Club Rules: India and Pakistan Press to Join Nuclear Group
Mark Hibbs
India's bid to gain admission to the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), the world's most important multilateral nuclear export control arragement, remains in limbo despite New Delhi's efforts at the NSG's annual plenary meeting in June 2016. Held in Seoul, South Korea, the 48 participating governments of the NSG concluded their annual meeting without taking a decision on membership applications filed by India, as well as Pakistan.
Iran Deploys S-300 Air Defense Around Nuclear Site
Associated Press
Iran has begun deploying a Russian-made S-300 air defense system around its underground Fordo nuclear facility, state TV reported. Video footage posted late Sunday on state TV's website showed trucks arriving at the site and missile launchers being aimed skyward. It did not say whether the system was fully operational. The large, underground facility is located in some 100 kilometers (60 miles) south of the capital, Tehran.
U.S. to Help India in NSG Entry
Suhasini Haidar | Hindu
The U.S. will push for India’s membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group when the issue is taken up later this year at the “highest levels”, U.S. Ambassador to India Richard Verma said. In comments exclusively to The Hindu, ahead of U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry’s arrival in Delhi, which coincides with Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar’s visit to Washington on Monday, Mr. Verma said, “We were disappointed in [the NSG decision in June 2016], but will continue to work constructively with India and all NSG members on India’s accession in the months ahead.”
What Does New ICBM Milestone Mean for Malmstrom?
Jenn Rowell | Great Falls Tribune
The Air Force has approved the Milestone A for the ground-based strategic deterrent, meaning the new weapon system meant to replace the Minuteman III, including those at Malmstrom Air Force Base, remains on track. To reach this point, an analysis of alternatives must be conducted, including cost estimates, concepts of operations, overall risks and comparative effectiveness, according to the Congressional Research Service.
Governor Asks Utility to Halt Nuclear Reactors in Kagoshima
Asahi Shimbun
New Kagoshima Governor Satoshi Mitazono on Aug. 26 asked Kyushu Electric Power Co. to immediately shut down its Sendai nuclear power plant for a fresh safety inspection following the earthquakes that rocked neighboring Kumamoto Prefecture. “We will consider your request and discuss it with many people,” Michiaki Uryu, president of Kyushu Electric, told Mitazono at the Kagoshima prefectural government building.
Can SMRs Unlock Financing?
World Nuclear News
Whilst a project of the size and complexity of Hinkley Point C faces a range of challenges which lessen the availability of limited-recourse financing, it is clear that nuclear plant construction violates the basic precepts of project finance due to the unpredictability of project costs and schedule, write Rory Connor and Ken Culotta of law firm King & Spalding.