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Science and Technology Current Affairs

SHANTI Bill Passed by Parliament to Reform Nuclear Law

Parliament has cleared the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy in India (SHANTI) Bill.

shanti bill

key features

  • Opening of Nuclear Sector: The SHANTI Bill brings a major shift by allowing private and foreign participation in India’s nuclear power sector, which was earlier fully controlled by the government
  • Private Participation & Licensing: Under the Bill, private Indian companies can now obtain licences to build, own, and operate nuclear power plants. It also permits foreign suppliers to participate in the sector
  • Government Control & Ownership Pattern: The Bill allows up to 49% private participation, while ensuring 51% government control over critical areas such as: Nuclear fuel production, Heavy water manufacturing etc
  • End of NPCIL Monopoly: Earlier, the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) had exclusive control over nuclear plant operations. The Bill removes this monopoly and allows private players and joint ventures to operate nuclear power plants
  • Liability Provisions

β‚Ή3,000 crore β†’ Large plants (3600 MW)
β‚Ή1,500 crore β†’ Medium plants (1500–3600 MW)
β‚Ή100 crore β†’ Small Modular Reactors (150 MW)

Exam Tip:

SHANTI Bill = Private entry + End of NPCIL monopoly + SMRs + Fixed liability

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=156593&ModuleId=3&reg=3&lang=2: SHANTI Bill Passed by Parliament to Reform Nuclear Law

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India’s First Hydrogen Train Trial Begins

India has commenced the trial run of its first indigenously developedΒ Hydrogen-powered trainΒ on theΒ Jind–Sonipat sectionΒ in Haryana.

hydrogen train
  • Trial conducted by Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO).
  • Train developed by Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai.
  • Uses hydrogen fuel cells instead of diesel. Produces only water vapor and heat as by-products.
  • India joins countries like Germany, Japan, China, and Sweden in hydrogen train technology
Exam Tip

Hydrogen Train = Fuel Cell + Zero Emissions + Water as by-product

https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/indian-railways-hydrogen-train-clears-load-tests-launch-soon-125081500957_1.html: India’s First Hydrogen Train Trial Begins

India’s First Hydrogen Train Trial Begins Read More Β»

India Becomes First to Produce Bio-Bitumen Commercially

Why in News?

India has become the first country in the world to commercially produce bio-bitumen for road construction. This is a major step towards green infrastructure and sustainable development.

biutemen

Bio-bitumen is manufactured through the thermal decomposition of biomass, a process known asΒ pyrolysis, which converts organic matter into a usable binder

  • It is an eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based bitumen.
  • Produced from renewable biological sources instead of crude oil.
  • Used as a binder in road construction, similar to traditional bitumen. Helps in reducing carbon emissions and fossil fuel dependency.
Background

Traditional bitumen is derived from crude oil, which contributes to pollution and carbon emissions.

To promote environment-friendly infrastructure, researchers developed bio-bitumen using organic and renewable materials

Exam Tip:

Bio-bitumen = Renewable + Eco-friendly + Used in roads

https://www.newsonair.gov.in/india-becomes-first-country-to-commercially-produce-bio-bitumen-in-road-construction/: India Becomes First to Produce Bio-Bitumen Commercially

India Becomes First to Produce Bio-Bitumen Commercially Read More Β»

US Invites India to Join Pax Silica Initiative

Why in News?

United States has announced that India will be invited to join Pax Silica as a full member in February 2026.

pax silica initiative

Pax Silica is a multilateral technology and economic security initiative launched by the US.

  • Focuses on trusted global supply chains.
  • Aims to reduce dependence on China in critical technologies.
Background:

In recent years, global tensions and supply disruptions have exposed risks in depending on a few countries for semiconductors and critical minerals.

To address this, the US launched Pax Silica to build a secure and reliable technology ecosystem with like-minded countries.

Exam Tip:

Pax Silica = Tech alliance + supply chain security + reduce dependence on China

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2230648&reg=3&lang=1: US Invites India to Join Pax Silica Initiative

US Invites India to Join Pax Silica Initiative Read More Β»

Isro successfully fires improved 3rd stage of SSLV rocket

Why in News?

ISRO successfully tested an improved version of the third stage (SS3) of its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).

sslv

SSLV

The SSLV is a three-stage, all-solid launch vehicle developed by ISRO. It is specifically designed to provide cost-effective, on-demand launch services for small satellites (10 kg to 500 kg) into Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

Payload CapacityUp toΒ 500 kgΒ to 500 km planar orbit; 300 kg to Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO).
Stages3 stagesΒ (all solid fuel) + a liquid-basedΒ Velocity Trimming Module (VTM)Β for precise orbit injection
Integration TimeQuick turnaround ofΒ 72 hoursΒ (vs. 70 days for PSLV).
ManpowerCan be integrated by a team of onlyΒ 6 people.
Exam TIP
  • Remember the difference:
    SSLV β†’ Small satellites, low cost, quick launch
    PSLV β†’ Polar missions, versatile
    GSLV β†’ Heavy payloads, geostationary orbit
https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/isro-successfully-fires-improved-third-stage-of-newly-developed-sslv-rocket-2844418-2025-12-31: Isro successfully fires improved 3rd stage of SSLV rocket

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Dhruv-NG Helicopter First Flight: India’s Civil Aviation Milestone

Why in News?

India achieved a major milestone in civil aviation as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) successfully conducted the first flight of Dhruv New Generation (NG) helicopter in Bengaluru. This marks HAL’s entry into the civil helicopter market

dhruv ng

Dhruv-NG:

  • Dhruv-NG is a 5.5-tonne, twin-engine, multi-role helicopter.
  • It is fully designed and developed in India by HAL.
  • Powered by the Shakti civil engine.

Additional Concepts for Exams

Recently Shakti Civil Engine received certification from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). It is the first indigenous aircraft engine to get DGCA approval for manufacturing.

Exam Tip:

Dhruv-NG = Civil helicopter + HAL + Shakti engine + DGCA certification

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/indias-dhruv-ng-helicopter-makes-maiden-flight-5-5-tonne-twin-engine-max-speed-285-km/h-heres-what-we-need-to-know/articleshow/126264605.cms: Dhruv-NG Helicopter First Flight: India’s Civil Aviation Milestone

Dhruv-NG Helicopter First Flight: India’s Civil Aviation Milestone Read More Β»