THE HINDU Editorial Vocabulary-December 27, 2016- Topic 1
The successful test-firing of the
long-range ballistic missile Agni-V for the fourth time is a significant step
towards building a credible nuclear deterrence. With this test and the recent
commissioning of the indigenously built nuclear submarine INS Arihant, India is
inching towards creating a robust and world-class second-strike capability. For
a nation sworn to no-first-use of nuclear weapons, a reliable second-strike
capability is an absolute necessity. In the worst-case scenario, the country
should have the ability to withstand an enemy nuclear strike on its key
locations and launch a successful second strike. Agni-V rose up from a canister
mounted on a truck stationed at Dr. Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha, and went up a
few hundred kilometres before following a ballistic trajectory and splashing
down near Australian waters, some 20 minutes after the launch. This was the
fourth test of the Agni-V missile, but the second from a canister mounted on a
road mobile launcher. With the four tests, Agni-V is now ready for induction
into the Strategic Forces Command, which already operates other Agni missiles
with a target range from 700 km to 4,000 km, besides Prithvi-II.
However, despite the impressive strides
made by the security establishment in developing nuclear weapons and delivery
platforms, there is still a long way to go before the nuclear triad is complete
and competent. Just a few days ago, the Nirbhay land attack cruise missile
meant to carry nuclear warheads failed for the fourth time during a test. On December
21, it veered off its designated flight path within a couple of minutes of
launch, and it had to be destroyed mid-air. There are several such gaps to be
filled to ensure a foolproof nuclear triad. A credible second-strike capability
should also be complemented by a modern, powerful military. The Indian military
is in crying need of modernisation across its three arms. The Air Force has a
huge shortage of fighters; the Navy’s submarine arm is far from meeting
multiple challenges; and the Army needs an array of new platforms. Most
importantly, India also needs to consistently showcase itself as a responsible
nuclear power, and not just through a no-first-strike policy. India has a
mature political and military leadership today. In a complex global strategic
environment, where nations issue nuclear threats based on fake news and global
powers threaten to add to their already bulky arsenal, it is important to be
recognised as a responsible democracy.
Vocabulary
Deterrence: the action of intimidating someone, or the state of being intimidated.
Example: The intimidation of witnesses and jurors
Indigenous: originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native.
Example: The indigenous peoples of Siberia
Synonyms: native, original, aboriginal, autochthonous, local, domestic, homegrown
Robust: strong and healthy; vigorous.
Example: The Caplans are a robust, healthy lot
Synonyms: strong, vigorous, sturdy, tough, powerful, solid, muscular
Reliable: consistently good in quality or performance; able to be trusted.
Example: A reliable source of information
Synonyms: dependable, good, well-founded, authentic, valid
Canister: a round or cylindrical container, typically one made of metal, used for
storing such things as food, chemicals, or rolls of film.
Example: Pill bottles or film canisters make excellent storage containers for seeds.
Synonyms: container, box, tin, can
Trajectory: the path followed by a projectile flying or an object moving under the
action of given forces.
Example: The missile's trajectory was preset
Synonyms: course, path, route, track, line, orbit
Triad: a group or set of three connected people or things.
Example: The triad of medication, diet, and exercise are necessary in diabetes care
Bulky: taking up much space, typically inconveniently; large and unwieldy.
Example: A bulky piece of luggage
Arsenal: a collection of weapons and military equipment stored by a country, person,
or group.
Example: Britain's nuclear arsenal
Synonyms: weapons, weaponry, arms, armaments