NUCLEAR RISK
Pakistan equips JF-17 jets with Ra'ad nuclear missiles, US report confirms
Recently analyzed photographs from the 2023 Pakistan Day Parade rehearsals have unveiled Pakistan's JF-17 Thunder Block II aircraft equipped with a Ra'ad air-launched cruise missile (ALCM), as confirmed by the Federation of American Scientists (FAS).
Horns of rhinos implanted with radioactive chips as new measure, but against what?
In a bid to reduce poaching of rhinoceros, their horns are now being implanted with state-of-the-art radioactive isotopes so that the chips are strong enough to trigger an alarm as it passes by a detector in its proximity.
No matter who wins Iran's presidential election, much may hinge on the 'Great Satan' US
In the waning moments of Iran's final televised presidential debate, one of the top candidates to replace the late hard-line President Ebrahim Raisi invoked the name of the one person who perhaps has done more than anyone to change the trajectory of the Islamic Republic's relationship with the wider world in recent years.
US and China hold first informal nuclear talks in 5 years, eyeing Taiwan
The Chinese representatives offered reassurances after their U.S. interlocutors raised concerns that China might use, or threaten to use, nuclear weapons if it faced defeat in a conflict over Taiwan. Beijing views the democratically governed island as its territory, a claim rejected by the government in Taipei.
Why Russia’s bond with North Korea is a danger to the world
Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit North Korea, strengthening ties with Kim Jong Un. The two countries have increased trade in commodities and arms, aiding Russia's war on Ukraine. The meeting could lead to further arms transfers, impacting the conflict and regional stability.
US as many as 15 years behind China on nuclear power, report says
China has 27 nuclear reactors under construction with average construction timelines of about seven years, far faster than other countries, said the study by Information Technology & Innovation Foundation, a Washington-based nonpartisan research institute.
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Charting the global economy: Fed holds; BOJ leaves yen at risk
Federal Reserve officials expect only one interest-rate cut this year, while the Bank of Japan delays details on bond buying. Far-right parties in Europe influence elections and impact the euro's value.
With Russia not attending, what can this weekend's Ukraine peace summit achieve?
The 'Summit on Peace in Ukraine', hosted by Switzerland, aims to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, but Russia's absence hinders progress at the non-traditional peace conference.
Germany looking into buying eight additional F-35 jets, source says
Germany is considering purchasing eight additional F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin, adding to the 35 already ordered, according to a military source. This move aligns with Germany's push to modernize its air force, replacing aging Tornado jets. The first eight F-35s, set for delivery in 2026, will be used for pilot training in the U.S. and stationed in Germany by 2027. Chancellor Olaf Scholz's "Zeitenwende" policy aims to bolster military spending, but funding for the additional jets remains uncertain.
Putin says Russia could deploy missiles in striking distance of the West
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned of deploying missiles near the US and its allies if Ukraine uses Western weapons. He emphasized Russia's nuclear capabilities and criticized NATO's stance on the conflict.
'Risk averse' West torn over Ukraine push to strike Russia: analysts
Amid rising calls for Ukraine to strike inside Russia using Western-supplied long-range weapons, allies remain cautious due to fears of escalation and nuclear threats from Moscow. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg urged lifting restrictions to aid Ukraine's defense, but the US and Germany hesitate. Despite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's criticism, divisions persist among Western leaders. Some, like French President Emmanuel Macron, suggest deploying Western troops, challenging traditional stances and highlighting deepening debates on the conflict's next steps.
Germany: Free Balochistan Movement raises alarm on Pakistan's nuclear arsenal
The Free Balochistan Movement (German Branch) warned that Pakistan's possession of nuclear weapons poses a threat to regional and global peace, particularly in light of its history of making nuclear threats.
Iran's nuclear policy of pressure and talks likely to go on even after president's death
Iran's nuclear program is nearing weapons-grade uranium enrichment, prompting indirect talks with the U.S. and inviting the UN atomic watchdog for negotiations. This strategy aims to lift economic sanctions crippling Iran's economy. Following a major attack on Israel amid its Gaza conflict, Iran seeks to manage risks from the U.S. Despite the recent helicopter crash killing key Iranian leaders, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei remains in control, continuing efforts to balance pressure and diplomacy. Indirect talks with the U.S. are ongoing, with uncertain outcomes.
Staying bullish and hedging go hand in hand: 5 mid cap stocks from different sectors with potential upside of up to 39%
At this point of time when the street is juggling with its own fear and anxiety and waiting for the election results, the mid-caps segment of the market is witnessing some profit booking/ rational shifting/ consolidation. A part of that is happening because of the fact that the street is reacting and adjusting to Q4 numbers. The way stocks are moving, there is no one trend in mid-cap space. So there are many sub segments which are getting formed in mid-cap space and given the mix of head and tailwinds, this segmentation is likely to stay till election results. So, one will have to do two things, one be bullish but be more selective and focus on managing risks and hedge for short term and think from long term perspective.
Aggression or Caution: The choice facing Iran's next leaders
A decade ago, it was possible to imagine a very different future for the United States and Iran. Raisi's predecessor, Hassan Rouhani, and his urbane, Western-educated foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, seemed determined to dial back the decades of hostility, and sanctions, that had crippled Iran's economy. They talked about personal freedom and women's rights, and courted European leaders even while Iran's Revolutionary Guard kept funding terrorism.
How might a US-Saudi civil nuclear deal work?
White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan to visit Saudi Arabia to discuss a civil nuclear cooperation agreement, key for U.S.-Saudi relations and Israeli-Saudi reconciliation under Section 123 of the U.S. Atomic Energy Act of 1954.
China plans to float nuclear reactors in disputed South China Sea, analysts see it 'risky for environment'
China's development of marine nuclear power platforms in the South China Sea raises concerns for regional stability and security. The US warns of the risks posed by China's plans to power disputed islands with floating reactors. Analysts highlight the potential for radiation leaks, weaponization, and security implications in the region.
Norway sovereign wealth fund excludes Adani Ports over ethical concerns
Norway's central bank has excluded three companies from its government pension fund due to ethical concerns. Adani Ports, part of Gautam Adani's conglomerate, is excluded due to potential violations of individuals' rights in war situations. Weichai Power, a Chinese company, is excluded due to its involvement in armed conflict sales.
Russia proposes UN resolution on banning weapons in space, after vetoing similar UN-Japan draft
Russia has proposed a U.N. resolution urging all nations to prevent the deployment of weapons in outer space "for all time." This comes after Russia vetoed a U.S.-Japan resolution aimed at curbing an arms race in space. The Russian draft resolution goes further by calling for a ban on all types of weapons in space, including the use of force in outer space. The vetoed resolution focused only on weapons of mass destruction, excluding other weapons in space. Russia's move is seen as a response to recent developments, including the U.S.'s confirmation of Russia's anti-satellite weapon capability.
US official urges China, Russia to declare only humans, not AI, control nuclear weapons
A senior U.S. official has called on China and Russia to join the United States and others in committing to human control over nuclear weapons, excluding artificial intelligence from decision-making processes. Paul Dean, a State Department arms control official, emphasized the importance of this norm, noting that the U.S., France, and Britain have all made such declarations. Dean urged China and Russia to follow suit, highlighting the need for responsible behavior in the context of the P5, the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.
Russia warns of direct clash of N-Powers over Ukraine
President Vladimir Putin's 2022 invasion of Ukraine has touched off the worst breakdown in relations between Russia and the West since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, according to Russian and US diplomats. Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said the US and NATO were obsessed with the idea of inflicting "strategic defeat" on Russia.
China says AUKUS risks nuclear proliferation in Pacific
China's foreign minister criticized the AUKUS security pact, accusing Western powers of causing division and nuclear proliferation risks in the South Pacific. During his visit to Papua New Guinea, Wang Yi condemned the agreement between the US, UK, and Australia, which aims to provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines. He emphasized that AUKUS goes against a South Pacific treaty banning nuclear weapons in the region and could destabilize the area. Wang's remarks reflect China's efforts to counter US and Australian influence in the Pacific Islands, which are strategically significant despite their small populations.
Israel's strike on Iran: A limited attack but a potentially big signal
The signal sent by the decision to hit a conventional military target in Isfahan was clear: Israel demonstrated that it could pierce Isfahan's layers of air defenses, many of them arrayed around key sites such as the Isfahan uranium conversion facility.
Israel's long-term credit rating is downgraded by S&P, 2nd major US agency to do so, citing conflict
Israel's credit rating downgraded by S&P due to Iran conflict. Drone attack near Isfahan. Moody's also downgraded over Hamas. Hezbollah confrontation ongoing. Gaza Strip tensions remain high. S&P's negative outlook, May 10 review pending."}
Which nuclear power plant is at the center of the Russia-Ukraine conflict? What risk does it pose?
Russia has alleged that Ukraine targeted the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station under Russian control, demanding a response from the West. However, Kyiv has denied involvement in the attacks. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has long warned of risks at Zaporizhzhia, Europe's largest nuclear plant, and urged an end to the fighting. The plant, near the site of the Chornobyl disaster, has reactors in cold shutdown, except for one in "hot shutdown" for heating. The IAEA confirmed attacks on the plant but did not assign blame.
Russian strike severs power line to Ukraine nuclear plant
Russia launched a major assault on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, severing one of two power lines supplying Europe's largest nuclear power plant in southeast Ukraine. The Zaporizhzhia power plant, seized by Russian troops earlier, relies on Ukrainian lines for power. The plant is now at risk of another blackout, which could lead to a nuclear and radiation accident. Multiple cities across Ukraine, including Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Vinnytsia, were targeted in the attacks, aiming to cause a large-scale failure of the country's energy system.
Putin warns West of risk of nuclear war, says Moscow can strike Western targets
President Vladimir Putin warned Western nations against sending troops to Ukraine, suggesting such actions could lead to nuclear war. Putin accused the West of trying to weaken Russia and emphasized Russia's ability to strike Western targets. He specifically mentioned French President Emmanuel Macron's suggestion of European NATO members sending ground troops to Ukraine, which was rejected by the US, Germany, and Britain. Putin's comments reflect escalating tensions and the risk of a major conflict in Ukraine.
US Air Force said its nuclear missile capsules safe; but toxic dangers lurked, documents show
Air Force nuclear missile crews faced toxic risks in capsules since the '60s. Documents reveal hazards ignored by leadership. Current cancer cases prompt Air Force review and extensive testing. Concerns arise over past exposures to asbestos, PCBs, and other dangers. Capsules under scrutiny despite initial dismissals. Missileers seek transparency and medical vigilance while concerns about risks linger. Plans for base modernization consider health standards, but past exposures remain a concern for affected service members.
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