Biological Weapons Convention

News:The 45th anniversary of the entry into force of the Biological Weapons Convention was observed on March 26,2020.

Facts:

• The Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) opened for signature in 1972 and entered into force in 1975.
• It is the first multilateral disarmament treaty banning the production of an entire category of weapons.
• Obligations:The treaty bans the development or acquire or transfer of a) biological agents or toxins that have no justification for peaceful uses and b) weapons or equipment designed to use such agents or toxins for hostile purposes.
• Members:It currently has 183 states.India signed the convention in 1973.

Additional Facts:

Biological weapons: 

• These are microorganisms like virus, bacteria, fungi or other toxins that are produced and released deliberately to cause disease and death in humans, animals or plants. 

Australia Group:

• It is a multilateral export control regime(MECR) and informal group formed in 1985.
• Aim:To ensure that exports do not contribute to the development of chemical or biological weapons.
• Members:43.India has joined as a 43rd member in 2018.