"India moves to cap nuclear liability; Step would allow US investments" by Rama Lakshmi, Washington Post | May 8, 2010
NEW DELHI — A controversial law to establish a compensation system for nuclear accidents — a key step to allowing American companies to set up reactors in India — was introduced in Parliament yesterday, as opposition lawmakers accused the government of favoring US and business interests over the rights of the people.
India doesn't sign the NPT and develops nuclear weapons while Iran signs the thing and receives sanctions.
Oh, right, India is a friend to Israel, and any friend of Israel is a friend of the United States.
Opponents chanted “shame, shame’’ as minister of science and technology Prithviraj Chavan moved the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Bill in the lower house of parliament. They then left the chamber in protest.
“We tried our best to bring changes to this bill, but because of the stubborn attitude of this government, we have decided to walk out,’’ said Sushma Swaraj, a member of the main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party. Other members called the bill “illegal’’ and “unconstitutional’’ and accused the government of acting under American pressure.
Yeah, the Japanese leadership just got a heaping helping of that.
The opposition lawmakers said the bill takes away victims’ right to bring compensation claims to court in the event of a nuclear mishap.
Are you sure we are a friend, Indians?
After yesterday’s walkout, a government official said the government may agree to defer voting and refer the bill to a review committee of lawmakers.
The bill, which has been the subject of heated debate for months in India, seeks to place the burden of damages solely on the nuclear plant operator and not on suppliers of equipment. It is controversial for Indians because it renews troubling memories of compensation battles in the aftermath of a poisonous gas leak from the Union Carbide factory in Bhopal in 1984.
The liability legislation is one of the last steps needed to fully activate a landmark civilian nuclear agreement between India and the United States that will allow American companies to set up reactors in India.
The 2008 nuclear accord allows India to access global nuclear technology and fuel supplies after more than three decades of international boycott, after the Indian atomic test in 1974.
Iran has to be looking at that and saying WTF?
With the help of American, French, and Russian nuclear companies, India hopes to fortify its power-starved emerging economy by generating 63,000 megawatts of nuclear power by 2030 — up from 1,700 megawatts currently.
Yeah, the French and the Russians already have the jump on us, America.
Tens of thousands of jobs would be created in both India and the United States, proponents say, generating business worth more than $100 billion.
So were are promised.
But India, a nuclear power for more than 30 years, has no legislation to cover claims in the event of a nuclear accident.
Until India passes a liability law, American companies such as GE and Westinghouse cannot begin operations there, even though two sites have been set aside for nuclear plants supported by American technology.
Thus the AmeriKan government pressure.
A business agent for corporate interests, that's all they are.
"India crash raises issue of oversight; Plane carrying 166 overshot hilltop runway" by Vikas Bajaj and Heather Timmons, New York Times | May 23, 2010
MUMBAI — The immediate cause of the accident appeared to be pilot error: The
The plane, arriving from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, veered off the runway and struck a concrete navigational aid, Aviation Minister Praful Patel said at a news conference at the airport.
“The wing fell off and the aircraft plunged into the valley,’’ he said....
While investigators were still trying to determine why the pilot may have may have misjudged his touchdown, specialists were pointing to weaknesses in India’s safety inspection regime, a history of inadequate pilot training, and the question of whether the Mangalore airport should have ever been built in such a difficult spot....
--more--"What is with the wreckage I never saw at the Pentagon or in Pennsylvania?
No follow-up yet, either.
"Modern train’s arrival lifts fortunes, spirits in New Delhi; Residents proud as malls, shops replace blight" by Rama Lakshmi, Washington Post | May 16, 2010
NEW DELHI — Many in the capital have been embarrassed by their city’s lack of a clean and safe public transportation system, especially as the economy boomed and India’s prominence grew. Now, as the project nears completion, residents say their city is finally on the fast track to becoming modern and world-class....
Analysts say that many blighted, low-income neighborhoods have been reborn with the Metro’s arrival....
Because the train is running through them?
--more--"
Time to take a bus:
Maybe not.
NEW DELHI — Maoist rebels blew up a bus filled with police and civilians yesterday as it drove through central India, killing at least 35 people, police said.
Also see: The Boston Globe's April Bookends From India
Nineteen civilians and 16 police officers were killed in the attack that took place in the state of Chhattisgarh, which has been the site of fierce fighting between the Maoists and government forces in recent months, said Amarnath Upadhyaya, a senior police officer.
Is that any way to win over the people?
Why am I suspecting false flag waving somewhere?
The bus was hit by a land mine, said Rajender Kumar Vij, another top police official in the area.
Police often ride in civilian buses, apparently in an attempt to avoid attack — hoping that the insurgents would not target such vehicles for fear of losing local support....
Yeah, CUI BONO?
And the AUTHORITIES of INDIA using HUMAN SHIELDS, 'eh?
Attacks by the Maoists, known as Naxalites, have been increasing in recent months.
India's real insurgents, not the framed Muslim patsies being assisted by western intelligence agencies.
The rebels ambushed a paramilitary patrol last month, killing 76 troops, and kidnapped and killed six villagers over the weekend, alleging they were police informants.
The rebels, who have tapped into the rural poor’s growing anger at being left out of the country’s economic gains, are now present in 20 of the country’s 28 states and have an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 fighters, according to India’s home ministry.--more--"
Related: Maoists blamed for deadly rail crash in India
Coming from the MSM that means they did not do it.
Final Filler: India divided over question in census about caste identity
