President Donald Trump has signaled to aides that he is willing to drop the push for a formal nuclear deal with Iran, focusing instead on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and letting severe economic pressure and inflation grind down Tehran. Whether Iran collapses internally remains uncertain, as historical and intelligence assessments show that external bombing campaigns often fail to instigate quick regime change and can instead temporarily unify populations.


US-Iran War: Trump dials down from big bang to small whimper 

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has announced plans to build a nuclear-armed navy and develop large 10,000-tonne class warships, according to state media.

The announcement was made during the commissioning of a new destroyer, as Pyongyang accelerates its military expansion despite long-standing international sanctions over its nuclear weapons programme.

Officials say the move is part of a broader strategy to enhance naval capability and operational readiness, further escalating concerns in the region over military balance and security tensions.

North Korea Expanding Nuke Capabilities: Kim Jong Un Unveils Plan For 10,000-Tonne Warships

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reaffirmed that Iran has no ambitions to develop nuclear weapons. Amid ongoing US-Iran talks in Geneva, Tehran rejects claims suggesting otherwise. Officials emphasize that Iran’s nuclear program is entirely peaceful, focusing on energy and research, while addressing international concerns over transparency and facility activities.

Iranian President Reaffirms No Nuclear Weapons Ambition

A rare deployment of the U.S. Air Force’s WC‑135R “nuke sniffer” — an aircraft that detects atmospheric radioactive particles — has sparked speculation about possible American action against Iran. The plane recently landed at RAF Mildenhall in the UK amid a growing U.S. military buildup in the Middle East, just as tensions with Tehran rise over nuclear ambitions and regional instability.

Nuke Sniffer Deployment Sparks Buzz Over US Action on Iran

As tensions between India and Pakistan continue to rise after the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, a Pakistani minister, Hanif Abbasi, recently tried to threaten India with a nuclear attack, saying that Pakistan&rsquo;s nukes &ldquo;aren&rsquo;t showpieces.&rdquo;
Anyone who has thought even briefly about the reality of nuclear war between the two countries knows how reckless such threats are, considering the devastation it would cause both sides.
But how did it come to this? How did nuclear weapons become such a part of India and Pakistan&rsquo;s rivalry?
<h2>How did Pakistan get its first nuclear bomb?</h2>
While the historical record is rather unclear, the story of Pakistan&rsquo;s nuclear quest could be traced back to October 1964, when China tested its first atomic weapon.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/inside-india-pakistans-nuclear-arsenals-who-has-more-and-what-would-happen-if-new-delhi-islamabad-unleash-their-nukes-pahalgam-terror-attack-9007737" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Inside India, Pakistan&rsquo;s nuclear arsenals: Who has more, and what would happen if New Delhi, Islamabad unleash their nukes?</a>
Just days later, India&rsquo;s top nuclear scientist, Homi Bhabha, went on All India Radio and said something remarkable: India could build 50 nuclear bombs for just $21 million. He claimed it was cheap and achievable, even for a country still struggling after Partition.
At the same time, Bhabha made it clear that if the world moved towards disarmament, India might not need to build bombs at all. But China, Britain, France, and others were busy building their arsenals. Disarmament wasn&rsquo;t happening.
India&rsquo;s signal, that it could go nuclear if it wanted, didn&rsquo;t go unnoticed by Pakistan.
<h2>Pakistan feared getting left behind</h2>
At that time, Pakistan&rsquo;s foreign minister was Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. In 1965, British journalist Patrick Keatley reported deep worries inside Pakistan&rsquo;s Defence Ministry. Officials feared that one morning, they might wake up to the news that India had become a nuclear power, and Pakistan would have no answer.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/our-missiles-are-not-for-decoration-pakistani-minister-threatens-india-in-video-says-130-nukes-hanif-abbasi-pahalgam-terror-attack-hammu-and-kashmir-9007072" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'Our missiles are not for decoration': Pakistan minister threatens India in video, says 130 nukes...</a>
Bhutto famously said, &ldquo;If India builds the bomb, we will eat grass or leaves, even go hungry, but we will get one of our own.&rdquo;
Later that year, Bhutto and President Ayub Khan visited Beijing and met Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai. Bhutto would later claim that he asked for China&rsquo;s help with nuclear technology, though some historians don't believe that.
<h2>Building the bomb became a national mission</h2>
Although Pakistan officially says it only started working on nuclear weapons after India&rsquo;s 1974 test, the planning seems to have begun much earlier.
In January 1972, just weeks after Pakistan&rsquo;s defeat in the Bangladesh war, Bhutto called a meeting of scientists at Multan. There, he urged them to build a bomb, fast. He wanted Pakistan to match the timeline of America&rsquo;s Manhattan Project, which had developed the first nuclear bombs in three years.
For Bhutto, nuclear weapons weren&rsquo;t just about defence. After losing East Pakistan, he saw them as essential for survival. He also believed they would give Pakistan leverage over India and help him balance the power of the military at home.
<h2>But Pakistan faced big challenges</h2>
Unlike India, Pakistan didn&rsquo;t have the industrial strength or scientific know-how to build a bomb on its own. It needed outside help or another way.
In 1973, after an attempt to get technology from Britain failed, Pakistan quietly made a deal with Belgium to set up a small nuclear reprocessing plant. This allowed Pakistan to extract plutonium, the material needed for bombs, but only in small amounts.
Watch: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/jk-pakistani-troops-open-fire-at-indian-posts-along-loc-9007747">J&amp;K: Pakistani troops open fire at Indian posts along LoC</a>
Pakistan also began talks with France for a much larger reprocessing plant. At the time, France was not bound by the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and could technically sell such technology. But the negotiations dragged on.
Later, Pakistan&rsquo;s top nuclear scientist Munir Ahmad Khan admitted that while they had hoped to build everything themselves, technical and financial barriers forced them to &ldquo;think differently.&rdquo;
By 1974, India&rsquo;s nuclear test, nicknamed the "Smiling Buddha", changed everything. The race was officially on.
Around this time, a Pakistani metallurgist named Abdul Qadeer Khan, working in Europe, offered his services to Bhutto. Khan said he could help Pakistan build its own nuclear bomb.
In early 1976, AQ Khan returned to Pakistan, carrying stolen blueprints from the Dutch company Urenco. These designs showed how to enrich uranium, the key to making a nuclear bomb. It was a massive breakthrough for Pakistan.
Meanwhile, the US was putting pressure on France to cancel its nuclear deal with Pakistan. France agreed, but not before Pakistan had learned a lot.
<h2>Quiet progress behind the scenes</h2>
Although France officially cancelled the reprocessing deal in 1978, it was too late. AQ Khan opened another path for Pakistan, which was uranium enrichment.
Building the technology took time, but by the late 1980s, Pakistan was believed to have a basic nuclear weapon.
During the tense military standoff known as Operation Brasstacks in 1986-87, Pakistan&rsquo;s implied nuclear capability likely helped deter full-scale war with India.
<h2>Pakistan goes public</h2>
In 1992, Pakistan&rsquo;s Foreign Secretary made it clear for the first time that Pakistan could assemble a nuclear bomb. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif later confirmed it more openly during a speech in Muzaffarabad, in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Even when the US tried to offer Pakistan advanced F-16 jets in exchange for slowing down its programme, Pakistan refused. The bomb had become a matter of national pride.
<h2>The tests of 1998</h2>
In May 1998, after India conducted nuclear tests, Pakistan responded with tests of its own.
The two countries then signed the Lahore Declaration, agreeing to improve communication and reduce the risk of nuclear war.
India later announced a "no first use" policy, promising not to launch a nuclear attack unless attacked first. Pakistan hasn&rsquo;t made such a commitment but insists its weapons are for defence only.
Currently, India is believed to have around 180 nuclear warheads, while Pakistan is estimated to have about 170. If you want to read more about how a nuclear war between India and Pakistan would look like, consider reading the following article:
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/inside-india-pakistans-nuclear-arsenals-who-has-more-and-what-would-happen-if-new-delhi-islamabad-unleash-their-nukes-pahalgam-terror-attack-9007737">Inside India, Pakistan&rsquo;s nuclear arsenals: Who has more, and what would happen if New Delhi, Islamabad unleash their nukes?</a>

While the historical record is rather unclear, the story of Pakistan’s nuclear quest could be traced back to October 1964, when China tested its first atomic weapon. India News Pakistan

As tensions between India and Pakistan continue to rise after the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, a Pakistani minister, Hanif Abbasi, recently tried to threaten India with a nuclear attack, saying that Pakistan’s nukes “aren’t showpieces.” Anyone who has thought even briefly about the reality of nuclear war between the two countries knows how reckless such threats are, considering the devastation it would cause both sides. But how did it come to this? How did nuclear weapons become such a part of India and Pakistan’s rivalry? How did Pakistan get its first nuclear bomb? While the historical record is rather unclear, the story of Pakistan’s nuclear quest could be traced back to October 1964, when China tested its first atomic weapon. Also read: Inside India, Pakistan’s nuclear arsenals: Who has more, and what would happen if New Delhi, Islamabad unleash their nukes? Just days later, India’s top nuclear scientist, Homi Bhabha, went on All India Radio and said something remarkable: India could build 50 nuclear bombs for just $21 million. He claimed it was cheap and achievable, even for a country still struggling after Partition. At the same time, Bhabha made it clear that if the world moved towards disarmament, India might not need to build bombs at all. But China, Britain, France, and others were busy building their arsenals. Disarmament wasn’t happening. India’s signal, that it could go nuclear if it wanted, didn’t go unnoticed by Pakistan. Pakistan feared getting left behind At that time, Pakistan’s foreign minister was Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. In 1965, British journalist Patrick Keatley reported deep worries inside Pakistan’s Defence Ministry. Officials feared that one morning, they might wake up to the news that India had become a nuclear power, and Pakistan would have no answer. Also read: 'Our missiles are not for decoration': Pakistan minister threatens India in video, says 130 nukes... Bhutto famously said, “If India builds the bomb, we will eat grass or leaves, even go hungry, but we will get one of our own.” Later that year, Bhutto and President Ayub Khan visited Beijing and met Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai. Bhutto would later claim that he asked for China’s help with nuclear technology, though some historians don't believe that. Building the bomb became a national mission Although Pakistan officially says it only started working on nuclear weapons after India’s 1974 test, the planning seems to have begun much earlier. In January 1972, just weeks after Pakistan’s defeat in the Bangladesh war, Bhutto called a meeting of scientists at Multan. There, he urged them to build a bomb, fast. He wanted Pakistan to match the timeline of America’s Manhattan Project, which had developed the first nuclear bombs in three years. For Bhutto, nuclear weapons weren’t just about defence. After losing East Pakistan, he saw them as essential for survival. He also believed they would give Pakistan leverage over India and help him balance the power of the military at home. But Pakistan faced big challenges Unlike India, Pakistan didn’t have the industrial strength or scientific know-how to build a bomb on its own. It needed outside help or another way. In 1973, after an attempt to get technology from Britain failed, Pakistan quietly made a deal with Belgium to set up a small nuclear reprocessing plant. This allowed Pakistan to extract plutonium, the material needed for bombs, but only in small amounts. Watch: J&K: Pakistani troops open fire at Indian posts along LoC Pakistan also began talks with France for a much larger reprocessing plant. At the time, France was not bound by the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and could technically sell such technology. But the negotiations dragged on. Later, Pakistan’s top nuclear scientist Munir Ahmad Khan admitted that while they had hoped to build everything themselves, technical and financial barriers forced them to “think differently.” By 1974, India’s nuclear test, nicknamed the "Smiling Buddha", changed everything. The race was officially on. Around this time, a Pakistani metallurgist named Abdul Qadeer Khan, working in Europe, offered his services to Bhutto. Khan said he could help Pakistan build its own nuclear bomb. In early 1976, AQ Khan returned to Pakistan, carrying stolen blueprints from the Dutch company Urenco. These designs showed how to enrich uranium, the key to making a nuclear bomb. It was a massive breakthrough for Pakistan. Meanwhile, the US was putting pressure on France to cancel its nuclear deal with Pakistan. France agreed, but not before Pakistan had learned a lot. Quiet progress behind the scenes Although France officially cancelled the reprocessing deal in 1978, it was too late. AQ Khan opened another path for Pakistan, which was uranium enrichment. Building the technology took time, but by the late 1980s, Pakistan was believed to have a basic nuclear weapon. During the tense military standoff known as Operation Brasstacks in 1986-87, Pakistan’s implied nuclear capability likely helped deter full-scale war with India. Pakistan goes public In 1992, Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary made it clear for the first time that Pakistan could assemble a nuclear bomb. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif later confirmed it more openly during a speech in Muzaffarabad, in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Even when the US tried to offer Pakistan advanced F-16 jets in exchange for slowing down its programme, Pakistan refused. The bomb had become a matter of national pride. The tests of 1998 In May 1998, after India conducted nuclear tests, Pakistan responded with tests of its own. The two countries then signed the Lahore Declaration, agreeing to improve communication and reduce the risk of nuclear war. India later announced a "no first use" policy, promising not to launch a nuclear attack unless attacked first. Pakistan hasn’t made such a commitment but insists its weapons are for defence only. Currently, India is believed to have around 180 nuclear warheads, while Pakistan is estimated to have about 170. If you want to read more about how a nuclear war between India and Pakistan would look like, consider reading the following article: Inside India, Pakistan’s nuclear arsenals: Who has more, and what would happen if New Delhi, Islamabad unleash their nukes?

'Will go hungry, but get the bomb’: How Pakistan got the nuclear bomb? A story of desperation, fear, and rivalry with India

Russia has announced it has launched drills that will include practice for the use of tactical nuclear weapons the drills are being held near the border of Ukraine.

Should west worry about Russia's nuke drills?

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Putin orders nuke drills near Ukraine - Evacuating 100,000 from East Rafah - Xi Jinping arrives in France - Saudi Prince likely to visit Pakistan - Sunak calls losses 'bitterly disappointing' - Brazil flooding kills at least 28

Sunak calls losses 'bitterly disappointing' | Putin orders nuke drills near Ukraine

Now The Echoes of the past rang out as the Spectre of nuclear brinkmanship loomed over Europe again. Just as the Cuban Missile Crisis brought the world to the precipice of nuclear war in 1962 a new standoff is brewing this time with Poland at the centre.

Poland's bold offer to host NATO missiles

Ukraine says Russia used a nuclear plant to carry out a deadly rocket attack.This comes after a Russian base in Crimea was destroyed by a string of blasts. Is Moscow responding by raising the nuclear threat? Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you.

Gravitas: Threat of nuke disaster: Russian forces fire 80 rockets from nuclear plant site

Iran turned off 2 surveillance devices on Wednesday used by UN. Iran said it disconnected some IAEA cameras monitoring its nuclear sites, hours before the UN nuclear watchdog adopted a resolution criticising the Islamic republic for failing to cooperate.

IAEA cameras removed from Nuke facility in Iran: Blinken criticises Iran's move

If you are wondering how North Korea is able to fund its nuclear and missile programmes at a time when it is facing several issues due to sanctions, the answer seems to be significant profits from cyberattacks, UN experts said in a new report.&nbsp;

The country was able to continue to advance its nuclear and missile programmes last year in violation of UN Security Council resolutions with the help of this money, the panel of experts said. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-recognises-taiwan-as-part-of-china-opposes-islands-independence-450437" hreflang="en">Russia recognises Taiwan as part of China, opposes island's independence</a>

"According to a member state, DPRK cyberactors stole more than $50 million between 2020 and mid-2021 from at least three cryptocurrency exchanges in North America, Europe and Asia," a report by Yonhap News Agency quoted the confidential report by the UN experts, who are monitoring the implementation of sanctions on Pyongyang. &nbsp;

DPRK is the acronym for the official name of North Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea. &nbsp;

At least seven attacks were carried out on cryptocurrency platforms by North Korea. It helped it extract nearly $400 million worth of digital assets in 2021, it added. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-is-hosting-2022-winter-olympics-with-100-artificial-snow-report-450701" hreflang="en">Beijing is hosting 2022 Winter Olympics with 100% artificial snow: Report</a>

The North also kept developing its nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities, the annual report of the UN said. &nbsp;

"Although no nuclear tests or launches of ICBMs (intercontinental ballistic missiles) were reported, DPRK continued to develop its capability for production of nuclear fissile materials," the report, which has been submitted to the UN Security Council North Korea sanctions committee, stated. &nbsp;

North Korea also demonstrated "increased capabilities for rapid deployment, wide mobility (including at sea), and improved resilience of its missile forces,” it said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

If you are wondering how North Korea is able to fund its nuclear and missile programmes at a time when it is facing several issues due to sanctions, the answer seems to be significant profits from cyberattacks, UN experts said in a new report.

If you are wondering how North Korea is able to fund its nuclear and missile programmes at a time when it is facing several issues due to sanctions, the answer seems to be significant profits from cyberattacks, UN experts said in a new report. The country was able to continue to advance its nuclear and missile programmes last year in violation of UN Security Council resolutions with the help of this money, the panel of experts said. Also Read: Russia recognises Taiwan as part of China, opposes island's independence "According to a member state, DPRK cyberactors stole more than $50 million between 2020 and mid-2021 from at least three cryptocurrency exchanges in North America, Europe and Asia," a report by Yonhap News Agency quoted the confidential report by the UN experts, who are monitoring the implementation of sanctions on Pyongyang. DPRK is the acronym for the official name of North Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea. At least seven attacks were carried out on cryptocurrency platforms by North Korea. It helped it extract nearly $400 million worth of digital assets in 2021, it added. Also Read | Beijing is hosting 2022 Winter Olympics with 100% artificial snow: Report The North also kept developing its nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities, the annual report of the UN said. "Although no nuclear tests or launches of ICBMs (intercontinental ballistic missiles) were reported, DPRK continued to develop its capability for production of nuclear fissile materials," the report, which has been submitted to the UN Security Council North Korea sanctions committee, stated. North Korea also demonstrated "increased capabilities for rapid deployment, wide mobility (including at sea), and improved resilience of its missile forces,” it said. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea funding nuke, missile programmes through cyberattacks’ proceeds, say UN experts

For attempting to sell 'restricted data' on the design of nuclear-powered warships, the Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested a Maryland couple on Saturday, reported Justice Department. &nbsp;

According to the Department of Justice, 42-year-old Jonathan Toebbe, who is a nuclear engineer at the Department of the Navy and his 45-year-old wife, Diana, sold information to a person they believed was a representative for another nation for a year. The representative turned out to be an undercover FBI agent.

The couple used to place&nbsp;an SD card concealed within half a peanut butter sandwich at the “dead drop” location for the "representative" to recover.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/doha-talks-candid-taliban-to-be-judged-based-on-its-actions-us-419772" hreflang="en">Doha talks 'candid', Taliban to be judged based on its actions: US</a>

Attorney General Merrick B Garland, said, “The complaint charges a plot to transmit information relating to the design of our nuclear submarines to a foreign nation. The work of the FBI, Department of Justice prosecutors, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the Department of Energy was critical in thwarting the plot charged in the complaint and taking this first step in bringing the perpetrators to justice.” &nbsp;

The Toebbes will be produced in a federal court in Martinsburg, West Virginia on October 12, as per the DOJ. They have been charged with criminal offences under Atomic Energy Act. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-calling-homosexuality-filth-us-leader-faces-calls-for-resignation-419697" hreflang="en">After calling homosexuality 'filth', US leader faces calls for resignation</a>

In April 2020, Jonathan Toebbe sent a package to the undercover FBI agent containing a sample of "restricted data". The package also included instructions for establishing a covert relationship to purchase more information. Believing that FBI agent was a foreign representative, Toebbe began corresponding with him through encrypted email, reported the DOJ. &nbsp;

For several months, Toebbe continued correspondence and made an agreement to sell "restricted data" in exchange for money in cryptocurrency. &nbsp;

As a “good faith” payment, the undercover agent sent $10,000 in cryptocurrency to Toebbe on June 8.&nbsp;The couple travelled to a location in West Virginia a couple of times to deliver an encrypted SD card in exchange of money.

The FBI arrested the couple on their third visit, the DOJ reported. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

For attempting to sell 'restricted data' on the design of nuclear-powered warships, the Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested a Maryland couple on Saturday, reported Justice Department.

For attempting to sell 'restricted data' on the design of nuclear-powered warships, the Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested a Maryland couple on Saturday, reported Justice Department. According to the Department of Justice, 42-year-old Jonathan Toebbe, who is a nuclear engineer at the Department of the Navy and his 45-year-old wife, Diana, sold information to a person they believed was a representative for another nation for a year. The representative turned out to be an undercover FBI agent. The couple used to place an SD card concealed within half a peanut butter sandwich at the “dead drop” location for the "representative" to recover. Also Read | Doha talks 'candid', Taliban to be judged based on its actions: US Attorney General Merrick B Garland, said, “The complaint charges a plot to transmit information relating to the design of our nuclear submarines to a foreign nation. The work of the FBI, Department of Justice prosecutors, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the Department of Energy was critical in thwarting the plot charged in the complaint and taking this first step in bringing the perpetrators to justice.” The Toebbes will be produced in a federal court in Martinsburg, West Virginia on October 12, as per the DOJ. They have been charged with criminal offences under Atomic Energy Act. Also Read: After calling homosexuality 'filth', US leader faces calls for resignation In April 2020, Jonathan Toebbe sent a package to the undercover FBI agent containing a sample of "restricted data". The package also included instructions for establishing a covert relationship to purchase more information. Believing that FBI agent was a foreign representative, Toebbe began corresponding with him through encrypted email, reported the DOJ. For several months, Toebbe continued correspondence and made an agreement to sell "restricted data" in exchange for money in cryptocurrency. As a “good faith” payment, the undercover agent sent $10,000 in cryptocurrency to Toebbe on June 8. The couple travelled to a location in West Virginia a couple of times to deliver an encrypted SD card in exchange of money. The FBI arrested the couple on their third visit, the DOJ reported. (With inputs from agencies)

FBI arrests Navy engineer, wife for selling restricted nuke info in peanut butter sandwich in US

Lauded in Pakistan for helping it become world's first Islamic nuclear weapons power, Abdul Qadeer Khan, who died on Sunday, is seen in the West as a dangerous renegade. The scientist has been allegedly responsible for smuggling nuclear technology to rogue states. &nbsp;

The scientist died at the age of 85 in Islamabad after being hospitalised with COVID-19. He was revered as "the father of Pakistan's nuclear bomb". &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-nuclear-scientist-aq-khan-passes-away-419568" hreflang="en">Pakistan's nuclear scientist AQ Khan passes away</a>

The nuclear scientist was seen as a national hero for bringing the country on a par with India in the atomic field. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The scientist was also accused of illegally proliferating nuclear technology to Libya, Iran and North Korea. Khan was placed under house arrest in Islamabad in 2004 after admitting to running a nuclear proliferation network to the three countries. &nbsp;

The scientist’s contribution to nuclear programme of Pakistan was the procurement of a blueprint for uranium centrifuges, which could help in transforming uranium into weapons-grade fuel for nuclear fissile material. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-hospitals-run-out-of-beds-on-dengue-surge-419622" hreflang="en">Pakistan hospitals run out of beds on dengue surge</a>

Khan was charged with stealing the blueprint from the Netherlands when he was working for Urenco, which was an Anglo-Dutch-German nuclear engineering consortium, and bringing it to Pakistan in 1976. &nbsp;

When he returned to the home country, the then prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto placed him in-charge of the uranium enrichment project. &nbsp;

By 1978, his team enriched uranium and were ready to detonate a nuclear device by 1984, Khan said in an interview. In 1998, the country conducted the nuclear test. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Lauded in Pakistan for helping it become world's first Islamic nuclear weapons power, Abdul Qadeer Khan, who died on Sunday, is seen in the West as a dangerous renegade.

Lauded in Pakistan for helping it become world's first Islamic nuclear weapons power, Abdul Qadeer Khan, who died on Sunday, is seen in the West as a dangerous renegade. The scientist has been allegedly responsible for smuggling nuclear technology to rogue states. The scientist died at the age of 85 in Islamabad after being hospitalised with COVID-19. He was revered as "the father of Pakistan's nuclear bomb". Also Read: Pakistan's nuclear scientist AQ Khan passes away The nuclear scientist was seen as a national hero for bringing the country on a par with India in the atomic field. The scientist was also accused of illegally proliferating nuclear technology to Libya, Iran and North Korea. Khan was placed under house arrest in Islamabad in 2004 after admitting to running a nuclear proliferation network to the three countries. The scientist’s contribution to nuclear programme of Pakistan was the procurement of a blueprint for uranium centrifuges, which could help in transforming uranium into weapons-grade fuel for nuclear fissile material. Also Read: Pakistan hospitals run out of beds on dengue surge Khan was charged with stealing the blueprint from the Netherlands when he was working for Urenco, which was an Anglo-Dutch-German nuclear engineering consortium, and bringing it to Pakistan in 1976. When he returned to the home country, the then prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto placed him in-charge of the uranium enrichment project. By 1978, his team enriched uranium and were ready to detonate a nuclear device by 1984, Khan said in an interview. In 1998, the country conducted the nuclear test. (With inputs from agencies)

National hero or renegade? AQ Khan admitted to run nuke proliferation network

Trump's Suggestion To Alter The Course Of Hurricanes: Nuke Them!

Gravitas: Is Trump at war with Science?

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/signs-of-hope-as-donald-trump-says-us-china-trade-talks-back-on-245748">Donald Trump</a> on Monday denied an Axios report that he wanted to drop nuclear bombs on hurricanes before they made landfall in the United States, calling it "ridiculous".

During a briefing, Trump asked if it would be possible to disrupt <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-barry-makes-landfall-in-louisiana-weakens-to-tropical-storm-235627">hurricanes forming off</a> the coast of Africa by dropping a nuclear bomb in the eye of the storm, a report on the Axios website said on Sunday.

According to an anonymous source, the news website said that attendees left the hurricane briefing thinking, "What do we do with this?"

Axios did not say when this conversation took place.&nbsp;

But Trump slammed the story, calling it "fake news," in his latest swipe at the media.

"The story by Axios that President Trump wanted to blow up large hurricanes with nuclear weapons prior to reaching shore is ridiculous. I never said this. Just more FAKE NEWS!" he tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The story by Axios that President Trump wanted to blow up large hurricanes with nuclear weapons prior to reaching shore is ridiculous. I never said this. Just more FAKE NEWS!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1165918301932916736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The White House declined to comment on the report earlier, but Axios quoted a senior administration official as saying Trump's "objective is not bad."

Axios said the president had previously made a similar suggestion in a 2017 conversation, asking a senior official whether the administration should bomb hurricanes to prevent them making landfall.

Trump did not specify in 2017 that nuclear bombs be used.

The idea of bombing hurricanes is not a new one -- and was originally proposed by a government scientist in the 1950s under President Dwight Eisenhower.

Since then it has continued to pop up, even though scientists agree it would not work. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has a page dedicated to the concept.

"During each hurricane season, there always appear suggestions that one should simply use nuclear weapons to try and destroy the storms," the NOAA said.

Not only would a bomb not alter a storm, the winds would quickly spread radioactive fallout over nearby land, NOAA added.

"Needless to say, this is not a good idea," said NOAA.

The US is regularly pummeled by hurricanes. In 2017 one named Harvey became the strongest hurricane to make landfall in 12 years. 
Twitter lit up with reactions to the Axios story, with many users appearing shocked.

"Not 'The Onion,'" one user wrote, referring to the satirical news publication known for outlandish headlines.

"What could possibly go wrong?" asked another.

Many tweets also included the hashtag&nbsp;

#ThatsHowTheApocalypseStarted.

Democratic presidential hopeful Kamala Harris weighed in as well, tweeting, "Dude's gotta go."

US President Donald Trump on Monday denied an Axios report that he wanted to drop nuclear bombs on hurricanes before they made landfall in the United States, calling it "ridiculous".

US President Donald Trump on Monday denied an Axios report that he wanted to drop nuclear bombs on hurricanes before they made landfall in the United States, calling it "ridiculous". During a briefing, Trump asked if it would be possible to disrupt hurricanes forming off the coast of Africa by dropping a nuclear bomb in the eye of the storm, a report on the Axios website said on Sunday. According to an anonymous source, the news website said that attendees left the hurricane briefing thinking, "What do we do with this?" Axios did not say when this conversation took place. But Trump slammed the story, calling it "fake news," in his latest swipe at the media. "The story by Axios that President Trump wanted to blow up large hurricanes with nuclear weapons prior to reaching shore is ridiculous. I never said this. Just more FAKE NEWS!" he tweeted. The story by Axios that President Trump wanted to blow up large hurricanes with nuclear weapons prior to reaching shore is ridiculous. I never said this. Just more FAKE NEWS! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 26, 2019 × The White House declined to comment on the report earlier, but Axios quoted a senior administration official as saying Trump's "objective is not bad." Axios said the president had previously made a similar suggestion in a 2017 conversation, asking a senior official whether the administration should bomb hurricanes to prevent them making landfall. Trump did not specify in 2017 that nuclear bombs be used. The idea of bombing hurricanes is not a new one -- and was originally proposed by a government scientist in the 1950s under President Dwight Eisenhower. Since then it has continued to pop up, even though scientists agree it would not work. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has a page dedicated to the concept. "During each hurricane season, there always appear suggestions that one should simply use nuclear weapons to try and destroy the storms," the NOAA said. Not only would a bomb not alter a storm, the winds would quickly spread radioactive fallout over nearby land, NOAA added. "Needless to say, this is not a good idea," said NOAA. The US is regularly pummeled by hurricanes. In 2017 one named Harvey became the strongest hurricane to make landfall in 12 years. Twitter lit up with reactions to the Axios story, with many users appearing shocked. "Not 'The Onion,'" one user wrote, referring to the satirical news publication known for outlandish headlines. "What could possibly go wrong?" asked another. Many tweets also included the hashtag #ThatsHowTheApocalypseStarted. Democratic presidential hopeful Kamala Harris weighed in as well, tweeting, "Dude's gotta go."

Donald Trump slams report that he wanted to use nuclear weapons to break up hurricanes

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Monday cautioned that Pakistan would not hesitate to use its nuclear arsenal if it felt it was losing out against India in a conventional battle.

Refusing to comment on the casualty figure in the Indian Air Force strikes on a terror camp in Balakot in Pakistan, Singh, who is a former army Captain, said, "Whether it was one killed or 100, the message had gone out loud and clear? India will not let the killing of its innocent soldiers and citizens go unpunished."

He asserted that neither country could afford a full-scale war.

"Pakistan will not hesitate to use its nuclear arsenal if it felt it is losing out against India in a conventional war," Singh told the media in Amritsar.

Pointing out that both India and Pakistan were nuclear powers, he said it was not in either country's interest to use the weapons of destruction but Islamabad could "indulge in such a misadventure if faced with defeat in other battles".

The IAF strikes had proven India's resolve to deal with the problem in the wake of the Pulwama attack on a CRPF convoy, the CM said.

Noting that Pakistan was in a huge economic mess and had been "going around with a begging bowl and surviving on doles from other Islamic nations", Singh said they could "ill-afford a full-fledged war with India".

And though both were nuclear-powered countries, Pakistan could act out of desperation to use its nuclear weapons if they found themselves cornered, he warned.&nbsp;

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Monday cautioned that Pakistan would not hesitate to use its nuclear arsenal if it felt it was losing out against India in a conventional battle.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Monday cautioned that Pakistan would not hesitate to use its nuclear arsenal if it felt it was losing out against India in a conventional battle. Refusing to comment on the casualty figure in the Indian Air Force strikes on a terror camp in Balakot in Pakistan, Singh, who is a former army Captain, said, "Whether it was one killed or 100, the message had gone out loud and clear? India will not let the killing of its innocent soldiers and citizens go unpunished." He asserted that neither country could afford a full-scale war. "Pakistan will not hesitate to use its nuclear arsenal if it felt it is losing out against India in a conventional war," Singh told the media in Amritsar. Pointing out that both India and Pakistan were nuclear powers, he said it was not in either country's interest to use the weapons of destruction but Islamabad could "indulge in such a misadventure if faced with defeat in other battles". The IAF strikes had proven India's resolve to deal with the problem in the wake of the Pulwama attack on a CRPF convoy, the CM said. Noting that Pakistan was in a huge economic mess and had been "going around with a begging bowl and surviving on doles from other Islamic nations", Singh said they could "ill-afford a full-fledged war with India". And though both were nuclear-powered countries, Pakistan could act out of desperation to use its nuclear weapons if they found themselves cornered, he warned.

Pakistan won't hesitate to use nuke in face of defeat against India: Amarinder Singh

Nuclear waste is piling up around the world even as countries struggle to dispose of spent fuel that will remain highly toxic for many thousands of years, Greenpeace detailed in a report Wednesday.

Analysis of waste storage facilities in seven countries with nuclear power revealed that several were near saturation, the anti-nuclear NGO said.

All these nations also confronted other problems that have yet to be fully contained: fire risk, venting of radioactive gases, environmental contamination, failure of containers, terrorist attacks and escalating costs.

"More than 65 years after the start of the civil use of nuclear power, not a single country can claim that it has the solution to manage the most dangerous radioactive wastes," Shaun Burnie, a nuclear expert at Greenpeace Germany and coordinator of the report said in a statement.

In particular, storing waste material from nuclear power reactors deep in the ground — the most researched long-term storage technology — "has shown major flaws which exclude it for now as a credible option," he said.

Currently, there is a global stockpile of around 250,000 tonnes of highly radioactive spent fuel distributed across some 14 countries.

Most of this fuel remains in so-called "cooling pools" at reactor sites that lack secondary containment and remain vulnerable to a loss of cooling. Some lack a source of back-up power.

The partial meltdown of Japan's Fukushima nuclear power plant in 2011 made clear that the high-heat hazard of spent fuel pools is not hypothetical.

The 100-page report, compiled by a panel of experts, dissected shortcomings in the management of voluminous waste in France, which has the second largest nuclear reactor fleet (58) after the United States (about 100).

<img alt="nuclear waste" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="71229b60-0e43-4d61-9f9d-99a183607bc1" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/nuclear%20waste.jpg" />

"There is no credible solution for long-term safe disposal of nuclear waste in France," the report said.

French oversight bodies have already raised concerns about the capacity of massive cooling pools in Normandy at the La Hague site.

In response, energy giant Orana, which manages the site, said in a statement that "there is no risk of saturation of the pools in La Hague until 2030." In the United States, billions of dollars and decades of planning have failed to secure a geological disposal site, the report notes.

The Yucca Mountain underground facility — decades in construction — was finally cancelled in 2010 by the Obama administration.

Meanwhile, some 70 per cent of spent fuel in the United States remains in vulnerable cooling pools, often in densities several times the greater than originally intended.

Nuclear waste from uranium mining is also a major environmental concern.

The world's inventory of uranium mill tailings — sandy waste material that can seep into the local environment — was estimated at more than two billion tonnes as of 2011.

The other countries covered in the report are Belgium, Japan, Sweden, Finland and Britain.

Nuclear waste is piling up around the world even as countries struggle to dispose of spent fuel that will remain highly toxic for many thousands of years, Greenpeace detailed in a report Wednesday.

Nuclear waste is piling up around the world even as countries struggle to dispose of spent fuel that will remain highly toxic for many thousands of years, Greenpeace detailed in a report Wednesday. Analysis of waste storage facilities in seven countries with nuclear power revealed that several were near saturation, the anti-nuclear NGO said. All these nations also confronted other problems that have yet to be fully contained: fire risk, venting of radioactive gases, environmental contamination, failure of containers, terrorist attacks and escalating costs. "More than 65 years after the start of the civil use of nuclear power, not a single country can claim that it has the solution to manage the most dangerous radioactive wastes," Shaun Burnie, a nuclear expert at Greenpeace Germany and coordinator of the report said in a statement. In particular, storing waste material from nuclear power reactors deep in the ground — the most researched long-term storage technology — "has shown major flaws which exclude it for now as a credible option," he said. Currently, there is a global stockpile of around 250,000 tonnes of highly radioactive spent fuel distributed across some 14 countries. Most of this fuel remains in so-called "cooling pools" at reactor sites that lack secondary containment and remain vulnerable to a loss of cooling. Some lack a source of back-up power. The partial meltdown of Japan's Fukushima nuclear power plant in 2011 made clear that the high-heat hazard of spent fuel pools is not hypothetical. The 100-page report, compiled by a panel of experts, dissected shortcomings in the management of voluminous waste in France, which has the second largest nuclear reactor fleet (58) after the United States (about 100). "There is no credible solution for long-term safe disposal of nuclear waste in France," the report said. French oversight bodies have already raised concerns about the capacity of massive cooling pools in Normandy at the La Hague site. In response, energy giant Orana, which manages the site, said in a statement that "there is no risk of saturation of the pools in La Hague until 2030." In the United States, billions of dollars and decades of planning have failed to secure a geological disposal site, the report notes. The Yucca Mountain underground facility — decades in construction — was finally cancelled in 2010 by the Obama administration. Meanwhile, some 70 per cent of spent fuel in the United States remains in vulnerable cooling pools, often in densities several times the greater than originally intended. Nuclear waste from uranium mining is also a major environmental concern. The world's inventory of uranium mill tailings — sandy waste material that can seep into the local environment — was estimated at more than two billion tonnes as of 2011. The other countries covered in the report are Belgium, Japan, Sweden, Finland and Britain.

Storage of nuclear waste a 'global crisis' as stockpile reaches 250,000 tons: Report

Strategic Strike Nuclear Submarine (SSBN) INS Arihant, India's nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, successfully completed its first successful deterrence patrol on Monday.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, lauded the accomplishment calling it “historic” and a “fitting response to those who indulge in nuclear blackmail.”

"The success of INS Arihant is a big step towards strengthening national security. For the country's enemies, it is an open challenge. It is a fitting response to those indulging in nuclear blackmail, credible nuclear deterrence is the need of the hour," PM Modi said.

"Dhanteras gets even more special! India's pride, nuclear submarine INS Arihant successfully completed its first deterrence patrol! I congratulate all those involved, especially the crew of INS Arihant for this accomplishment, which will always be remembered in our history," Prime Minister tweeted.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Dhanteras gets even more special! 
 
India’s pride, nuclear submarine INS Arihant successfully completed its first deterrence patrol! 
 
I congratulate all those involved, especially the crew of INS Arihant for this accomplishment, which will always be remembered in our history. <a href="https://t.co/tjeOj2cBdX">pic.twitter.com/tjeOj2cBdX</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1059361293579124736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Prime Minister outlined that this is a major achievement, adding that a credible nuclear deterrence is the need of the hour.

"The success of INS Arihant enhances India's security needs. It is a major achievement for our entire nation. True to its name, INS Arihant will protect the 130 crore Indians from external threats and contribute to the atmosphere of peace in the region. In an era such as this, a credible nuclear deterrence is the need of the hour. The success of INS Arihant gives a fitting response to those who indulge in nuclear blackmail", he tweeted.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The success of INS Arihant enhances India’s security needs. 
 
It is a major achievement for our entire nation. 
 
True to its name, INS Arihant will protect the 130 crore Indians from external threats and contribute to the atmosphere of peace in the region.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1059361854332391425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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A statement released by the Prime Minister Office also informed that the Prime Minister congratulated the crew and all those involved in the achievement which puts India among a handful of countries having the capability to design, construct and operate SSBNs.

"Prime Minister Modi commended the courage and commitment of India's brave soldiers and the talent and perseverance of its scientists, whose untiring efforts transformed the scientific achievement of nuclear tests into establishment of an immensely complex and credible nuclear triad, and dispelled all doubts and questions about India's capability and resolve in this regard," the statement read.

Drawing a comparison with the festival of light, Diwali, the Prime Minister expressed hope that just as light dispels darkness and fear, INS Arihant will be the harbinger of fearlessness for the country.

Reiterating India's commitment to the doctrine of Credible Minimum Deterrence and No First Use, the statement read, "As a responsible nation, India has put in place a robust nuclear command and control structure, effective safety assurance architecture and strict political control, under its Nuclear Command Authority. It remains committed to the doctrine of Credible Minimum Deterrence and No First Use, as enshrined in the decision taken by the Cabinet Committee on Security in its meeting chaired by the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on January 04, 2003.

(With inputs from ANI)

Strategic Strike Nuclear Submarine (SSBN) INS Arihant, India's nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, successfully completed its first successful deterrence patrol on Monday.

Strategic Strike Nuclear Submarine (SSBN) INS Arihant, India's nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, successfully completed its first successful deterrence patrol on Monday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, lauded the accomplishment calling it “historic” and a “fitting response to those who indulge in nuclear blackmail.” "The success of INS Arihant is a big step towards strengthening national security. For the country's enemies, it is an open challenge. It is a fitting response to those indulging in nuclear blackmail, credible nuclear deterrence is the need of the hour," PM Modi said. "Dhanteras gets even more special! India's pride, nuclear submarine INS Arihant successfully completed its first deterrence patrol! I congratulate all those involved, especially the crew of INS Arihant for this accomplishment, which will always be remembered in our history," Prime Minister tweeted. Dhanteras gets even more special! India’s pride, nuclear submarine INS Arihant successfully completed its first deterrence patrol! I congratulate all those involved, especially the crew of INS Arihant for this accomplishment, which will always be remembered in our history. pic.twitter.com/tjeOj2cBdX — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 5, 2018 × The Prime Minister outlined that this is a major achievement, adding that a credible nuclear deterrence is the need of the hour. "The success of INS Arihant enhances India's security needs. It is a major achievement for our entire nation. True to its name, INS Arihant will protect the 130 crore Indians from external threats and contribute to the atmosphere of peace in the region. In an era such as this, a credible nuclear deterrence is the need of the hour. The success of INS Arihant gives a fitting response to those who indulge in nuclear blackmail", he tweeted. The success of INS Arihant enhances India’s security needs. It is a major achievement for our entire nation. True to its name, INS Arihant will protect the 130 crore Indians from external threats and contribute to the atmosphere of peace in the region. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 5, 2018 × A statement released by the Prime Minister Office also informed that the Prime Minister congratulated the crew and all those involved in the achievement which puts India among a handful of countries having the capability to design, construct and operate SSBNs. "Prime Minister Modi commended the courage and commitment of India's brave soldiers and the talent and perseverance of its scientists, whose untiring efforts transformed the scientific achievement of nuclear tests into establishment of an immensely complex and credible nuclear triad, and dispelled all doubts and questions about India's capability and resolve in this regard," the statement read. Drawing a comparison with the festival of light, Diwali, the Prime Minister expressed hope that just as light dispels darkness and fear, INS Arihant will be the harbinger of fearlessness for the country. Reiterating India's commitment to the doctrine of Credible Minimum Deterrence and No First Use, the statement read, "As a responsible nation, India has put in place a robust nuclear command and control structure, effective safety assurance architecture and strict political control, under its Nuclear Command Authority. It remains committed to the doctrine of Credible Minimum Deterrence and No First Use, as enshrined in the decision taken by the Cabinet Committee on Security in its meeting chaired by the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on January 04, 2003. (With inputs from ANI)

Fitting response to nuke blackmailers, says PM Modi on INS Arihant completing nuclear triad

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