Important Facts For Prelims
Nobel Peace Prize 2024
- 15 Oct 2024
- 5 min read
Why in News?
The 2024 Nobel Prize for Peace has been awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese organisation of survivors of the Hiroshima-Nagasaki bombings for its “efforts to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons”.
- The Nobel Peace Prize for 2023 was awarded to the Iranian human rights advocate Narges Mohammadi, who belonged to a minority group.
- She was awarded for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her fight to promote human rights and freedom for all.
Nihon Hidankyo
- Founded on 10th August 1956, it is composed of survivors from the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki conducted by the United States in 1945.
- The survivors, referred to as “Hibakusha” or “bomb-affected people,” played a pivotal role in leading the global movement aimed at abolishing nuclear weapons.
What was the Nuclear Attack on Japan?
- On 6th August 1945, the United States dropped “Little Boy” on Hiroshima, resulting in catastrophic destruction.
- More than 70,000 individuals died instantly, with the total death toll later exceeding 100,000.
- On 9th August 1945, before the full extent of Hiroshima's destruction could be grasped, the US dropped “Fat Man” on Nagasaki, resulting in at least 40,000 immediate deaths and tens of thousands more in the following days and weeks.
- Japanese Emperor Hirohito announced Japan's surrender on 15th August. In his speech, he warned that continuing the fight would lead to “the ultimate collapse and obliteration of the Japanese nation” and could result in “the total extinction of human civilization.”
How does Hibakusha Advocate for Nuclear Disarmament?
- The United States' decision to drop the atomic bombs has faced criticism from both strategic and ethical viewpoints due to its significant human cost.
- The bombings altered the global landscape, prompting major powers to race to develop their own nuclear arsenals as a deterrent against the United States.
- In response to this nuclear arms race, a global movement for nuclear disarmament emerged, with the Hibakusha playing a vital role in advocating for disarmament.
- Nihon Hidankyo claims to be “the only nation-wide organisation of A-bomb survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.”
- Their primary objectives include promoting the welfare of Hibakusha, advocating for the elimination of nuclear weapons, and seeking due compensation for victims.
- The organisation has focused on sharing the experiences of the Hibakusha to raise awareness about the damage and after-effects of the atomic bombings, both in Japan and internationally.
- The Nobel citation noted their efforts to send A-bomb survivors to the United Nations, nuclear-armed states, and other countries to share their stories.
- Organisations like Nihon Hidankyo have contributed to establishing a nuclear taboo, which has prevented the use of nuclear weapons since 1945.
Other Organisation/Individuals Awarded for Nuclear Disarmament
- Since 1901, several Nobel Peace Prizes have been awarded for efforts in disarmament.
- Former Japanese Prime Minister Eisaku Sato was a recipient in 1974, recognized for Japan's commitment to its non-nuclear weapons policy.
- The most recent Nobel Peace Prize, awarded in 2017 to the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) for its efforts to highlight the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapon use and for its pioneering work toward a treaty to prohibit such weapons.
- ICAN has collaborated with Nihon Hidankyo to document the effects of nuclear weapons.
Other Nobel Prize 2024
- Literature: South Korean author Han Kang
- Physics: John J. Hopfield and Geoffrey E. Hinton
- Physiology or Medicine: Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun
- Chemistry: David Baker, Demis Hassabis and John M. Jumper
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQ)
Q. Who among the following scientists shared the Nobel Prize in Physics with his son? (2008)
(a) Max Planck
(b) Albert Einstein
(c) William Henry Bragg
(d) Enrico Fermi
Ans: (c)
