North Korea reheating its Nuclear Programme

North Korea reheating its Nuclear Programme

Subject – IR

Context – Analysts say cash-strapped Pyongyang is returning to its strategy of trying to obtain concessions from the international community by threatening nuclear proliferation.

Concept –

• The United Nations’ nuclear watchdog described the resumption of operations over the weekend at North Korea’s Yongbyon nuclear reactor as “deeply troubling.”
• In its new annual report on North Korea’s nuclear program, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated that while monitors have not been granted access to the Yongbyon site, there are “indications” that the five-megawatt reactor is once more producing plutonium for the first time since December 2018.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

• The International Atomic Energy Agency is an important United Nations agency working in the field of nuclear cooperation.
• Widely known as the world’s “Atoms for Peace and Development”
• The IAEA was created in 1957 in response to the deep fears and expectations generated by the discoveries and diverse uses of nuclear technology.
• The Agency works with its Member States and multiple partners worldwide to promote safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear technologies.
• Headquarter: Vienna, Austria.
• In 2005, it was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their work for a safe and peaceful world.
• It is an independent international organization that 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.
• Currently, it has 171 members. The latest member is Saint Lucia which joined the IAEA in 2019.
• India became a member in 1957 itself.