International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

News: On May 15, 2025 (IST), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) clarified that there was no radiation leak from any nuclear facility in Pakistan. The statement responded to social media and media claims following alleged Indian airstrikes during Operation Sindoor. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

About the IAEA

• The IAEA is the world’s central intergovernmental organisation for scientific and technical cooperation in the nuclear field.
• It promotes the safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear science and technology globally.
• Established in 1957, it is known as the “Atoms for Peace and Development” organisation.

Headquarters and Legal Status

• Headquarters: Vienna, Austria
• Legal Status: Autonomous organisation within the UN system
• Reports to: UN General Assembly and Security Council
• Total Members: 178 countries
• Structure of the IAEA
  • General Conference:
    • All member states
    • Meets annually to decide on budgets and policies

1. • Board of Governors:

• • • 35 members
    • Meets five times a year
    • Approves safeguards and appoints the Director General

1. • Secretariat:

• • • Led by the Director General
    • Handles daily administration and implementation

Functions of the IAEA

• Verifies peaceful use of nuclear materials through:
  • On-site inspections
  • Monitoring
  • Data analysis
• Enhances national and international readiness for nuclear emergencies
• Promotes cooperation in nuclear applications in:
  • Energy
  • Health
  • Food and water security
  • Industry

Role Under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)

Though not a party to the NPT, the IAEA plays a central verification role

1. Under Article III, non-nuclear-weapon states must sign Comprehensive Safeguards Agreements (CSAs) with the IAEA
2. Purpose: Ensure nuclear energy is not diverted to weapons
3. As of May 2023, 182 states have enforced CSAs
4. Under Article IV, the IAEA promotes peaceful nuclear cooperation to support development goals