India’s ambitious nuclear power expansion is facing a growing fuel-security challenge as domestic uranium production remains below the requirements of the country’s existing and planned reactors. India is preparing for a major increase in nuclear generation as it looks to strengthen energy security and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. The government has set an ambitious target of taking nuclear power capacity to around 100 GW by 2047, compared with roughly 8.8 GW currently.
However, expanding reactor capacity will also significantly increase demand for uranium, the basic fuel required by most of India's operating nuclear reactors. A recent Parliamentary Standing Committee assessment has highlighted the gap between domestic uranium production and reactor requirements. Domestic production is currently estimated to meet only about 30% of the uranium requirement for India's Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), making overseas supplies an important part of the country's nuclear fuel strategy.
India has consequently been strengthening long-term uranium supply arrangements with several countries. Kazakhstan, Russia, Uzbekistan, Canada and other international partners have supplied or agreed to supply uranium to India. Diversifying these sources is seen as important because disruptions involving any one supplier could otherwise put additional pressure on the country's nuclear fuel stocks. Canada has emerged as an important supplier in this effort. Cameco has agreed to supply uranium ore concentrate to India under a long-term arrangement covering the period from 2027 to 2035. The agreement is expected to provide a substantial additional source of nuclear fuel as India prepares to expand its reactor fleet.
Australia is another significant potential source. The country possesses some of the world's largest uranium resources, and nuclear cooperation between New Delhi and Canberra has opened the way for Australian uranium supplies to support India's growing requirements. Despite the increasing role of imports, India is also looking to expand domestic uranium production. The government has been pursuing additional exploration and mining projects, while policymakers have discussed ways to increase investment and improve the efficiency of domestic uranium extraction.
The challenge is particularly important because uranium is not an ordinary energy commodity. Nuclear reactors require carefully planned and reliable fuel supplies, meaning a sudden disruption cannot always be overcome as easily as a temporary shortage of conventional fuels. For India, greater dependence on imports therefore presents both an economic and strategic consideration. International purchases can help meet immediate demand, but excessive dependence on overseas supplies could expose the nuclear sector to geopolitical tensions, transport disruptions and changes in global uranium markets.
India's long-term nuclear strategy also includes the development of technologies designed to make greater use of its substantial thorium resources. The country's three-stage nuclear programme envisages eventually using thorium-based fuel cycles to reduce dependence on conventional uranium. However, those technologies remain a longer-term proposition and cannot address India's immediate uranium requirements. As India prepares to add more nuclear reactors, the country's approach is increasingly focused on maintaining a balance between imported fuel and domestic production. Multiple international suppliers can provide a buffer against disruptions, while expanding domestic mining can strengthen India's strategic autonomy.
The success of India's nuclear expansion will therefore depend not only on how quickly new reactors are constructed, but also on whether the country can establish a dependable fuel supply for them. With nuclear power expected to play a larger role in India's future electricity mix, uranium security is emerging as an important part of the country's broader energy-security strategy.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.
The Human Rights Council of Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (HRC-PoJK) has raised alarm over reports concerning the detention and alleged undisclosed whereabouts of Kashmiri leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir, demanding that authorities immediately clarify his status and present him before a competent court.
In a post on X, the rights organisation urged the concerned authorities to reveal Mir’s location and explain the legal basis for his reported detention. It also called for him to be allowed to meet his family and consult with legal counsel, while insisting that he be produced before a court in line with constitutional protections and due process.
HRC-PoJK said that if no valid legal charges have been brought against Mir, he should be released without delay. The organisation warned that keeping an individual incommunicado or allowing their whereabouts to remain unknown can amount to a serious violation of fundamental rights and the rule of law.
The council further appealed to national human rights bodies, lawyers, civil society groups and the media to urgently take note of the reported detention. It stressed that authorities must provide transparency and ensure that any action taken against Mir remains within the bounds of law. The latest appeal comes after HRC-PoJK previously called for an independent, impartial and transparent investigation into incidents involving deaths, civilian injuries and allegations of excessive or disproportionate use of force in the region.
According to the organisation, the continuing situation in Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir should not be viewed solely as a political, administrative or law-and-order issue. It said ordinary residents continue to face the consequences, including disruptions to daily life, restrictions on civil liberties, difficulties accessing essential services and growing concerns over personal security. The council maintained that human life, dignity and fundamental freedoms must remain protected, regardless of political disputes, administrative decisions or public protests.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday announced the formation of a five-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a detailed investigation into the deadly fire at a hotel on Mirza Ghalib Street in central Kolkata. Adhikari said the administration's immediate priority was rescue and relief work, ensuring proper medical treatment for those injured and determining the circumstances that led to the devastating blaze.
In a post on X, the Chief Minister expressed grief over the incident and alleged that the tragedy highlighted what he described as a “legacy of negligence” from the previous administration. He claimed that unchecked construction and the operation of commercial establishments without adequate compliance with mandatory fire-safety requirements had contributed to unsafe conditions in parts of the city and state.
Adhikari further alleged that previous authorities had failed to conduct proper compliance checks and enforce basic safety regulations. He said the present administration was working to address those shortcomings and strengthen enforcement of fire-safety standards. The Chief Minister also assured victims and their families that the government would extend all possible assistance. He directed officials to ensure that those injured receive the best available medical care and support.
To establish the facts and determine accountability, Adhikari said the five-member SIT had been constituted immediately. The team will examine the circumstances surrounding the fire and determine whether the hotel complied with mandatory fire and safety regulations. The blaze reportedly broke out at around 2 am on Wednesday, leaving at least nine people dead, including a child, while several others were injured. Officials said around 60 people were rescued from the building.
Some of the victims were reportedly Bangladeshi nationals who had travelled to Kolkata for medical treatment. The Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata said its officials visited the site after being informed about the incident and coordinated with local authorities regarding the victims. According to the Deputy High Commission, five Bangladeshi nationals were among those confirmed dead, while four of them were members of the same family. Officials were still working to establish the identities of the remaining victims.
The diplomatic mission also said that six injured Bangladeshi nationals had been discharged after receiving initial medical treatment. The newly formed SIT will now examine the sequence of events, fire-safety arrangements at the hotel and whether required safety standards and regulations were properly followed. The investigation is expected to determine whether any lapses or negligence contributed to the loss of life.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
India’s electronics manufacturing industry is moving into a more advanced phase, with the government now aiming to expand domestic capabilities beyond final assembly to include components, materials and manufacturing equipment, Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said. In a post on X, Vaishnaw said the Make in India initiative has helped transform electronics into one of India’s major manufacturing sectors. Electronics production exceeded $116 billion in FY26, while exports reached $48 billion. Over the last decade, production has increased nearly sevenfold, while exports have grown about 11 times.
According to Vaishnaw, India initially concentrated on assembling finished electronics, particularly smartphones. As production expanded, it generated demand for modules and components, gradually encouraging the development of domestic manufacturing for materials and capital equipment. Mobile phones, which were not among India’s top 100 export products a decade ago, have now become the country’s largest exported item.
The government’s next priority is building a stronger domestic component and materials ecosystem through the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS). Projects approved under the scheme had crossed ₹69,000 crore in investment by August 2026, surpassing the original target of ₹59,000 crore. The number of approved companies has also reached 106, compared with an initial target of around 60. These projects are expected to generate approximately 75,000 direct jobs and 2.5 lakh jobs overall. So far, 38 approved projects have begun manufacturing, while another 16 are in the construction and machinery-installation phase.
Vaishnaw also pointed to the expanding range of products now being manufactured in India, including PCBs, enclosures, speakers, antennas, optical transceivers, filters, capacitors, permanent magnets and advanced materials. Indian manufacturers are increasingly exporting components to international markets, including China. Vaishnaw said India must concentrate on both scale and quality. He emphasized six-sigma standards, product reliability, competitive pricing and timely delivery as essential factors for making Indian components preferred by global manufacturers.
He further underlined the importance of continued investment in electronics design, advanced materials, precision components, capital equipment and skilled talent. Vaishnaw noted that electronics has risen from the 9th position to the 3rd position among India’s merchandise export categories in FY26, arguing that the foundation developed over the past 12 years can help the country unlock much greater potential in the coming five years.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday accused the Centre of carrying out what he described as a “brazen and calculated attack” on free speech. He claimed that the government issued around 1.95 lakh content-blocking orders to social media platforms between March and July 2026. Sharing an infographic on X, Kharge alleged that the government’s approach to online censorship was undermining citizens’ democratic right to speak, question and dissent. He compared the alleged social media restrictions with the use of force against young protesters.
Kharge claimed that nearly 1.95 lakh blocking orders were issued in just five months, amounting to roughly one order every 68 seconds. He alleged that the action was particularly targeted at students and young people protesting over examinations and accountability. According to Kharge, posts and videos supporting the protests were systematically removed from social media following government directions. He also accused supporters of the ruling party of engaging in online harassment, including doxxing and threats against women, while claiming that critics of the government faced takedowns, FIR notices and intimidation.
He further alleged that the government had reduced the time available for content takedown and relied increasingly on automated systems, which he claimed could result in content being removed without adequate human review. The Delhi Police has defended its handling of protests by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar before the Supreme Court. The police told the apex court that its personnel exercised “maximum restraint” and used only the minimum force necessary to control the situation.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi District) Sachin Sharma said the situation escalated after protesters allegedly became violent and breached multiple barricades while attempting to march towards Parliament. The affidavit was submitted in response to petitions alleging excessive use of force during the demonstrations. Addressing claims that police used lathis fitted with nails, Sharma rejected the allegation and said the video footage cited in support of the claim consisted of only a single video.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Union Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda underwent angioplasty at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, on Monday, August 17, 2026. The hospital said his condition is stable and he remains under observation in the Department of Cardiology. According to an AIIMS statement, Nadda underwent the procedure after being evaluated for uneasiness. The hospital confirmed that he is currently stable and receiving medical care.
Several political leaders have wished the Union minister a speedy recovery. Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi expressed his concern and prayed for Nadda’s good health. “Wishing a speedy recovery and good health to Union Minister Shri JP Nadda Ji,” Sanghavi said in a post on X. Gujarat Energy and Petrochemicals Minister Rushikesh Patel also extended his wishes to Nadda, hoping for his swift recovery and continued good health.
Nadda had been admitted to the cardiology department at AIIMS on August 14 for observation after experiencing uneasiness. The hospital had earlier said that he was evaluated on the evening of August 13 and underwent several tests, including a coronary angiography. AIIMS stated that Nadda was stable and had been admitted for further observation under the Department of Cardiology.
The latest update indicates that Nadda remains stable following the angioplasty. Further details about his health and discharge are expected from the hospital as his medical team continues to monitor his recovery. The Union minister, who also plays a prominent role in the BJP's organisational and political affairs, is expected to resume his regular responsibilities after doctors give him clearance.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 5,000 reported cases, according to government figures released Wednesday, with health responders warning that the virus is spreading at an exceptionally rapid pace and threatening to overwhelm containment efforts in one of the country’s most remote areas. Figures from Congo’s Ministry of Health showed that 5,021 cases, including 2,378 deaths, had been recorded as of Sunday. Authorities are battling the outbreak under extremely difficult conditions, with insecurity, widespread displacement and heavy population movement making efforts to control transmission more challenging. Health officials say the outbreak is spreading faster and affecting more people than any previous Ebola outbreak. From the detection of the first case, the current outbreak has expanded at roughly three times the speed of the 2014–2016 West Africa outbreak, which remains the deadliest Ebola epidemic on record, claiming more than 11,000 lives.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Bloomberg.
A new survey by TOUCH Community Services found that although six in 10 parents reported that their children had faced mental health challenges, only about one in six believed these issues were moderately or directly connected to their online experiences. Hairianto Diman and Justine Modd examine what parents may be overlooking and explore ways to better support children as they navigate the digital world. They also speak with Dr Chew Han Ei, an online safety researcher at the Institute of Policy Studies, about the issue.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
In today’s 17 August market analysis on Open For Business, Hairianto Diman and Justine Moss are joined by Nick Ferres, Chief Investment Officer at Vantage Point, to discuss the latest market trends and developments.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
On today’s (13 August) episode of Open For Business, Hairianto Diman and Justine Moss discuss the latest market trends and economic developments with Will McGough, Chief Investment Officer at Prime Capital Financial. The conversation explores current market conditions, investment sentiment, inflation, interest rates, and the broader outlook for investors as global financial markets respond to evolving economic signals and changing expectations.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
Only weeks after basking in the success of the World Cup, FIFA president Gianni Infantino is now facing growing pressure over his position. Infantino has apologised for his controversial proposal to sell the World Cup, but the apology has failed to stop calls for him to step down. The plan has sparked widespread criticism, raising fresh questions about his leadership and whether this latest controversy could prove too damaging. Why did the proposal trigger such a strong backlash, and could it ultimately bring Infantino’s FIFA presidency to an end? Sport reporter Jack Snape joins host Reged Ahmad to examine the growing crisis surrounding the FIFA chief and what could happen next.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
