International Atomic Energy Agency

Why in news?

• Iran has stockpiled low-enriched uranium 12 times more than the limit set by a nuclear accord, while it also failed to provide a credible explanation about the presence of nuclear material in undeclared sites, according to the United Nations’ nuclear agency.

About IAEA

• The International Atomic Energy Agency is the world's central intergovernmental forum for scientific and technical co-operation in the nuclear field.
• It works for the safe, secure and peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology, contributing to international peace and security and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
• It reports to both the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council.
• The IAEA has its headquarters in Vienna, Austria.

Functions:

• The programs of the IAEA
  • Encourage development of peaceful applications of nuclear energy, science and technology
  • Provide international safeguards against misuse of nuclear technology and nuclear materials
  • Promote nuclear safety (including radiation protection) and nuclear security standards and their implementation.

Programs undertaken:

• Program of Action for Cancer Therapy (PACT): Supports IAEA Member States to expand access to health technologies, build skills and mobilize resources to develop a complete range of quality, effective and sustainable cancer services.
• Human Health Program: Support Member States in using nuclear techniques to prevent, diagnose and treat Non-communicable diseases
• Water Availability Enhancement Project: Helping Member States improve the long-term access to freshwater by using science-based, comprehensive assessments of national water resources.
• International Project on Innovative Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycles, 2000.

PRELIMS QUESTION

Consider the following statements regarding 123 agreement between India and United States: 
1.Under the agreemnt, India agreed to separate its civil and military nuclear facilities.
2.India agreed to place all its civil nuclear facilities under International Atomic Energy Agency as per the agreement.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2
 

Answer to prelims question