PYQ Relevance:
Q) Distinguish between Capital Budget and Revenue Budget. Explain the components of both these Budgets. (UPSC CSE 2021) |
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on the Capital Budget and Revenue Budget (2021), and the objectives of Union-Budget (2017).
The Union Budget’s forecast of 10.1% nominal GDP growth for 2025-26 seems reasonable, based on the Economic Survey’s prediction of 6.3%-6.8% real GDP growth. Although capital spending has gone up, it’s similar to last year’s budget. The Budget aims to drive growth towards becoming a developed nation, though some measures, like tax relief, could have come sooner.
Today’s editorial talks about the measures taken in the Budget. This content would help in GS paper 3 in the economy section.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Some measures in the Budget should have been introduced earlier and replacing ‘fiscal deficit’ as a key indicator is a wrong decision.
How realistic are the government’s tax revenue growth assumptions?
- Gross Tax Revenue (GTR) Trends: The growth in the Government of India’s GTR has been trending downwards in recent years. The buoyancy of GTR has fallen for three successive years from 1.4 in 2023-24 to 1.15 in 2024-25 (RE) and then to 1.07 in 2025-26 (BE). As a result, growth in the Government of India’s GTR has kept falling from 13.5% in 2023-24 to 11.2% in 2024-25 (RE), and to 10.8% in 2025-26 (BE). Within the government’s tax revenues, the growth rate of Goods and Services Tax (GST) has also fallen from 12.7% in 2023-24 to 10.9% in 2025-26 (BE).
- Shift to Direct Taxes: The structure of the government’s taxation has moved from indirect to direct taxes, with the share of direct taxes in the government’s GTR increasing from 52% in 2021-22 to 59% in 2025-26 (BE).
- Personal Income Tax: There has been a fall in growth from 25.4% in 2023-24 to 20.3% in 2024-25 (RE) and 14.4% in 2025-26 (BE). This fall in growth in 2025-26 (BE) is partly due to the announced income-tax concessions.
- Corporate Income Tax: The growth in 2024-25 (RE) is quite low at 7.6%. This growth has been raised to 10.4% in 2025-26 (BE).
Is the level of government expenditure appropriate, and is its composition efficient?
- Overall Expenditure: The government is estimated to spend Rs 50,65,345 crore in 2025-26, 7.4% higher than the revised estimate of 2024-25. The size of government expenditure as a percentage of GDP has been reduced from 14.6% in 2024-25 (RE) to 14.2% in 2025-26 (BE). Growth in total expenditure, at 7.6% in 2025-26 (BE), is lower than the budgeted nominal GDP growth at 10.1%.
- Capital Expenditure: Capital expenditure has been raised from 11.11 lakh crore rupees in the current fiscal year to 11.21 lakh crore rupees for the oncoming fiscal year1. There has been a steady improvement in the quality of government expenditure as the share of capital expenditure in total expenditure has been improving. This share has improved by 10% points over the period from 2020-21 to 2025-26 (BE).
- Investment in Key Areas: Investment remains a central theme in the Budget, categorized into three key areas—people, economy, and innovation.
- Investment in people: Includes the establishment of Atal Tinkering Labs, broadband connectivity for schools and health centers, Centers of Excellence for Skilling, and initiatives for Gig workers.
- Investment in the economy: Focuses on infrastructure projects, interest-free loans to states for capital expenditure, asset monetization, and urban redevelopment projects.
- Investment in innovation: Allocates funds to private sector-driven R&D initiatives and missions to support urban planning and knowledge systems.
- AI Infrastructure: The Government of India has to build up large-scale Artificial Intelligence (AI) infrastructure in order to facilitate the adoption of emerging technologies.
Is the shift away from using fiscal deficit as a primary indicator of fiscal prudence a positive step?
- Change in Indicator: One measure introduced in the Budget is to move away from fiscal deficit as an indicator of fiscal prudence. The practice of giving a glide path in terms of fiscal deficit is being discontinued. It has been stated that from now on, the focus will be on reducing the debt-GDP ratio annually.
- New Target: The central government aims to reduce its outstanding liabilities to around 50% of GDP by March 2031.
- Debt-GDP Ratio: In the 2025-26 Budget, the practice of giving a glide path in terms of fiscal deficit is being discontinued. Alternative paths of the debt-GDP ratio with nominal GDP growth assumptions of 10.0%, 10.5% and 11.0% are given.
- The glide paths are indicated in terms of alternative growth assumptions and alternative assumptions regarding mild, moderate, and high degrees of fiscal consolidation. This makes the whole exercise vague and non-transparent.
- Fiscal Deficit Target: The fiscal deficit target for FY26 is set at 4.4% of GDP, revised down from 4.8% in the current financial year.
Way forward:
- Restore Fiscal Deficit Transparency: Reintroduce clear fiscal deficit targets with specific timelines, instead of focusing solely on the debt-GDP ratio. This would ensure greater clarity and accountability in fiscal management.
- Enhance Investment Efficiency: Prioritize strategic investments in key areas like AI infrastructure, R&D, and innovation, while ensuring these investments align with long-term growth goals and contribute to overall economic resilience.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Forest Right; Forest Cover;
Why in the News?
On December 18, 2024, the Supreme Court ordered Rajasthan’s Forest Department to map all sacred groves using satellite and ground surveys based on their cultural and ecological importance, regardless of their size.
| Note: In Rajasthan, sacred groves, locally known as ‘orans’, are estimated to number around 25,000, covering approximately 6 lakh hectares across the state. |
What are the implications of the December 18 order?
- Conflict with the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 – The order contradicts the FRA, which was enacted to recognize and vest forest rights with gram sabhas. Instead, the decision shifts control from communities to the Forest Department.
- Loss of Community Autonomy – Sacred groves, which have been traditionally protected by local communities, will now be governed by state authorities, potentially disrupting cultural conservation practices.
- Potential Erosion of Traditional Governance Systems – The transfer of management could weaken customary laws and traditional conservation practices that have preserved these groves for generations.
- Legal Precedence for Future Cases – By prioritizing the Wildlife Protection Act (WLPA), 1972, over the FRA, this order may set a precedent for other community-managed lands to be taken over by the Forest Department.
- Impact on Livelihoods and Religious Practices – Communities that depend on sacred groves for religious, medicinal, and cultural purposes may face restrictions under the new classification as ‘community reserves’.
What did T.N. Godavarman v. Union of India establish about the definition of ‘forest land’?
- Broad Definition: The Supreme Court established that ‘forest land’ includes not only areas understood as forests in the dictionary sense but also any area recorded as forest in government records, regardless of ownership.
- Expert Committees: The ruling directed state governments to form expert committees to identify areas that fit this definition of ‘forest land’.
How are sacred groves traditionally conserved by communities?
- Watershed & Ecological Functions: Many sacred groves protect natural water sources, prevent soil erosion, and regulate local climate. Example: Orans (Rajasthan) – These groves support perennial water streams and serve as critical grazing lands for livestock.
- Strict Protection through Customary Laws & Taboos: Communities impose strict prohibitions on tree felling, hunting, or resource extraction in sacred groves. Example: Sarpa Kavu (Kerala) – These groves are dedicated to serpent deities, and cutting trees is considered a bad omen.
- Religious & Cultural Practices for Conservation: Rituals, festivals, and community prayers reinforce the spiritual importance of these groves. Example: Devara Kadu (Karnataka) – Annual worship ceremonies maintain local participation in conservation efforts.
- Community Governance & Management: Local elders, priests, or village councils oversee the maintenance and enforcement of protection norms. Example: Jahera (Odisha, Chhattisgarh) – Tribal communities like the Gonds and Santhals manage these groves as sacred spaces.
- Role in Biodiversity Preservation: The groves act as biodiversity hotspots, protecting endemic flora, fauna, and medicinal plants. Example: Law Kyntang (Meghalaya) – Khasi communities conserve these forests, which shelter rare orchids and medicinal herbs.
Way forward:
- Harmonizing Legal Frameworks – Amend policies to ensure the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, and Wildlife Protection Act (WLPA), 1972, work in tandem, recognizing gram sabhas’ authority in managing sacred groves while ensuring ecological conservation.
- Community-Centric Conservation – Strengthen traditional governance systems by legally empowering local communities to manage sacred groves, integrating scientific conservation methods with cultural practices.
Mains PYQ:
Q Examine the status of forest resources in India and its resultant impact on climate change. (UPSC IAS/2020)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Health Sector;
Why in the News?
Recently, the Budget has acknowledged health care as a cornerstone of national growth and development.
What are India’s steps towards healthcare transformation in Budget 2025-26?
- Increased Healthcare Spending: The budget includes a substantial allocation of ₹99,859 crore to the healthcare sector, marking a 9.8% increase from the previous fiscal year.
- Expansion of Medical Education: The budget allocates resources to add 10,000 new seats in medical colleges across India in FY26, with plans to add 75,000 seats over the next five years. This expansion aims to address the rising demand for skilled healthcare professionals.
- Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure: There is an increase of ₹1,000 crore allocation under the PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), which aims to strengthen health infrastructure at all levels.
- Digital Health Focus: The budget emphasizes the expansion of digital health portfolios, including telemedicine and AI-driven diagnostic solutions, to bridge care gaps and offer efficient healthcare solutions to underserved regions.
- Promoting Medical Tourism: With the launch of the ‘Heal in India’ initiative, the budget aims to position India as a top medical tourism destination by introducing on-arrival visas for international patients and streamlining visa norms.
- Healthcare Coverage for Gig Workers: The budget extends Ayushman Bharat coverage to one crore gig workers, recognizing their contribution to the new-age services economy.
- Support for AI in Healthcare: The budget announces the establishment of India’s Centre of Excellence for AI, and the expansion of the Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) initiative, will further propel research within the Indian healthcare sector.
What would be the implications of Customs duty exemptions?
- Cost Reduction: The budget includes a full exemption of customs duty on 36 life-saving drugs used to treat cancer, rare diseases, and other severe chronic conditions. This measure will significantly reduce the cost of these essential medications, making them more accessible to patients, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Improved Access to Medications: The exemption extends to specific drugs under Patient Assistance Programs run by pharmaceutical companies, along with adding 37 new medicines and 13 new patient assistance programs by next year. This will improve access to critical medications for patients, particularly those with chronic conditions.
What are the objectives of synergy – ‘Heal in India’?
- Promote Medical Tourism: The ‘Heal in India’ initiative aims to promote medical tourism by simplifying visa procedures for international patients.
- Establish India as a Global Healthcare Destination: By enhancing hospital infrastructure and streamlining visa processes, India is poised to become the preferred medical destination for international patients.
What are the challenges in India?
- Inadequate Infrastructure: India faces a shortage of healthcare infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, leading to unequal access to services.
- For example, India has only 0.9 beds per 1000 population, with only 30% of these beds located in rural areas. This is significantly lower than the WHO’s suggested norm of 3.5 beds per 1000 population.
- The underdeveloped state of roads and railways, along with erratic power supply, further complicates the establishment of rural health facilities.
- Financial Barriers: A significant portion of the population faces affordability issues, with many households bearing healthcare expenses out-of-pocket.
- For instance, a large proportion of the Indian population lacks health insurance coverage, exacerbating the financial burden and limiting access to necessary healthcare services.
- High costs of intensive care units (ICUs), averaging ₹60,000-90,000 per day, are beyond the reach of most Indians.
- Shortage of Healthcare Professionals: There is a shortage of trained healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and specialists.
- For example, shortages of surgeons, obstetricians and gynaecologists, general physicians, and paediatricians range from 74.2% to 81.6% of the required strength in Community Health Centers (CHCs). The doctor-patient ratio is significantly low, especially in rural areas.
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Way forward:
- Strengthen Rural Healthcare Infrastructure – Increase investments in rural hospitals, improve transport and power infrastructure, and incentivize private sector participation to bridge accessibility gaps.
- Expand Medical Workforce & Insurance Coverage – Enhance training programs for doctors and nurses, increase medical seats, and extend affordable health insurance schemes to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for low-income groups.
Mains PYQ:
Q Public health system has limitation in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest? (UPSC IAS/2015)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: India-USA relations;
Why in the News?
The U.S. deporting dozens of Indians for being illegal immigrants is not unexpected or new.
What are the reasons behind it?
- Illegal Immigration Enforcement: The deportations are part of intensified Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations aimed at identifying, detaining, and deporting individuals who are in the U.S. without proper documentation.
- Large-Scale Illegal Migration – Many Indians, particularly from Gujarat, Punjab, and Haryana, attempt to enter the U.S. illegally through Mexico and Canada due to economic distress and job shortages.
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What is the potential impact of US immigration policies on Indian students and professionals?
- Legal Migration Channels: The Indian government is keen on ensuring that legal migration channels to the U.S. for Indian nationals are not restricted by the U.S. administration. These legal routes include H-1B visas for skilled workers and visas for students.
- Deterrence of Illegal Migration: Both the U.S. and India are engaged in deterring illegal migration while creating more avenues for legal migration from India to the U.S.
- Increased Deportations: Deportation of Indian nationals from the United States surged by 400% in the past three years. In 2024, 1,529 Indians were deported, a significant jump from 292 in 2021.
- Impact on Undocumented Indians: Approximately 725,000 undocumented Indians reside in the U.S., primarily from Punjab and Gujarat. As of November of the previous year, 20,407 undocumented Indians were either facing final removal orders or were held in detention centers of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
How will this impact the USA?
- Labour Market Disruptions: Deportations can create labor shortages in sectors reliant on immigrant workers, such as construction and hospitality. (Example: Indian workers contribute significantly to the U.S. IT and service industries.)
- Diplomatic Tensions: Large-scale deportations may strain U.S.-India relations, especially if handled insensitively. (Example: The use of military flights for deportations sparked protests from other countries like Colombia.)
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How might the deportation of Indian nationals affect the political landscape in India?
- Domestic Political Fallout: The deportation of thousands of Indians could become a political issue, with opposition parties blaming the government for failing to create adequate job opportunities at home.
- Diplomatic Challenges: The mass deportations could strain India-U.S. relations, particularly if deportees face harsh treatment, triggering diplomatic interventions.
- Public Backlash: The use of military flights and reports of inhumane treatment, such as shackling, may create anti-U.S. sentiment among the Indian public.
- State-Level Political Implications: States with high numbers of deportees (Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana) may experience political unrest, with local governments facing pressure to provide jobs and reintegration support.
- Rise in Anti-Illegal Migration Policies: The Indian government may be compelled to introduce stricter measures against illegal immigration and human trafficking networks, affecting those attempting to migrate illegally.
- Impact on Indian Diaspora Relations: The large-scale return of undocumented migrants could impact remittances, economic support for families, and the broader perception of Indian migrants globally.
What should India do? (Way forward)
- Strengthen Domestic Employment Opportunities: Implement targeted economic reforms, boost job creation in high-migration states (Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana), and address the root causes driving illegal migration, such as agricultural distress and unemployment.
- Enhance Public Awareness & Legal Migration Channels: Conduct awareness campaigns on the risks of illegal immigration while expanding safe and legal pathways for skilled migration through bilateral agreements with the U.S. and other countries.
- Engage in Diplomatic & Policy Advocacy: Strengthen diplomatic efforts to ensure fair treatment of deported individuals, negotiate favourable visa policies for Indian professionals and students, and collaborate with the U.S. on workforce mobility solutions.
Mains PYQ:
Q ‘Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries’. Comment with examples. (UPSC IAS/2020)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
Why in the News?
The Union Budget 2025 has significantly increased the allocation for the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (SGMBY) to ₹20,000 crore, up from ₹11,100 crore in the FY25 Revised Estimates (RE) and ₹6,250 crore in the FY25 Budget Estimates (BE).
About PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana:
- It is a flagship initiative launched by Prime Minister on February 15, 2024, under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
- It aims to provide free electricity up to 300 units per month by facilitating the installation of rooftop solar panels in 1 crore households across India.
- The scheme has a budget outlay of ₹75,021 crore and is planned for implementation until FY 2026-27.
- The initiative is part of India’s clean energy transition, reducing dependency on fossil fuels and promoting sustainable energy solutions.
- Key Features:
- 40% subsidy on installation costs through Central Financial Assistance (CFA).
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- 1 kilowatt: 30,000 rupees
- 2 kilowatts: 60,000 rupees
- 3 kilowatts: 48,000 rupees
- 3 kilowatts or more: 78,000 rupees
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- National Programme Implementation Agency (NPIA) at the national level and State Implementation Agencies (SIAs) at the state level.
- Two Solar Installation Models:
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- RESCO Model – Third-party ownership, with consumers paying only for electricity used.
- Utility-Led Aggregation (ULA) Model – DISCOMs or state agencies install solar panels for households.
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- Model Solar Village: ₹1 crore incentive for the top-performing village in each district.
- Payment Security Mechanism (PSM): ₹100 crore fund to encourage private investment in solar energy.
Significance
- Reduces Electricity Bills: Households can save ₹15,000 to ₹1,80,000 annually.
- Boosts Renewable Energy: Helps achieve 40 GW of rooftop solar capacity, bridging the gap from 10.4 GW (as of November 2023).
- Strengthens Energy Security: Expands access to sustainable and decentralized power.
- Environmental Impact: Reduces carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels.
- Empowers Rural India: 50% of projects are expected in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, promoting economic growth and electrification.
PYQ:
[2020] India has immense potential for solar energy though there are regional variations in its developments. Elaborate. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM)
Why in the News?
The Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM) was recently announced by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO on January 14, 2025.
What is Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM)?
- The OCM, launched by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, aims to enhance marine conservation and resource management.
- It focuses on the Caribbean and North Brazil Shelf, regions with rich biodiversity, coral reefs, and fisheries generating $610 million annually.
- The OCM promotes Blue Carbon Projects, using coastal ecosystems for carbon storage, benefiting both climate resilience and local communities.
- It has secured $15 million in funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) under the UNDP/GEF PROCARIBE+ Project, with an additional $126.02 million in co-financing.
Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO
- Established in 1961, the IOC/UNESCO promotes marine science cooperation for sustainable ocean governance.
- It operates in key areas:
- Ocean science research: Supports studies on climate change, biodiversity, and sustainability.
- Tsunami warning systems: Maintains early warning mechanisms to mitigate risks.
- Ocean observations: Collects and analyzes oceanographic data for policy-making.
- The IOC leads the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), known as the “Ocean Decade”, advancing global marine conservation efforts.
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About the Caribbean Sea
- The Caribbean Sea is part of the North Atlantic Ocean, located south of the Gulf of Mexico and southwest of the Sargasso Sea.
- Bordering Nations:
- Greater Antilles – Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola (Haiti & Dominican Republic), Puerto Rico.
- Lesser Antilles – Includes islands from Virgin Islands to Trinidad & Tobago.
- South America – Borders Venezuela & Colombia.
- Central America – Includes Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Belize.
- Key Features:
- Deepest Point – The Cayman Trough, at 7,686 meters below sea level.
- Mesoamerican Barrier Reef – Second-largest barrier reef globally, stretching 1,000 km.
- Major Gulfs and Bays – Includes Gulf of Venezuela, Gulf of Honduras, and Gulf of Darién.
- The Caribbean Sea supports rich biodiversity but faces threats from climate change, pollution, and overfishing, making conservation efforts like OCM essential for sustainability.
PYQ:
[2021] Consider the following statements :
1. The Global Ocean Commission grants licences for seabed exploration and mining in international waters.
2. India has received licences for seabed mineral exploration in international waters.
3. ‘Rare earth minerals’ are present on seafloor in international waters.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Guru-Shishya Parampara Scheme
Why in the News?
The Ministry of Culture implements a Central Sector scheme by the name of ‘Financial Assistance for Promotion of Guru-Shishya Parampara (Repertory Grant)’.
What is the Guru-Shishya Parampara Scheme?
- The Ministry of Culture launched this scheme in 2003-04.
- It aims to preserve and promote India’s traditional performing arts.
- It provides financial assistance to Gurus (mentors) and Shishyas (students) in music, dance, theatre, and folk arts, ensuring structured training under the age-old mentorship system.
- Aims and Objectives:
- Preserve and revive rare art forms through direct knowledge transfer.
- Support traditional artists by providing financial aid for sustainable livelihoods.
- Encourage young talent by facilitating training under experienced Gurus.
- Promote classical, folk, and tribal art forms through structured mentorship.
Features and Significance:
- Financial Assistance
- Guru – ₹7,500/month | Accompanist – ₹3,750/month
- Shishyas – ₹1,500/month (up to four per Guru)
- Repertory Grant – Guru: ₹15,000/month | Shishya: ₹2,000 – ₹10,000/month
- Eligibility
- Indian citizens engaged in traditional performing arts.
- Gurus aged 45-70 years with national-level recognition.
- Implementation & Monitoring
- Each Guru trains 5-8 Shishyas, focusing on rural and tribal artists.
- Periodic reviews and expert evaluations ensure proper fund utilization.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nuclear Energy Mission
Why in the News?
The Union Budget 2025-26 introduced the Nuclear Energy Mission, aiming to develop at least 5 indigenous Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) by 2033.
About Nuclear Energy Mission (NEM):
| Details |
- A flagship initiative announced in Union Budget 2025-26 to accelerate India’s nuclear power capacity towards the target of 100 GW by 2047.
- It focuses on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), expansion of Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs), and policy reforms to attract private and foreign investment in nuclear energy.
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| Key Highlights of the NEM |
- 100 GW Nuclear Target by 2047 as part of India’s clean energy transition.
- ₹20,000 crore allocated for R&D and deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
- Public-Private Collaboration for setting up Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) and advanced nuclear technologies.
- Amendments to Atomic Energy Act, 1962 to allow private sector participation.
- Changes to Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 to attract foreign investment.
- Deployment of BSRs (220 MWe) and SMRs (30-300 MWe) to replace coal plants and power remote regions.
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| Other Initiatives for Enhancing India’s Nuclear Capacity |
Expansion of Nuclear Power Capacity:
- Current capacity: 8,180 MW → Target by 2031-32: 22,480 MW.
- 10 reactors under construction (8,000 MW) across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh.
- Approval for 6 x 1208 MW AP1000 reactors (USA collaboration) at Kovvada, Andhra Pradesh.
Deployment of Advanced Nuclear Reactors:
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- Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs): 220 MWe PHWRs for industrial decarbonization.
- Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (500 MWe) at Kalpakkam achieved milestones in 2024.
- High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactors (HTGRs) & Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs) under development using India’s thorium reserves.
Recent Developments:
- New uranium deposit discovered at Jaduguda Mines (extends mine life by 50+ years).
- Operationalization of first two 700 MWe PHWR units at Kakrapar, Gujarat (KAPS-3 & 4).
- NPCIL-NTPC Joint Venture (ASHVINI) launched to build nuclear plants.
- Rajasthan Atomic Power Project-7 (RAPP-7) reached criticality in 2024.
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PYQ:
[2018] With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy. (250 Words, 15 Marks)
[2011] The function of heavy water in a nuclear reactor is to:
(a) Slow down the speed of neutrons
(b) Increase the speed of neutrons
(c) Stop the nuclear reaction
(d) None of the above |
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