INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY (IAEA)

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The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy while preventing its application for military purposes, including nuclear weapons. Established in 1957, it is often referred to as the world’s “Atoms for Peace” organization. Its governance is based on its founding treaty, the Statute of the IAEA, and it operates under the framework of the United Nations, reporting to both the UN General Assembly (UNGA) and the UN Security Council (UNSC). The IAEA is headquartered at the UN Office in Vienna, Austria, and in 2005, it received the Nobel Peace Prize for its contributions to global safety and peace.

Key Functions and Membership

• The IAEA works to ensure the safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear technology.
• It has 178 member states, with India being one of its founding members.

 

International Conference on Nuclear Security (ICONS)

The IAEA hosts the International Conference on Nuclear Security (ICONS), a platform for the global nuclear security community to discuss pressing concerns.

At ICONS 2024, held at the IAEA Headquarters in Vienna, significant issues related to nuclear security and radioactive waste management were discussed:

• Radioactive Material Incidents: About 145 states reported incidents involving lost, stolen, or mishandled radioactive materials.
• Global Usage: Radioactive substances are widely used in medical, educational, and industrial settings.
• Threat of Dirty Bombs: A major concern is the potential use of radioactive materials by extremists to create “dirty bombs,” which can cause widespread panic even if less destructive than atomic bombs.

 

Initiatives for Safe Radioactive Discharge

International Efforts

1. Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident (1986):
   • Requires prompt notification of nuclear accidents that could have cross-border impacts.
2. Convention on Nuclear Safety (CNS, 1994):
   • Ensures the establishment and maintenance of a regulatory framework for nuclear safety.
   • Focuses on the safe operation of nuclear power plants and protection from ionizing radiation.
3. Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and Radioactive Waste Management (2001):
   • The first global agreement focusing on the safe handling of spent fuel and radioactive waste.
   • Aims to prevent accidents and minimize radiological risks.

India’s Initiatives

1. Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB):
   • Regulates nuclear and radiation safety in India.
   • Develops and enforces standards for safe operation and management of radioactive discharge.
2. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA):
   • Nuclear projects undergo detailed assessments to evaluate potential environmental and health impacts, including those related to radioactive discharge.
3. Effluent Treatment and Dilution:
   • Nuclear facilities in India use treatment systems to manage liquid radioactive waste.
   • Employ dilution and dispersion techniques to reduce radioactive concentrations in discharges.

The IAEA and its member states continue to prioritize safety, security, and sustainability in managing nuclear and radioactive materials globally.