Is Iran close to a nuclear bomb? An earthquake sparks question
An earthquake in an Iranian desert on October 5 sparked speculation that Iran had tested a nuclear bomb. Though there was no official word on the chatter, experts believe Iran is closer than ever to acquiring a nuclear weapon, amid tensions with Israel. This is the time, experts think, Iran might need to get nuclear weapons. Key Points
India TodayAfter attack by Iran, will Israel choose the 'nuclear option'?
Following a major missile attack from Iran, Israel is contemplating significant retaliatory measures, possibly including targeted assassinations and airstrikes. Prime Minister Netanyahu asserts that Iran will face consequences, while Israel seeks coordination with the U.S. due to the complex strategic implications, especially around Iran's nuclear capabilities. Key Points
Economic TimesPutin often cites Russia's 'nuclear doctrine' governing the use of atomic weapons. But what is it?
Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, President Vladimir Putin and other Kremlin voices have frequently threatened the West with its nuclear... Key Points
The Tribune IndiaIndia’s nuclear power capacity to increase by 70% in five years
The country's installed capacity is projected to rise from the current 7.48 GWe to 13.08 GWe by 2029, representing an addition of seven new reactors. Key Points
India TodayUN chief warns against 'sequel to 'Oppenheimer''
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of the highest risk of nuclear war in decades, referencing the film Oppenheimer to highlight the gravity of the situation. He called for an end to nuclear saber-rattling and urged the US and Russia to resume negotiations on a successor to the New START nuclear arms reduction treaty. Tensions around nuclear-armed North Korea and Iran's uranium enrichment also contribute to the heightened risk. Guterres emphasized the need for progress on nuclear disarmament initiatives, including the Treaty on the Prohibition of nuclear Weapons. Key Points
Economic Times
Agni-5 is a counter to China’s nuclear expansion, but India can’t stop at MIRVing
MIRVing permits a single missile to carry several warheads that can be aimed at multiple targets several hundred kilometres apart. It comes with pros and cons. Key Points
ThePrintPM Modi's outreach to Putin helped prevent potential nuclear attack on Ukraine in late 2022: CNN Report
The US prepared for a potential nuclear strike by Moscow against Kyiv in 2022, the first nuclear attack since the US dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki nearly eighty years ago. Outreach from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other countries played an important role in averting the crisis. The Biden administration was concerned that Russia might use a tactical or battlefield nuclear weapon. Key Points
Economic TimesReports: US producing new nuclear warhead in response to threat from Russia, China. Here is what we know
Thomas Mason, Director of the Los Alamos National Laboratory said that with nuclear rivals such as Russia and China ramping up their nuclear expansion, the US is now trying to address a 'new set of military requirements'. Know in detail the 'W93 warhead' the US is working on. Key Points
Economic TimesRussia rejects US proposal for talks on N-arms control
Russia’s top diplomat dismissed the United States proposal to resume a dialogue on nuclear arms control, saying on Thursday that it’s impossible... Key Points
The Tribune IndiaKakrapar's 2nd indigenous 700 MW nuclear reactor has attained first criticality. What this means
This is the first step towards generation of power for commercial use. nuclear energy is key to India's goal of generating 50% of its electricity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. Key Points
ThePrint
South Korea military says North Korea fired ballistic missile
North Korea fired a ballistic missile on Sunday, Seoul's military said, as the United States and South Korea warned any nuclear attack would lead to the end of Pyongyang's regime. The test comes as Seoul and Washington warned Pyongyang that any nuclear attack on the United States and South Korea would result in the end of the North Korean regime. Key Points
Economic TimesUS warns North Korea's Kim Jong Un against nuclear attacks: ‘Will be met with…’
The second U.S.-Republic of Korea nuclear Consultative Group convened in Washington on Friday. | World News Key Points
Hindustan TimesUS, South Korea to draw up joint nuclear defence guideline against North Korean threat
The US and South Korea aim to establish joint nuclear defense guidelines by mid-next year, crafting strategies to counter North Korea's nuclear weapons. Plans include sharing sensitive information, crisis consultations, and direct leader communication channels. Joint military exercises might incorporate nuclear operations. Concerns loom over North Korea's potential ICBM test this month, posing a nuclear threat irrespective of range. The country's ballistic missiles already target South Korea, Japan, and the US mainland. Key Points
Economic TimesFull potential of India-US civil nuclear deal remains untapped: Expert
US President Joe Biden's ambition to finally fructify the 2005 civil nuclear agreement cannot end with the sale of US nuclear reactors to India. Rather, it must extend to revising long-standing US policies that continue to make the existence of India's nuclear weapons programme an insuperable obstacle to deepened technological cooperation, he asserted in an opinion piece published by Carnegie Endowment for International Peace on Monday. Key Points
Economic TimesWhat's the nuclear test ban treaty & what happens now that Russia's revoked its ratification
Putin has revoked Russia’s ratification to CTBT, adopted by UNGA in 1996. Number of countries that need to ratify treaty for it to come into force now stands at nine. Key Points
ThePrint
US announces new nuclear bomb 24 times more powerful than one dropped on Japan: Report
The US Department of Defense plans to develop the B61-13 nuclear gravity bomb, awaiting Congressional approval. This bomb, 24 times more powerful than the one used on Hiroshima in WW II, aims to address evolving security challenges. It won't increase the total nuclear stockpile. This decision aligns with a changing security landscape, with a focus on deterrence and alliance assurance, as stated by Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy John Plumb. Key Points
Economic TimesNATO will hold major nuclear exercise next week as Russia plans to pull out of test ban treaty
The Comprehensive nuclear Test Ban Treaty, adopted in 1996 and known as the CTBT, bans all nuclear explosions anywhere in the world, although it has never fully entered into force. It was signed by both the Russian and US presidents but was never ratified by the United States. Key Points
Economic TimesThe place where no humans will tread for 100,000 years
In a few years, Finland will begin depositing spent nuclear fuel underground in Onkalo, where it will remain for millennia. Erika Benke describes her experience of visiting the site. Key Points
BBCUS tightens export controls of nuclear power items to China
The Biden administration has tightened controls on the export of materials for nuclear power plants to China to make sure that such items are used for peaceful purposes only. The nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) also requires exporters to obtain specific licenses to export special nuclear material and source material. Key Points
Economic TimesOppenheimer and the business of nuclear power
The undecidedness about nuclear energy is in stark contrast to J. Robert Oppenheimer's Bhagavad Gita-inspired equanimity about his creation of the atom bomb. Even though he did show the Arjuna-like guilt after the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, saying he had blood on his hands, he never regretted his act. Key Points
Economic Times
In a year, global inventory of N-warheads rises by 86
Global inventory of nuclear warheads has increased over the past year. China, India and Pakistan are among nine countries that have nuclear weapons and have added numbers to their respective arsenal. Key Points
The Tribune IndiaFinland's plan to bury spent nuclear fuel for 100,000 years
Finland is on the verge of becoming the first nation to bury spent nuclear fuel rods deep underground for the long term. Erika Benke visits the Onkalo site to find out more. Key Points
BBC