Why in news
- Department of Atomic Energy released draft rules under the SHANTI Act to open civil nuclear energy to private participation.
What is the SHANTI Act framework?
- Statutory initiative designed to enable private sector entry and foreign collaboration in atomic energy production.
- Managed under the Department of Atomic Energy to expand clean energy capacity.
Key changes in draft rules
- Sets out operational and liability rules allowing non-government entities to build and operate civil nuclear power plants.
- Before: State monopoly under the Atomic Energy Act restricted private operational participation.
- After: Regulated private investment and technology transfers are permitted under defined nuclear safety rules.
Why it matters
- Crucial for India-US civil nuclear cooperation and scaling base-load low-carbon energy infrastructure.
Key terms
Civil Nuclear Liability
Legal framework defining financial liability and recourse in the event of a nuclear incident.
Prelims facts
- Department of Atomic Energy functions directly under the Prime Minister's Office.
Mains discussion
- Strategic and economic implications of private sector entry into civil nuclear energy.
Source: The Hindu
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.
-
2018 · Q16 · GS III · 15 marks
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). -
2018 · Q33 · General Studies · 2 marks
In the Indian context, what is the implication of ratifying the 'Additional Protocol' with the 'International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)'? -
2017 · Q28 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following statements: 1. The Nuclear Security Summits are periodically held under the aegis of the United Nations. 2. The International Panel on Fissile Materials is an organ of International Atomic Energy Agency. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? -
2025 · Q8(a) · PSIR GS 2 · 20 marks
India's reluctance to perceive any 'existential threat' inevitably made the multilateral path to nuclear security a 'default option' until it decided to cross nuclear Rubicon in 1998. Identify and analyze some of the major reasons behind this shift in India's position on the nuclear question -
2024 · Q7(b) · PSIR GS 2 · 15 marks
Critically examine India's persistent refusal to sign the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT) despite being recognized as a de facto nuclear power.