PIB Summary- 6th February, 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Nuclear Mission

Context

The Nuclear Mission, announced in the Union Budget 2025-26, marks a transformative shift in India’s energy landscape by prioritizing nuclear power as a key source of energy. This initiative aims to bolster India’s energy security, reduce dependency on fossil fuels, and promote clean energy solutions.

Highlights of the Nuclear Mission

• Objective: Develop at least five indigenously designed operational SMRs by 2033.
• Significance: SMRs offer scalable, cost-effective, and safer nuclear solutions for decentralized energy needs.

Target of 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047

• Current Capacity: 8,180 MW
• Planned Expansion: 22,480 MW by 2031-32
• Long-Term Goal: Achieve a 100 GW nuclear power capacity as part of the net-zero emissions strategy by 2070.

Opening of India’s Nuclear Energy Sector to Private Participation
Historic Move: Ending decades of state monopoly in the nuclear sector.
Expected Benefits:

• Increased investments and technological innovations.
• Faster execution of nuclear projects.
• Greater efficiency through public-private partnerships.

Parallel with Space Sector: Similar to the success of private participation in India’s space industry post-ISRO’s reforms.
Expansion of Nuclear Power Infrastructure

• Ongoing Projects:10 reactors under construction across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh.10 more reactors planned, including the 6 × 1208 MW Kovvada project (Andhra Pradesh) in collaboration with the USA.
• Recent Achievement:Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (RAPP-7) reached criticality on September 19, 2024, marking a major step in nuclear energy expansion.

Strategic Role of Nuclear Energy in India’s Energy Security

• India’s High Dependence on Petroleum Imports: Nuclear energy offers an alternative for reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
• Aligning with COP26 Commitments: Nuclear power is part of India’s plan to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy by 2030.
• PM Modi’s Vision for Net-Zero by 2070: Strengthening nuclear energy aligns with the broader Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment).

Significance of the Nuclear Mission

• Reliable and Stable Energy Source: Unlike solar and wind power, nuclear energy provides continuous, base-load power.
• Reduces Import Dependency: Strengthens self-reliance in energy generation, supporting the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
• Multiplier Effect on Economy: More nuclear plants mean industrial growth, job creation, and advanced technological capabilities.

Technological and Strategic Advancements

• Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as Game Changers:
  • Cost-efficient: Can be deployed in remote areas.
  • Safer Designs: Minimized risk of catastrophic failures.
• Boost for Indigenous Nuclear Technology: Strengthening India’s domestic nuclear expertise will enhance global competitiveness.
• Civil Nuclear Cooperation with Global Players:
  • Collaboration with the USA on Kovvada plant indicates strategic partnerships in the nuclear sector.

Environmental and Sustainable Development Impact

• Reduction in Carbon Footprint: Transitioning to nuclear power significantly lowers greenhouse gas emissions.
• Less Land Usage Compared to Renewables: Nuclear plants require less space than solar or wind farms for the same energy output.
• Long-Term Sustainability: Nuclear waste management strategies and advanced reactor designs improve the eco-friendliness of nuclear energy.

Challenges and Concerns

• Nuclear projects require huge upfront investments and take years to become operational.
  • Solution: Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can reduce financial burdens and accelerate project execution.

Nuclear Waste Management

• Issue: Safe disposal of radioactive waste remains a challenge.
• Solution: Advancements in closed fuel cycles, reprocessing, and deep geological repositories.

Public Perception and Safety Concerns

• Nuclear accidents (Chernobyl, Fukushima) have heightened fears.
• Solution: Greater transparency, safety protocols, and public awareness campaigns.

Geopolitical and Regulatory Challenges

• Global nuclear supply chain dependencies can affect fuel availability.
• Solution: Strengthen domestic uranium mining and explore thorium-based reactors (India has abundant thorium reserves).

Conclusion
The Nuclear Mission in Union Budget 2025-26 represents a bold and strategic shift in India’s energy policy. By expanding nuclear capacity, integrating private sector participation, and investing in advanced nuclear technologies like SMRs, India aims to position itself as a global leader in clean and sustainable energy.

Watershed Yatra

Context

The “Watershed Yatra,” marks a significant step in India’s efforts towards sustainable water and soil conservation. As part of the Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC-PMKSY 2.0), this national-level mass outreach campaign aims to foster community-driven water resource management and enhance agricultural productivity through participatory watershed development.

Objectives of Watershed Yatra

• Community Participation: The initiative emphasizes grassroots-level involvement to ensure the long-term success of watershed projects. Activities like “Watershed ki Panchayat”, Shramdaan (voluntary labor), and Watershed Margdarshak recognitions encourage people’s ownership of conservation efforts.
• Awareness & Behavioral Change: With 800 Gram Panchayats and over one lakh participants, the Yatra seeks to transform public perception about water conservation and soil health.
• Scaling up WDC-PMKSY Implementation: By galvanizing field-level implementation machinery, the campaign aims to enhance execution efficiency across 6673 Gram Panchayats (13,587 villages) in 26 states & 2 UTs.
• Public-Private-People Partnership (4Ps): A novel approach ensuring multi-stakeholder involvement in watershed management.

Announcements & Features

• ₹20 lakh reward per project for outstanding efforts.
• ₹70.80 crore allocated annually, benefiting 177 projects per year.
• State-level evaluations to ensure accountability and best practices.

Use of Technology & Digital Platforms

• Learning Management System (LMS) on watershed development linked to the MY Bharat portal for engaging youth.
• Certification for youth participants to promote active involvement.
• Mobile vans for outreach, ensuring mass awareness in rural areas.

Significance in the Broader Policy Framework

• Alignment with Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Complements India’s broader water conservation efforts, focusing on rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and efficient irrigation.
• Climate Resilience & Sustainable Agriculture: Watershed-based interventions help in drought-proofing and reducing dependence on erratic monsoons.

Employment Generation & Rural Development

• Labor-intensive projects create jobs, boosting rural employment under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
• Youth & Skill Development through capacity-building programs and LMS integration.

Strengthening Cooperative Federalism

• State & UT participation ensures decentralized governance, making the initiative more regionally relevant.
• Local Panchayat involvement reinforces the role of Gram Sabhas in natural resource management.

Challenges & Potential Bottlenecks

• Ensuring consistent participation across all 6673 Gram Panchayats.
• Addressing bureaucratic delays & fund utilization inefficiencies in watershed projects.

Sustainability of Water Conservation Efforts

• Preventing post-project neglect by ensuring long-term community ownership.
• Institutionalizing maintenance beyond government-driven campaigns.

Measuring Impact & Accountability

• Need for real-time monitoring using GIS-based tracking.
• Establishing transparent evaluation mechanisms for the Watershed – Janbhagidari Pratiyogita competition.

Conclusion:
The Watershed Yatra is a milestone initiative in India’s rural water governance framework. By integrating technology, community engagement, and performance-based incentives, the program has the potential to revitalize India’s water-stressed regions and enhance agricultural sustainability.