M V Ramana, a physicist by training, currently working with the Nuclear Futures Laboratory and the Program on Science and Global Security, Princeton University discusses with Newsclick the current nuclear scenario in India. He speaks on how, in terms of cost and in terms of safety, dependence on nuclear energy is not feasible. He cautions that imported light water reactors are problematic and India should not rely on them.

A Gopalakrishnan, in the second part of the Newsclick interview, says there is a de-emphasis on the nuclear energy programme all over the world, mainly due to the rising costs and concerns over public safety. He says there is a growing interest in the renewable sources of energy, specially the wind and solar energy.

A Gopalakrishnan, former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) reveals that US Nuclear Experts & General Electric officials had advised the shutting down of the Tarapur 1 and 2 units, 17 years back in 1996, as they are unsafe. The Tarapur reactors are older than the Fukushima reactors. They are faced with many problems. Referring to Tarapur, Gopalakrishnan cautions that we are sitting on the brink of a disaster. In a discussion with Newsclick on the current Nuclear energy programme in India, Gopalakrishnan talks about the escalating costs and the feasibility of nuclear power.

Newsclick presents a feature on the fuel price hike. Newsclick examines justifications provided by government spokespersons, details their critiques and ascertains the level of distress faced by the "aam aadmi".