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Editorial Analysis 30 May

30th May, 2024

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:

- Tensions between major powers, like the US-Europe versus Russia-China, are leading to concerns about potential nuclear conflicts.

- NATO's strategies in Europe, Asian countries' reconsideration of nuclear options, and Middle Eastern concerns about Iran's nuclear ambitions are highlighted.

Technological Impact:

- 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:

- 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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