Latest news with #BharatSmallModularReactors
The Print
5 days ago
- Business
- The Print
Low-cost finance, leveraging private sector key to improve feasibility of n-projects: PK Mishra
Citing the successful opening of the space sector, Mishra said similar initiatives are envisaged for atomic energy, which is essential for clean energy and national security. Addressing the 68th batch of scientific officers at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre Training School, Mishra encouraged researchers to innovate in cost reduction strategies to make nuclear energy India's preferred power source. Mumbai, Jul 25 (PTI) Timely completion, access to low-cost finance, and leveraging private sector capabilities are key to lowering tariffs and improving feasibility of nuclear projects, P K Mishra, principal secretary to the prime minister, said here on Friday. He underscored the societal impact of nuclear energy and cited the use of radio isotopes for cancer care, and radiation technologies for wastewater treatment and agriculture storage. The government had sanctioned 50 multi-product food irradiation units for the MSME sector under the 2024-25 Union Budget, Mishra said. Irradiation facilities in 12 states were enhancing shelf-life and ensuring compliance with international phytosanitary standards for food products such as fruits, spices, pulses, and herbs, he added. Mishra also urged the scientific community to commercialise spin-off technologies emerging from research labs. Nuclear energy presents a major opportunity for sustainable growth and clean power in response to climate challenges, he said. Mishra called for revisiting regulatory mechanisms and investing in further safety-related research, especially as private sector participation expands. He emphasised that public confidence in safety standards must be a top priority. Mishra also highlighted the key announcements from the Budget 2024-25 such as R and D support for Bharat Small Modular Reactors and advanced nuclear technologies and a targeted expansion to 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047, with proposed amendments to relevant legislations enabling private sector participation. PTI SKU ARI This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise quiz : Environment and Geography MCQs on Etalin hydel project, UNFCCC secretariat, biostimulants and more (Week 120)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on Environment and Geography to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for July 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Consider the following statements: 1. When SO2 is released into the atmosphere, it usually reacts with oxygen to produce ammonium sulfate. 2. Exposure to PM2.5 can lead to chronic diseases. 3. Direct exposure to high levels of SO2 can increase the risk of heart attacks. 4. Carbon monoxide contributes to the formation of acid rain. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Explanation — The Environment Ministry exempted the majority of India's coal-based thermal plants from installing systems that are designed to remove sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions, a key contributor to air pollution. — Once released into the atmosphere, SO2 usually reacts with ammonia (NH3) to produce ammonium sulfate, which is responsible for roughly one-third of India's fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution, according to recent research by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). Hence, statement 1 is not correct. — PM2.5 is injurious to human health as it can lead to chronic diseases such as asthma, heart attack, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems. Hence, statement 2 is correct. — Direct exposure to high levels of SO2 can irritate the eyes, throat, and lungs. Long-term exposure can result in increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and premature death, according to CREA. Hence, statement 3 is correct. — SO2 also affects the environment as it contributes to the formation of acid rain, which can damage ecosystems. Carbon monoxide (CO) does not contribute to the formation of acid rain. Hence, statement 4 is not correct. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. Consider the following statements: 1. India aims to install 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based electricity capacity by 2040. 2. Presently, India has more than 10 operating nuclear reactors. 3. In 2024, almost 10 GW of renewable energy was installed in India, which was less than in 2023. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 3 only Explanation — India aims to install 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based electricity capacity by 2030. Hence, statement 1 is not correct. — Many of India's ten nuclear reactors are projected to be active during this timeframe, tripling the current capacity to around 17 GW by 2030. The Bharat Small Modular Reactors, which India is developing, are unlikely to succeed at this time. — The operation phase of a nuclear power station is typically the longest stage of its life cycle. Currently, India has 22 operational reactors with an installed capacity of 6780 MWe. Eighteen of these reactors are Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), while four are Light Water Reactors (LWRs). Hence, statement 2 is correct. — In 2024, almost 30 GW of renewable energy was installed, the maximum for any year. Of this, solar energy stood at nearly 24 GW. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. (Other Source: Karewa formations are associated with: (a) Valley of Flowers (b) Western Ghats (c) Patkai Range (d) Kashmir Valley Explanation — According to a new study, the natural upliftment of the Pir Panjal ranges about four million years ago contributed to the Kashmir valley's current Mediterranean-type climate. — Kashmir, nicknamed the 'Switzerland of the East,' has warm summers and harsh, rainy winters. The main source of groundwater and waterbody replenishment in the Valley is snow or rainfall during the winter, which is related with passing streams of western disturbances. Winter in the Valley peaks between mid-December and January. — The elevation of the Pir Panjal range, commonly known as the Lesser Himalayas, formed an orographic barrier, preventing moisture-laden summer monsoon winds from reaching the Valley. It eventually led to the formation of a Mediterranean-type climate. — Researchers from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP) and the University of Kashmir's Department of Earth Sciences recreated the Valley's palaeoclimatic history using leaf sediments from the Karewa formations. — Karewa formations are distinctive high tablelands found in the India's Kashmir Valley. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. With reference to the proposed Etalin hydel project in Dibang valley, consider the following statements: 1. It has been proposed as a run-of-the-river project on the Dri and Talo rivers. 2. The project will be constructed in Assam. 3. The project is based on the Teesta River. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — An expert panel of the Union environment ministry is slated to consider next week environmental clearance for the 3,087-MW Etalin hydel project in Dibang valley, Arunachal Pradesh, days after China officially kick-started work on the world's largest hydroelectric project (of 60 gigawatt) on the Yarlung Zangbo river upstream of India. Hence, statements 2 and 3 are not correct. — Etalin has been proposed as a run-of-the-river project on the Dri and Talo rivers, involving the construction of concrete gravity dams to divert water through two separate waterway systems. A run-of-the-river project involves negligible or no water storage. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — The Dri and Talo rivers are tributaries of the Dibang river, which feeds into Brahmaputra's waters. China's project has raised concerns that it will affect the water regime and security in the Brahmaputra basin downstream. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), consider the following statements: 1. The scheme was launched by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying in 2016. 2. The scheme focuses on enhancing aquaculture productivity and improving fisheries management. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation — With stagnant revenues from the typical wheat-paddy cycle and rising inflation, many Punjab farmers are diversifying into fish farming in addition to conventional agriculture, and reaping significant rewards. Fish farming in Punjab, once thought to be a marginal activity, has undergone a quiet revolution in the last five years, emerging not only as a key pillar of agricultural diversification but also as a lucrative alternative source of income for thousands of farmers. — The government is also supporting this shift by providing subsidies under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) launched in 2020. Since 2020-21, Punjab's fish production has increased by over 35,000 tonnes, worth around Rs 500 crore, in the past five years, while the total production amounts to over 2 lakh tonnes, now worth Rs 2,600 crore to Rs 3,000 crore. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) — The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), which began in May 2020, is a major effort aimed at reforming India's fisheries sector. Hence, statement 1 is not correct. — The program aims to increase aquaculture productivity, improve fisheries management, and create 55 lakh new employment in the sector, as well as make significant infrastructure improvements by developing five integrated aquaparks. Hence, statement 2 is correct. — It also plans to double fisheries exports to 1 lakh crores. One of the primary goals of PMMSY is to raise aquaculture productivity from 3 to 5 tonnes per hectare. — It also intends to improve fish farming infrastructure and minimise seafood production waste. In addition, the scheme places a heavy emphasis on sustainable practices, ensuring that the sector's growth does not jeopardise the environment. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. (Other Source: With reference to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) secretariat, consider the following statements: 1. The UNFCCC secretariat was established in 1992 and is currently located in Geneva, Switzerland. 2. It supports the implementation of the UNFCCC, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement. 3. It maintains the registry for Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. 4. It only works with governments and does not engage with non-Party stakeholders like businesses and civil society. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 2, 3, and 4 only Explanation — UNFCCC secretariat was established in 1992, it is currently located in Bonn, Germany, not Geneva (it was originally in Geneva until 1996). Hence, statement 1 is not correct. — The secretariat indeed supports the implementation of the Convention, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement, as stated in the passage. Hence, statement 2 is correct. — The secretariat maintains the registry for Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which is a core aspect of implementing the Paris Agreement. Hence, statement 3 is correct. — The secretariat does work with non-Party stakeholders, including businesses, cities, and civil society groups, especially through the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action and regional Climate Weeks. Hence, statement 4 is not correct. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. With reference to biostimulants in agriculture, consider the following statements: 1. Biostimulants are substances that provide essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to crops. 2. Biostimulants help improve plant growth, yield, and stress tolerance. 3. Biostimulants are now regulated under the Fertiliser (Control) Order, 1985. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Explanation — Biostimulants are substances or microorganisms that stimulate natural processes in plants to enhance nutrient uptake, growth, yield, and stress tolerance. Hence, statement 2 is correct. — They do not supply nutrients directly like traditional fertilisers (e.g., NPK), but instead support plant physiology. Hence, statement 1 is not correct. — Biostimulants are now covered under the Fertiliser Control Order 1985 bringing them under the same legal framework as fertilisers. Hence, statement 3 is correct. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. Who received the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement in 2025? (a) Madhav Gadgil (b) Rashid Sumaila (c) Gretchen C. Daily and Pavan Sukhdev (d) Sandra Díaz and Eduardo Brondízio Explanation — The Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement 2025 was awarded to Sandra Díaz and Eduardo Brondizio. According to — The Tyler Prize is the world's most prestigious annual environmental prize. Often referred to as the 'green Nobel Prize', it was the first prize of its kind to be awarded in the field of environmental science. It is administered by The University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 118) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 120) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 120) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 120) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 119) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 119) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. Manas Srivastava is currently working as Senior Copy Editor with The Indian Express (digital) and leads a unique initiative of IE - UPSC Essentials. He majorly writes on UPSC, other competitive exams and education-related projects. In the past, Manas has represented India at the G-20 Youth Summit in Mexico. He is a former member of the Youth Council, GOI. A two-time topper/gold medallist in History (both in graduation and post-graduation) from Delhi University, he has mentored and taught UPSC aspirants for more than five years. His diverse role in The Indian Express consists of writing, editing, anchoring/ hosting, interviewing experts, and curating and simplifying news for the benefit of students. He hosts the YouTube talk show called 'Art and Culture with Devdutt Pattanaik' and a LIVE series on Instagram and YouTube called 'LIVE with Manas'.His talks on 'How to read a newspaper' focus on newspaper reading as an essential habit for students. His articles and videos aim at finding solutions to the general queries of students and hence he believes in being students' editor, preparing them not just for any exam but helping them to become informed citizens. This is where he makes his teaching profession meet journalism. He is also the editor of UPSC Essentials' monthly magazine for the aspirants. He is a recipient of the Dip Chand Memorial Award, the Lala Ram Mohan Prize and Prof. Papiya Ghosh Memorial Prize for academic excellence. He was also awarded the University's Post-Graduate Scholarship for pursuing M.A. in History where he chose to specialise in Ancient India due to his keen interest in Archaeology. He has also successfully completed a Certificate course on Women's Studies by the Women's Studies Development Centre, DU. As a part of N.S.S in the past, Manas has worked with national and international organisations and has shown keen interest and active participation in Social Service. He has led and been a part of projects involving areas such as gender sensitisation, persons with disability, helping slum dwellers, environment, adopting our heritage programme. He has also presented a case study on 'Psychological stress among students' at ICSQCC- Sri Lanka. As a compere for seminars and other events he likes to keep his orating hobby alive. His interests also lie in International Relations, Governance, Social issues, Essays and poetry. ... Read More
Time of India
20-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
India will address concerns of private sector on investments in civil nuclear segment: Minister
India will be able to address the apprehensions of the private sector globally about investments in the civil nuclear sector, which was opened up to achieve the ambitious target of producing 100 GW atomic power by 2047, Union Minister Jitendra Singh has asserted. Singh, who oversees the Department of Atomic Energy , said changes in relevant rules and legislations will have to be made to facilitate the entry of the private sector in the field of nuclear energy, which currently is under tight control of the government. "The announcement has already been made in the Union Budget, but we will have to frame rules, also possible legislation to actually move on, which will take a lot of consideration, a lot of introspection," Singh told PTI in an exclusive video interview. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her budget speech in February, announced the government's intention to amend key legislation, including the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, to facilitate private sector involvement. Currently, the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), Bhartiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI) and NPCIL-NTPC joint venture company Anushakti Vidyut Nigam Limited (ASHVINI) can build nuclear power plants in the country. Scientists at the DAE are also developing the Bharat Small Modular Reactors ranging from 50 MW to 300 MW each for installation in thermal plants which have completed their operational life. Singh said the legislative changes to the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act are aimed at addressing the concerns of the private sector that has been reluctant to invest in the nuclear power segment. "It is just that the suppliers, most of them private and most of them from the other countries, had their own apprehensions from a business point of view. I am sure in the course of time, we will be able to address that also, able to satisfy them and reassure them to venture in," Singh, the Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, said. Singh said the decision to open up the nuclear sector for private participation was more difficult than unleashing space sector reforms. "It has been possible only because of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's personal indulgence. Even the nuclear sector stakeholders are conditioned to work behind a veil of secrecy. They feel now this is the norm," he said. The minister said opening up the nuclear sector was crucial to realise the aim of India becoming a developed nation by 2047 and emerging as the top ranking economy globally. "If we have to realise this goal, our strategy has to be global. Because we are going to meet the global benchmarks. So global strategies require us to move in an integrated fashion, devoid of silos. And, therefore, we are now following the same course as it has been followed by the other developed countries," Singh said. The minister said the government had tried to address the apprehensions voiced by the foreign suppliers who had been allocated sites to develop nuclear power parks at Jaitapur in Maharashtra, Mithi Virdi in Gujarat and Kovvada in Andhra Pradesh about the liability laws. "India's position was very clear, but somehow there is some scepticism on the part of the suppliers. Soon after this government came, we made it abundantly clear, not once but more than once, that this is a misplaced apprehension," he said. The minister said in case of an incident, the first onus will be on the operator of the plant and then on the supplier and after a certain limit the insurance pool will come to the rescue. He said India is also signatory to the Convention of Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage of those parties which are part of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Currently, India produces 8780 MWe of nuclear power and plans to scale it up to 22,480 MW by 2031-32.
The Hindu
20-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
India will address concerns of private sector on investments in civil nuclear segment: Minister
India will be able to address the apprehensions of the private sector globally about investments in the civil nuclear sector, which was opened up to achieve the ambitious target of producing 100 GW of atomic power by 2047, Union Minister Jitendra Singh has asserted. Mr. Singh, who oversees the Department of Atomic Energy, said changes in relevant rules and legislations will have to be made to facilitate the entry of the private sector in the field of nuclear energy, which currently is under tight control of the government. "The announcement has already been made in the Union Budget, but we will have to frame rules, also possible legislation to actually move on, which will take a lot of consideration, a lot of introspection," Mr. Singh told PTI in an exclusive video interview. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her budget speech in February, announced the government's intention to amend key legislation, including the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, to facilitate private sector involvement. Currently, the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), Bhartiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI) and NPCIL-NTPC joint venture company Anushakti Vidyut Nigam Limited (ASHVINI) can build nuclear power plants in the country. Scientists at the DAE are also developing the Bharat Small Modular Reactors ranging from 50 MW to 300 MW each for installation in thermal plants which have completed their operational life. Mr. Singh said the legislative changes to the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act are aimed at addressing the concerns of the private sector that has been reluctant to invest in the nuclear power segment. "It is just that the suppliers, most of them private and most of them from the other countries, had their own apprehensions from a business point of view. I am sure in the course of time, we will be able to address that also, able to satisfy them and reassure them to venture in," Mr. Singh, the Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, said. Mr. Singh said the decision to open up the nuclear sector for private participation was more difficult than unleashing space sector reforms. "It has been possible only because of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's personal indulgence. Even the nuclear sector stakeholders are conditioned to work behind a veil of secrecy. They feel now this is the norm," he said. The Minister said opening up the nuclear sector was crucial to realise the aim of India becoming a developed nation by 2047 and emerging as the top ranking economy globally. "If we have to realise this goal, our strategy has to be global. Because we are going to meet the global benchmarks. So global strategies require us to move in an integrated fashion, devoid of silos. And, therefore, we are now following the same course as it has been followed by the other developed countries," Mr. Singh said. The Minister said the government had tried to address the apprehensions voiced by the foreign suppliers who had been allocated sites to develop nuclear power parks at Jaitapur in Maharashtra, Mithi Virdi in Gujarat and Kovvada in Andhra Pradesh about the liability laws. "India's position was very clear, but somehow there is some scepticism on the part of the suppliers. Soon after this government came, we made it abundantly clear, not once but more than once, that this is a misplaced apprehension," he said. The Minister said in case of an incident, the first onus will be on the operator of the plant and then on the supplier and after a certain limit the insurance pool will come to the rescue. He said India is also signatory to the Convention of Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage of those parties which are part of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Currently, India produces 8780 MWe of nuclear power and plans to scale it up to 22,480 MW by 2031-32.
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Business Standard
20-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Govt to address pvt sector concerns on nuclear investment: Jitendra Singh
India will be able to address the apprehensions of the private sector globally about investments in the civil nuclear sector, which was opened up to achieve the ambitious target of producing 100 GW atomic power by 2047, Union Minister Jitendra Singh has asserted. Singh, who oversees the Department of Atomic Energy, said changes in relevant rules and legislations will have to be made to facilitate the entry of the private sector in the field of nuclear energy, which currently is under tight control of the government. "The announcement has already been made in the Union Budget, but we will have to frame rules, also possible legislation to actually move on, which will take a lot of consideration, a lot of introspection," Singh told PTI in an exclusive video interview. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her budget speech in February, announced the government's intention to amend key legislation, including the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, to facilitate private sector involvement. Currently, the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), Bhartiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI) and NPCIL-NTPC joint venture company Anushakti Vidyut Nigam Limited (ASHVINI) can build nuclear power plants in the country. Scientists at the DAE are also developing the Bharat Small Modular Reactors ranging from 50 MW to 300 MW each for installation in thermal plants which have completed their operational life. Singh said the legislative changes to the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act are aimed at addressing the concerns of the private sector that has been reluctant to invest in the nuclear power segment. "It is just that the suppliers, most of them private and most of them from the other countries, had their own apprehensions from a business point of view. I am sure in the course of time, we will be able to address that also, able to satisfy them and reassure them to venture in," Singh, the Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, said. Singh said the decision to open up the nuclear sector for private participation was more difficult than unleashing space sector reforms. "It has been possible only because of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's personal indulgence. Even the nuclear sector stakeholders are conditioned to work behind a veil of secrecy. They feel now this is the norm," he said. The minister said opening up the nuclear sector was crucial to realise the aim of India becoming a developed nation by 2047 and emerging as the top ranking economy globally. "If we have to realise this goal, our strategy has to be global. Because we are going to meet the global benchmarks. So global strategies require us to move in an integrated fashion, devoid of silos. And, therefore, we are now following the same course as it has been followed by the other developed countries," Singh said. The minister said the government had tried to address the apprehensions voiced by the foreign suppliers who had been allocated sites to develop nuclear power parks at Jaitapur in Maharashtra, Mithi Virdi in Gujarat and Kovvada in Andhra Pradesh about the liability laws. "India's position was very clear, but somehow there is some scepticism on the part of the suppliers. Soon after this government came, we made it abundantly clear, not once but more than once, that this is a misplaced apprehension," he said. The minister said in case of an incident, the first onus will be on the operator of the plant and then on the supplier and after a certain limit the insurance pool will come to the rescue. He said India is also signatory to the Convention of Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage of those parties which are part of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Currently, India produces 8780 MWe of nuclear power and plans to scale it up to 22,480 MW by 2031-32.
