Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC)

The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) is a key international treaty aimed at eliminating chemical weapons and promoting global peace and security.

Key Features of the CWC

1. Objective:
   • Prohibits the development, production, acquisition, stockpiling, retention, transfer, and use of chemical weapons.
   • Mandates the destruction of existing stockpiles of chemical weapons.
2. Establishment:
   • Came into effect in 1997.
   • Currently has 193 States Parties.
   • Non-signatories: Egypt, North Korea, and South Sudan have neither signed nor ratified the treaty.
3. Implementing Body – Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW):
   • Headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands.
   • Responsible for verifying compliance with the CWC through inspections and audits of chemical facilities worldwide.
   • OPCW was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013 for its efforts to eliminate chemical weapons.
4. Membership:
   • Open to all nations that meet the treaty’s requirements.
5. Scope:
   • The CWC is more comprehensive than the 1925 Geneva Protocol, as it bans the development and stockpiling of chemical weapons in addition to their use.

Indian Chemical Council (ICC)

• The Indian Chemical Council (ICC) is a premier national organization under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
• Represents all sectors of India’s chemical industry, covering organic and inorganic chemicals, plastics, and petrochemicals.
• Represents over 80% of India’s $220 billion chemical industry.
• In 2024, ICC won the OPCW-The Hague Award for promoting chemical safety and advancing the objectives of the CWC.

Induction of 25T Bollard Pull Tugs – Bhishm & Bahubali

Context

The 25T Bollard Pull Tugs Bhishm and Bahubali were inducted at the Naval Ship Repair Yard under the Andaman & Nicobar Command.

Key Details

• Role of Tugs:
  • Essential for assisting larger ships in docking, undocking, turning, and towing.
  • Provide afloat fire-fighting support and conduct limited Search and Rescue (SAR) operations.
• Constructed by:
  • Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), Kolkata, under the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
• Regulatory Compliance:
  • Built as per the Naval Rules and Regulations of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).