Nano-terrorism: Shaping Indian Response to a Foreseeable Threat

Abstract

Nanotechnology is no more a fictitious topic to be discussed upon as it is very real and is marking its presence in our day to day lives, changing it substantially. Scientific advancements be it in computing, chemistry, physics or biology have been used and abused by people. From witnessing catastrophic effects of nuclear advancements which started as early as world wars wherein Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were attacked using atomic bombs by army of United States of America to seeing effects of mishandling in Chernobyl are examples of how even best of technological advancements have been proven catastrophic intentionally or otherwise for humans as a race. We must understand that nanotechnology is not as advanced as other scientific counterparts and is comparatively a niche field therefore requires more research specially in global south including countries like India. We all have read the positives of this technology in a way that how can this technology can help fields like agriculture, food and beverages, packaging, pharmaceuticals etc. for their betterment and a lot has been said already on how to regulate the industry. However, this technology like any other is not limited to only positives but it can also be abused. Therefore, expecting it to be a potential threat not only in terms of regular consumption but abuse as a weapon to spread nano-terrorism is not a long shot. Considering the aforementioned assertion, the researcher through this paper has shed light on present lacunae in Indian regime concerning the nano-technology. The paper also presents a set of possible solutions for the same using transposition of chaos theory to socio-legal establishment while analysing the historical evidences associated with brazen abuse of technology.