What is the common examiner trap about Science & Tech in UPSC exams?

Trap: Confusing domestic uranium grade (0.02-0.45%) with global average (1-2%), or misstating import dependency (over 70% not 50%). Also, mixing up stages of the nuclear programme or countries in the supply chain like Kazakhstan vs Canada.

What should UPSC aspirants remember about Science & Tech for Prelims?

1. Target this Data: 22 million pounds uranium supply from Canada (2027-2035) 2. Target this Nodal Body: Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) 3. Target this Strategic Goal: Increase nuclear capacity to 100 GW by 2047

International RelationsScience & Technology

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News 8 of 30

India's $1.9B Uranium Deal with Canada: 22M Pounds to Fuel Nuclear Expansion to 100 GW by 2047

Q: Which department is primarily responsible for India's nuclear energy programme as mentioned in the news article?

Department of Atomic Energy, The article explicitly mentions the Department of Atomic Energy in the context of the uranium deal with Canada. This department oversees India's nuclear power and research initiatives.

Q: Consider the following statements regarding the news: 1. India has signed a uranium supply deal with Canada for 22 million pounds worth $1.9 billion. 2. Domestic uranium deposits in India have an ore grade of about 1-2%, similar to the global average. 3. India's three-stage nuclear programme is currently in its third stage, using thorium as the main fuel. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Only 1, Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because domestic uranium grade is 0.02-0.45%, not 1-2%. Statement 3 is incorrect as the third stage using thorium is still distant, with current reactors in the first stage.

Q: According to the article, what is the target nuclear capacity India aims to achieve by 2047?

100 GW, The article states that India aims to increase installed nuclear capacity from the current 9GW to 100 GW by 2047. This is a key data point for energy policy questions.

Q: What is the primary reason for India's dependence on imported uranium as per the news article?

Low-grade and expensive domestic uranium, The article explains that domestic uranium deposits have low ore grades (0.02-0.45%) compared to the global average, making extraction costly, hence reliance on imports. Other options are not supported by the article.

Science & Tech Intl. Relations InfrastructureHIGH

Target:UPSC GS-IIIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains HighStatic GK Link

03 Mar 2026

~2 min

Source: Indian Express

Key Data:22 million pounds uranium$1.9 billion deal2027-2035 supply period9 GW to 100 GW nuclear capacity by 20470.02-0.45% domestic uranium grade

Bodies:Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)CamecoKazatompromUranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL)

Practice MCQs from today's news ▸

~2 min · Quick mode

What This Article Covers

1.India signs $1.9 billion uranium deal with Canadian company Cameco for 22 million pounds (10,000 tonnes) from 2027-2035.

2.India imports over 70% of its uranium due to low-grade domestic deposits (0.02-0.45% vs global 1-2%), making imports crucial for nuclear expansion.

3.India's three-stage nuclear programme aims for thorium-based energy, but current reactors rely on uranium imports, highlighting energy security challenges.

The Big Picture

Prelims · HighMains · High

India has secured a $1.9 billion uranium supply deal with Canada for 22 million pounds to power nuclear reactors from 2027-2035. This is critical for India's plan to increase nuclear capacity from 9GW to 100GW by 2047, despite low-grade domestic uranium. The deal also marks a normalization in bilateral relations and supports India's long-term three-stage nuclear programme.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Deal Value$1.9 billion (2.6 billion CAD)

Uranium Quantity22 million pounds (10,000 tonnes)

Supply Period2027-2035

Current Nuclear Capacity9 GW

Target Capacity by 2047100 GW

Domestic Uranium Grade0.02-0.45%

1-Minute Revision

›Deal Value: $1.9 billion (2.6 billion CAD)
›Uranium Quantity: 22 million pounds (10,000 tonnes)
›Target this Data: 22 million pounds uranium supply from Canada (2027-2035)
›Target this Nodal Body: Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)
›Target this Strategic Goal: Increase nuclear capacity to 100 GW by 2047

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News Snapshot

⚛️

Uranium Supply Deal

India signs $1.9B deal with Canada's Cameco for 22 million pounds of uranium from 2027-2035.

🔋

Nuclear Expansion Goal

India aims to increase nuclear capacity from 9GW to 100GW by 2047, requiring significant uranium imports.

🤝

Bilateral Normalization

The deal marks improved India-Canada relations, with nuclear cooperation dating back to the 1950s CIRUS reactor.

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

India's nuclear energy programme began in the 1950s with Canadian collaboration on the CIRUS reactor. Domestic uranium deposits have low ore grades (0.02-0.45% vs global 1-2%), making imports essential. Over 70% of uranium is imported, crucial for both energy and strategic weapons programmes, with domestic production being expensive.

Core Analysis & Implications

The deal with Cameco diversifies India's uranium supply, adding to imports from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Russia. It supports the goal to ramp up nuclear power 10x by 2047, but highlights dependency on imports. Domestic production is ramped up but will only meet 30% of future demand, emphasizing fuel security and cost challenges.

Future Outlook / Way Forward

India explores uranium deposits in 15 states and seeks agreements with countries like Australia and the US. The long-term vision is the three-stage nuclear programme using thorium, with a prototype fast-breeder reactor in Kalpakkam nearing operation, but progress is slow and thorium-based reactors are distant.

Key Facts at a Glance

Deal Value$1.9 billion (2.6 billion CAD)

Uranium Quantity22 million pounds (10,000 tonnes)

Supply Period2027-2035

Current Nuclear Capacity9 GW

Target Capacity by 2047100 GW

Domestic Uranium Grade0.02-0.45%

You've read the full analysis. Now test your understanding.

Practice exam-style questions based on this article.

Q1Static LinkageEasyUPSC, SSC, State PSC

Which department is primarily responsible for India's nuclear energy programme as mentioned in the news article?

Q2Statement-basedHardUPSC, SSC

Consider the following statements regarding the news:

1. India has signed a uranium supply deal with Canada for 22 million pounds worth $1.9 billion.

2. Domestic uranium deposits in India have an ore grade of about 1-2%, similar to the global average.

3. India's three-stage nuclear programme is currently in its third stage, using thorium as the main fuel.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMediumUPSC, SSC, Banking

According to the article, what is the target nuclear capacity India aims to achieve by 2047?

Q4Application/ImpactMediumUPSC, SSC, State PSC

What is the primary reason for India's dependence on imported uranium as per the news article?

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India's $1.9B Uranium Deal with Canada: 22M Pounds to Fuel Nuclear Expansion to 100 GW by 2047

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

1-Minute Revision

News Snapshot

Uranium Supply Deal

Nuclear Expansion Goal

Bilateral Normalization

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

Core Analysis & Implications

Future Outlook / Way Forward

Prelims Flashpoints

Key Facts at a Glance