CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -The Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention, at its 20th Session, decided that a memorial Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare would be observed on 30 November each year or, when appropriate, on the first day of the regular session of the Conference.

Detailed explanation-2: -The Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare is an occasion to pay tribute to those who lost their lives or suffered from these heinous weapons; to assess our progress in preventing their use; and to renew our commitment to achieve a world free of chemical weapons.

Detailed explanation-3: -A Chemical Weapon is a chemical used to cause intentional death or harm through its toxic properties. Munitions, devices and other equipment specifically designed to weaponise toxic chemicals also fall under the definition of chemical weapons.

Detailed explanation-4: -On Dec. 2, 1943, a German air attack sank 17 merchant ships in the Italian port of Bari. One of the ships destroyed that day was carrying a secret cargo of 100 tons of mustard gas bombs. The bombs exploded, releasing sulfur mustard into the harbor and the air.