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Indian villagers have sound reasons to distrust their government

Despite mass opposition, India pushes ahead with operationalizing nuclear plant WSWS, By Arun Kumar and Kranti Kumara  27 September 2012“…….It is not just the safety of the plant that the villagers are angry about. While the Indian government has spent huge amounts to build ultra-modern facilities for the nuclear plant’s employees, including a fully-equipped hospital, villagers are barred from using them. Most of the villagers and fishermen live in squalor and poverty lacking even basic facilities such as running water.
Moreover the villagers put no faith in the ability of the Indian elite to manage a nuclear accident given the government’s display of a mixture of incompetence and callousness during and after the 1984 Union Carbide disaster in Bhopal. The uncontrolled release of toxic gas at Bhopal, which caused over half a million casualties including over 20,000 deaths, was the worst industrial disaster in world history. Even after the passage of 38 years, the government has left the plant site and its surroundings severely contaminated with toxic substances. No one has been held criminally responsible and the Indian government has essentially connived to this mass crime by agreeing to accept a measly $470 million in compensation from Union Carbide.
Despite this horrible precedent, the Indian government has agreed that the Russian firm that has supplied and built KNPP’s reactor will have zero liability in the event of an accident
In a desperate attempt to justify the state suppression of the protests, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has brazenly declared that the anti-nuclear protestors are acting at the behest of United States-based Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) that want to derail India’s “progress”.
The Indian establishment is justifying its single-minded pursuit of nuclear power plants by claiming that it will help reduce the chronic electricity shortage that afflicts the country. Such arguments are duplicitous as there are far more cost-efficient ways to produce electricity than from nuclear power plants.
But motives other than providing cheap electricity are propelling the Indian elite to expand the country’s nuclear power industry—first and foremost its drive to increase its arsenal of nuclear weapons. With the signing of the India-US Nuclear Accord in 2008, the Indian elite can now utilize domestic uranium reserves for weapons production while obtaining and gaining expertise in the latest state-of-the-art nuclear technology. http://www.wsws.org/articles/2012/sep2012/indi-s27.shtml

September 29, 2012 Posted by | civil liberties, India | Leave a comment

India’s government upset that Sri Lanka worries about nuclear radiation

India to discuss Kudankulam safety with Sri Lanka Sachin Parashar, TNN | Sep 29, 2012, NEW DELHI: Taken aback by what it describes as “propaganda” in Sri Lanka against the Kudankulam nuclear power plant, India has offered to discuss the safety aspect of the pressurized water reactors with Lankan authorities.

The dialogue mechanism between the two nations for cooperation on nuclear issues
will include talks on Kudankulam safety when a Sri Lankan committee visits India later this year.

“The safety aspect will be a part of the broader agenda for talks over cooperation in nuclear energy but we are already telling them that India will abide by all international conventions over nuclear safety at Kudankulam,” said an official dealing with Sri Lanka. Although the
government in Sri Lanka has not raised any objection to the reactors, the Indian establishment in Colombo has been stunned by a spate of reports in the local media — in the run-up to loading of fuel in the first unit at Kudankulam – about how these reactors were going to adversely impact the island nation….. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-to-discuss-Kudankulam-safety-with-Sri-Lanka/articleshow/16596952.cms

September 29, 2012 Posted by | India, politics international | Leave a comment

UN warning on the danger of nuclear terrorism – “dirty bombs”

UN: Nuclear terrorism threat hasn’t diminished Bellingham Herald, September 28, 2012 UNITED NATIONS — The U.N. nuclear chief warned Friday that the threat of nuclear terrorism has not diminished, saying a key risk is that terrorists could detonate a so-called “dirty bomb” to contaminate a major city. Continue reading →

September 29, 2012 Posted by | 2 WORLD, safety | Leave a comment

High levels of radiation on Lanyu (Orchid Island)

“Two Japanese academics have found unusual levels of radiation at more than 10 locations around Lanyu, with the level at one location as high as 500 times more than the environment background value — this shows that the issue of radioactive pollution is very serious on the island,”

Activists demand survey of Lanyu radiation levels, Taipei Times, 29 Sept 12, PARADISE LOST? Professors warn that radiation levels pose a threat to both residents and visitors of the island and may cause cancers and cardiovascular diseases By Loa Iok-sin  /  Staff reporter Environmentalists yesterday called on the Atomic Energy Council (AEC) to conduct a thorough survey around Lanyu (蘭嶼, also known as Orchid Island) as a report released by Japanese academics shows that an unusual amount of radiation has been
found on the island and that the nuclear waste storage facility on the island may be leaking. Continue reading →

September 29, 2012 Posted by | environment, Taiwan | Leave a comment

UK Green Party’s Natalie Bennett speaks on nuclear power

Nuclear power is the Betamax of the energy world Guardian UK, Natalie Bennett, 28 Sept 12 We need to stop being distracted by this technology and focus on promoting and investing in renewables  In my first month as the new Green party leader , I’ve spent lots of time talking about pressing economic and social issues – the need for the minimum wage to be a living wage, how benefits should be available to all who need them, and how costly and destructive the privatisation of the NHS will be.

But with the government’s energy bill on the horizon , serious questions around the coalition’s wobbly-looking commitment not to subsidise new nuclear, and an anti-nuclear protest at Hinkley Point on 8 October , I’ve also spent lots of my time explaining why I think renewable energy – wind, solar and, in the future, tide and wave – combined with energy conservation, provide an excellent way forward for British energy.

I talk about the fact that the first two are technologies that are ready to scale up right now, providing jobs and affordable supplies for Britain. And about the fact that we know exactly what all of their “fuel” supplies will cost indefinitely into the future – ie nothing. Continue reading →

September 29, 2012 Posted by | general | Leave a comment

United Nations – voice of sanity in Iran nuclear dispute

UN criticises ‘shrill war talk’ in Iran nuclear dispute September 29, 2012 BUSINESS RECORDER  The UN on Friday urged all sides in the dispute over Iran’s nuclear program to tone down “shrill war talk,” reacting to this week’s clashes at the world body between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Continue reading →

September 29, 2012 Posted by | general | Leave a comment

Switzerland develops strategy to exit nuclear power

Gas to fill initial gap in Swiss nuclear exit  
* Expects to build new gas plants to meet demand

* Switzerland unveils energy strategy to 2050

By Emma Farge GENEVA, Sept 28 (Reuters) – Switzerland would have to charge higher
end-user power prices and resort to new gas-fired plants to fill the supply gap created by its planned nuclear phase-out prompted by Japan’s Fukushima accident, the Swiss energy ministry said on Friday.

The country, which voted last May to phase out nuclear by 2034, on Friday unveiled an ambitious energy strategy intended as a road map for coping with the transition.
“It will be necessary to temporarily develop electricity from fossil fuels… until the energy needs can be completely covered by renewable energy,” the energy ministry said in a statement on Switzerland’s new strategy through to 2050….. The Swiss strategy, part of a public consultation, envisages a greater role for hydropower and renewables
as part of its new strategy. It includes targets for hydropower production of 37,400 GWH and renewable energy production of 11,940 GWH by 2035.

The strategy also includes several measures designed to accelerate the process of obtaining permits for renewable energy projects….

September 29, 2012 Posted by | politics, Switzerland | Leave a comment

How multinational uranium companies diddled Tanzania out of its tax revenue

the transfer of Mantra Resources Limited to ARMZ enables its former shareholders to pocket $1.04 billion without paying capital gains to the Tanzanian government….  Mantra Resources Limited of Australia was supposed to have paid capital gains tax to Tanzania.

Sh320bn loss looming over uranium project  , 29 September 2012 By Felix Lazaro, The Citizen Dar es Salaam. Tanzania risks losing about Sh320 billion in mining taxes because of weak legal checks, particularly when it comes to uranium.

Local mining experts said yesterday that the country must go back to the drawing board and put in place a watertight policy and regulations before it allows uranium mining.Earnings from the mineral are believed to have the potential to turn around the lives of thousands of poor Tanzanians.

The chief concern right now, though, is that some subsidiaries of multinational firms licensed to explore uranium in Tanzania are capitalising on a weak legal and institutional framework to transfer ownership to affiliated companies. Continue reading →

September 29, 2012 Posted by | AFRICA, business and costs | Leave a comment

Ahmadinejad reacts to Obama’s militant statements at UN

Ahmadinejad slams West’s ‘nuclear intimidation’ Mmegionline, 28 Sept 12 TEHRAN: Iran’s President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad accused the West and Israel of nuclear “intimidation”, after United States President, Barack Obama vowed to halt Tehran’s alleged weapon programme.
US and Israeli officials boycotted the Iranian’s eighth annual address to the UN General Assembly, and there was no repeat of the walk-outs of previous years, but Ahmadinejad still had some harsh words for Tehran’s foes.”

Arms race and intimidation by nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction by the hegemonic powers have become prevalent,” he declared in a 35-minute speech that ended with a smattering of applause…..

On Tuesday, Obama reiterated the United States’ stance in robust terms, declaring that American will “do what we must” to prevent Iran from passing the nuclear threshold – increasing the chances of confrontation.
Foreign ministers from the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany will meet in New York on yesterday on the sidelines of the United Nations to discuss the increasingly tense nuclear showdown…..
Diplomats from Britain, France and Germany sat through Ahmadinejad’s address, but found nothing in his theological lecture to justify a repeat of the walkouts of previous years….. http://www.mmegi.bw/index.php?sid=11&aid=19&dir=2012/September/Friday28

September 29, 2012 Posted by | general | Leave a comment

France to develop tidal wave energy

Wind energy production in Europe, for example, just reached the 100 gigawatt mark, the equivalent of 39 nuclear power plants

French dive into tidal energy as nuclear plants bid adieu Smart Planet, By Bryan Pirolli | September 28, 2012,PARIS – French conglomerate Alstom is finalizing the purchase of Tidal Generation Ltd from Rolls Royce in the UK. Alstom , one of the largest energy-producing groups in the world, purchased the small company in an effort to expand its every-growing array of renewable energy.

The sale of TGL to Alstom comes just as the new French president, Francois Hollande, announced his commitment to renewable energy and decreasing France’s dependence on nuclear power.

Tidal Generation Ltd  (TGL), formed in 2005, specializes in designing turbines for generating electricity from ocean tides. Continue reading →

September 29, 2012 Posted by | France, renewable | Leave a comment

In this age of ionising radiation – need to know where our food comes from!

CORPORATE GREED FOR CHEAP INGREDIENTS OR YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW?
http://www.newsforyourfamily.blogspot.com.au/2011/08/corporate-responses.html
Currently food and other big manufactures like Colgate-Palmolive hide behind “Made in USA or Manufactured in USA” whereas the actual ingredients are coming from cheap places like China and cancer causing nuclear contaminated Japan……

September 29, 2012 Posted by | general | Leave a comment

Interview with Tozen Union Activist in Tokyo Japan | Labor Issues in Japan

The Ghost Writers Report

Published on Sep 28, 2012 by 

 

[…]

“Short time contract workers issues a major concern”

[…]

6 million of these workers find themselves on the edge due to firing practises

[…]

“Lack of compliance of workers rights causes disruption of health benefits and pensions benefits, government doesnt oversea working of pension guidlines causing workers to pay full rates”

[…]

“disability pension system faulty as companies fail to ensure a company enrolment, thereby, only lower payment scheme available”

[…]

“Tozen had a sucess recently with helping to organise for workers rights”

[…]

“Apathy amongst temporary foriegn workers needs to be overcome. they are asked for commitment if only temporary”

[…]

“A small union sued was for millions of Dollars for radical strike methods but courts found in thier favour. Corporations forced to accept Labour Rights. American style legal intimidation did not work in Japan”

[…]

 

Recently I had the chance to sit down with key members of the Tozen General Union. They are a activist union which stand for all workers. In this interview you will hear the harsh reality of being a worker in Japan. This interview is jam packed with hard hitting information about labor issues in Japan.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZL8rILbgGkY

 

and here is the web site for the union

http://www.tokyogeneralunion.org/

and this is the message i got trying to access it

Warning: Cannot modify header information – headers already sent by (output started at /home/tozenit/public_html/wp-config.php:1) in /home/tozenit/public_html/wp-includes/pluggable.php on line 866

(arclight2011) I believe this and other Japanese websites are under some sort of mild to heavy cyber attack. . i hope you have better luck with the link than i did..

 

heres a mirrored video if the above video jams at it did to me, i had to download it to play it

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=212rGlRvadw

 

 

September 29, 2012 Posted by | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

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