Short notes on Current Affairs 29.01.2026

Private Participation in India’s Space Economy

Overview of Private Sector Participation

• Approximately 1,050 private companies have registered their space-related capabilities on the IN-SPACe Digital Platform (IDP).
• These companies span a wide range of space activities, indicating strong and growing private sector interest in India’s space ecosystem.

Policy Framework and Regulatory Enablement

• The Indian Space Policy-2023 formally opens the space sector to private participation.
• Private entities are permitted to undertake end-to-end space activities, including:
  • Launch services
  • Satellite design, realization, and operations
  • Earth observation and data acquisition
  • Data dissemination and downstream applications
  • Establishment and operation of ground stations
• The policy positions the Government as an enabler and regulator, while industry becomes the primary driver of commercial activity.

Financial Support and Startup Enablement

• ₹2.36 crore has been disbursed under the IN-SPACe Seed Fund and Pre-Incubation Entrepreneurship Programme.
• Funding is aimed at:
  • Early-stage startups and entrepreneurs
  • Reducing entry barriers
  • Supporting innovation and technology development in the space sector

Decadal Vision for India’s Space Economy

• IN-SPACe’s Decadal Vision Report outlines a 10-year growth roadmap (2023–2033).
• Target to grow India’s space economy from:
  • USD 8.4 billion (2022) to USD 44 billion by 2033
• Export contribution is projected at USD 11 billion, reflecting a strong focus on global markets.

Strategic Foundations of the Decadal Vision

• The vision is anchored on four key enablers:
  • Building common-use platforms
  • Creating a strong industrial ecosystem
  • Enabling industry participation and scale-up
  • Expanding international outreach and collaboration

Decadal Vision Strategy – Three Pillars

• The roadmap is operationalized through three strategic pillars:
  • Revenue Generation
  • Ecosystem Development
  • Catalysing Space Domain Activities

Revenue Generation Focus Areas

• Commercialization of space services across multiple domains:
  • Launch services
  • Satellite and ground system operations
  • Earth observation services
  • Satellite communication (SatCom)
  • Satellite navigation (SatNav)
  • Emerging in-orbit economy and services

Market Expansion and Growth Catalysts

• Space economy growth is being driven through:
  • Targeted demand-generation initiatives
  • International collaboration and partnerships
  • Promotion of space culture to widen adoption and awareness
• Efforts aim to:
  • Expand domestic and global markets
  • Increase customer adoption
  • Enable Indian industry to scale operations and exports

---

Implication of SHANTI Act

Overview of the SHANTI Act

• The SHANTI Act has been enacted to promote and develop nuclear energy and ionising radiation in India.
• The Act covers both nuclear power generation and non-power applications of nuclear and radiation technologies.
• It aims to ensure safe, secure, and regulated utilisation of nuclear materials and facilities.

Scope and Applications of Nuclear Energy under the Act

• Nuclear energy is positioned as a multi-sector enabler, supporting:
  • Electricity generation
  • Healthcare (diagnostics, radiotherapy, nuclear medicine)
  • Food preservation and safety
  • Water management and desalination
  • Agriculture (crop improvement, pest control)
  • Industrial applications
  • Scientific research and environmental monitoring
• The Act recognizes the role of nuclear technology in innovation and advanced research.

Role of Nuclear Energy in Emerging Technologies

• Nuclear energy can provide stable, reliable, and round-the-clock power for:
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)–driven research
  • High-performance computing (HPC)
  • Quantum technologies
  • Indigenous semiconductor fabrication
• Nuclear technologies support future-ready applications, including:
  • Advanced materials research
  • Precision manufacturing
  • Space technologies
  • Industrial automation
• The integration of nuclear energy and AI is highlighted as crucial for data-intensive and mission-critical infrastructure.

Security, Safeguards, and Monitoring Provisions

• The SHANTI Act mandates strict security and safeguards for nuclear materials and facilities.
• Key measures include:
  • Continuous monitoring
  • Accounting of nuclear materials
  • Surveillance systems
• These provisions aim to prevent misuse, theft, or diversion of nuclear materials.

Nuclear Safety and Regulatory Framework

• India already has a robust nuclear safety system in place for nuclear power plants.
• The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) is designated as the sole authority responsible for nuclear safety oversight of civilian nuclear facilities.
• The SHANTI Act grants statutory status to AERB, strengthening its legal authority.

Powers and Functions of AERB under the Act

• AERB is empowered to:
  • Conduct regular inspections of licensed nuclear and radiation facilities
  • Verify compliance with safety regulations
  • Issue corrective recommendations and technical guidance
• In cases of serious or repeated non-compliance:
  • AERB can suspend or revoke operating licenses
• Regulatory practices are aligned with:
  • Scientific approaches
  • Operational experience
  • Best international safety standards

Developmental and Strategic Significance

• Nuclear energy is identified as critical to India’s developmental aspirations.
• The Act supports progress towards:
  • Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
  • Clean and reliable energy transition
  • Technological self-reliance
• By enabling safe nuclear innovation, the SHANTI Act strengthens India’s position in science, technology, and strategic sectors.

Parliamentary Context

• The information was provided by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for:
  • Science & Technology
  • Earth Sciences
• He also holds responsibilities in:
  • Prime Minister’s Office
  • Atomic Energy
  • Space
• The details were shared in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, indicating official government position.

---

India’s Position on Rare Earth Minerals

Overview

• India is not dependent on China for accessing Rare Earth (RE) minerals present in Beach Sand Minerals (BSM).
• BSM is the principal source of Rare Earths in India.
• The prescribed substance monazite occurs in BSM ore.
• Monazite is a phosphate mineral of Rare Earth Elements and contains Uranium and Thorium, making it strategically important.

Role of IREL (India) Limited

• IREL (India) Limited, a PSU under the Department of Atomic Energy, is the primary agency for RE production in India.
• IREL produces high-purity rare earth oxides from RE-bearing monazite.
• IREL operates:
  • Three locations with integrated mining and mineral sand processing facilities
  • Separate facilities for extraction and refining of rare earth elements

Development of the Rare Earth Value Chain

To strengthen domestic capabilities, multiple initiatives have been undertaken:

• Strategic Manufacturing
  • A Rare Earth Permanent Magnet (REPM) plant has been operationalized at Visakhapatnam (Vizag).
  • The plant produces Samarium–Cobalt permanent magnets, critical for strategic and defence applications.
• Metal Production Facilities
  • IREL has set up mini plants at the Rare Earth & Titanium Theme Park, Bhopal.
  • These plants produce Lanthanum, Cerium, and Neodymium metals, supporting downstream RE manufacturing.
• Recycling and Circular Economy
  • A Rare Earth Element recycling plant has been established at Bhopal.
  • The facility recovers magnetic rare earths from end-of-life magnets, reducing import dependence and promoting sustainability.

Cabinet-Approved REPM Manufacturing Scheme

• The Union Cabinet approved a major scheme on 26 November 2025 to promote manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPM).
• Financial outlay: ₹7,280 crore
  • Sales-Linked Incentive: ₹6,450 crore
  • Capital Subsidy: ₹750 crore
• Target capacity: 6,000 metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) of integrated REPM manufacturing.
• Five beneficiaries to be selected through global competitive bidding.
• Selection mechanism includes a Least Cost System (LCS) with:
  • Technical bid
  • Financial bid (two-envelope system)

Strategic and Economic Significance

• The scheme aims to:
  • Promote domestic manufacturing of REPM
  • Reduce import dependence, especially from China
  • Strengthen critical sectors such as:
    • Electric mobility
    • Renewable energy
    • Electronics
    • Defence
• Additional benefits include:
  • Employment generation
  • Development of robust domestic value chains
  • Enhanced strategic autonomy in critical materials

Parliamentary Context

• The information was provided by Dr. Jitendra Singh.
• He holds charge of:
  • Science & Technology
  • Earth Sciences
  • Atomic Energy
  • Space
  • PMO and Personnel-related portfolios
• The details were shared in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, reflecting official government policy and initiatives.

---

Nuclear Safety and Regulatory Oversight

1. Regulatory Authority and Responsibilities

• The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) is solely responsible for ensuring safety of civilian nuclear and radiation facilities in India.
• Implements the national plan for nuclear safety, radiation protection, and nuclear security.
• Operates through a comprehensive Integrated Management System (IMS):
  • Consolidates all regulatory and management processes
  • Ensures coherence, consistency, and effectiveness in regulatory decisions

2. Licensing and Compliance

• Nuclear facilities must obtain licenses from AERB to operate legally.
• Licensing is contingent on strict adherence to prescribed safety standards.
• AERB inspectors conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance.
• If non-compliance is found:
  • Corrective recommendations and technical guidance are provided.
  • In extreme cases, AERB can suspend or revoke operating licenses.

3. Safety Codes, Guides, and Standards

• AERB has developed comprehensive safety codes, guides, and standards.
• All operators are required to follow these standards.
• This ensures uniform safety norms across all nuclear and radiation facilities.

4. Integration of Nuclear Security and Safety

• Nuclear security aspects are integrated into the regulatory framework:
  • Internal mechanisms manage the interface between safety and security.
  • Security measures are designed without compromising safety objectives, and vice versa.
• AERB develops nuclear security requirements and conducts inspections covering both safety and security.
• Coordination is maintained with the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) for information sharing and oversight.

5. International Compliance

• AERB monitors compliance with international nuclear and radiological safety conventions.
• India’s nuclear facilities align with globally accepted safety standards.
• This reflects India’s commitment to high nuclear safety, security, and transparency.

6. Emergency Preparedness

• Emergency infrastructure is established and maintained in coordination with:
  • Local authorities
  • State authorities
  • National authorities
• Emergency preparedness and response plans:
  • Formulated as per AERB guidance
  • Periodically tested through exercises
  • Updated to remain aligned with current requirements and scenarios
• The objective is to protect the public in case of nuclear emergencies.

7. Key Takeaways

• India has a robust nuclear safety and regulatory system.
• AERB ensures comprehensive oversight, integrating safety, security, licensing, and emergency preparedness.
• Regular inspections, strict compliance enforcement, and adherence to international standards reinforce public and environmental safety.
• Coordination between AERB, DAE, and local/state authorities ensures effective nuclear governance.

---

Nuclear Safety and Security

Institutional Framework for Nuclear Safety in India

• India has an established and robust nuclear safety regulatory system covering civilian nuclear and radiation facilities.
• The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) is the sole authority responsible for regulating nuclear safety in civilian facilities.

Regulatory Mechanism and Integrated Management System

• AERB implements nuclear safety, radiation protection, and nuclear security through a comprehensive Integrated Management System (IMS).
• The IMS ensures:
  • Consistency and coherence in regulatory decisions
  • Effective coordination of safety, security, and regulatory processes
  • Uniform application of safety standards across facilities

Safety Codes, Guides, and Standards

• AERB has developed a comprehensive regulatory framework comprising:
  • Safety codes
  • Safety guides
  • Safety standards
• Compliance with these documents is mandatory for all nuclear and radiation facility operators.

Licensing and Compliance Enforcement

• Nuclear facilities must obtain AERB licenses to operate legally.
• Licensing is conditional upon strict adherence to safety requirements.
• AERB conducts regular inspections to verify compliance.
• In cases of non-compliance:
  • Corrective actions and technical guidance are issued
  • AERB has the authority to suspend or revoke operating licenses in extreme cases

Integration of Nuclear Safety and Security

• Nuclear security aspects that affect safety are integrated into AERB’s regulatory regime.
• Institutional arrangements ensure:
  • Security measures do not compromise safety objectives
  • Safety requirements do not weaken security provisions
• AERB:
  • Develops nuclear security requirements
  • Conducts inspections covering both safety and security
• Information sharing and coordination with the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) are formalized to ensure effective oversight.

International Commitments and Conventions

• AERB systematically monitors compliance with international nuclear and radiological safety conventions.
• India aligns its regulatory framework with globally accepted safety standards, reflecting:
  • Commitment to international obligations
  • Transparency in nuclear governance
  • High standards of safety and security

Emergency Preparedness and Public Safety

• Infrastructure for nuclear emergency management is well-established in the public domain.
• Emergency response mechanisms are developed in coordination with:
  • Local authorities
  • State governments
  • National agencies
• Emergency preparedness and response plans:
  • Are formulated as per AERB guidelines
  • Aim to protect the public during nuclear or radiological emergencies
  • Are periodically tested through emergency exercises
  • Are regularly updated to reflect evolving risks and requirements

Parliamentary Disclosure and Accountability

• The information was officially presented by Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.
• This reflects:
  • Parliamentary oversight
  • Government transparency in nuclear safety governance

---

Domestic Exploration And Availibilty of Critical Minerals

Role and Mandate of Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD)

• The Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD) is a constituent unit of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
• AMD’s primary mandate is to identify, evaluate, and augment mineral resources critical for India’s nuclear energy programme and strategic sectors.
• Focus is on minerals containing or associated with uranium and thorium, as well as critical and strategic elements such as:
  • Rare Earth Elements (REEs)
  • Lithium
  • Niobium
  • Tantalum
  • Beryllium
  • Zirconium
  • Titanium

Established Resources of Rare Earths and Associated Minerals

• AMD has established approximately:
  • 7.23 million tonnes (Mt) of in-situ Rare Earth Elements Oxide
  • 1.18 Mt of Thorium Oxide (ThO₂)
  • Contained within 13.15 Mt of monazite, a key thorium and REE-bearing mineral.
• Coastal and inland deposits also include:
  • 761.97 Mt of titanium-bearing minerals (ilmenite, rutile, leucoxene)
  • 38 Mt of zircon (zirconium-bearing mineral)
• These deposits occur in:
  • Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Kerala
  • West Bengal, Jharkhand, Gujarat and Maharashtra
• Geological settings include coastal beach sands, teri/red sands, and inland alluvium.

Hard Rock Mineral Resources

• 1.29 Mt of in-situ Rare Earth Oxide resources have been established in hard rock formations in parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan.
• Associated in-situ resources in hard rocks include:
  • 29,900 tonnes of Thorium Oxide
  • 1,42,200 tonnes of Niobium Oxide
  • 3,85,700 tonnes of Zirconium Oxide
  • 81,300 tonnes of Vanadium Oxide

Lithium and Other Strategic Minerals

• 1,800 tonnes of lithium oxide (Li₂O) have been established in hard rocks in Karnataka, strengthening India’s domestic lithium resource base.
• Incidental to prospecting operations, AMD has stockpiled heavy mineral concentrates including:
  • Columbite-Tantalite (Nb-Ta mineral)
  • Beryl (beryllium mineral)
  • Lepidolite, Spodumene and Amblygonite (lithium minerals)
  • Xenotime (yttrium mineral)

Uranium Resources and Utilization

• AMD has established 4,39,800 tonnes of in-situ uranium oxide resources across several states, including:
  • Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Jharkhand, Meghalaya
  • Rajasthan, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh
  • Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Maharashtra
• Domestically produced uranium is used in domestically safeguarded nuclear reactors.
• Uranium required for IAEA-safeguarded reactors is imported, aligning with international nuclear agreements.

Exploration Strategy and Technological Approach

• AMD employs an integrated and multi-disciplinary exploration strategy, which includes:
  • Heliborne and ground geophysical surveys
  • Geological, geochemical and radiometric surveys
  • Exploratory drilling
• These efforts are focused on identified thrust areas to augment resources of critical and strategic minerals.

Role of Public Sector Enterprises

• IREL (India) Limited, a PSU under DAE, produces:
  • Titanium-bearing minerals
  • Zircon-bearing minerals
  • Rare Earth Elements for the nuclear energy sector
• Kerala Minerals and Metals Limited (KMML), a state PSE of Kerala, also undertakes similar mineral production activities.
• IREL operates:
  • Three integrated mineral sand mining and processing facilities
  • A facility for extraction and refining of Rare Earths
• IREL has received:
  • Letters of Intent (LOIs) for three deposits (two in Odisha, one in Tamil Nadu)
  • Nomination as prospective lessee for one deposit in Andhra Pradesh
• Pre-project activities are underway to expand processing capacity.

Policy Significance and Parliamentary Disclosure

• The information was provided by Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.
• The data highlights:
  • India’s push towards resource security
  • Reduced dependence on imports for critical and strategic minerals
  • Strengthening of the domestic supply chain for nuclear energy and strategic technologies

---

Notification of Coking Coal as a Critical & Strategic Mineral

Context and Policy Alignment

• The Government of India has notified Coking Coal as a Critical and Strategic Mineral under the MMDR Act, 1957.
• The move aligns with:
  • Structural reforms in the mining sector
  • The vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat
  • Long-term national goals under Viksit Bharat 2047
• Decision based on recommendations of:
  • High-Level Committee on Implementation of Viksit Bharat Goals (HLC-VB)
  • NITI Aayog, recognising coking coal’s strategic importance.

Strategic Importance of Coking Coal

• Coking coal is an irreplaceable input for steel production, directly impacting infrastructure, manufacturing, and defence.
• India possesses 37.37 billion tonnes of coking coal resources:
  • Predominantly in Jharkhand
  • Additional reserves in Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh
• Despite availability, India remains highly import-dependent:
  • Imports rose from 51.20 MT (2020–21) to 57.58 MT (2024–25)
  • Nearly 95% of steel sector demand met through imports.
• This dependence causes:
  • Foreign exchange outgo
  • Supply-chain vulnerability
  • Exposure to global price volatility and geopolitical risks

Legal and Regulatory Changes

• Exercising powers under Section 11C of the MMDR Act, the Central Government amended the First Schedule:
  • In Part A, “Coal” revised to “Coal, including Coking Coal”
  • Coking Coal added to Part D, which lists Critical and Strategic Minerals
• This reclassification elevates coking coal’s policy priority.

Key Regulatory Benefits of the New Classification

• Faster approvals and clearances for mining projects.
• Improved ease of doing business in the mining sector.
• Acceleration of exploration and mining, including deep-seated deposits.
• Exemption from public consultation requirements for critical minerals.
• Permission to use degraded forest land for compensatory afforestation.
• Expected to enhance private sector participation and investment.

Economic and Industrial Implications

• Likely to:
  • Reduce import dependence over time.
  • Strengthen supply-chain resilience for the steel industry.
  • Support objectives of the National Steel Policy.
• Encourages:
  • Private investment in exploration, beneficiation, and processing
  • Adoption of advanced and efficient mining technologies
• Employment generation across:
  • Mining
  • Logistics
  • Steel and allied industries

Federal and Revenue Considerations

• As per Section 11D(3) of the MMDR Act:
  • Royalty, auction premium, and statutory payments will continue to accrue to State Governments
  • This holds even when mineral auctions are conducted by the Central Government
• Ensures cooperative federalism and protects state revenues.

Overall Significance

• Strengthens national mineral security.
• Enhances self-reliance in critical industrial inputs.
• Reduces external vulnerabilities while supporting industrial growth and employment.
• Marks a decisive step toward building a resilient, self-reliant industrial ecosystem, advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

---

India–Saudi Arabia Security Dialogue

India–Saudi Arabia Security Dialogue

• India and Saudi Arabia held a security dialogue in Riyadh.
• The meeting involved a comprehensive review of ongoing security cooperation between the two countries.
• Discussions focused on terrorism-related threats, both globally and within their respective regions.

Institutional Framework

• The talks were held under the 3rd India–Saudi Arabia Security Working Group.
• It was co-chaired by:
  • Vinod Bahade, Joint Secretary (Counter Terrorism), Ministry of External Affairs (India)
  • Ahmed Al-Eissa, Director-General (Legal Affairs and International Cooperation), Ministry of Interior (Saudi Arabia)
• The Working Group functions as a continuing mechanism under the India–Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC).

Key Areas of Cooperation Discussed

• Counter-terrorism cooperation, including:
  • Countering extremism and radicalisation
  • Combating terror financing
  • Preventing misuse of technology for terrorist purposes
  • Addressing the nexus between transnational organised crime and terrorism
• Emphasis on tackling emerging and evolving security challenges.

Condemnation of Terror Attacks

• Both sides condemned recent terrorist incidents in India, including:
  • The April 22, 2025 Pahalgam attack
  • The November 10, 2025 attack near the Red Fort
• The discussions underscored shared concerns over cross-border and global terrorism.

Legal and Law Enforcement Cooperation

• Officials discussed steps to:
  • Enhance bilateral legal and judicial cooperation
  • Strengthen law enforcement collaboration
• This reflects a move beyond intelligence sharing towards institutional and legal coordination.

Strategic and Diplomatic Significance

• Indian officials described the dialogue as a robust and effective framework for sustained cooperation.
• The timing of the dialogue drew attention as it followed closely after India’s defence engagement with the UAE.
• It signals India’s intent to maintain balanced and independent strategic ties with key West Asian powers.

Regional Geopolitical Context

• Relations between Saudi Arabia and the UAE have recently deteriorated, mainly due to:
  • Divergent approaches to the conflict in Yemen
  • Differences over regional influence in Libya and Sudan
• Saudi Arabia has accused the UAE of supporting forces inimical to Saudi strategic interests, though no formal punitive measures have been taken.

India’s Strategic Interests in the Gulf

• Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE are crucial partners for India, particularly in:
  • Energy security
  • Foreign investments
  • Remittances, as both countries host large Indian expatriate populations
• India’s parallel engagement with both countries highlights its multi-aligned, interest-driven West Asia policy.

---