The Supreme Court held that the National Capital Territory of Delhi has legislative and executive power over administrative services, with certain exceptions.
The Supreme Court stated that it does not agree with Justice Ashok Bhushan’s judgment that the Delhi government has no power over services.
(2) Article 239A and Legislative Assembly for NCT
The Supreme Court highlighted that Article 239A establishes a legislative assembly for the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
The members of the legislative assembly are elected by the electorate of Delhi, and the interpretation of Article 239A should support representative democracy.
(3) Limits of Power
The court clarified that the control over services does not extend to areas related to public order, police, and land.
(4) Delhi Government Represents Representative Form of Government
According to the Supreme Court, the Delhi government, like other states, represents the representative form of government.
Any expansion of the central government’s power would contradict the Constitutional scheme.
(5) Impact on Ministers’ Control
The court noted that if administrative services are excluded from the legislative and executive domains, ministers would be excluded from controlling civil servants responsible for implementing executive decisions.
(6) Executive Power and Existing Law
The court clarified that the executive power of the state is subject to existing union laws.
(7) Principle of Collective Responsibility
The Supreme Court emphasized that if officers do not report to ministers or fail to follow their instructions, the principle of collective responsibility will be affected.
(8) Triple Chain of Accountability
Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud highlighted that denying democratically elected governments the power to control officers would render the principle of the triple chain of accountability redundant.
Back2Basics: Article 239AA
Article 239AA granted Special Status to Delhi among Union Territories (UTs) in the year 1991 through the 69th Constitutional Amendment.
It provided a Legislative Assembly and a Council of Ministers responsible to such Assembly with appropriate powers.
That’s when Delhi was named as the National Capital Region (NCT) of Delhi.
As per this article – Public Order, Police & Land in NCT of Delhi fall within the domain and control of Central Government which shall have the power to make laws on these matters.
For remaining matters of State List or Concurrent List, in so far as any such matter is applicable to UTs, the Legislative Assembly shall have the power to make laws for NCT of Delhi.
Central Idea: The article provides a historical context for India’s nuclear program and focuses specifically on the Pokhran-II nuclear tests conducted in 1998. This year is special, marking 25 years since we started celebrating National Technology Day.
India’s Nuclear Journey: A quick recap
India conducted nuclear bomb test explosions at Pokhran Test Range in 1998.
Codenamed Operation Shakti, these tests showcased India’s capability to build nuclear weapons.
The tests marked the culmination of a long journey that began in the 1940s-50s.
Physicist Homi J Bhaba played a crucial role in laying the foundations of India’s nuclear program.
Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru supported Bhaba’s efforts and established the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) in 1954.
Reasons: Threat of China and Pakistan
India’s perspective on nuclear weapons changed after the 1962 Sino-Indian War and China’s nuclear bomb test in 1964.
The political establishment realized the need for self-sufficiency in the face of an unfriendly China and Pakistan.
India sought nuclear guarantees from established nuclear weapons states but was unsuccessful.
The path to obtaining nuclear weapons became a priority for India.
The “Discriminatory” NPT
The Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) was established in 1968, creating a divide between nuclear-weapon states and non-nuclear states.
India refused to sign the treaty, as it felt it did not address its concerns about reciprocal obligations from nuclear weapons states.
The NPT gained widespread international acceptance, but India remained one of the few non-signatories.
Pokhran-I and its Aftermath
In 1974, India conducted its first nuclear test at Pokhran, known as Pokhran-I or Operation Smiling Buddha.
The test was described as a “peaceful nuclear explosion” but faced international condemnation and sanctions.
Political instability, including the Emergency in 1975, hindered India’s nuclear program’s progress.
Clamor for nuclear weapons resurfaced in the 1980s due to Pakistan’s advancing nuclear capabilities.
The Period between the Two Tests
India faced challenges due to domestic political instability and changing international dynamics.
The fall of the USSR in 1991 weakened India’s military alliances.
The US continued to support Pakistan despite concerns about its nuclear program.
India faced pressure to quickly develop nuclear weapons as the window of opportunity appeared to be closing.
Pokhran-II: Projecting India’s Strength
In 1998, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) came to power under Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Operation Shakti, conducted as a response to Pakistan’s missile launch, marked the culmination of India’s nuclear weaponization.
India declared itself a nuclear weapons state following Pokhran-II.
The tests faced some sanctions, but India’s growing economy and market potential helped it withstand international pressure.
Central Idea: The sixth edition of the International Indian Ocean Conference is scheduled to take place in Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, starting from May 12. (Note: This should not be confused with Indian Ocean Commission.)
Indian Ocean Conference (IOC), 2023
The IOC has been held annually since 2016 and has become a key platform for regional countries to discuss regional affairs.
It focuses on fostering regional cooperation for Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR), bringing together critical states and maritime partners in the region.
Theme:
The theme of this year’s conference is “Peace, Prosperity, and Partnership for a Resilient Future,” focusing on the post-Covid situation and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
Participants:
The conference primarily targets coastal countries of the Indian Ocean but has expanded its scope to discuss important and relevant issues in the changing global context.
Dignitaries attending the conference include the President of Mauritius, Vice President of Maldives, and the Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
Foreign Ministers from Bhutan, Nepal, Bahrain, and Singapore, along with ministerial representatives from Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar, will also participate.
Around 150 foreign guests, including representatives from D8, SAARC, and BIMSTEC, are expected to attend.
Organizers:
The conference is being organized by the India Foundation in collaboration with the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Significance of the Indian Ocean Conference (IOC)
The conference aims to strengthen partnerships with Indian Ocean countries, enhance regional political engagement, and facilitate decision-making in crisis situations.
It provides an opportunity for participating countries to discuss ongoing global events and make informed decisions for future actions.
Central Idea: Officials recently directed to begin construction of the multipurpose irrigation project at Chheligada, Odisha.
Chheligada Irrigation Project
The project is a multipurpose medium project located near the village of Chheligada in the Gajapati District of Odisha.
The project involves the construction of a 250m long and 30m high dam across the River Badjhore, a tributary of the River Vamsadhara.
It aims to preserve 5201 hectares of water and provide irrigation to 5760 hectares of land in Ganjam and 500 hectares of land in Gajapati districts.
The project will also supply drinking water to Brahampur City.
Furthermore, it includes the development of a mini hydel project at Shiali Loti, Kankata, and Dekili in the Gajapati district, with a capacity to generate 36 MW of electricity.
Salient features of the project
A centrally located Ogee-type gated spillway with a length of 90m.
Construction of a 1.13 km long tunnel connecting the Chheligada reservoir with the Ghodahada river.
Establishment of a canal system to facilitate irrigation in the Gajapati district directly from the dam.
Implementation of a pipeline network for supplying drinking water to Berhampur in the Ganjam district.
The Indian economy is in a state of ambiguity, with different viewpoints and statistics painting a fuzzy picture. While some argue that India is well-positioned to be an economic superpower, the true picture is not that straightforward.
An assessment of the Indian economy based on various factors
Inflation:
According to the MPC meeting minutes, inflation is under control, but households are witnessing an increase in the prices of goods and services.
While the base effect will bring down the inflation numbers, households still complain of having a cumulative inflation of over 18 per cent in the last three years.
Growth:
The growth picture is ambivalent, with the new normal appearing to be 6-7 per cent.
While some argue that India is the fastest-growing economy, this is only true if smaller nations are excluded.
There is not too much optimism about being on track for the 8 per cent-plus growth rate, which we were used to earlier.
Exports: While there has been satisfaction expressed by the new heights achieved in the exports of goods and services, exports of merchandise are not too satisfactory. For example, if refinery products are excluded from the export’s basket, there has been a fall in FY23.
Investment:
The official position is that investment is picking up in the private sector, but data on all funding sources show that there is a slowdown.
Bank credit is buoyant more on the retail end than manufacturing. Debt issuances are dominated by the financial sector with manufacturing lagging.
External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs) have slowed down mainly due to the higher cost of loans.
Consumption: The consumption picture is also fuzzy, with nominal consumption growing by 16 per cent in FY23, but this is pushed up by inflation, and pent-up demand for both goods and services post the full removal of the lockdown in 2022.
Employment:
The average unemployment rate is around 7.5 per cent, but the concern is more on the labour participation rate, which has been coming down. This indicates a growing population in the working age group that is not interested in working.
Start-ups have not yet been job creators to the degree that was expected, given the push by the government over the years.
Banking sector: The banking sector has emerged stronger with lower NPA levels and improved profitability, which implies that as and when the economy gets into the take-off mode, banks will be well-equipped to provide the funds.
Facts for prelims: Basics
External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs):
ECBs are loans obtained by entities in one country from non-resident lenders in another country.
ECBs provide an alternative source of funds for borrowers, enabling access to international capital markets.
They are primarily used by companies, banks, or other entities to finance activities, investments, or expansion plans.
The borrowing and utilization of ECBs are subject to guidelines and regulations set by the borrowing country’s central bank or regulatory authority.
The regulatory framework aims to control external debt, manage foreign exchange exposure, and ensure financial stability.
What are the concerns?
Employment Generation: The decline in the labor force participation rate and layoffs in certain sectors raise significant challenges in terms of job creation and reducing unemployment levels.
Manufacturing Competitiveness: The decline in merchandise exports (excluding refinery products) indicates potential hurdles in enhancing the competitiveness of the manufacturing sector and expanding exports.
Execution of Investment Intentions: The gap between investment intentions and actual investments is a concern as it indicates potential bottlenecks or challenges in translating investment plans into action.
Consumption Growth and Affordability: Affordability issues due to inflation impacting real consumption growth raise concerns about sustained consumer demand.
Export Diversification: The dependence on a few economies for exports and the potential impact of a global economic slowdown on Indian exports are concerns. Diversifying export destinations and exploring new markets can help reduce vulnerability to global economic fluctuations and strengthen export resilience.
Effective Implementation of Banking Sector Reforms: While improvements have been observed in the banking sector, concerns about funding sources and the need for increased credit flow to the manufacturing sector indicate ongoing challenges.
Way ahead
Focus on inflation control: While the MPC has managed to keep inflation under control from a policy perspective, efforts should continue to address the impact of rising prices on households. Measures to enhance supply chain efficiency, promote competition, and reduce production costs can help alleviate inflationary pressures.
Promote sustainable and inclusive growth: While the current growth rate is positive, efforts should be made to achieve higher and more inclusive growth. This can be done by investing in infrastructure development, skill development programs, and initiatives that support the growth of MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises).
Boost exports: Enhancing the competitiveness of Indian goods and services in global markets is crucial for a robust export sector. Continued efforts to improve the ease of doing business, implement the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme effectively, and diversify export destinations can help boost exports.
Facilitate investment: Policy measures should focus on encouraging private sector investment and reducing funding bottlenecks. This can involve improving the ease of doing business, simplifying regulatory processes, and providing incentives for both domestic and foreign investments.
Strengthen consumer demand: Initiatives to support consumer demand can include income support programs, targeted subsidies, and measures to enhance consumer confidence. Reducing the impact of inflation on household budgets and boosting purchasing power can help drive consumption growth.
Address unemployment and labor force participation: Policies aimed at promoting skill development, entrepreneurship, and job creation can help address unemployment concerns. Encouraging sectors with higher labor-intensive potential, such as manufacturing and services, and supporting start-ups and MSMEs can be vital in generating employment opportunities.
Continue banking sector reforms: While the banking sector has made progress in reducing NPAs and improving profitability, ongoing reforms should be sustained to strengthen the sector further. Maintaining prudent lending practices, enhancing risk management frameworks, and promoting transparency and governance will be essential.
Foster domestic innovation and technology adoption: Encouraging innovation, research and development, and technology adoption can boost productivity and competitiveness across sectors. This can be achieved through policies that promote collaboration between industry and academia, provide incentives for innovation, and invest in digital infrastructure.
Maintain macroeconomic stability: Ensuring fiscal discipline, sound monetary policy, and a stable regulatory environment will be crucial for sustaining macroeconomic stability. This can help maintain investor confidence and provide a conducive environment for economic growth.
Conclusion
The Indian economy’s broad numbers look statistically realistic, but the triad of employment, consumption, and private investment has to bear fruit. Domestic initiatives have to drive the story forward, as the world economy slows down.
Central Idea: The Centre is planning to promote ‘Early Childhood Care and Education’ through anganwadi centres as part of the ‘Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi’ slogan announced by the Women and Child Development Minister.
What is Anganwadi scheme?
The scheme was started in 1975 and aims at the holistic development of children and empowerment of mother.
It is a Centrally-Sponsored scheme. The scheme primarily runs through the Anganwadi centre.
The scheme is under the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
Moto: Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi
The focus will be on both nutrition and early learning for children under 6 years, with a particular emphasis on those under 3 years.
Early learning has been neglected in the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) and seen as secondary to nutrition.
Anganwadi centres will be repositioned as pre-schools to provide early learning access to socially and educationally backward communities.
Why such move?
Two emerging trends are noted: young children shifting to private pre-schools and under-age children being admitted to Class 1 in some states.
The quality of services provided at Anganwadi centres is perceived as inferior, leading to the shift to private nursery schools.
Task Force and Recommendations
Rebranding anganwadis: The task force recommends a “mission-mode approach” to rebranding anganwadis, including infrastructure upgrades, materials, play equipment, etc.
Focus on volunteer support: It suggests involving panchayat raj institutions, women’s self-help groups, local NGOs, and college volunteers to enhance the learning environment.
Boost to Anganwadi sisters: The task force proposes re-designating anganwadi workers as anganwadi teachers and helpers as childcare workers.
Nutrition boost: Infrastructure improvements, additional nutrition supplements (such as eggs and milk), extended timings, creches, and day care services are recommended.
MGNREGS liasion: The task force suggests leveraging funds from the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).
Major target: Improve Child Nutrition
The task force highlights that over 35% of young children in India are stunted, according to the latest NFHS data.
Although there has been a reduction, India still has the largest population of stunted children globally.
Child stunting affects developmental outcomes and the ability to learn at school.
NFHS-5 reveals that only 11.3% of children below 2 years receive an adequate diet.
The task force recommends introducing eggs as an effective intervention for nutrition.
This Spotlight is a part of our Mission Nikaalo Prelims-2023.
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11th May 2023
Constitutional Bodies
Constitutional bodies derive their powers and authorities from the Constitution of India. They are mentioned in the Constitution. Since they get their power from the Indian Constitution, any change in the mechanism of the constitutional bodies would require a constitutional amendment.
The list of constitutional bodies in India along with the article pertaining to it in the Constitution and other details are given below:
Attorney General of India
Attorney General
Article in the Constitution
76
Tenure & Removal
Holds office during the pleasure of the President
Further Appointment
Yes
Powers
Privileges of an MPRight of an audience in all Indian courtsCan attend both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha but cannot vote
Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)
Comptroller & Auditor General of India
Articles
148
Tenure & removal
Holds the office for six years or 65 years (whichever comes earlier)Removal is the same as for a judge of the Supreme Court
Further appointment
No
Powers
Audits accounts concerned with the Contingency Fund, the Consolidated Fund of India and states, and the Public Accounts Fund of the states and centre.Advisory function with respect to accounts to the country’s President
Election Commission
Election Commission of India
Article
324
Composition
CEC/Chief Election Commissioner, Other Election Commissioners
Tenure & removal
Presently for 6 years or 65 years, whichever is earlier
Further appointment
Yes
Powers
Conduct of free and fair elections in IndiaPolitical parties’ registrationOverseeing elections
Finance Commission
Finance Commission of India
Article
280
Composition
Chairman, Four members
Further appointment
Yes
Powers
Decides the basis for sharing the divisible taxes by the centre and the statesAny matter in the interest of sound finance can be referred to the Presidentevaluates the rise in the Consolidated Fund of a state in order to affix the resources of the state Municipalities and PanchayatsFC has the powers of a civil court
National Commission for Scheduled Castes
National Commission for Scheduled Castes
Articles
338
Composition
Chairman, Vice-chairman, 3 other members
Tenure & removal
3 years
Further appointment
Yes
Powers
It is a quasi-judicial bodyMonitoring and reporting about the implementation of constitutional safeguards for Scheduled CastesIt has a civil court’s powers
National Commission for Scheduled Tribes
National Commission for Scheduled Tribes
Articles
338-A
Composition
Chairman, Vice-chairman, 3 other members
Tenure & removal
3 years
Further appointment
Yes
Powers
It is a quasi-judicial bodyMonitoring and reporting about the implementation of constitutional safeguards for Scheduled TribesIt has a civil court’s powers
National Commission for Backward Classes
National Commission for Backward Classes
Articles
338-B
Composition
Chairman, Vice-chairman, 3 other members
Tenure & removal
3 years
Further appointment
Yes
Powers
Examine complaints and welfare measures regarding socially and educationally backward classesIt has a civil court’s powers
Monitoring and reporting the working of constitutional safeguards for linguistic minorities
Union Public Service Commission
Union Public Service Commission
Articles
315 – 323
Composition
9 to 11 members
Tenure & removal
Presently for 6 years or 65 years (whichever is earlier) whichever is earlier
Further Appointment
UPSC Chairman is not eligible for a second term. Other members are eligible only for an appointment within SPSC and UPSC
Powers
Recruitment of All India Services, public services of centrally administered territories, Central services, advisory powers
State Public Service Commission
State Public Service Commission
Articles
315 – 323
Tenure & removal
Presently for 6 years or 62 years, whichever is earlier
Statutory Bodies in India
Statutory bodies are established by acts that Parliament or State Legislatures.
Statutory bodies have the authority to make laws and make decisions on behalf of the state or country.
A statutory body is a self-governing corporate body. A statutory body is established via an Act of Parliament or an Act of State Legislatures. The Act also specifies the body’s powers, objectives, and functions.
These bodies are known as statutory bodies because they get their power from statutes or laws adopted by Parliament.
Statutory Bodies are divided into two types depending on their tasks and responsibilities. They are classified as:
Regulatory Bodies
Quasi-Judicial Bodies.
Regulatory Bodies – A regulatory body is a government entity responsible for exerting autonomous power over a specific area of human activity in a regulatory or supervisory role.
For example, the Biodiversity Authority of India (BAI), the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), and others.
Quasi-Judicial bodies – Non-judicial bodies that can interpret the law are referred to as quasi-judicial bodies. They vary from judicial entities in that their scope is narrower than that of a court.
For example, the National Green Tribunal, the National Human Rights Commission, and the Central Information Commission.
Local Government
About:
Local Self Government is the management of local affairs by such local bodies who have been elected by the local people.
The local self-Government includes both rural and urban government.
It is the third level of the government.
There are 2 types of local government in operation – panchayatas in rural areas and Municipalities in urban areas.
Rural Local Governments:
Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) is a system of rural local self-government in India.
PRI was constitutionalized through the 73rd Amendment Act, 1992 to build democracy at the grass roots level and was entrusted with the task of rural development in the country.
This act has added a new Part-IX to the Constitution of India. This part is entitled as ‘The Panchayats’ and consists of provisions from Articles 243 to 243 O.
In addition, the act has also added a new Eleventh Schedule to the Constitution. This schedule contains 29 functional items of the panchayats. It deals with Article 243-G.
In its present form and structure PRI has completed 30 years of existence. However, a lot remains to be done in order to further decentralization and strengthen democracy at the grass root level.
Urban Local Governments:
They were established with the purpose of democratic decentralisation.
There are eight types of urban local governments in India – Municipal Corporation, Municipality, Notified Area Committee, Town Area Committee, Cantonment Board, township, port trust, special purpose agency.
At the Central level the subject of ‘urban local government’ is dealt with by the following three Ministries.
The Ministry of Urban Development was created as a separate ministry in 1985 (now Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs).
Ministry of Defense in the case of cantonment boards.
Ministry of Home Affairs in the case of Union Territories.
The 74th Amendment Act pertaining to urban local government was passed during the regime of P.V. Narsimha Rao’s government in 1992. It came into force on 1st June, 1993.
Added Part IX -A and consists of provisions from articles 243-P to 243-ZG.
Added 12th Schedule to the Constitution. It contains 18 functional items of Municipalities and deals with Article 243 W.
What are the Salient Features of 73rd Constitutional Amendment?
Compulsory Provisions:
Organisation of Gram Sabhas;
Creation of a three-tier Panchayati Raj Structure at the Zila, Block and Village levels;
Almost all posts, at all levels to be filled by direct elections;
Minimum age for contesting elections to the Panchayati Raj institutions be twenty one years;
The post of Chairman at the Zila and Block levels should be filled by indirect election;
There should be reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes/ Scheduled Tribes in Panchayats, in proportion to their population, and for women in Panchayats up to one-third seats;
State Election Commission to be set up in each State to conduct elections to Panchayati Raj institutions;
The tenure of Panchayati Raj institutions is five years, if dissolved earlier, fresh elections to be held within six months;
A State Finance Commission is set up in each State every five years.
Voluntary:
Giving voting rights to members of the Central and State legislatures in these bodies;
Providing reservation for backward classes; and
The Panchayati Raj institutions should be given financial powers in relation to taxes, levy fees etc. and efforts shall be made to make Panchayats autonomous bodies.
What are the Salient Features of 74th Amendment Act?
Compulsory:
Constitution of nagar panchayats, municipal councils and municipal corporations in small, big and very big urban areas respectively;
Reservation of seats in urban local bodies for Scheduled Castes / Scheduled Tribes roughly in proportion to their population;
Reservation of seats for women up to one-third seats;
The State Election Commission, constituted in order to conduct elections in the Panchayati raj bodies (see 73rd Amendment) will also conduct elections to the urban local self- governing bodies;
The State Finance Commission, constituted to deal with financial affairs of the panchayati raj bodies also looks into the financial affairs of the local urban selfgoverning bodies;
Tenure of urban local self-governing bodies is fixed at five years and in case of earlier dissolution fresh elections are held within six months;
Voluntary:
Giving voting rights to members of the Union and State Legislatures in these bodies;
Providing reservation for backward classes;
Giving financial powers in relation to taxes, duties, tolls and fees, etc;
Making the municipal bodies autonomous and devolution of powers to these bodies to perform some or all of the functions enumerated in the Twelfth Schedule added to the Constitution through this Act and/or to prepare plans for economic development.
On May 11 and 13, 1998, India conducted five nuclear tests that brought about significant changes in the country’s self-esteem and status in the world. The country’s military nuclear policy had been shrouded in ambiguity and opacity for two decades since its first test in 1974. However, with the 1998 tests, India emerged as a nuclear weapons state, which was received with mixed reactions from the international community, resulting in sanctions and isolation. Nonetheless, the tests marked a significant moment for India’s self-confidence and awareness of its potential.
India’s nuclear tests
Smiling Buddha (Pokhran-I): India’s first nuclear test was conducted on May 18, 1974, in Pokhran, Rajasthan. The test was code-named “Smiling Buddha” and was a “peaceful nuclear explosion.”
Pokhran-II: India’s second series of nuclear tests were conducted on May 11 and 13, 1998, in Pokhran, Rajasthan. The tests included three underground nuclear tests on May 11 and two on May 13. These tests were conducted under the leadership of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and were code-named Operation Shakti.
Nuclear tests dispelled myths that had dominated international opinion
India’s Isolation: The myth that India would be isolated and its economy would collapse under the weight of sanctions and international opprobrium was dispelled. Instead, the US took the first steps to mainstream India, treating it as an exceptional case, which culminated in the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement in 2005.
India’s Inability to Manage nuclear weapons: The ethnocentric myth perpetuated by non-proliferation absolutists of the West that India and South Asia could not be trusted to manage nuclear weapons was also dispelled.
Facts for prelims
Treaty/Agreement
Objective
India’s Status
NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty)
To prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology
Non-signatory
CTBT (Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty)
To ban all nuclear explosions for both civilian and military purposes
Signatory
FMCT (Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty)
To prohibit the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons or other explosive devices
Supporter
NSG (Nuclear Suppliers Group)
A group of countries that seeks to contribute to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons through the implementation of guidelines for nuclear exports and nuclear-related exports
Not a member but has applied for membership
New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty)
To limit the number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads and delivery systems
Not a signatory
MTCR (Missile Technology Control Regime)
To limit the spread of missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles capable of delivering weapons of mass destruction
Member since 2016
Advantages of the nuclear tests: From India’s point of view
Deterrence: The nuclear tests provided India with a credible nuclear deterrence capability, which could potentially deter other nuclear-armed adversaries and prevent them from using nuclear weapons against India.
National pride and self-confidence: The successful nuclear tests were seen as a major achievement and a source of national pride for many Indians. They helped boost India’s self-confidence and reaffirmed its status as a major global power.
Recognition: India’s successful nuclear tests brought it international recognition and established it as a nuclear-armed state. This recognition was particularly important for India’s security and diplomatic interests.
Negotiating power: With its new nuclear status, India gained greater negotiating power in international forums and in its bilateral relationships with other countries.
Technological advancement: The development and testing of nuclear weapons required advanced scientific and technological capabilities, and the successful tests demonstrated India’s progress in these areas.
International Consequences: series of events
The United States imposed sanctions against India under the Glenn Amendment.
Pakistan conducted a series of nuclear tests in response.
Many other countries, including China, castigated India for what they saw as an outrageous contempt for the common will of the international community.
Conclusion
India’s nuclear tests on May 11 and 13, 1998, marked a significant moment in the country’s history, boosting its self-confidence and changing its status in the world. Despite facing international criticism and sanctions, India’s nuclear program has helped to create a credible nuclear deterrent, making it a vital player in the international system.
