Latest news with #Marham
Hans India
23-07-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Menstrual wellness: Meet held on promoting eco-friendly alternatives to sanitary pads
Hyderabad: In a vibrant and eye-opening event held at St. Ann's College for Women, students came together to challenge a topic long shrouded in silence — menstrual waste and its devastating impact on human health and the environment. Titled 'Period. Planet. Power, the initiative aims to break taboos while addressing an urgent reality: conventional sanitary pads are loaded with plastic, equivalent to nearly 4 plastic bags per pad, and take centuries to decompose. With over 1,00,000 tonnes of menstrual waste generated annually in India alone, the need for eco-friendly, body-safe alternatives has never been more critical. The event is part of the 'No Plastic on Private' campaign — a powerful initiative led by Dr. Manjula Anagani, renowned gynecologist and Padma Shri awardee. The spread of this crucial concept was supported by Dr. Nabat Lakhani, founder of NGO Marham, which works extensively on women's health and menstrual awareness, the 95 Mirchi Hyderabad Team and the Rotaract. Plastic pads don't just harm the Earth — they may harm us. The synthetic materials, bleaches, and chemicals used in many disposable pads have been linked to rashes, irritation, and potential long-term health concerns. Meanwhile, the improper disposal of these products continues to pollute our soil, water, and air. Speaking at the event Dr. Manjula said, 'The movement 'No POP' was inspired by my growing concern over the increasing health issues I observed in women, many of which were linked to the harmful effects of plastics in sanitary products. Conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, and even endometrial cancers have been on the rise, often fuelled by exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) found in these products. It's a call to prioritise well-being over convenience, encouraging women to adopt products that are free from harmful chemicals and plastic waste.' Dr. Nabat Lakhani speaking about the initiative said, 'As a healthcare professional and a woman, I see firsthand how silent suffering and environmental damage are hidden in something as natural as menstruation. Through the 'No Plastic on Private' initiative, we're not just talking about periods — we're talking about choices. Healthier, safer, and more sustainable ones. I firmly believe there is no better place to begin than with our youth — bold, aware, and ready to lead the change'. This engaging and youth-driven event brought these facts to light — not through fear, but through fun, facts, and fearless conversation. From humorous analogies to real-world statistics, the session encouraged students to rethink period products, explore healthier alternatives like cloth pads, menstrual cups, period panties, and biodegradable pads, and become advocates for menstrual sustainability. Students of St. Ann's College showed spirited participation, sharing their views, busting myths, and pledging to become part of a growing wave of eco-conscious menstruators. The event was a bold step toward empowering young women to take charge of their health and their planet — one pad at a time.
The Guardian
28-06-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
‘Are we safe, if nuclear weapons are here?': trepidation in Norfolk village over new jets
The genteel west Norfolk village of Marham does not seem to be at the forefront of Britain's military might. A dance class is about to start in the village hall, a game of crown green bowls is under way and swallows are swooping around the medieval church tower as wood pigeons coo. 'It's a lovely, quiet little village,' says Nona Bourne as she watches another end of bowls in a match between Marham and nearby Massingham. Like many, Bourne is troubled by the news that this week thrust Marham to the frontline of UK's nuclear arsenal, in the biggest expansion of the programme for a generation. Without consultation, RAF Marham is to be equipped with new F-35A jets capable of carrying warheads with three times the explosive power of the bomb dropped on Hiroshima. Bourne said: 'When they spread it all over the news that these planes are going to come here from America with these bombs, it makes you think we're going to be targeted. My bungalow is five minutes from the base.' The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament is planning a protest in Marham on Saturday. Bourne, whose son-in-law used to work at the base, is tempted to take part. 'I might join in,' she says. 'My daughter says we've always been a target here, but I am concerned. If I was younger I'd think about moving, but I'm 83, I'm not going anywhere.' Sisters Becky, 29, and Katherine Blakie, 31, are heading to a friend's house for a plunge in their hot tub. 'I read about the weapons on Facebook,' says Becky. 'It's strange to think they'll be here in little old Marham.' Becky, who works in fundraising, is annoyed that the village was not consulted about the decision. She says: 'Marham and the RAF base are intertwined so we should definitely have had a say.' Katherine, a medical student, says: 'It makes you think, 'Are we safe, if people know nuclear weapons are here?'' At this stage it is unclear where the nuclear warheads will be housed, but new jets to be based at Marham have the capacity to drop them. Wherever they are stored, the fear Marham will be a target is widespread in the village. 'Look what happened at Pearl Harbor,' says Patricia Gordon after finishing her bowls match. 'We'd be obliterated here.' She adds: 'And with Donald Trump's finger on the button, does it matter that we've got nuclear weapons or not?' But her partner, Bruce Townsend, 77, a retired lorry driver, thinks the nuclear deterrent works. He says: 'You can't give up nuclear weapons. Iran, and those countries, know damn well that if they start anything, they'll just get wiped out.' He adds: 'I feel the same about the protest as I did about people who tried to ban the bomb. It's stupid. They can't change it.' It is the men in Marham who seem more relaxed about the prospect of nuclear-armed planes on their doorstep. Chris Joice, a carer who used to work at the base, says: 'We've had F-35s for so many years, and having the next model isn't going to make much difference.' Joice is out walking a friend's dog, Millie, who has an RAF roundel pendant strapped to her collar. He is concerned about the lack of consultation: 'I'm just annoyed that all these decisions go ahead and the common man doesn't have a single word in.' He adds: 'No one needs that kind of firepower. I'd rather people rolled dice to settle their beefs.' Others are more full-throated in their support. Jim Smith, 79, a retired construction worker, remembers nuclear weapons at the base in the 1950s. 'They had them up there in 1958 or 59 when they had the V bombers. It stopped a world war then. And it's no different now.' A man on a bike who would only give his name as John recently retired as a grounds maintenance worker at the base. He says: 'They're never going to attack us. It would be Armageddon if it comes to that. So it doesn't make a shite's worth of difference worrying about it.' He adds: 'I don't mind protest, I'm a biker so I'm all about freedom, but I've got better things to do. People protesting here don't live in the real world, they should worry instead about people sleeping on the streets in King's Lynn.' Colin Callaby, 64, is out picking cherries from a tree in the middle of the village. The cherries, which he plans to turn into wine, are the sweetest he has ever known. 'We're right in the firing line,' he says, 'but if there's going to be a nuclear bomb we're all done for so I'd rather be right underneath it and die instantly than be 50 miles away and take weeks to die from radiation.' He adds: 'It's very sad that mankind has got to spend billions of pounds on mass destruction and we can't do something better with that money. But what can you do?'
The Guardian
28-06-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
‘Are we safe, if nuclear weapons are here?': trepidation in Norfolk village over new jets
The genteel west Norfolk village of Marham does not seem to be at the forefront of Britain's military might. A dance class is about to start in the village hall, a game of crown green bowls is under way and swallows are swooping around the medieval church tower as wood pigeons coo. 'It's a lovely, quiet little village,' says Nona Bourne as she watches another end of bowls in a match between Marham and nearby Massingham. Like many, Bourne is troubled by the news that this week thrust Marham to the frontline of UK's nuclear arsenal, in the biggest expansion of the programme for a generation. Without consultation, RAF Marham is to be equipped with new F-35A jets capable of carrying warheads with three times the explosive power of the bomb dropped on Hiroshima. Bourne said: 'When they spread it all over the news that these planes are going to come here from America with these bombs, it makes you think we're going to be targeted. My bungalow is five minutes from the base.' The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament is planning a protest in Marham on Saturday. Bourne, whose son-in-law used to work at the base, is tempted to take part. 'I might join in,' she says. 'My daughter says we've always been a target here, but I am concerned. If I was younger I'd think about moving, but I'm 83, I'm not going anywhere.' Sisters Becky, 29, and Katherine Blakie, 31, are heading to a friend's house for a plunge in their hot tub. 'I read about the weapons on Facebook,' says Becky. 'It's strange to think they'll be here in little old Marham.' Becky, who works in fundraising, is annoyed that the village was not consulted about the decision. She says: 'Marham and the RAF base are intertwined so we should definitely have had a say.' Katherine, a medical student, says: 'It makes you think, 'Are we safe, if people know nuclear weapons are here?'' At this stage it is unclear where the nuclear warheads will be housed, but new jets to be based at Marham have the capacity to drop them. Wherever they are stored, the fear Marham will be a target is widespread in the village. 'Look what happened at Pearl Harbor,' says Patricia Gordon after finishing her bowls match. 'We'd be obliterated here.' She adds: 'And with Donald Trump's finger on the button, does it matter that we've got nuclear weapons or not?' But her partner, Bruce Townsend, 77, a retired lorry driver, thinks the nuclear deterrent works. He says: 'You can't give up nuclear weapons. Iran, and those countries, know damn well that if they start anything, they'll just get wiped out.' He adds: 'I feel the same about the protest as I did about people who tried to ban the bomb. It's stupid. They can't change it.' It is the men in Marham who seem more relaxed about the prospect of nuclear-armed planes on their doorstep. Chris Joice, a carer who used to work at the base, says: 'We've had F-35s for so many years, and having the next model isn't going to make much difference.' Joice is out walking a friend's dog, Millie, who has an RAF roundel pendant strapped to her collar. He is concerned about the lack of consultation: 'I'm just annoyed that all these decisions go ahead and the common man doesn't have a single word in.' He adds: 'No one needs that kind of firepower. I'd rather people rolled dice to settle their beefs.' Others are more full-throated in their support. Jim Smith, 79, a retired construction worker, remembers nuclear weapons at the base in the 1950s. 'They had them up there in 1958 or 59 when they had the V bombers. It stopped a world war then. And it's no different now.' A man on a bike who would only give his name as John recently retired as a grounds maintenance worker at the base. He says: 'They're never going to attack us. It would be Armageddon if it comes to that. So it doesn't make a shite's worth of difference worrying about it.' He adds: 'I don't mind protest, I'm a biker so I'm all about freedom, but I've got better things to do. People protesting here don't live in the real world, they should worry instead about people sleeping on the streets in King's Lynn.' Colin Callaby, 64, is out picking cherries from a tree in the middle of the village. The cherries, which he plans to turn into wine, are the sweetest he has ever known. 'We're right in the firing line,' he says, 'but if there's going to be a nuclear bomb we're all done for so I'd rather be right underneath it and die instantly than be 50 miles away and take weeks to die from radiation.' He adds: 'It's very sad that mankind has got to spend billions of pounds on mass destruction and we can't do something better with that money. But what can you do?'
Euronews
25-06-2025
- Business
- Euronews
UK to buy 12 fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear weapons
The UK will buy 12 F-35A fighter planes that can carry nuclear warheads in the biggest strengthening of the country's nuclear deterrent for a generation, the British government has said. The move, which was announced to coincide with the NATO summit in the Netherlands, will give Britain's Royal Air Force a role in the UK's nuclear programme for the first time since the 1990s, when defence cuts were made following the end of the Cold War. Currently, the country's nuclear deterrent is limited to a fleet of four nuclear-armed submarines. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer explained that the decision to purchase the US-built warplanes was both a boost to the country's national security and a sign of its commitment to NATO at a time of 'rising nuclear risks'. 'In an era of radical uncertainty we can no longer take peace for granted, which is why my government is investing in our national security,' Starmer said. 'The UK's commitment to NATO is unquestionable, as is the alliance's contribution to keeping the UK safe and secure, but we must all step up to protect the Euro-Atlantic area for generations to come,' he added. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte 'strongly' welcomed the announcement. 'This is yet another robust British contribution to NATO,' he said. It is not immediately clear when the UK will purchase the jets, which will allow the UK to contribute to NATO's dual-capable aircraft (DCA) capability. Only a small number of NATO members, including Belgium and Germany, currently have the required jets and training to carry US-provided nuclear weapons. Britain's decision to bolster its air force comes as part of a European drive to increase defence spending, amid threats from Russia and concerns that the US will play a reduced role in the continent's security. To appease US President Donald Trump, many European countries are expected to agree to spend 5% of their GDP on defence by 2035. However, some nations have expressed unease, with Spain calling the deadline 'unreasonable'. Belgium has also indicated that it is unlikely to reach the target. Britain's new F-35A planes will be housed at RAF Marham, an air base in Norfolk, the UK government said.
The Sun
24-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
RAF pilots will get NUCLEAR bombers for first time in 30 years as Keir Starmer says UK must prepare for threat of war
RAF Top Guns will get nuclear bombers for the first time in 30 years — after PM Sir Keir Starmer said we must prepare for possible war. The F-35As will be based at RAF Marham in Norfolk, which housed Britain's air-launched nuclear weapons until 1998. 4 That was the year then— PM Tony Blair scrapped Britain's air-launched bomb, the WE-177. The new B-61 bombs, made by US -firm Lockheed Martin, can take out small areas — unlike Trident 2 missiles on Britain's submarines which can obliterate whole cities. The F-35As can also carry conventional weapons. The announcement came as a new National Security Strategy warned: 'For the first time in many years, we have to actively prepare for the possibility of the UK homeland coming under direct threat, potentially in a wartime scenario.' The Government said the jets would support Nato's nuclear mission. Ahead of today's Nato summit in The Hague, Sir Keir said: 'In an era of radical uncertainty we can no longer take peace for granted, which is why my Government is investing in our national security.' The strategy highlighted Russia's invasion of Ukraine as the most pressing example. It added: 'Some adversaries are laying the foundations for future conflict, positioning themselves to move quickly to cause major disruption to our energy and/or supply chains, to deter us from standing up to their aggression.' The new plan focuses on three areas — protecting the UK at home, working with allies to strengthen global security, and rebuilding Britain's defence industries and technological capabilities. RAF planes SABOTAGED by protesters in 'grotesque' security breach at UK military base The F-35 deal supports more than 20,000 UK jobs, with British firms making 15 per cent of the supply chain. The UK is expected to buy 138 F-35s in total from the US government, with the A variant offering savings of up to 25 per cent per aircraft compared to the B models already in service. Nato chief Mark Rutte called the announcement 'yet another robust British contribution to Nato'. The UK is also building 12 new nuclear submarines, and investing £15billion in Britain's sovereign nuclear warhead programme. Ministers yesterday also said they will send 350 air defence missiles to Ukraine using £70million from seized Russian assets. The ASRAAMs can be fired from UK- supplied Raven launchers. Sir Keir is facing pressure to explain how we will meet the Nato target of spending five per cent of GDP on national security by 2035. 4 4 Prez praised By Martina Bet DONALD Trump was showered with praise by Nato boss Mark Rutte for the 'extraordinary' US raids on Iran, leaked messages reveal. Mr Rutte wrote: 'Congratulations and thank you for your decisive action. 'That was truly extraordinary and something no one else dared to do. It makes us all safer.' The former PM of the Netherlands also thanked the US President for forcing allies to promise to ramp up defence spending. He wrote: 'Europe is going to pay in a big way, as they should, and it will be your win.' The private text was shared by Mr Trump on his Truth Social platform.
