4. PFEP (Natanz)	Enrichment up to 60% fissile purity

Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?

A. 1, 3 and 4 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 4 only

D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

4. What is the primary reason the 2015 Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) restricted enrichment activity at Fordow?

A. Fordow had international collaboration that violated JCPOA terms.

B. The enrichment configuration was inconsistent with a peaceful programme.

C. Fordow was not under IAEA surveillance.

D. Fordow lacked the infrastructure for enrichment.

5. Which of the following factors contributed the most to the collapse of the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action)?

A. Iran’s initiation of uranium metal production at Isfahan

B. Revelation of hidden facilities at Khondab and Fordow

C. Unilateral withdrawal of the United States in 2018

D. Iran’s refusal to allow IAEA inspections

Answers Quiz 137 (June 23)

1. C

Explanation:

Article 39 of Chapter VII of the UN Charter allows the Security Council to determine the existence of a threat and authorize the use of force, i.e., peace enforcement.

• Article 51 deals with self-defence

• Article 2 is about state sovereignty

• Article 33 deals with pacific settlement of disputes

2. C

Explanation:

Peacekeeping missions operate with the consent of conflicting parties and usually under Chapter VI.

Peace enforcement is governed by Chapter VII, allowing force even without consent — Exercise Shakti focuses on both, but emphasizes enforcement tactics.

3. C

Explanation:

Statements 1, 2, and 3 all contribute directly to peacekeeping capacity building.

• Statement 4 is incorrect: Exercise Shakti is not a naval exercise, so no such operations are covered.

4. C

Explanation:

Defence diplomacy involves non-combat activities like joint exercises, training, and strategic dialogues to build trust and cooperation — exactly what Exercise Shakti is about. Options A and D relate to combat and alliances India is not part of; B is correct in context, but C captures the broader doctrine of defence diplomacy best.

5. B

Explanation:

Training with French forces in foreign terrain, particularly in Europe, offers India exposure to NATO-compatible operations, battlefield doctrines, and standard procedures — crucial for global peacekeeping and interoperability.

• A is too sensitive and incorrect.

• C is factually wrong; it’s Chapter VII, not VIII.

• D is incorrect; it’s a temporary exercise, not a permanent deployment.

Daily Quiz 138

Ravneet Kaur

TNS

Answers Quiz 137 (June 23)

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Daily Quiz 138

Ravneet Kaur

TNS

Answers Quiz 137 (June 23)

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