US Nuclear Industry Delegation Engages India Post SHANTI Bill to Boost Private Sector Role in Nuclear Energy Projects

SHANTI Act Draft Rules Released: India Opens Nuclear Sector to Private Firms, Targets 100 GW by 2047

India has released draft rules for the SHANTI Act, opening the civil nuclear sector to private companies for the first time. The U.S. nuclear industry is preparing submissions by September 4. This is a major step towards India's target of 100 GW nuclear power by 2047 and development of indigenous Small Modular Reactors.

SHANTI Act Draft Rules Released: DAE Meets EDF for EPR Reactors, Targets 100 GWe Nuclear Capacity by 2047

India is opening its civil nuclear sector to private players under the SHANTI Act. DAE recently released draft rules for private participation and foreign reactor tech. A key meeting with French state-owned EDF discussed deploying EPR reactors and localising supply chains to meet the ambitious 100 GWe nuclear capacity target by 2047.

India-Bhutan Sign ₹4,000 Cr LoC; 12 New PTA Projects Under 13th FYP Approved

India and Bhutan reviewed development cooperation, signed a ₹4,000 crore concessional LoC, and approved 12 new PTA projects under Bhutan's 13th Five-Year Plan (2024-29). This reinforces India's position as Bhutan's largest development partner, with total support of ₹10,000 crore for the plan period.

Piyush Goyal Leads 200-Member Delegation to Japan; Focus on Semiconductors, AI & Clean Energy

Union Minister Piyush Goyal leads a 200-member delegation to Japan on a 4-day visit to boost bilateral trade, attract investments, and forge partnerships in semiconductors, AI, clean energy, and more. This visit coincides with the 50th India-Japan Business Cooperation Committee meeting and the 75th year of diplomatic relations, signaling deepening strategic ties.

US-Saudi Civil Nuclear Pact Submitted to Congress for 90-Day Review Under Atomic Energy Act

The US has submitted a civil nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia to Congress for a mandatory 90-day review under the Atomic Energy Act. The deal is tied to Saudi Arabia normalizing relations with Israel via the Abraham Accords, but faces hurdles due to Saudi demands for Palestinian statehood and Israeli opposition. This has implications for nuclear non-proliferation and Middle East geopolitics.

Nepal Floods 2026: 4 Transborder Disaster Lessons for India, China, Nepal on GLOF & Energy Security

A devastating flash flood in Nepal's Rasuwa district (Aug 2026), caused by a glacial collapse on the Chinese side, has killed hundreds and damaged over 15 hydro projects. The disaster exposes four critical lessons for India, China, and Nepal: borders do not contain natural disasters, transborder energy infrastructure is vulnerable, local disaster response is inadequate, and the Himalayan region lacks a unified climate policy. This has direct implications for India's disaster management framework, cross-border energy cooperation, and the need for a common climate governance mechanism.

INS Nipun Commissioned: Indian Navy's 2nd Nistar-class Diving Support Vessel Enhances Submarine Rescue Capability

INS Nipun, the Indian Navy's second Nistar-class Diving Support Vessel, was commissioned at Mumbai. Built indigenously by HSL, it enhances India's submarine rescue, deep-sea diving, and salvage capabilities, marking a step towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence.

PM Modi Announces Indian Space Station by 2035; BRICS Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam

India announced its own space station by 2035, marking a major milestone for ISRO. The 18th BRICS Summit begins in New Delhi (Sept 12-13, 2026) with Chinese President Xi Jinping visiting India after 7 years. Other key developments include Indian Railways' highest-ever daily PRS bookings (22 lakh+), Brent crude crossing $100/barrel, and NEET PG 2026 response sheets to be released by NBEMS.