India has always been a major potential hub for bioterrorism threats. Biological attacks on any country, let alone India, can be devastating. The most terrifying aspect of biological warfare agents is that no symptoms are produced, which means that if a person is exposed to it, the agent could spread to thousands of people because it is contagious, and no symptoms would appear for several hours or days. When compared to WMDs (Weapons of Mass Destruction), the ongoing research and development in the field of biotechnology have made bioterrorism the most terrifying.
India’s preparedness for such bioterrorism is nil, as evidenced by the infamous example of the recent H1N1 epidemic, which claimed the lives of 2,300 people. External factors that play a role Understanding of biological agents must be greatly improved so that they do not pose a threat to our citizens, livestock, crop health, and the Indian economy. Mitigating this threat will require public participation as well as political awareness.
India will only be able to become a resilient society if it prepares for bioterrorism attacks, which will also benefit it from being resistant to the occurrence of natural diseases.
Keywords: – Bioterrorism, India, Biological Warfare, WMD’S, Biotechnology, ISIS, Surveillance.
INTRODUCTION
Bioterrorism refers to the intentional use of pathogenic microorganisms such as viruses, fungi, bacteria, and/or their toxins to facilitate the spread of life-threatening diseases on a large scale with the intent of annihilating the entire population of that area.
When a microorganism infects a target host and begins to produce clinical diseases that kill or incapacitate the host, the microorganism is referred to as a biological weapon (BW). These microorganisms may be the sole metabolic product of the microorganism.
Hormones, neuropeptides, and cytokines are examples of biological toxins and substances that can interfere with our normal behaviour. Humans are designed to coexist with things that threaten their survival, such as poisons and pathogenic microorganisms, which are considered naturally occurring health hazards. Some of them may be lethal or insidious while also being difficult to perceive, making it difficult to perceive. Long ago, when wars were fought, the military followed a code of ethics that prohibited the use of microorganisms that were poisonous to human health. There have been numerous battles that have been proof of the fact that biological weapons (BW) have been used.
In the Roman Civilization Era, dead and rotten animals were thrown into the wells of their enemies to poison their water supplies; this is also considered Bioterrorism.In 1346, a plague-infested the Tartar Army while they were in Crimea. Because the enemies had thrown dead bodies over the city walls, an epidemic that followed forced them to surrender. People who left Kaffa became infected, resulting in the Black Death pandemic, which killed one-third of Europe.
Such ancient taboos were known all over the world, whether it was through the Manu laws, the Saracen Code of Warfare, the Lieber Code of 1863, or the Geneva Protocol. Following the 9/11 attacks in America, many letters containing spores of a microorganism known as Bacilus anthracis were distributed via postal service. This act has killed nearly five people to date and has instilled fear in the public due to the intentional use of biological weapons to harm human health.
Not only will the intentional use of biological weapons result in mass killings of humans, but it will also cause hysteria and panic among the public. This threat, as discussed in the research paper, is not limited to any one country or state; it has become a global issue that must be addressed when the entire community comes together. When comparing nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons. We can see that biological weapons are simpler, less expensive, and have easily accessible materials. It is high time now to take appropriate measures to control the harm caused by Bioterrorism and Biowarfare with the help of deadliest Biological weapons.
We can see that biological weapons are simpler, cheaper, and have easy readily available material.
Table 1: Comparing Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Weaponry.
| Nuclear | Chemical | Biological | |
| The complexity of the technology. | III | II | II |
| How difficult is it to obtain raw materials? | III | II | I |
| Cost | III | II | II |
| I: MinimalII: MediumIII: High |
Some of the deadliest Bioweapons:
- Anthrax:
Bacillus Anthracis is the bacterium that causes anthrax. It is among the most lethal biological weapons. It’s been used with food, water, spray, and powder. It is completely tasteless and odourless.
- Botulinum Toxin:
It is caused by a naturally occurring bacteria called Clostridium Botulinum. It can be used to contaminate food or water. It was known to be used by Japan on Prisoners of War (POW) during the occupation of Manchuria.
- Francis Ella tularensis:
According to a former Soviet Union scientist, this was used as a biological weapon against the Nazi Army of Germany by the Soviet Union Army in the Battle of Stalingrad during World War II.
- Aflatoxin:
Iraq had developed and deployed various weapons armed with Aflatoxin. The United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) noted this in 1995. Unfortunately, it was destroyed during the Gulf War.
Research Methodology: –
This is a descriptive paper, and the research is based on secondary sources for a thorough examination of the separation of powers and judicial activism in India. The research relies on secondary sources such as newspapers, journals, and websites.
Literature Reviews: –
- “Fighting Bioterrorism.” The Wilson Quarterly
This Paper talks about the threat that we are having because of the use of biological weapons and mass destruction substances, this paper also suggests various methods to prevent or reduce the chances of getting harmed by these biological weapons. In this article, Clinton’s methods and rulings are mentioned several times to mention the consequences that happened because of not choosing the path suggested by him. This also talks about various types of weapons used in Bioterrorism and also talks about World War II, in which bioweapons were used for mass destruction.
Historical examples of bioterrorism and biowarfare, such as the use of anthrax by state and non-state actors, are frequently explored in literature. Notable cases have been extensively studied, including the Aum Shinrikyo cult’s attempts in the 1990s and the anthrax attacks in the United States in 2001.
The literature investigates the regional and global consequences of bioterrorism and biowarfare. Analyses frequently consider the geopolitical landscape, the potential motivations of state and non-state actors, and the impact on international security. This Research also provides various alternatives and loopholes to look upon to reduce the chances of getting mass destruction from the Bioweapons.
- “India’s Preparedness against Bioterrorism: Biodefence Strategies and Policy Measures.”
This Research Paper is focused on the stand taken by India on the issue of Bioterrorism and Biowarfare. Researchers of this study have fully emphasized the biotechnologies’ dual-use nature, emphasizing their potential for both beneficial and harmful applications. This includes the challenge of regulating and controlling technologies with legitimate civilian applications but the potential for nefarious use.
This literature extensively investigates various biological agents, ranging from bacteria and viruses to toxins, that could be used as weapons. The properties, transmission mechanisms, and potential impact on populations are all discussed in depth.
This study has been conducted to discuss strategies for preventing and responding to bioterrorist attacks. This includes improving public health surveillance, and intelligence capabilities, and the development of countermeasures such as vaccines and antiviral drugs.
The role of public health systems and healthcare infrastructure in responding to bioterrorism events is frequently discussed in the literature. It delves into the difficulties of detection, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as the importance of preparedness and resilience.
- “Addressing a New Paradigm: Infectious Disease and National Security.” In Infectious Disease and National Security: Strategic Information Needs.
This paper examines the impact of infectious diseases on a country’s security. The first section of this paper discusses the evolution of this new paradigm, the effects of infectious disease on security, the implications of a biosecurity policy focused on natural disease outbreaks, and the implications for global disease reporting.
This chapter then reviews several recent US security initiatives aimed at combating infectious diseases. The final section discusses how stakeholders perceive the impact of infectious disease on a country’s security.
- “BIOLOGICAL WARFARE: DEVELOPMENTS AND IMPLICATIONS.”
Researchers examine the ethical and moral implications of bioterrorism and biowarfare. The discussion includes the intentional targeting of civilians, the possibility of disproportionate harm, and the ethical implications of dual-use technology research.
The literature frequently concludes with discussions of future developments in bioterrorism and biowarfare research. Identifying gaps in current knowledge and suggesting avenues for future research is a common theme.
Biological and Toxic Weapons Convention 1972: –
This agreement was signed in 1972 and came into force in 1975. As of 2019, 109 countries had signed the treaty, and 183 were party to it.
Tanzania was the most recent country to sign the treaty. It was the first multilateral disarmament treaty that prohibited the production of biological weapons. This convention prohibits nations from developing, stockpiling, acquiring, or retaining biological agents with the potential to be used as weapons.
India ratified the treaty in 2015. At the Review Conferences, the State Parties examine how the treaty is being implemented.
There have been eight review conferences to date, with the eighth taking place in Geneva in 2016. The conference was disappointing because they were unable to produce any meaningful results. The ninth review conference will be held in Geneva in 2021.
Loopholes:
One of the major factors that undermine the efficacy of the convention is that the BWC prohibits the possession of biological agents for offensive military ends while permitting their use for peaceful, scientific, or defensive purposes, so here the judgments of treaty compliance may hinge on a subjective assessment of intent.
Suggestions: –
Various dire things at the household and global levels could assist India as a nation in being prepared. The combination of globally accepted steps and innovative technologies can help increase the factors that help reduce the threat of bioterrorism.
- Internal course of Action:
Internal Intelligence, the scientific community, industries, police units, and security agencies all participated. It is obvious that not just some, but all organizations must work together to gain a better understanding of and control over the nation’s security. It will also help the administration run more smoothly. A basic framework for the flow of information and paperwork between state and central agencies, police, and government must be established. Most of the dangers posed by the BT threat are outside the purview of most security agencies.
To counter this, a new agency must be established which could counter threats as such and should also have a strong link with other security agencies as well.
- Creating Detection Technology:
All security agencies, along with established industries and skilled researchers, must create,
comprehend, and send quick dependable, savvy, sensitive, and specific discovery advances for natural dangers. Ingenious methods, such as the use of H2O2, bright light that is introduced to devastate natural biological agents in underground rails, and biosensors also make early sensors that warn about the quality of organic biological agents in the soil.
- National Centres and Databases for Countering Biological Threat:
India must be able to make a database centre where all information can be stored as which are important and which pathogens can be used as a national threat. The research wing must be able to classify and incorporate all different DNA’s and RNA’s there are globally. And there must be sub-grouped into a nation-wide open for all internet source, so that it can be examined at the earliest.
- The National Disaster Management Act:
Even though the NDMA continues to advance, it falls short in terms of its plan for dealing with bioterrorism dangers. State and regional DM specialists should be better prepared, fortified, and provided with necessary resources to deal with bioterrorism incidents. NDMA rules must advance designs enthusiastically at the focal, state, and regional levels and must be legally restricting measures. Given the recurrence of cataclysmic events in India, the office’s focus is primarily on catastrophic events, rather than the apparent low probability of bioterrorism danger. However, it has been battling to complete its command here as well, as indicated by its pооr reaction both in Uttarakhand downpour and Jammu and Kashmir flооds.
- Strengthening the Legal Framework:
To address the threat of bioterrorism, India urgently needs stricter legislation backed up by strong enforcement. The Indian Penal Code is inadequate for combating bioterrorism. Following the Bacillus anthracis attacks, the United States enacted the ‘Bioterrorism Act of 2002,’ which addresses food, water, and medication safety and security. The Indian Constitution defines happiness as a state subject. The Scourge Diseases Act of 1897 does not give the middle any capacity to mediate even if a natural crisis occurs and should be replaced by the Public Health Emergencies Bill, which is still pending.
- Master Research Organization to Combat Bioterrorism:
A centralized legislative organization for bioterrorism is required. The NDMA must play an important role in responding to bioterrorism incidents, but its primary focus is on post-debacle responses. According to the current association, the NCDC is unprepared for bioterrorism, lacking both the necessary foundation and mastery.
This focal office should address the unpredictable and multivariable aspects of bioterrorist risk and guide response plans, as well as establish strong links with industry and scholarly foundations to coordinate cutting-edge research.
Many partners’ works should be defined and managed as part of a national activity plan. This organization should also oversee long-term, high-risk, high-reward venture financing research.
In an ideal world, the new proposed association would be small but well-connected with colleges and important government organizations. Given the issue’s profoundly specific nature, bioterrorism should be identified as a distinct issue and given careful consideration.
- External course of Action:
- Preparation and Capacity Development:
Given the current lack of specific training accessibility in India, it may be appropriate for Indian police forces to gain access to Interpol’s preparation bundles developed by Interpol’s Bioterrorism Prevention Program and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) Terrorism Prevention Program.
- Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), 1972:
In 1971, the United Nations General Assembly ratified the BWC, which outright prohibits organic fighting. The lack of any formal check system or component to screen consistency has limited the Convention’s adequacy, and this provision has yet to be included despite seven survey gatherings. Progress in hereditary design has further complicated matters. Disease vectors, as potential organic fighting specialists, should be included in the BWC.
- Improve Global Preparedness, Detection, Surveillance and Response Capabilities:
To quickly distinguish new examples of malady locally, broadly, and globally, a universal system for identification and observation is required, utilizing IT for constant detailing and investigation.
Sufficient readiness and response capabilities achieved through global collaboration may not prevent bioterrorism, but they will limit losses, financial harm, and fear psychosis, as well as reduce key motivating forces for psychological oppressors.
- Institutionalize International Biosecurity Efforts:
Foundations that keep dangerous pathogens for genuine uses, for example, culture accumulations, academic and business research labs, and healing offices, offer the most immediate and dependable courses for obtaining seed stock required for an organic assault by fear mongers. There are numerous such offices all over the world, many of which are insignificantly verified and managed.
The global network should go to a common comprehension on a bioterrorism high-need specialists list, to more likely protect such stocks based on their destructiveness, health consequences, irresistibility, and so on. Furthermore, a global biosecurity exhibition can prevent these seed stocks from being abused.
- Best Practice from Global Forums:
Enrolment in global gatherings provides access to the associations’ advice and direction, including access to specialists, limited building projects and permits, and global administration structures. The commitment of India to such global discussions has significant benefits. Coordination and collaboration with global organizations such as the WHO, Office International des Epizooties, and FAO, as well as national organizations such as the CDC in the United States, can play an important role in plague control.
Conclusion:
The intentional use of biological specialists to harm human health has gained significant attention in recent years. The ease of generation and the ability to create a frenzy have drawn people or groups of people to the use of organic specialists as weapons.
Modern biotechnological tools can enhance destructiveness while reducing the likelihood of detection. While the use of natural specialists has increased the risk to public health, combating these biothreats requires adhering to established flare-up testing standards supported by effective research facilities. The WHO supports and strengthens national well-being responses, allowing for quick research and successful containment of flare-ups, whether common or conscious.
National security agencies often fail to provide counterintelligence against threats like bioterrorism. Establishing a network, learning how to counter threats, and spreading awareness are all necessary steps. Defending against bioterrorists and combating common diseases and agricultural infections will transform our country into a more adaptable community.
Bioterrorism and biowarfare pose a complex and evolving threat to global security and public health. Understanding the history, potential agents, and challenges associated with this threat is critical for developing effective countermeasures and encouraging international cooperation. Continued research, technological innovation, and cross-disciplinary collaboration are critical to reducing this serious threat and protecting human populations.
Karthik Pachauri
Symbiosis Law School, Pune