UPSC-Relevant News Items

1. Nuclear Bill Allows Private Sector Entry, Limits Supplier Recourse

Page: 7

Summary:

• The Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025, was introduced to replace the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010.
• It permits private sector participation, including joint ventures, in setting up nuclear power facilities to achieve the 100 GW capacity target by 2047.
• A key provision removes the ‘right of recourse’ for operators, effectively limiting liability for domestic and foreign nuclear equipment suppliers.

Additional Facts:

• The SHANTI Bill 2025 replaces the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, and the CLNDA, 2010, establishing a new legislative framework to enable private sector entry for achieving the 100 GW capacity target.
• The core institutional mechanism relating to liability is modified by removing the operator’s ‘right of recourse,’ thereby granting essential legal indemnity to domestic and foreign nuclear equipment suppliers.

Linkage with UPSC course:

• GS Mains (GS-3):
• • Science and Technology (Nuclear Energy)
• • Infrastructure (Energy sector reforms)
• • Disaster Management (Liability frameworks)

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