World's usable nuke arsenal rose in 2022: study

13 Sept 19:17 Key points summarised by AI

The global number of operational atomic warheads increased to 9,576 in 2022, up by 136, primarily driven by Russia and China, continuing a concerning trend since 2017.
This rise in usable warheads, with a collective destructive power exceeding 135,000 Hiroshima bombs, coincides with heightened nuclear tensions stemming from the war in Ukraine.
Russia's announcement to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus and North Korea's ongoing ballistic missile tests have escalated global fears of nuclear use to their highest levels since the Cold War.
Despite the increase in ready-to-use warheads, the total global nuclear stockpile (including retired weapons) continues to decline due to dismantling efforts by Russia and the United States.

Macron condemns those who 'sought to bring down the Republic' after rioting mars nationwide protests

Today 12:56 Key points summarised by AI

President Macron condemned widespread rioting and looting during nationwide protests, blaming far-left activists and criminals for the "unrestrained violence" and vowing accountability for those who "sought to bring down the Republic."
Over 2,400 arrests were made as protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions escalated, causing extensive damage to public buildings and businesses in cities like Paris, Limoges (where City Hall burned), Marseille, and Lyon.
The unrest, which organizers hoped would revive the "yellow vest" movement, saw political leaders trade blame, with Macron instructing prefects to protect public buildings and potentially ban future protests to prevent further disorder.