COMPREHENSIVE NUCLEAR-TEST-BAN TREATY (CTBT)

INTRODUCTION
The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) is a major international treaty aimed at banning all nuclear explosions. It is frequently asked in prelims because of its unique status—adopted but not yet in force—along with its verification mechanism and India’s non-signatory position. For beginners, CTBT helps in understanding the distinction between banning nuclear tests and banning nuclear weapons.

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BACKGROUND AND ORIGIN

• Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1996
• Opened for signature in 1996
• Objective was to put a comprehensive ban on all nuclear explosions
• Intended as a step towards nuclear disarmament
• Has not entered into force till date

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CORE OBJECTIVE OF CTBT

• To prohibit all nuclear weapon test explosions
• To prohibit all other nuclear explosions, including for peaceful purposes
• Applies to land, sea, air and underground nuclear tests

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KEY FEATURES OF CTBT

• Bans nuclear testing, not possession of nuclear weapons
• Applies universally to all states
• Establishes a global verification regime
• Considered a confidence-building measure

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VERIFICATION MECHANISM (VERY IMPORTANT FOR PRELIMS)

CTBT establishes an International Monitoring System (IMS), consisting of:
• Seismic monitoring stations
• Hydroacoustic stations
• Infrasound stations
• Radionuclide monitoring stations

These systems detect nuclear explosions anywhere in the world.

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WHY CTBT IS NOT IN FORCE

• Treaty requires ratification by 44 specific nuclear-capable states
• These states are listed under Annex 2 of the treaty
• Some key countries have not ratified or signed the treaty
• Without their ratification, CTBT cannot enter into force

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INDIA AND CTBT

• India is not a signatory to CTBT
• India argues that CTBT is linked to the discriminatory NPT framework
• India supports global nuclear disarmament but on a non-discriminatory basis
• India maintains voluntary moratorium on nuclear testing

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PRELIMS NOTES AND COMMON CONFUSIONS

• CTBT is adopted but not operational
• CTBT bans testing, not nuclear weapons
• India has not signed CTBT
• CTBT verification system already functions partially

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CURRENT RELEVANCE

• Renewed debates on nuclear testing and disarmament
• Importance of CTBT monitoring system in detecting nuclear activities
• Discussions on bringing CTBT into force

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CONCLUSION
The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty remains a critical yet incomplete step towards nuclear disarmament. For OPSC prelims, CTBT is a high-yield static topic because of its unique status and technical verification features. Clear understanding of its objectives, verification system and India’s position helps beginners accurately answer MCQs related to nuclear arms control.

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Subject: International Relation

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