India's Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam Attains Criticality, Advancing Stage-II of Nuclear Programme

Parliamentary Panel Recommends MDO Entry in Uranium Mining; India's 3-Stage Nuclear Plan to Thorium

The Parliamentary Committee on Atomic Energy has recommended allowing Mine Developer-cum-Operator (MDO) participation in uranium mining under DAE oversight to meet India's growing fuel demand for indigenous PHWRs. India currently imports uranium from Kazakhstan, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Canada, and aims to expand nuclear capacity from 8.7 GWe to 100 GWe by 2047. The three-stage nuclear program aims to transition from uranium to thorium for long-term energy self-sufficiency.

Anil Kakodkar Advocates Early Thorium Shift in PHWR Fleet for India’s 100 GWe Nuclear Mission by 2047

India's top nuclear scientist Anil Kakodkar urges early introduction of thorium-based fuel in India's indigenous PHWR fleet to accelerate utilisation of the world's largest thorium reserves. This strategic shift, using HALEU-thorium fuel without major design changes, aims to reduce uranium import dependency and achieve the 100 GWe nuclear mission by 2047.

Kudankulam Nuclear Reactor Costs Surge 55%: Impact on India's Nuclear Expansion Plans

Cost of four under-construction nuclear reactors at Kudankulam has risen by 55% to ₹1,38,330 crore, driven by Russia-Ukraine war. This poses a challenge to India's ambitious nuclear expansion plans and could increase electricity tariffs, especially as the government opens the sector to private participation.

IIT Hyderabad Launches ANUGYAN: 3-Month Nuclear Tech Programme for 100 GWe Target by 2047

IIT Hyderabad, in collaboration with Crimson Energy Experts, has launched ANUGYAN – India's first industry-academia programme in nuclear technology. The three-month residential programme aims to train professionals for India's civil nuclear sector, targeting an increase in nuclear capacity from 8.8 GWe to 100 GWe by 2047. This initiative is crucial for building a skilled workforce to achieve India's clean energy goals.

NASA Invites ISRO to Join Moon Base Programme; India Signed Artemis Accords, Targets 2040 Human Moon Landing

NASA has invited ISRO to join its Moon Base programme, a major step in India-US space cooperation. India, a signatory to the Artemis Accords, aims to land humans on the Moon by 2040. This collaboration offers ISRO hands-on experience but raises concerns about technology dependency.

Anil Kakodkar Advocates Thorium Fuel in PHWRs to Accelerate India's Nuclear Self-Reliance

Top nuclear scientist Anil Kakodkar proposes introducing thorium fuel in India's indigenous PHWR fleet to expedite utilisation of abundant thorium reserves and achieve nuclear fuel self-reliance, addressing growing energy demands and global uranium supply constraints.

NASA Invites ISRO to Moon Base Programme Under Artemis Accords; India Joins 70-Nation Alliance

NASA has formally invited ISRO to join its Moon Base programme, building on the India-US space partnership under the Artemis Accords. This is a major step in deepening bilateral space cooperation, with implications for India's Gaganyaan mission and human spaceflight ambitions. For exam aspirants, this news is critical for Prelims facts (Artemis Accords, NISAR, Gaganyaan) and Mains analysis (bilateral space diplomacy, strategic technology partnerships).

India Targets 100 GW Nuclear Capacity by 2047, 5 New Reactors This Decade for AI & Chip Demand

PM Modi announced a target of 100 GW nuclear power by 2047 and 5 new reactors this decade, driven by soaring electricity demand from AI, semiconductors, and data centres. The SHANTI Act and draft rules now enable private participation, with a focus on small modular reactors (SMRs) for faster deployment and grid flexibility.