Latest news with #NSG
India.com
3 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
EAM Jaishankar Holds Bilateral Talks With Cyprus Counterpart, Lauds Anti-Terrorism Cooperation
New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar held talks with Cyprus' Foreign Affairs Minister, Constantinos Kombos, to strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations. He also thanked Cyprus for its support in India's fight against terrorism. This meeting coincides with India's ongoing diplomatic outreach campaign as part of Operation Sindoor, where Indian MPs are visiting various countries to highlight India's efforts to combat Pakistan-backed cross-border terrorism. Taking to X, the External Affairs Minister wrote: "Warm conversation with FM @ckombos of Cyprus. Discussed strengthening our bilateral partnership as well as India-EU ties. Appreciate the support consistently extended by Cyprus in combating terrorism." Since the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Cyprus in 1962, bilateral relations between both nations have been traditionally very close and friendly. Besides, Cyprus has supported India on several crucial issues, including India's election to the UNSC, the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement, the NSG and the IAEA, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) notes. Cyprus also supported India's post-Shakti series of nuclear tests, and on the issues of the Pulwama terrorist attack, says the MEA. There have been several goodwill gestures between India and Cyprus, marking their special regard and gratitude for each other. The MEA notes India has named an avenue in Delhi in honour of Archbishop Makarios, the first President of Cyprus. "Cyprus issued two postal stamps on the occasion of the Centenary Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in 1970," it says. Apart from that, a bust of the 'Father of the Nation', Mahatma Gandhi, was installed in the garden of the Parliament of Cyprus in 1972, and the avenue in front of the bust was named 'Jawaharlal Nehru Avenue' in 1983. In a heartwarming gesture underlining the close relations between the two nations, in 2019, Cyprus issued a commemorative stamp on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary. Taking into consideration the close ties between India and Cyprus, the latest conversation between S. Jaishankar and Constantinos Kombos holds importance, as the subject of terrorism was also touched upon during the talks, with the Indian minister acknowledging the West Asian nation's constant support in combating terrorism. (With Inputs from IANS)
Scoop
4 days ago
- Sport
- Scoop
A Sporting Chance: NZCT Backs Special Olympics With $250,000 Grant
Press Release – NZCT The National Summer Games are more than just a sporting event theyre a celebration of ability, determination, and community. Grants like this wouldnt be possible without the responsible gaming partnerships we share with our local venues, says … New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) has awarded a grant of $250,000 to Special Olympics New Zealand to fund event costs for the National Summer Games (NSG)— making it possible for more athletes with an intellectual disability to take part in what is to be the largest-ever iteration of the NSG this December in Christchurch. Mark Davies, Special Olympics New Zealand's Finance and Funding Manager, says the funding comes at a crucial time. 'Special Olympics operates within a four-year cycle, the pinnacle event of which is our National Summer Games. This year, from 10-14 December, 1,400 athletes plus 450 coaches and support workers will arrive in Christchurch to participate in the Games. 'Our athletes spend years qualifying for these Games by attending local and regional events that test their capacity to travel, compete, and stay away from home independently. Over the past few years, our qualifying events have seen a significant increase in participation and we're on track for the largest National Summer Games in history. 'From the moment team members arrive in Christchurch, we take care of all their needs, including (but not limited to) transport, accommodation, health screenings, meals, and scheduling. A significant part of this generous grant from NZCT will be used for transporting our athletes from their accommodations to (and between) different events.' This year's Games will feature ten sports across seven venues, including athletics, swimming, football, basketball, golf, equestrian, indoor bowling, ten pin bowling, bocce, and power lifting. Over 700 volunteers will help make it all happen — from running events to ensuring medical support is on hand. Special Olympics requires a 1:4 coach-to-athlete ratio to ensure all athletes receive the right level of care and support. Athlete Leader Ryan says, 'I enjoy the National Summer Games because there isn't the same level of pressure that you get in mainstream sport. It's all about smiles and everyone having fun.' Fellow Athlete Leader Chrissa says, 'For the first time in my life, I realised that those with disabilities can still hold strong opinions and compete enthusiastically, just like everyone else.' Athlete Leader Shanae, adds'Because of the Special Olympics programme, I was able to participate in sports for the first time ever when I was fifteen years old.' NZCT's GM of Grants, Marketing and Communications, Ben Hodges, says, ''We're proud to support Special Olympics New Zealand in delivering such a meaningful and inclusive event. The National Summer Games are more than just a sporting event — they're a celebration of ability, determination, and community. Grants like this wouldn't be possible without the responsible gaming partnerships we share with our local venues.'
Scoop
4 days ago
- Sport
- Scoop
A Sporting Chance: NZCT Backs Special Olympics With $250,000 Grant
New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) has awarded a grant of $250,000 to Special Olympics New Zealand to fund event costs for the National Summer Games (NSG)— making it possible for more athletes with an intellectual disability to take part in what is to be the largest-ever iteration of the NSG this December in Christchurch. Mark Davies, Special Olympics New Zealand's Finance and Funding Manager, says the funding comes at a crucial time. 'Special Olympics operates within a four-year cycle, the pinnacle event of which is our National Summer Games. This year, from 10-14 December, 1,400 athletes plus 450 coaches and support workers will arrive in Christchurch to participate in the Games. 'Our athletes spend years qualifying for these Games by attending local and regional events that test their capacity to travel, compete, and stay away from home independently. Over the past few years, our qualifying events have seen a significant increase in participation and we're on track for the largest National Summer Games in history. 'From the moment team members arrive in Christchurch, we take care of all their needs, including (but not limited to) transport, accommodation, health screenings, meals, and scheduling. A significant part of this generous grant from NZCT will be used for transporting our athletes from their accommodations to (and between) different events." This year's Games will feature ten sports across seven venues, including athletics, swimming, football, basketball, golf, equestrian, indoor bowling, ten pin bowling, bocce, and power lifting. Over 700 volunteers will help make it all happen — from running events to ensuring medical support is on hand. Special Olympics requires a 1:4 coach-to-athlete ratio to ensure all athletes receive the right level of care and support. Athlete Leader Ryan says, 'I enjoy the National Summer Games because there isn't the same level of pressure that you get in mainstream sport. It's all about smiles and everyone having fun.' Fellow Athlete Leader Chrissa says, 'For the first time in my life, I realised that those with disabilities can still hold strong opinions and compete enthusiastically, just like everyone else.' Athlete Leader Shanae, adds 'Because of the Special Olympics programme, I was able to participate in sports for the first time ever when I was fifteen years old.' NZCT's GM of Grants, Marketing and Communications, Ben Hodges, says, ''We're proud to support Special Olympics New Zealand in delivering such a meaningful and inclusive event. The National Summer Games are more than just a sporting event — they're a celebration of ability, determination, and community. Grants like this wouldn't be possible without the responsible gaming partnerships we share with our local venues.'
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
A new legal architecture for nuclear power sector
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi's new emphasis on nuclear power is in line with renewed global interest in this clean and stable source of electricity, which also supports India's quest for energy sovereignty, independence and security. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), demand for electricity is growing at twice the rate of other forms of energy — and six times faster in the developing world — due to urbanisation, prosperity, transportation, air conditioning and the exponential growth in demand from data centres. Globally, nuclear power contributes to 9% of power generated, second behind hydropower as a source of non-fossil fuel. According to IEA, 63 reactors with a capacity of 70 GW are under construction — 25 are of Chinese design and 23 of Russian design. After decades of standstill, countries like France and the US are resuming capacity addition. There is new excitement on the prospects of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). SMRs have many advantages — shorter construction time, lower risk of cost and time overruns, better grid stability, manageable project costs, a payback period of 10-15 years, which is half that of large nuclear reactors, and amenability to project financing and refinancing. The US and China lead SMR development, with technology expected to mature by early 2030s. India is an early starter with high competence in all aspects of nuclear energy. However, growth, driven by indigenised technology and public monopoly, is sluggish. Nuclear power accounts for only 3% of electricity generated in India. The target set in 2007 for 63,000 MWe by 2032 has been replaced by the target of 100,000 MWe by 2047. That goal is unattainable in the current institutional and regulatory environment. The NSG exemption in 2008 and bilateral agreements opened access to international uranium sources, but progress on international nuclear technology and reactors to supplement domestic ones have been hampered by regulatory issues, especially the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA) 2010, which has also led domestic suppliers to seek indemnities from the operator, NPCIL. The government's intention to amend the Atomic Energy Act 1962 (AEA) and the CLNDA are timely and welcome. Comprehensive and unambiguous legislative changes can open up additional sources of investment in a highly capital-intensive sector, create a broader pool of developers and operators and accelerate industrialisation. Foreign participation can go beyond equipment supplies. The distributed market structure and wider industrial base associated with SMRs, in particular, require legal and regulatory changes. India's nuclear liability regime diverges significantly from international norms, particularly the Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage (CSC). The CLNDA, a well-meaning law intended to protect victims, has ended up discouraging supplier engagement. Neither the CLNDA rules, whose provisions on capping liability could be struck down as excessive delegation, nor the clarifications and assurances offered by the government through FAQs, which are not legally binding, have assured foreign or domestic suppliers. A comprehensive amendment, rather than piecemeal fixes, is required. The amendment could either delete Section 17(b) to remove fault-based supplier liability, in line with CSC, or incorporate the relevant provisions of the CLND rules and FAQs to provide statutory caps on liability and claims periods. In addition, Section 46 would have to be amended to clearly bar all civil liability claims outside the CLNDA framework, while preserving the application of criminal liability. Amendments to Sections 5 and 9 would clarify that claims may only be made in accordance with CLNDA. The clarification in FAQ that the primary reactor vendor or technology provider would be deemed to be the supplier needs to be incorporated. Complex decisions will be required to determine activities to be opened to the private sector in nuclear power as well as the level of private ownership and foreign shareholding, if any. The simplest proposition is for NPCIL or a government company to build, operate and control plants funded by the private sector; or, outsource the construction of reactors and power plants to the private sector, with status quo in every other aspect. However, the latter should be permitted to invest in, own and operate nuclear power plants, including reactors and power plants, under a strict licensing regime that addresses national security, proliferation and safety concerns, oversight needs and international obligations. Indian companies could be allowed full ownership and foreign ones up to 49%. For both large and SMR reactors, we would need standardisation, industrialisation and economies of scale. At the initial stages at least, the government will have to retain full control of the complete nuclear fuel cycle. Globally, too, there are few actors involved in this process. There would, thus, be a separation between ownership and management of nuclear power plants, on the one hand, and of the fuel cycle on the other. Nuclear power generators would be treated on par with other power companies with administrative supervision by the ministry of power, while control of the nuclear fuel cycle would rest with the department of atomic energy. This framework would entail amending Section 3 of the AEA to redefine atomic energy activities as universally licensable, allowing private companies to participate under central government oversight; amending Section 14 to allow up to 100% private ownership, including by companies with foreign investment, subject to security clearance; reforming Section 20 to permit intellectual property ownership for civilian nuclear research and development. Indian and other startups developing SMRs, for instance, should be allowed to retain and commercialise their technology; and, reforming Section 22 to place the regulation of electricity tariffs and trading under the Electricity Regulatory Commissions governed by the Electricity Act, 2003. Further, permitting foreign investment would require amendments to FEMA and FDI policy and rules. Private sector entry and large-scale deployment of SMRs would need a more independent and empowered AERB. Assured availability of human resources, finance, and fuel will be essential for growth. India's private sector and startup community can meet the stringent requirements of the nuclear power sector through research, innovation, advanced engineering, investments and responsible and safe project management. Comprehensive and clear reforms will unlock foreign capital and participation. Nuclear power will have to be an integral component of an energy strategy needed to achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat while ensuring clean energy transition and energy access and equity for all. Akshay Jaitly is a founding partner of Trilegal and Jawed Ashraf is a retired Indian ambassador. The views expressed are personal. Get 360° coverage—from daily headlines to 100 year archives.
New Indian Express
23-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Pahalgam and 26/11: Differences in India's response
Pahalgam reminded me of another even more terrifying incident that engulfed Mumbai on 26/11/ 2008. I was directly involved in the operations following this horrific episode, as I was then the Cabinet Secretary. On a languid Wednesday evening in 2008, I had returned early from the office. Around six in the evening, I received my first call from M L Kumawat, then Special Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs. By a strange coincidence, Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta was away in Pakistan for a meeting. Kumawat told me trouble had started in Mumbai. I rang up the Chief Secretary, Johny Joseph. His initial thought was that a terrorist incident, similar to the string of terror attacks that rocked many Indian cities in the nineties and the first decade of this century, had struck Mumbai once again. That this was a terrorist attack became clear when the ten terrorists in Mumbai continued to play their dance of death across multiple locations. The Chief Secretary sought the help of marine commandos, and the naval chief, Adm Suresh Mehta, was happy to oblige. Close to midnight, the Chief Secretary telephoned me and formally sought the help of the National Security Guard. In law and order matters, the Centre can act only at the request of the State Government. I spoke to J K Dutt, the Director General, immediately. He was ready to move, but as his force was located in Manesar, it took time to bring them to the airport, commandeer an aircraft and fly them to Mumbai. It took the NSG a little more than two days to flush out and exterminate all the terrorist vermin, except Kasab, who had been captured after he killed scores of innocent people in the Chhatrapati Shivaji railway terminus. Kasab lived for nearly four years thereafter in Mumbai prisons as judicial processes wore on. The task of the NSG was rendered far more difficult by an irresponsible media that filmed and described all their operations over the national networks, providing information from minute to minute to the handlers of the terrorists in Pakistan. While no judicial or official inquiry into the events of 26/11 was ordered at the Central level, a great deal was done to strengthen our defences and intelligence systems along the coast. In this task, executed by a Committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary, the State governments were fully involved, and the Navy, the Coast Guard and the State marine police set up a coordinated network. Commodore Srikant Kesnur wrote in a daily in October 2019, 'We can confidently say that our Maritime Domain Awareness is of a very high order; higher than it has ever been. Structures have been created to enhance 'jointness' among military, law and order, and intelligence agencies.'
