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  • Trump invited Silicon Valley into the US nuclear power regulator

    Trump invited Silicon Valley into the US nuclear power regulator

    A profound transformation is underway within America’s nuclear regulatory landscape as the Trump administration implements sweeping changes to accelerate nuclear energy development. Internal documents obtained by ProPublica reveal an aggressive campaign to reshape nuclear policy, driven by unprecedented energy demands from artificial intelligence infrastructure and championed by Silicon Valley investors with direct White House connections.

    The restructuring centers on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), historically regarded as the international gold standard for nuclear safety oversight. Since President Trump’s return to office, over 400 experienced staff have departed the agency, including veteran regulators and safety experts, while hiring has dramatically slowed. This exodus coincides with the appointment of officials like Seth Cohen, a 31-year-old lawyer with minimal nuclear policy experience who entered government through Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency team.

    During a meeting at Idaho National Laboratory, Cohen explicitly dismissed concerns about regulatory independence, stating records show: “Assume the NRC is going to do whatever we tell the NRC to do.” His comments reflect a broader pattern where health and safety considerations, including radiation exposure protections for vulnerable populations, are being minimized in favor of rapid approval processes.

    The administration’s approach has drawn strong support from influential tech investors including Peter Thiel and Marc Andreessen, both of whom have nuclear energy investments and participated in transition planning at Mar-a-Lago. Their vision aligns with executive orders aimed at quadrupling nuclear energy output to power AI data centers, directing the NRC to reduce workforce, accelerate reactor approvals, and rewrite safety regulations.

    Critics including former NRC chair Allison Macfarlane warn that the erosion of regulatory independence mirrors conditions that contributed to the Fukushima disaster, where cozy industry-regulator relationships compromised safety assessments. Internal documents reveal proposed drastic rollbacks, including 56% cuts in emergency preparedness inspection time and considerations to significantly increase allowable radiation exposure limits.

    The Department of Energy, now led by Secretary Chris Wright (former board member of nuclear company Oklo), has created concierge teams to help advanced reactor companies navigate bureaucracy. Companies like Valar Atomics, whose investors include Trump allies, have received unusual access, including military transport for reactor components designated as “critical to national security interests.”

    As the NRC prepares to release thousands of pages of new rules this spring, career officials describe an environment where dissenting views are suppressed and political operatives without nuclear expertise oversee fundamental safety decisions. The outcome could determine whether America maintains its exceptional nuclear safety record or embarks on a risky experiment with unprecedented consequences for public health and energy security.

  • The forgotten Indian woman trailblazer in British medicine

    The forgotten Indian woman trailblazer in British medicine

    In an era when medicine remained an overwhelmingly male-dominated field and European institutions systematically excluded women, Dr. Jamini Sen shattered one of healthcare’s most formidable barriers. The Bengali physician made history in 1912 by becoming the first woman admitted as a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow—an institution founded in 1599 that had long maintained gender-based restrictions.

    Born in 1871 in Barisal within the Bengal Presidency, Sen emerged from a progressive family as one of seven siblings. Her educational journey began at Calcutta’s Bethune College, culminating in her qualification from Calcutta Medical College in 1897. This achievement marked her entry into a profession characterized by rigid racial hierarchies and gender exclusion.

    Sen’s early career took an extraordinary turn when she accepted a position as house physician to Nepal’s royal household and head of Kathmandu Zenana Hospital. For nearly a decade, she practiced high-level medicine within deeply traditional settings, earning the confidence of King Prithvi Bir Bikram Shah while introducing modern clinical methods. Her tenure coincided with palace unrest and suspected political intrigue, eventually prompting her departure from the country.

    Driven by professional ambition, Sen traveled to Britain in 1911 with support from the Lady Dufferin Fund. She obtained a medical license in Dublin, studied at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and ultimately challenged the Glasgow fellowship examinations. The Royal College had only recently opened its exams to women, and Sen’s successful completion in 1912 represented a watershed moment—though the institution restricted her privileges compared to male counterparts.

    Her intellectual curiosity led her to Berlin in 1912, where she advanced her knowledge of tropical diseases at a time when continental Europe led this medical specialty. Throughout her career, Sen maintained a profound sense of responsibility toward her “sisters in my country,” as documented in the Glasgow College archives.

    Returning to India, Sen joined the Women’s Medical Service, working in Agra, Shimla, and Puri. Her presence proved particularly crucial in Agra during periods of unrest directed at British doctors, as patients specifically sought out the Indian woman physician. Affectionately known as “saree-wali daktarin sahib” (the sari-clad lady doctor), Sen earned trust through her medical expertise and cultural understanding.

    She confronted significant healthcare challenges, including post-childbirth sepsis epidemics that affected countless young mothers. “The greatest improvement has taken place in maternal cases,” she recorded in her journal with professional pride. Even her practical attire—a pinned sari with full-sleeved blouse and lace collar—signaled a quiet modernity suited to hospital wards rather than drawing rooms.

    Sen’s personal life reflected both her independence and the era’s constraints. While in Nepal, she adopted a baby girl named Bhutu after the child’s mother died in childbirth. As a single mother in traditional Bengali society, Sen balanced professional rigor with private responsibility, though she later experienced the devastating loss of her daughter to illness.

    Today, few physical artifacts survive from Sen’s remarkable life: a gold watch gifted by Nepal’s king (which she wore pinned to her sari), a Tibetan tsog spoon recognizing her medical service, a delicate blue-wing brooch purchased in London, and two grainy photographs preserved in the Glasgow College archives.

    More than a century after her historic achievement, Sen’s portrait was finally unveiled at the Royal College in 2024—a symbolic restoration of a legacy that had faded into obscurity. Her story, meticulously reconstructed by great-niece Deepta Roy Chakraverti in the biography “Daktarin Jamini Sen,” reveals a woman of fierce intellect and radical resolve who confronted both racism in pre-independence India and sexism in British medical institutions.

    Dr. Sen’s journey demonstrates that the making of modern medicine was never exclusively European nor male, but was also shaped in palace wards, epidemic outposts, and examination halls where a determined Bengali woman refused to step aside.

  • How Iranians get around the internet blackout despite the risks and cost

    How Iranians get around the internet blackout despite the risks and cost

    Iran has plunged into a severe digital isolation as authorities maintain an unprecedented internet blackout now entering its third week. According to NetBlocks, a global internet monitoring organization, connectivity levels have plummeted to less than 1% of normal capacity amid ongoing regional tensions.

    The telecommunications lockdown has forced citizens to seek alternative access methods through clandestine channels. While some attempt to utilize Starlink satellite systems, the prohibitive cost and detection risks make this option impractical for most. Instead, Iranians are increasingly turning to virtual private networks (VPNs) and customized configurations available through black market vendors on Telegram.

    Elaheh, speaking under pseudonym for security reasons, described the precarious process: “You must obtain referrals from trusted contacts to access sellers offering configuration files rather than standard VPN applications. These technical setups require implementation through tools like OpenVPN or V2Ray to route traffic through international servers.”

    The digital underground economy presents significant risks. Maryam recounted losing approximately $50 to a fraudulent vendor who disappeared after payment. Conversely, legitimate providers like Alireza (a pseudonym for a computer engineering graduate) operate with extreme caution, noting that “this has transformed from commercial activity to security concern.”

    Users face dual challenges: exorbitant prices that have increased five-fold within weeks, and serious security consequences. Arman, another user, reported receiving threatening text messages from security agencies warning of consequences for bypassing restrictions.

    Iranian officials have intensified crackdowns, arresting numerous alleged VPN distributors. As Pegah, 29, noted: “Access has become both unreliable and prohibitively expensive, with weekly packages now costing up to 100 million rials while frequently failing to connect.”

    The extended blackout follows established patterns of digital suppression during crises, though current restrictions exceed previous durations. As Elaheh observed: “These measures primarily impact ordinary citizens, generating increased frustration rather than addressing underlying security concerns.”

  • The fight to control the narrative in the Afghan-Pakistan conflict

    The fight to control the narrative in the Afghan-Pakistan conflict

    A devastating aerial assault on Kabul has triggered the deadliest single incident since hostilities resumed between Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban government in February. The strike targeted a compound that both sides describe in starkly contrasting terms, resulting in verified casualties that continue to mount.

    According to United Nations verification, the attack claimed at least 143 lives with 119 injured—figures expected to rise as investigations continue. Taliban officials have provided dramatically higher estimates, asserting over 400 fatalities.

    The narrative battle unfolded simultaneously on social media platforms. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid condemned what he characterized as Pakistan’s violation of Afghan airspace, labeling the strike on a purported drug rehabilitation facility as ‘a crime against humanity.’ Pakistan’s Ministry of Information promptly countered, branding these claims as propaganda while asserting the operation precisely targeted military installations and terrorist infrastructure.

    Pakistan’s military spokesman, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, advanced further allegations without presenting evidence, claiming the facility served as a training center for suicide bombers disguising addicts. This contradicts previous BBC reporting from the site, which documented legitimate rehabilitation activities throughout 2023.

    The incident exemplifies the deteriorating diplomatic relationship between the neighboring nations. Pakistan maintains its actions address cross-border terrorism, citing 2025 as its most violent year in a decade according to security studies. Afghan authorities conversely frame Pakistan’s operations as violations of sovereignty potentially coordinated with external powers.

    Both nations have demonstrated increased military assertiveness. Pakistan now publicly claims responsibility for strikes through official social media channels, while Taliban officials explicitly threaten reciprocal attacks on Islamabad. Despite temporary ceasefires encouraged by Middle Eastern mediators during Eid al-Fitr, the escalating rhetoric and reduced diplomatic engagement suggest diminishing prospects for peaceful resolution.

  • BTS returns with comeback concert in Seoul after four-year hiatus

    BTS returns with comeback concert in Seoul after four-year hiatus

    SEOUL, South Korea – In a spectacular return to the global stage, K-pop phenomenon BTS launched their highly anticipated comeback with a massive free concert at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square on Saturday. The event marks their first full-group performance since completing South Korea’s mandatory military service, drawing an estimated 200,000 attendees to the capital’s historic center.

    The Netflix-exclusive spectacle, streaming live globally, commenced a months-long world tour spanning the United States, Europe, and Asia. All seven members – RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook – participated despite RM sustaining an ankle injury during Thursday’s rehearsal, performing with modified choreography.

    Authorities implemented unprecedented security measures, transforming central Seoul into a controlled zone with street closures, suspended public transportation, and building lockdowns. The extensive precautions reflect heightened safety protocols following South Korea’s 2022 Halloween tragedy that claimed 160 lives, though some critics argue the restrictions undermine the symbolic nature of Gwanghwamun as Seoul’s primary gathering space.

    The concert follows Friday’s release of their fifth album, “ARIRANG,” named after a centuries-old Korean folk song serving as an unofficial anthem for both North and South Korea. The 14-track album, featuring lead single “SWIM,” had accumulated millions of preorders since January and represents the group’s creative reunion after years of separation.

    President Lee Jae Myung praised the event as a showcase of South Korea’s cultural soft power, noting the performance would create “a special moment that people around the world will remember for long.” Industry analysts project the upcoming tour could become the most extensive in K-pop history, with 82 stadium shows planned globally.

    Cultural commentator Ha Jae-keun observed: “They had a fairly long hiatus but still have a historically powerful fandom. As they come back, they’ll likely immediately enjoy a warm welcome and intense fever around the world.”

  • Switzerland halts arms exports to US over Iran war, citing neutrality

    Switzerland halts arms exports to US over Iran war, citing neutrality

    In a significant diplomatic move underscoring its commitment to neutrality, Switzerland has formally suspended authorization of new arms exports to the United States due to Washington’s involvement in the ongoing Middle East conflict. The Swiss government announced on Friday that its domestic legal framework and longstanding policy of neutrality prevent it from approving weapons transfers to nations engaged in international armed conflicts.

    The decision specifically references U.S. military involvement in the region and constitutes a formalization of practices already in effect since the conflict’s escalation on February 28. While the measure pauses fresh approvals for arms and ammunition shipments, it does not constitute a comprehensive embargo. Existing export licenses deemed unrelated to the current conflict remain valid and operational.

    An interministerial expert team will continuously monitor developments and assess whether additional actions are required under Swiss neutrality laws. This review extends beyond conventional weaponry to include goods regulated by the Goods Control Act, dual-use items, and non-controlled commodities affected by Iranian sanctions.

    The United States represents Switzerland’s second-largest defense market, accounting for approximately 10% of its arms exports in the previous year. These shipments have included aerial drones, various ammunition types, and small arms.

    This stance aligns with Switzerland’s consistent application of neutrality principles, as demonstrated in its position regarding Ukraine. Bern has previously refused requests from allied nations to re-export Swiss-manufactured weapons to Kyiv, citing legal restrictions that have caused friction with European partners and concerns within Switzerland’s defense industry about potential exclusion from key supply chains.

    Although Swiss legislators endorsed proposals in December to relax arms export rules for a predefined group of 25 countries including the U.S., these regulatory modifications have not yet been implemented and could potentially face a public referendum.

  • Tons of aid flows into Cuba as humanitarian convoy arrives on the struggling island

    Tons of aid flows into Cuba as humanitarian convoy arrives on the struggling island

    HAVANA — A significant international solidarity movement has mobilized in response to Cuba’s severe energy crisis, with approximately 650 delegates from 33 nations and 120 organizations converging on the island nation. The “Our America Convoy to Cuba” initiative is transporting roughly 20 tons of humanitarian assistance including solar panels, essential medications for cancer treatment, and food supplies.

    Delegates arrived by air from numerous countries including Italy, France, Spain, the United States, and various Latin American nations. Additional participants are scheduled to arrive via maritime transport on Saturday through a three-vessel flotilla departing from Mexico. An advance group of activists had already reached Havana on Wednesday, distributing initial donations to medical facilities.

    This humanitarian effort unfolds against escalating tensions between Cuba and the United States, following the Trump administration’s imposition of an oil embargo in January. The energy blockade has exacerbated Cuba’s existing five-year economic downturn, bringing the nation to a near standstill.

    David Adler, coordinator of Progressive International and a U.S. citizen, emphasized the collective nature of the response: “We represent millions of people in this convoy. We cannot allow this collective punishment. We cannot normalize it.”

    Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío firmly addressed speculation regarding potential political changes, stating: “The Cuban political system is not up for negotiation, nor is the president, nor the position of any official in Cuba, subject to negotiation with the United States or with the government of any other country.” He acknowledged, however, that dialogue with Washington remains possible on areas of mutual interest.

    The solidarity mission has drawn comparisons to other humanitarian crises, with organizer Manolo de los Santos describing the effort as both “defying the U.S. blockade” and preventing “another Gaza in the Americas.” This perspective echoes concerns raised by several analysts and regional leaders, including Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who have warned of a potential humanitarian catastrophe in Cuba.

    The convoy features participation from prominent international figures including British Parliamentarian Jeremy Corbyn, Colombian Senator Clara López, former Spanish politician Pablo Iglesias, U.S. labor leader Chris Smalls, and Brazilian humanitarian activist Thiago Ávila. Supporting organizations include Mexico’s Morena party, Brazil’s Workers’ Party, and Uruguay’s Broad Front.

    President Miguel Díaz-Canel expressed gratitude via social media, acknowledging: “They bring shipments of aid to combat the attempt to suffocate us. Welcome once again to the compassion of the people.”

    Additional international support has emerged from Brazil, which committed 20,000 tons of food supplies primarily consisting of rice, beans, and powdered milk. Chilean parliamentarians delivered aid on Thursday, while China dispatched a vessel carrying 60,000 tons of rice to address Cuba’s growing food insecurity.

  • India bans ‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’, citing threats to relationship with Israel

    India bans ‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’, citing threats to relationship with Israel

    India’s Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has prohibited the domestic release of the Oscar-nominated documentary ‘The Voice of Hind Rajab,’ citing potential damage to Indo-Israeli relations. The decision has sparked significant controversy and debate about artistic freedom and diplomatic sensitivities.

    Directed by Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, the powerful docudrama recounts the tragic story of five-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab, who was killed by Israeli military forces in Gaza. The film depicts how soldiers fired 335 bullets into the vehicle where the child was awaiting rescue, generating international attention following its premiere at the Venice Film Festival, where it received a 23-minute standing ovation.

    Indian distributor Manoj Nandwana submitted the film for certification in February ahead of a planned March release. According to reports from Variety and Middle East Eye, CBFC officials explicitly stated that releasing the film ‘would break up the India-Israel relationship.’ The timing of the submission—just one day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Israel—reportedly influenced the decision.

    Nandwana expressed limited surprise, noting that several Indian film festivals had already banned screenings of the documentary in locations including Goa, Bangalore, Pune, and Kerala. The distributor’s team has formally applied for a revision of the decision, though they acknowledge the need for a ‘miracle’ to reverse the ruling.

    Palestinian-American production company Watermelon Pictures, which supported the film’s creation, strongly criticized the censorship. Co-founder Badie Ali questioned the rationale, asking, ‘Since when is a five-year-old girl’s cry for help a diplomatic threat?’ He emphasized that Indian audiences ‘don’t need to be protected from a true story’ and suggested that suppressing the film demonstrates that ‘Hind’s story still frightens those in power.’

    Director Ben Hania responded via Instagram, questioning whether the relationship between the ‘world’s largest democracy’ and the ‘only democracy in the Middle East’ is so fragile that a single film could jeopardize it.

    The decision occurs against the backdrop of strengthening Indo-Israeli relations. India stands as the world’s largest purchaser of Israeli weapons, many deployed in Indian-administered Kashmir. Both nations have continued to establish new defense and trade agreements throughout Israel’s military operations in Gaza, with India supplying both arms and labor.

    The CBFC has not publicly commented on the decision or responded to media inquiries regarding the ban.

  • Elon Musk misled Twitter investors, jury finds

    Elon Musk misled Twitter investors, jury finds

    A federal jury in San Francisco has delivered a significant legal verdict against technology magnate Elon Musk, concluding he disseminated misleading information during the pivotal period of his contentious $44 billion acquisition of Twitter in 2022. The decision, reached following two days of intensive jury deliberations, represents a victory for a consortium of Twitter investors who initiated legal proceedings against the billionaire. The plaintiffs successfully argued that they suffered financial damages after relying on Musk’s public declarations and tweets when making investment decisions.

    During courtroom testimony earlier this month, Musk defended his communications, asserting that the public and investors had misinterpreted his statements and attributed excessive significance to his social media posts. Contrary to his defense, the jury determined that Musk’s deliberate public claims regarding purported flaws in Twitter’s user metrics were materially deceptive. Furthermore, the panel found his subsequent announcements about withdrawing from the historic acquisition agreement constituted intentional misinformation.

    This legal outcome underscores the substantial accountability facing high-profile executives for their public communications, particularly those capable of influencing financial markets. The case establishes a notable precedent regarding the legal responsibilities of corporate leaders and influential figures in the digital age, where social media statements can instantly impact investment landscapes. The verdict highlights the judicial system’s role in scrutinizing public claims made during high-stakes corporate negotiations, reinforcing that public figures cannot make misleading statements without potential legal consequences.

  • Conservatives’ Badenoch fails to issue Eid message to British Muslims

    Conservatives’ Badenoch fails to issue Eid message to British Muslims

    The UK’s Conservative Party finds itself embroiled in deepening controversy regarding its engagement with British Muslims following leader Kemi Badenoch’s failure to issue a public Eid al-Fitr greeting. This significant Islamic festival, marking Ramadan’s conclusion, commenced Thursday evening and represents one of the Muslim calendar’s most important observances worldwide.

    While Prime Minister Keir Starmer and leaders across the political spectrum—including Liberal Democrats and Greens—promptly extended Eid greetings through social media channels, Opposition Leader Badenoch remained conspicuously silent on her official X and Facebook accounts throughout Friday. Historical analysis reveals Badenoch last acknowledged Eid in 2022 during her tenure as faith minister, despite regularly recognizing other religious festivals including Hanukkah and Diwali.

    The Conservative Party eventually shared a brief ‘Eid Mubarak’ message on its Facebook page Friday afternoon, though the party declined to comment on Badenoch’s personal silence when approached for clarification.

    This omission occurs amidst escalating tensions following controversial remarks by Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy, who characterized public Muslim prayers during London’s Trafalgar Square iftar event as ‘an act of domination.’ Timothy specifically criticized the public recitation of the adhan (Islamic call to prayer) as representing a ‘declaration of domination,’ while clarifying he wasn’t accusing all participants of Islamist extremism.

    Badenoch notably endorsed Timothy’s perspective by sharing his Telegraph commentary defending these views just before Eid celebrations. This alignment has drawn sharp criticism from political figures including Prime Minister Starmer, who labeled Timothy’s comments ‘utterly appalling’ and asserted he would dismiss such a staff member immediately.

    Independent MP Ayoub Khan, representing Birmingham Perry Barr’s substantial Muslim constituency, condemned Badenoch’s silence as more than oversight: ‘At a time when leadership should unite, your silence speaks volumes. Many in your own party will be questioning what that says about who you choose to represent!’

    Former Conservative Attorney General Dominic Grieve offered constitutional perspective, noting Trafalgar Square’s historical accommodation of diverse religious events. Grieve questioned whether Timothy’s objections applied universally to religious expressions or specifically targeted Muslim practices, warning the latter would constitute ‘discrimination without any lawful basis.’