South Asia Citizens Web

In November 2012 the well known scientist Prof Hoodbhoy speaking at T2F in Karachi busting the mythical water car fraud

in a judgment giving the green light to the Kudankulam nuclear project, our Supreme Court tells citizens, without a hint of irony, that they must put up with “minor inconveniences” such as exposure to radiation, which causes cancer or genetic damage and is always harmful, because enormous “economic scientific benefits” (sic) will come from nuclear power, which “remains as an important element in India’s energy mix”. “Minor inconveniences”? Tell that to the families of the estimated 34,000 people who died from Chernobyl, to the mothers of thousands of babies which have early thyroid disorders thanks to the Fukushima disaster, to the 80% plus French people who oppose new reactors, or to the countless protestors against Indian nuclear projects, including Kudankulam (Tamil Nadu), Jaitapur (Maharashtra), Mithi Virdi (Gujarat), Kovvada (Andhra Pradesh), Fatehabad (Haryana) and Chutka (Madhya Pradesh). The assertion that nuclear power is important to “India’s energy mix” but renewable sources only provide “a small share” couldn’t be more ludicrous; their respective shares in our primary energy supply are 0.8% and 18%.

Since its nuclear tests in May 1998, Pakistan has been rapidly developing and expanding its nuclear arsenal. It is producing highly enriched uranium (HEU)
and plutonium—the key ingredients for nuclear weapons—and is increasing its capacity to produce plutonium by building new production reactors. It is also testing and deploying a diverse array of nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles, with ranges from 60 km to 2000 km.

On 23 May 2013 in Chandigarh the Delhi based human rights organisation People’s Union For Democratic rights released its detailed report on the rights violations committed at Maruti Suzuki India’s Manesar plant in Haryana while also documenting the struggle of workers.

We call on Afghan President and Government to safeguard the important achievement of its time. The implementation of the EVAW law and protection of women’s rights is among the key indicators of Tokyo Mutual Accountability Framework (2012). While Afghanistan has too much to prove on good governance and eliminating corruption front, EVAW law remains as one of few landmark achievement to bring pride to this nation to avert all the images of past brutality and medieval treatment of women in the country.