Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Asian tycoon from Uganda plans mini-nuclear reactors in UK

The Madhvani family wants to build small modular reactors in the UK using the technology developed by GE-Hitachi

Asian tycoon from Uganda plans mini-nuclear reactors in UK

AN ASIAN tycoon from Uganda proposes to set up a series of General Electric-Hitachi mini-nuclear reactors in Britain, The Telegraph reports.

The Indian-origin Madhvani family is often referred to as the 'Rockefellers of Uganda', because of their varied business interests across Africa.


The Madhvani family came to Uganda in the early 19th century and now own a conglomerate spanning sugar farming, steel production, construction, hotels, and insurance.

They want to build small modular reactors (SMR) using the technology developed by GE-Hitachi. They have named the scheme 'Project Quasar' and hope to replicate this in other countries.

The company is yet to zero in on the sites but aims to have the first reactor, with a generating capacity of up to 300 megawatts of power, by the end of this decade.

UK government's former chief nuclear adviser Adrian Simper is currently working with the Madhvanis. He feels the company chose the UK because it is an open market and has a robust regulatory system.

Government agency Great British Nuclear is running an SMR design competition that will select designs to support with public funding before providing the winners with sites and contracts to build reactors.

GE-Hitachi has been shortlisted and the outcome of the competition is expected to be announced before the end of the year. The other shortlisted companies include EDF, Holtec Britain Limited, NuScale Power, Rolls Royce SMR and Westinghouse Electric Company UK.

The new Labour administration has said it is supportive of SMRs.

More For You

Starmer

Starmer, who has faced negative coverage since taking office in July 2024, defended the appointment process.

Reuters

Starmer: I would not have appointed Mandelson if aware of Epstein ties

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer said on Monday he would not have appointed Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to Washington had he known the extent of his links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

This was Starmer’s first public statement since dismissing Mandelson last week. The prime minister is facing questions over his judgement, including from Labour MPs, after initially standing by Mandelson before removing him from the post.

Keep ReadingShow less
Trump

Trump said the suspect had been arrested earlier for 'terrible crimes,' including child sex abuse, grand theft auto and false imprisonment, but was released under the Biden administration because Cuba refused to take him back.

Getty Images

Trump says accused in Dallas motel beheading will face first-degree murder charge

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump has described Chandra Mouli “Bob” Nagamallaiah, the Indian-origin motel manager killed in Dallas, as a “well-respected person” and said the accused will face a first-degree murder charge.

Nagamallaiah, 50, was killed last week at the Downtown Suites motel by co-worker Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, a 37-year-old undocumented Cuban immigrant with a criminal history.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer Mandelson

Starmer talks with Mandelson during a welcome reception at the ambassador's residence on February 26, 2025 in Washington, DC.

Getty

Starmer under pressure from party MPs after Mandelson dismissal

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer is facing questions within the Labour party after the sacking of US ambassador Peter Mandelson.

Mandelson was removed last week after Bloomberg published emails showing messages of support he sent following Jeffrey Epstein’s conviction for sex offences. The dismissal comes just ahead of US president Donald Trump’s state visit.

Keep ReadingShow less
Nepal’s new leader pledges to act on Gen Z calls to end corruption

Officials greet newly-elected Prime Minister of Nepal's interim government Sushila Karki (R) as she arrives at the prime minister's office in Kathmandu on September 14, 2025. (Photo by PRABIN RANABHAT/AFP via Getty Images)

Nepal’s new leader pledges to act on Gen Z calls to end corruption

NEPAL’s new interim prime minister Sushila Karki on Sunday (14) pledged to act on protesters’ calls to end corruption and restore trust in government, as the country struggles with the aftermath of its worst political unrest in decades.

“We have to work according to the thinking of the Gen Z generation,” Karki said in her first address to the nation since taking office on Friday (12). “What this group is demanding is the end of corruption, good governance and economic equality. We will not stay here more than six months in any situation. We will complete our responsibilities and hand over to the next parliament and ministers.”

Keep ReadingShow less
UK secures £1.25bn US investment ahead of Trump’s visit

US president Donald Trump and UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer arrive at Trump International Golf Links on July 28, 2025 in Balmedie, Scotland. (Photo by Jane Barlow-WPA Pool/Getty Images)

UK secures £1.25bn US investment ahead of Trump’s visit

THE British government has announced over £1.25 billion ($1.69bn) in fresh investment from major US financial firms, including PayPal, Bank of America, Citigroup and S&P Global, ahead of a state visit by president Donald Trump.

The investment is expected to create 1,800 jobs across London, Edinburgh, Belfast and Manchester, and deepen transatlantic financial ties, the Department for Business and Trade said.

Keep ReadingShow less