Novichok
- The first chemical weapon developed during the Cold War.
- It was given the code name ‘Novichok’ meaning ‘newcomer’ in Russian.
- Novichok interferes with the functions of neurotransmitters, leading to paralysis.
- It can also turn fatal when paralysis extends to the cardiac and respiratory muscles.
- The German government said that Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was poisoned by a Soviet-era nerve agent– Novichok.
