My Science School

North Korea last month fired two short-range ballistic missiles into the sea in defiance of UN Security Council resolutions that ban such launches by the country. Some experts said North Korea's recent missile launches were aimed at laying pressure on the new Biden government in the U.S., which condemned the tests. The U.S. North Korea talks on curbing the latter's nuclear ambitions have been stalled for nearly two years due to disputes over the U.S. sanctions on the North. But what are ballistic missiles and why are their development condemned?

Capable of mass destruction

Ballistic missiles are short-, medium and long-range rocket-propelled weapon systems with the potential to carry and deliver weapons of mass destruction quickly and accurately. They follow a ballistic trajectory (a curved path) over most of their flight to deliver a payload (an explosive. weapon or nuclear device) intended to destroy a predetermined target. That means even after the missile burns up the fuel which propels it, it keeps moving and its direction remains unchanged. It follows a path determined by the speed of its launch and the influence of gravity on it which pulls it towards the Earth. So, it is gravity that eventually guides the missile to its target. Currently, over 30 countries are in possession of ballistic missiles.

Rules governing ballistic missiles

The proliferation of missiles has always been viewed as a threat to global peace and security. But, there is still no legally binding arrangement to deal with the issue of missiles. A number of multilateral regimes such as the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) and the Hague Code of Conduct Against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCOC) exist to prevent missile proliferation. The voluntary MTCR was initiated in April 1987 by the G-7 countries (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the U.S.) with the aim of limiting the spread of ballistic missiles that could be used in chemical, biological, and nuclear attacks by keeping vigil over transfer of missile equipment and technologies. The MTCR currently has 35 member countries, including India which became a member in 2016. Its activities are in line with the U.N.'s non-proliferation efforts. Countries are deterred from pursuing missile programmes either through sanctions or diplomatic dialogues. Though not legally binding, the MTCR expects its member countries to act responsibly and practise restraint with regard to export of items that could lead to missile proliferation.

The HCOC launched in 2002, urges all countries to show greater restraint in their own development of ballistic missiles and to reduce their existing missile arsenal. It has over 140 member countries who are expected to annually exchange information about their ballistic missile launch programmes and provide advance notice of any such launches.

When was it first used?

The first-ever usage of ballistic missiles can be traced to World War II, when the Nazi Germany used the V-2 long-range guided ballistic missiles to attack London. When the war ended, the U.S. with the help of the captured German scientists built its own intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of unleashing nuclear destruction. Not surprisingly, other countries too got their hands on the new technology.

 

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In the midst of elections being held in several States of the country, let's look at the role of the Election Commission of India in the elections.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is the authority responsible for conducting free and fair elections in the country. Operating under Article 324 of the Constitution, the ECI is empowered to administer elections to Parliament, State Legislatures and the offices of the President and Vice-President. Being a constitutional authority, the commission is among the few institutions that function independently.

When was it set up?

Established in January 1950, the commission originally had only a Chief Election Commissioner. It became a multi-member body in January 1990. Currently, the Election Commission consists of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two Election Commissioners (ECS). Though appointed by the President, the CEC is not answerable to the President or the government. The CEC and the ECS enjoy a tenure of six years, or up to 65 years of age, whichever is earlier. They can resign or be removed before the expiry of their term. They get salary and perks similar to the Supreme Court judges.

The Election Commission of India is headquartered in Delhi. Sunil Arora is currently the CEC, with Sushil Chandra and Rajiv Kumar as the two ECs. The Election Commissioners are assisted by Deputy Election Commissioners, Directors General, Principal Secretaries, and Secretaries. At the State level, the EC is assisted by the Chief Electoral Officer of the State.

Powers of the ECI

The ECI, which is regarded as the poll watchdog in the country, has wide-ranging powers. From the announcement of elections to the declaration of results, it controls every aspect of elections. It is the commission that prepares electoral rolls and updates the voters' list from time to time.

Soon after elections are announced, the ECI enforces the model code of conduct, which lays down guidelines for the conduct of political parties and candidates during an election period. It is also responsible for punishing any candidate or party violating the code. Besides notifying dates for filing of nominations by candidates, the commission allocates symbols to political parties. It sets limits on poll expenses to ensure a level-playing field and curb use of black money in elections. During the election period, the EC can order the incumbent government to desist from misusing its power and the official machinery to improve its chances at winning elections. It is significant to note that government officials and staff on election duty work under the EC and not the government.

QUICK FACTS

• On February 26, 2021, the Election Commission announced the schedule for assembly elections to be held in West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry.


• Voting for the assembly elections began on March 27, with West Bengal having the maximum eight phases continuing till April 29. The counting of votes for the four States and one Union Territory will take place on May 2.


• In the midst of the pandemic, all staff on poll duty have been declared "frontline workers" and inoculated against the disease, as per the directions of the ECI.


• VIGIL is a mobile application launched by the ECI for citizens to report Model Code of Conduct and Expenditure violations during elections.

 

Picture Credit : Google