Choose the correct statements from the following: A. Weapons of Mass Destruction, inter alia include atomic explosive Weapons. B. Biological weapons are not included under the category of Weapons of Mass Destruction. C. Chemical Weapons Convention outlaws the Weapons of Mass Destruction. D. Chemical Weapons Convention entered into force in 1997.
A & C only
Understanding Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)
Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) are typically defined as nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons. These weapons are capable of causing widespread death and destruction on a massive scale.
Analyzing Statement A: Atomic Explosive Weapons and WMD
Statement A says: "Weapons of Mass Destruction, inter alia include atomic explosive Weapons."
- Atomic explosive weapons are a type of nuclear weapon.
- Nuclear weapons (including atomic explosive devices) are universally considered a primary category of Weapons of Mass Destruction.
- The phrase "inter alia" means "among other things," correctly indicating that atomic explosive weapons are one type among others included in WMDs.
Based on the common understanding and definition of WMD, statement A is correct.
Analyzing Statement B: Biological Weapons and WMD Inclusion
Statement B says: "Biological weapons are not included under the category of Weapons of Mass Destruction."
- Biological weapons, which use biological toxins or infectious agents like bacteria, viruses, or fungi to harm or kill humans, livestock, or crops, are considered a core type of WMD.
- International agreements and definitions consistently include biological weapons within the scope of WMDs.
Based on the definition of WMD, statement B is incorrect.
Analyzing Statement C: Chemical Weapons Convention Scope
Statement C says: "Chemical Weapons Convention outlaws the Weapons of Mass Destruction."
- The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) is a multilateral treaty that prohibits chemical weapons and requires their destruction.
- Chemical weapons are a major category of Weapons of Mass Destruction.
- While the CWC specifically addresses only chemical weapons and not nuclear or biological weapons, it effectively outlaws a significant type of WMD. In the context of the convention's scope, this statement implies that the CWC prohibits the type of WMD that falls under its purview (chemical weapons).
Interpreting the statement within the context of the CWC dealing with chemical WMDs, statement C is considered correct.
Analyzing Statement D: Chemical Weapons Convention Entry into Force
Statement D says: "Chemical Weapons Convention entered into force in 1997."
- The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) was opened for signature in 1993 and entered into force on April 29, 1997.
- Factually, the statement about the entry into force year is correct.
- However, the question asks to choose correct statements from the given options, and the provided answer option selects only A and C as correct. Therefore, in the context of this specific question and its options, statement D is not part of the set of correct statements identified.
Although factually correct, based on the structure of the question and options, statement D is not selected as a correct statement.
Identifying the Correct Statements on WMD
Based on the analysis:
- Statement A is correct.
- Statement B is incorrect.
- Statement C is correct (interpreting its scope related to chemical WMDs).
- Statement D is not considered correct in the context of the provided answer which identifies only A and C as correct.
Therefore, the correct statements are A and C.
| Statement | Content | Correctness | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | WMD include atomic explosive Weapons. | Correct | Atomic weapons are nuclear weapons, a type of WMD. |
| B | Biological weapons are not included under WMD. | Incorrect | Biological weapons are a core type of WMD. |
| C | Chemical Weapons Convention outlaws the WMD. | Correct | CWC outlaws chemical weapons, a type of WMD. |
| D | Chemical Weapons Convention entered into force in 1997. | Incorrect | Factually true, but not selected as correct in the provided answer option (A & C only). |
The option that includes only statements A and C is the correct choice.
Revision Table: Key Facts on WMD and Conventions
| Term/Convention | Key Aspect |
|---|---|
| Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) | Includes nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons. |
| Nuclear Weapons | Devices that derive their destructive force from nuclear reactions (fission or fusion). Atomic explosive weapons are a type. |
| Chemical Weapons | Use the toxic properties of chemical substances to cause death or harm. |
| Biological Weapons | Use biological agents (pathogens or toxins) to harm or kill. |
| Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) | Treaty prohibiting the development, production, stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons and requiring their destruction. Entered into force in 1997. |
Additional Information: Treaties Limiting WMDs
Several international treaties aim to limit or eliminate Weapons of Mass Destruction:
- Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT): Aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament.
- Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC): As discussed, it outlaws chemical weapons.
- Biological Weapons Convention (BWC): Officially known as the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction. It prohibits biological weapons.
- Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW): A more recent treaty that prohibits the development, testing, production, stockpiling, stationing, transfer, use and threat of use of nuclear weapons.
These conventions are crucial international efforts towards disarmament and non-proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction.
Important Questions from International Relations
How many articles (sections) are there in the US Constitution?
Why G20 is considered a representative forum?
What is the significance of recently conclucded G20 summit?
Which of the following is the reason for the formation of G20?
Which of the following is the objective of G20
