China’s rapid expansion of its missile arsenal, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), has raised concerns about global security. The country’s missile capabilities now rival the U.S., posing a significant threat to the balance of power in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
Ukraine’s foreign minister has accused Russia of planning attacks on the country’s nuclear facilities ahead of winter, raising concerns of a potential nuclear disaster. Ukrainian intelligence suggests Russia is targeting critical energy infrastructure at nuclear power plants. The warning has sparked international calls for action to prevent a catastrophe.
Japan and China have reached an agreement regarding the discharge of treated radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean. China, which had previously banned Japanese seafood imports in response to the discharge, will work towards easing the ban and participate in monitoring the wastewater discharges under the auspices of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This deal signifies a step towards resolving the dispute, although concerns remain about the safety of the treated water.
The threat to vital satellites from energetic particles, particularly those unleashed by a nuclear attack, is a growing concern. Scientists and engineers are exploring various methods to mitigate these dangers, including using radio waves to ‘cleanse’ radiation belts and deploying specialized satellites to create artificial lightning.
This article examines the development and potential deployment of Russia’s controversial 9M370 Burevestnik (SSC-X-9 Skyfall) nuclear-powered cruise missile. Despite its theoretical capabilities and the potential to evade missile defenses, the missile has faced significant technical challenges and a poor testing record, raising questions about its operational viability and the risks it poses.
Pakistan is reviewing its existing and future power projects, including hydropower and nuclear plants, due to concerns over energy overcapacity and high electricity prices. The review aims to ensure the viability and efficiency of these projects, with a focus on optimizing power generation to match demand and achieve economic sustainability. The government is also examining agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), which have led to significant capacity payments for unused power.
A fire broke out at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, prompting accusations between Russia and Ukraine over who started it. While both sides reported no increase in radiation levels, the incident raises concerns about the safety of the facility, which is Europe’s largest and currently under Russian control.
Iran’s newly elected president, Masoud Pezeshkian, has reappointed Mohammad Eslami, a US-educated official previously sanctioned by the United Nations, as head of the country’s nuclear department. Eslami’s reappointment comes as Iran remains under Western sanctions following the collapse of the 2015 nuclear deal. Despite his past sanctions and the ongoing tensions, Pezeshkian has stated his intention to revive the deal.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned that Iran’s nuclear breakout time, the time needed to produce enough weapons-grade material for a bomb, is now down to just one or two weeks. This assessment, the shortest made by a US official, comes amid concerns about Iran’s nuclear program and escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Russia has accused the United States of being behind an attack on Crimea using US-supplied missiles, claiming it resulted in the deaths of civilians, including children. This accusation marks a significant escalation in the conflict and has led to warnings from Russia about potential consequences. The Kremlin has also announced updates to Russia’s nuclear doctrine, raising concerns about a possible escalation in the conflict.
