SYLLABUS SECTION: GS II (NATIONAL SECURITY)

WHY IN THE NEWS?

In a recent report, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) India had said 160 nuclear warheads as of January 2022 which shows the expansion in its nuclear arsenal.

• Nine countries possess nuclear weapons, including the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, China, India, Pakistan, Israel, and North Korea.

KEY DETAILS:

• According to the SIPRI, China is in the middle of a substantial expansion of its nuclear weapon arsenal.
• Satellite images indicate the construction of over 300 new missile silos.
• China had 350 nuclear warheads in January 2021 and 2022
• Even though China’s total inventory is the same as for January 2021, the number of stockpiled warheads potentially available for use has changed because new launchers became operational during 2021.
• India’s nuclear stockpile increased from 156 in January 2021 to 160 in January 2022.
• Pakistan’s nuclear stockpile has remained at 165.
• Both countries i.e; India and Pakistan introduced and continued to develop new types of a nuclear delivery system in 2021.

STOCKHOLM INTERNATIONAL PEACE RESEARCH INSTITUTE (SIPRI):

• It was establish in 1966.
• It provides data, analysis, and recommendations, based on open sources, to policymakers, researchers, media, and the interested public.
• SIPRI is an independent international institute dedicated to research into conflict, armaments, arms control, and disarmament

Vision and mission

• SIPRI’s vision is a world in which sources of insecurity are identified and understood, conflicts are prevented or resolved, and peace is sustained.

SIPRI’s mission is to:

• undertake research and activities on security, conflict, and peace;
• provide policy analysis and recommendations;
• facilitate dialogue and build capacities;
• promote transparency and accountability; and
• deliver authoritative information to global audiences.

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Source: The Hindu