Comments & Briefs

Opposition parties are wary of assuming responsibility for the Kan administration’s crisis management and national reconstruction efforts.

The possibility of situation worsening can not be ruled out. However, it would be counter-productive to create panic by speculating only worst case scenario.

While earthquake resistant buildings and safety of dams and nuclear plants are important, orderly public behaviour under stress, as demonstrated by the Japanese people, is also vital.

The Prefectures affected the most are Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima and Ibaraki, which represent about 7 per cent of Japan’s economy and house steel plants, oil refineries, nuclear power plants and factories manufacturing parts for cars and electronic goods.

Japan is in a state of panic as the situation in the Fukushima nuclear power plant continues to intensify.

Internal threats to national security have assumed centre-stage in the debates on Indian security. They have a pan-Indian presence and are no longer confined to India’s north and north-eastern frontiers.

It is vital that the Indian army gets pamphlets and text books that are contemporary and promote awareness of modern research and thought.

The impasse over missile defence, CFE and NATO expansion has led to a stalemate in talks to reduce tactical nuclear weapons.

The tsunami triggered by the quake swamped Sendai’s coast, picking up cars, ships and houses as it furiously surged three miles inland.

China’s intensified engagement in the region, encompassing reconstruction and development, suggests a subtle move to alter the security situation.