The Corona Pandemic: An Imperative Holistic Readdressing of the Genuine Roots of the Virus
In an unprecedented move, a recently revamped leading White House website item unapologetically accuses China of being the provenance of the coronavirus pandemic, due to a lab leak of a labupgraded virus. A lasting, fickle melting pot involving internal, national, axial, and international elements, factors, and complex processes preceded it, reflecting a global system that lost vital credentials, perhaps irreversibly, corollary to unforeseen, colossal pandemic impacts.
CBRN Threat from Non-State Actors: A Historical Perspective
This article analyses the evolving threat of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) weapons from non-state actors, with implications for modern military strategy. It traces the historical use of biological agents from ancient warfare to Cold War programs. It highlights how advances in biotechnology have lowered the barriers for terrorist groups to acquire and deploy such weapons. Case studies, including the Rajneeshee attack and Islamic State's chemical operations, illustrate how CBRN tools are being adapted for asymmetric warfare. The article also critiques existing international treaties, noting gaps in enforcement and verification. With a focus on India's two-and-a-halffront security challenge from China and Pakistan, the study concludes with recommendations for strengthening military readiness, enhancing inter-agency coordination, investing in early warning and detection systems, and modernising doctrinal frameworks to counter emerging CBRN threats effectively.
