Editorial Analysis 30 May
Daily Editorial Analysis
Editorial Analysis based on “C Raja Mohan writes: Election rhetoric, nuclear weapons and Pakistan — the need to expand debate” which was published in The Indian Express .
Introduction:
- Global focus on nuclear factors is rising among major powers and in key regions like Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
- Tech companies are increasingly interested in nuclear power due to energy demands for data centers and climate change challenges.
- There was a period of disinterest in nuclear matters, but recent global events, like the Ukraine crisis, are renewing nuclear discussions.
Global dynamics on nuclear proliferation:
- Current Global Dynamics:
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- Tensions between major powers, like the US-Europe versus Russia-China, are leading to concerns about potential nuclear conflicts.
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- NATO's strategies in Europe, Asian countries' reconsideration of nuclear options, and Middle Eastern concerns about Iran's nuclear ambitions are highlighted.
- Technological Impact:
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- Emerging concerns about AI and robotic weapons impacting nuclear decision-making are discussed.
- The US has urged limits on automated decision-making in nuclear deployment, emphasizing human control.
- Regional Focus - India-Pakistan:
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- Seriousness of Pakistan's nuclear capabilities and their impact on India's security are emphasized.
- India's strategies to manage Pakistan's nuclear posture, including deterrence measures, are mentioned, along with ongoing challenges.
- China's Nuclear Expansion:
- China's significant nuclear expansion and its implications for regional and global power dynamics are highlighted.
- The need for India to enhance its deterrence capabilities, especially against China's growing nuclear arsenal, is emphasized.
Chronological history of the development of nuclear weapons in India presented in a tabular format:
|
Year |
Event |
Description |
|
1944 |
Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) |
Founded by Homi J. Bhabha, marking the beginning of India's nuclear research program. |
|
1948 |
Atomic Energy Act |
Passed by the Indian government, establishing the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) with Homi Bhabha as its first chairman. |
|
1954 |
Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) |
Established under the direct charge of the Prime Minister to oversee nuclear research and development. |
|
1956 |
Apsara Reactor |
India’s first nuclear reactor, Apsara, became operational at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Trombay. |
|
1960 |
CIRUS Reactor |
Commissioned with Canadian assistance, providing plutonium for India's nuclear program. |
|
1962 |
Sino-Indian War |
The conflict with China heightened India's security concerns and interest in nuclear weapons. |
|
1964 |
China's First Nuclear Test |
China’s nuclear test spurred India to consider developing its own nuclear weapons capability. |
|
1967 |
Plutonium Reprocessing Plant |
India's first plutonium reprocessing plant, known as Phoenix, became operational at Trombay. |
|
1974 |
Smiling Buddha |
India conducted its first nuclear test on May 18, 1974, at Pokhran, Rajasthan, declaring itself a nuclear-capable state. |
|
1989 |
Agni Missile Test |
Successful test of the Agni-I missile, a significant step in India's delivery system capabilities. |
|
1998 |
Operation Shakti |
India conducted a series of five nuclear tests at Pokhran in May 1998, declaring itself a nuclear-weapon state. |
|
1999 |
Draft Nuclear Doctrine |
India released a draft nuclear doctrine outlining its no-first-use policy and commitment to credible minimum deterrence. |
|
2003 |
Formal Nuclear Doctrine |
India formalized its nuclear doctrine, reaffirming no-first-use and establishing a command and control structure. |
|
2008 |
Indo-US Civil Nuclear Agreement |
India signed a landmark agreement with the US, allowing it access to nuclear technology and fuel for civilian purposes. |
|
2018 |
S-1 Nuclear Submarine |
INS Arihant, India's first indigenously developed nuclear submarine, completed its first deterrence patrol, establishing the nuclear triad. |
Nuclear Policy of India:
https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/indias-nuclear-policy
Smart Cities:
https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/nuclear-power-in-india
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