ON October 5, two earthquakes struck Iran's Semnan province, sparking rumors of a nuclear test. This fueled uncertainty across West Asia, especially against the backdrop of the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. These claims were promptly refuted by the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), based in Vienna, which runs an International Monitoring System (IMS) designed to detect even the smallest indication of a nuclear test.
In an interview with SV Krishna Chaitanya, Dr Robert Floyd, Executive Secretary of the CTBTO, shared insights into how scientific data was used to dispel these rumors. He also discussed the CTBTO's role in maintaining global security amid rising nuclear tensions, and the organization's efforts to engage with countries like India. Excerpts:
Recent reports in Iran sparked speculation about a possible N-test. The CTBTO quickly clarified. Can you walk us through what happened and how the International Monitoring System (IMS) helps in such a situation?
The CTBTO's International Monitoring System (IMS) is a global network of over 300 monitoring facilities, hosted by 89 countries. This network, currently more than 90% complete, uses seismic, infrasound, hydroacoustic, and radionuclide technologies to detect nuclear explosions anywhere in the world—above ground, under water, and underground.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Filmmaking is my form of politics'
MID the din of doom and gloom narratives that usually dominate works on climate change, Shawn Sebastian's projects offer an oasis of quiet.
Gemstone Glory
AS Diwali just went by, gold prices have reached an all-time high of around 80,000 per 10 grams for 24 carat.
MAKING JAZZ HER STORY
JAZZ is a celebration of spontaneity—a genre for visionaries, risk-takers, and rebellious spirits who live in the moment. Nowhere is this spirit more embodied than in Monika Herzig's Sheroes, an all-female jazz band from New York that defies expectations.
Five-star Chennaiyin thrash Jamshedpur
CHENNAIYIN FC ran riot in the opening 25 minutes or so against Jamshedpur FC to eventually go on to record a 5-1 victory in the Indian Super League in Jamshedpur on Monday.
Women's FTP: More Tests, slot for leagues
INDIA will host Australia and England and play multiple Tests away from home as the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the women's cricket Future Tours Programme (FTP) for the 2025-29 cycle.
From being go-to reserve to MVP of series, tale of Will Young
WILL Young doesn't get to put on his Black Caps Test cap as much as he would like to. For the longest time, he has been New Zealand's go-to reserve batter.
We hope Chennai Grand Masters will become city tradition: Srinath
IN the final weeks of 2023, a few stakeholders quietly got together for the Chennai Grand Masters, India's highest-rated Classical super tournament ever.
GHOSTS OF PAST AND PROMISES OF FUTURE
Test series Down Under will define what lies ahead for Indian team
Applications invited for RBI DG as Patra retires in Jan
MICHAEL DEBABRATA PATRA, senior-most deputy governor of the Reserve Bank in charge of key monetary policy department, is set to step down once his term ends in January.
Southern states lead in white-collar hiring in Oct
WHEN it comes to white-collar hiring, Southern states saw significant growth with strong year-on-year gains.