The concept of nuclear terrorism is possibly the least understood of all dangers emanating from nuclear weapons. However, certain drivers like the nuclear black market (the AQ Khan Network), proliferation of nuclear technology, and the increasing demand for nuclear energy can make it easier for terrorist organizations like Al Qaida to acquire fissile material. The threat of nuclear terrorism cannot be ignored any longer. Nuclear terrorism is a plausible phenomenon that deserves adequate consideration, substantial countermeasures, expertise, and competence to combat it.
A global hysteria has surfaced with the outbreak of Swine Flu in Mexico, the United States (US), Canada, Spain and Britain. In Geneva, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced that the swine flu virus can no longer be contained.
In early January 2009, bird flu resurfaced with the death of a Chinese woman who was infected with the H5N1 strain of avian influenza in the eastern Shandong province in China. Only two weeks before this, the Chinese media had announced the death of a 19-year old woman from the disease. Reportedly, the woman died after she came into contact with poultry in the market. This is the second reported death caused by bird flu in China since the beginning of the year. This deadly pandemic, also known as avian influenza is the worst of its kind in medical history.
President Pervez Musharraf’s claim that Pakistan’s nuclear weapons are safe as long as he is in charge has raised widespread speculation about the safety of Islamabad’s nuclear arsenal. Musharraf’s statement comes at a time when Pakistan is going through one of its worst period of domestic instability.
Will Japan go Nuclear?
Chair: Rajaram Panda
Discussants: J Madan Mohan and Sitakanta Mishra
On Nuclear Terrorism by Michael Levi
The Danger of Nuclear Terrorism: The Indian Case
The concept of nuclear terrorism is possibly the least understood of all dangers emanating from nuclear weapons. However, certain drivers like the nuclear black market (the AQ Khan Network), proliferation of nuclear technology, and the increasing demand for nuclear energy can make it easier for terrorist organizations like Al Qaida to acquire fissile material. The threat of nuclear terrorism cannot be ignored any longer. Nuclear terrorism is a plausible phenomenon that deserves adequate consideration, substantial countermeasures, expertise, and competence to combat it.
Swine Flu: A Potential Pandemic
A global hysteria has surfaced with the outbreak of Swine Flu in Mexico, the United States (US), Canada, Spain and Britain. In Geneva, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced that the swine flu virus can no longer be contained.
Bird Flu: A Lethal Threat
In early January 2009, bird flu resurfaced with the death of a Chinese woman who was infected with the H5N1 strain of avian influenza in the eastern Shandong province in China. Only two weeks before this, the Chinese media had announced the death of a 19-year old woman from the disease. Reportedly, the woman died after she came into contact with poultry in the market. This is the second reported death caused by bird flu in China since the beginning of the year. This deadly pandemic, also known as avian influenza is the worst of its kind in medical history.
Al Qaeda and Nuclear Weapons Understanding the Quest
Chair: Ranjit Gupta
Discussants: V K Nair & J Madhan Mohan
Nuclear Terrorism: No Longer a Science Fiction
Security of Pakistan’s Nuclear Weapons
President Pervez Musharraf’s claim that Pakistan’s nuclear weapons are safe as long as he is in charge has raised widespread speculation about the safety of Islamabad’s nuclear arsenal. Musharraf’s statement comes at a time when Pakistan is going through one of its worst period of domestic instability.