Development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
Strategic Context
- Nuclear energy is envisaged as a clean, reliable, and low-carbon source of power.
- Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are positioned as instruments for rapid decarbonization, particularly in energy-intensive sectors.
- They complement India’s long-term target of achieving 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047.
- While large reactors such as indigenous 700 MWe PHWRs and imported advanced reactors will be deployed at greenfield sites, SMRs are intended for flexible and faster deployment, especially in brownfield settings.
- SMRs support India’s climate commitments and industrial transition objectives.
Deployment Focus and Applications
- Designed primarily for brownfield deployment, especially:
- Repurposing retiring fossil fuel-based power plants.
- Establishing captive power plants for large, energy-intensive industries.
- Serving remote and off-grid locations.
- Lower exclusion zone requirements due to enhanced safety features reduce land acquisition needs.
- Suitable for installation in retired thermal power plant sites.
- Load-following capability allows operational flexibility and grid stability.
Technological and Economic Advantages
- Reduced construction timelines compared to conventional large reactors.
- Lower upfront capital requirements.
- Standardized design allows serial manufacturing.
- Enhances scalability and replicability.
- Strengthens domestic manufacturing and supply chains.
- Suitable for industries requiring uninterrupted and reliable power supply.
Indigenous Development under Nuclear Energy Mission
- The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), has initiated design and development of multiple SMR variants.
- The 220 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200) has its Detailed Project Report approved, with pre-project activities underway.
- The 55 MWe SMR has received in-principle approval, and detailed design and prototype development are ongoing.
- A high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (up to 5 MWth) is being developed for hydrogen generation, supporting the clean hydrogen economy.
Fuel Strategy and Nuclear Fuel Cycle Management
- India’s expertise across the nuclear fuel cycle—gained through indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) operations—is being leveraged for SMR development.
- Slightly Enriched Uranium (SEU) is proposed as fuel for SMRs.
- Spent fuel is planned to be reprocessed to:
- Recover valuable nuclear materials.
- Reduce overall nuclear waste burden.
- Waste management philosophy includes:
- Recovery of useful radioisotopes.
- Volume reduction.
- Vitrification into stable glass matrices.
- Storage in engineered facilities under surveillance.
- Reprocessing technologies will be adapted to suit SMR-specific fuel configurations.
Industrial and Manufacturing Ecosystem
- DAE possesses the scientific and technological know-how required for SMR development.
- Majority of equipment falls within the manufacturing capability of Indian industries.
- BARC provides technological handholding to domestic manufacturers.
- Promotes self-reliance and reduces dependence on foreign reactor technology.
Legal and Policy Support
- The SHANTI Act permits individuals and entities to undertake research, development, design, and innovation related to peaceful nuclear applications without requiring a license.
- This provision aims to accelerate innovation in advanced reactor technologies, including SMRs.
- Creates a conducive ecosystem for nuclear R&D and technology deployment.
Strategic Significance
- SMRs provide a practical pathway for industrial decarbonization.
- Enable transition from coal-based captive power generation.
- Support distributed energy generation in remote areas.
- Contribute to energy security, climate mitigation, and technological self-reliance.
- Serve as a bridge between conventional large nuclear reactors and flexible, next-generation clean energy solutions.
Official Source
- Information submitted in Lok Sabha on 4 February 2026 by Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Prime Minister’s Office.
Bharat Taxi
Launch & Vision
- Bharat Taxi to be launched on 05 February 2026 at Vigyan Bhavan.
- The initiative aligns with Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sahkar se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation).
- Positioned as a major step toward strengthening India’s cooperative sector and citizen-centric mobility solutions.
- Led by the Ministry of Cooperation as part of broader cooperative reforms.
Institutional & Legal Framework
- Bharat Taxi is registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002.
- Established on 6 June 2025.
- Described as:
- India’s first cooperative-led ride-hailing platform.
- The world’s first and largest cooperative-based ride-hailing platform.
- The world’s largest driver-owned mobility platform.
Core Operating Model
- Zero-commission model (no platform commission charged from drivers).
- Surge-free pricing to protect consumer interests.
- Profits distributed directly to drivers.
- Drivers are referred to as Sarathis.
- Built on the principle: “Sarathi Hi Malik” (Driver is the Owner).
- Designed as an indigenous alternative to foreign investment-based aggregator platforms.
Driver-Centric Welfare & Social Security
- Personal accident insurance cover of ₹5 lakh.
- Family health insurance cover of ₹5 lakh.
- Retirement savings mechanisms.
- Dedicated driver support system.
- Support centres operating at seven key locations in Delhi.
- Rapid emergency assistance and verified ride data.
- No exclusivity clause—drivers can work on other platforms simultaneously.
Recognition & Incentives
- Top six performing Sarathis to be honoured at launch.
- Share certificates to be distributed to reinforce cooperative ownership.
- Over ₹10 crore reportedly distributed directly to drivers so far.
Participation & Scale
- Around 4 lakh drivers onboarded.
- Over 10 lakh registered users.
- More than 1,200 Sarathis expected to attend the launch event.
- Indicates rapid early expansion and driver confidence in the cooperative model.
Women Empowerment
- “Bike Didi” initiative introduced.
- Over 150 women drivers have joined under this program.
- Promotes gender inclusion within the mobility ecosystem.
Strategic Expansion Plan
- Target to expand to all States and major cities within two years.
- Plan to establish dedicated support centres in every State.
- Deeper integration with national digital public infrastructure.
- Aim to create a sustainable, inclusive, cooperative-based mobility ecosystem.
Broader Policy Significance
- Strengthens the cooperative movement in a high-growth digital sector.
- Promotes:
- Employment generation.
- Grassroots-level economic participation.
- Social security for gig workers.
- Represents a structural shift from venture capital-driven aggregator models to a cooperative ownership framework.
- Seeks to combine digital platforms with cooperative governance principles.
Overall Assessment
Bharat Taxi represents a policy-driven attempt to:
- Democratize platform ownership.
- Provide social protection to gig workers.
- Reduce intermediary extraction through zero-commission structure.
- Expand the cooperative model into the digital mobility economy.
- Align economic activity with the broader “Sahkar se Samriddhi” vision.
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing of drones.
Key Institutional Collaboration
- National Test House (NTH) entered into a government-to-government collaboration with:
- Standardization Testing & Quality Certification Directorate (STQC) – Electronics Regional Test Laboratory (North) [ERTL (North)]
- Under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY)
- Purpose: Enable Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing of drones.
- This strengthens India’s drone testing and certification ecosystem.
Regulatory and Legal Alignment
- Addresses compliance requirements under:
- Drone Rules, 2021
- Certification Scheme for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (CSUAS), 2022
- Enhances India’s capacity to certify:
- Safe
- Reliable
- Globally compliant Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)
Division of Responsibilities
- ERTL (North):
- Conducts EMI/EMC and immunity testing
- Follows IEC 61000 / IS 14700 standards
- NTH:
- Conducts all other required drone tests
- Test reports will be integrated into the Type Certification process.
Benefits to Drone Manufacturers
- Transparent and seamless government-backed certification pathway.
- Especially beneficial for:
- Startups
- MSMEs
- Lower costs compared to private testing facilities.
- Reduces duplication of expensive testing infrastructure.
Strengthening India’s Regulatory Framework
- Avoids creation of parallel high-cost infrastructure.
- Optimizes existing national facilities.
- Strengthens drone safety and reliability framework.
- Improves global acceptance of Indian-certified drones.
Global Standards Compliance
- Ensures certification alignment with international benchmarks:
- IEC/ISO
- MIL-STD
- ASTM
- RTCA
- Enhances export potential and international recognition of Indian drones.
Economic and Sectoral Impact
- Expected to accelerate innovation in:
- Agriculture
- Logistics
- Healthcare
- Disaster management
- Infrastructure monitoring
- Smart cities
- Supports growth of India’s drone ecosystem and emerging technology sectors.
Role and Credibility of NTH
- National Test House:
- Established in 1912
- Functions under the Department of Consumer Affairs
- Approved by DGCA and QCI as:
- Certification Body (CB)
- Authorized Testing Entity (ATE) under CSUAS
- Operates a nationwide network of NABL-accredited laboratories.
- Plays a critical role in ensuring safety, quality, and regulatory compliance in emerging technologies, including drones.
Exercise KHANJAR
The 13th edition of Exercise KHANJAR — the annual joint special forces drill between India and Kyrgyzstan — has commenced at Missamari, Assam, from 04 to 17 February 2026.
Key Highlights:
- Nature of Exercise:
Exercise KHANJAR is conducted annually, alternating between India and Kyrgyzstan.
The 12th edition was held in Kyrgyzstan in March 2025. - Participating Contingents:
- Indian Army: 20 personnel from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces)
- Kyrgyzstan: 20 personnel from the ILBRIS Special Forces Brigade
Objectives of the Exercise:
The primary aim is to:
- Exchange best practices in Counter-Terrorism (CT) operations
- Enhance cooperation in Special Forces operations in:
- Urban terrain
- Mountainous terrain
Focus Areas:
- Advanced sniping techniques
- Complex building intervention drills
- Mountain craft and high-altitude warfare skills
Strategic Significance:
Exercise KHANJAR strengthens:
- Bilateral defence cooperation
- Operational interoperability
- Joint response capability against international terrorism and extremism
The exercise reaffirms the shared commitment of India and Kyrgyzstan toward regional peace, stability, and security.
Achievements under Deep Ocean Mission
Overview of the Deep Ocean Mission
The Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) of India is structured around six verticals:
- Development of Technologies – Focus on deep-sea mining, human submersibles, and underwater robotics.
- Ocean Climate Change Advisory Services – Predictive modeling and coastal vulnerability assessments.
- Exploration and Conservation of Deep-sea Biodiversity – Survey and protection of marine life.
- Deep-ocean Survey and Exploration – Mapping, identifying resources, and hydrothermal vents.
- Energy and Fresh Water from the Ocean – Harnessing renewable ocean resources.
- Advanced Marine Station for Ocean Biology – Establishing state-of-the-art research facilities.
Significant Milestones Achieved
Human Submersible MATSYA-6000
- Designed to reach 6000 meters with 3 aquanauts.
- Subsystems realized; wet tests conducted at L&T Harbour, Katupalli (Jan–Feb 2025).
- Scientists trained on French submersible NAUTILE in Aug 2025.
Ocean Climate Observations
- 100-year extreme sea-level predictions and coastal vulnerability maps completed.
- INCOIS, Hyderabad deployed:
- 11 glider missions (Arabian Sea 67°E, Bay of Bengal 89°E)
- 60 Wave Spectra Barometric Drifters
- 92 physical and biogeochemical Argo floats
Deep-sea Biodiversity
- 1845 deep-sea microbes isolated from the Indian EEZ; new species discovered.
- 25 seamounts surveyed in Lakshadweep & Andaman & Nicobar regions (195 species, 39 potential new taxa).
Seafloor Exploration
- Hydrothermal vents: 2 active, 2 inactive identified via NCPOR, Goa using AUVs.
Collaborations
- 141 research projects sanctioned with ~69 national institutions to support mission objectives.
Current Status
- New oceanographic research vessel design completed; block construction done by GRSE, Kolkata.
- Ocean observation network fully deployed (gliders, drifters, Argo floats).
- Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC), Hyderabad operational since 2007 for real-time tsunami monitoring and alerts across India and 26 Indian Ocean-RIM countries.
Integration with Resource Security & Coastal Resilience
- Research links deep-ocean exploration with biodiversity conservation and resource utilization (polymetallic nodules, sulphides).
- Coastal hazard predictions inform vulnerability maps to enhance resilience against sea-level rise, extreme waves, cyclones, and storm surges.
- Supports India’s Blue Economy vision.
Future Timelines & Priorities
- Technology development prioritized for national benefits and indigenous scaling under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
- International collaboration ongoing with institutions in France and Germany (e.g., CNRS, Roscoff Marine Station, IFREMER, Aix Marseille University, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography, UBO, Sorbonne University) for knowledge sharing and capacity building.
Source
Submitted by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh in Lok Sabha on 04.02.2026.