Important for:

UPSC, Haryana HCS, Punjab PCS
Prelims: Nuclear energy, PHWR, SMR
Mains: GS Paper 2 & 3 — International Relations, Energy Security

Why in News?

A high-level US delegation is visiting India to explore new nuclear energy partnerships, following India’s recent reforms through the SHANTI Act.

What is the SHANTI Act?

➤ Full form:
Sustainable Harnessing of Nuclear Energy Regulations in India (SHANTI) Act, 2025

Key Features:

• Allows:
  → Private sector participation
• Expands scope:
  → Fuel management & operations
• Updates:
  → Liability framework

What is Changing in India’s Nuclear Sector?

Earlier:

• Dominated by:
  → Public sector

Now:

• Opening to:
  → Private players
  → Foreign collaboration

Technology Shift

1. PHWR (Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor)

• India’s traditional technology

2. LWR (Light Water Reactor)

• Widely used globally

3. SMR (Small Modular Reactor)

• Smaller, flexible, cost-effective
• Future of nuclear energy

Why India Needs This

1. Energy Security

• Reduce dependence on fossil fuels

2. Base Load Power

• Reliable continuous energy

3. Climate Goals

• Low-carbon energy source

India–US Cooperation

• Technology transfer
• Investment opportunities
• Strategic partnership

Concerns & Challenges

• Nuclear liability issues
• Safety concerns
• Cost of infrastructure
• Public perception

Key Insight for UPSC

→ Energy transition requires:

✔ Policy reform + global cooperation

PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q1. SHANTI Act relates to:

A. Agriculture
B. Nuclear energy
C. Trade
D. Transport

✅ Answer: B

Q2. PHWR uses:

A. Light water
B. Heavy water
C. Air
D. Coal

✅ Answer: B

Q3. SMR stands for:

A. Small Modular Reactor
B. Solar Machine Reactor
C. Safe Modular Reactor
D. None

✅ Answer: A

Q4. Nuclear energy helps in:

A. Increasing emissions
B. Reducing emissions
C. Increasing imports
D. Trade

✅ Answer: B

Q5. India-US nuclear ties relate to:

A. Agriculture
B. Energy cooperation
C. Trade
D. Tourism

✅ Answer: B

CBL Mains Practice Question

“India’s nuclear energy expansion requires both domestic reforms and international cooperation.” Discuss.

FAQs

1. What is the SHANTI Act?

A law reforming India’s nuclear energy sector.

2. What is SMR?

Small modular nuclear reactors.

3. Why is nuclear energy important?

It provides clean and reliable power.

4. Why is the US involved?

For technology and investment collaboration.

5. Which GS papers cover this?

GS2 and GS3.