Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Briefly acknowledge the progress of India’s start-up ecosystem. State the urgency of fostering deep tech start-ups. 2. Current State of the Start-up Ecosystem Highlight key statistics: Funding Growth: 15-fold increase in start-up funding from 2015 to 2022 (Source: NASSCOM). Investor Growth: ...
Model Answer India's Three-Stage Nuclear Power Program, proposed by Dr. Homi Bhabha in 1954, aims to harness the country's indigenous nuclear resources, particularly its abundant Thorium reserves, alongside modest Uranium supplies. The program consists of three stages: Stage I - Pressurized Heavy WaRead more
Model Answer
India’s Three-Stage Nuclear Power Program, proposed by Dr. Homi Bhabha in 1954, aims to harness the country’s indigenous nuclear resources, particularly its abundant Thorium reserves, alongside modest Uranium supplies. The program consists of three stages:
- Stage I – Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR): The first stage focuses on the use of PHWRs, with the first reactor starting operations in Rajasthan in 1973. In December 2023, India’s largest indigenously developed 700-MWe PHWR achieved criticality in Kakrapar, Gujarat. Currently, the Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) operates 24 reactors, contributing 8,180 MWe to the national grid.
- Stage II – Fast Breeder Reactors (FBR): In 2003, BHAVINI was established to oversee the development of the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR). By March 2024, the PFBR at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, marked a significant milestone by commencing ‘core loading’, advancing the country’s move towards efficient nuclear energy production.
- Stage III – Advanced Reactors: The third stage involves the development of reactors that use Thorium as fuel. The Kamini reactor, located in BARC, is the only reactor worldwide using U-233 as fuel. Additionally, the Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR) is being developed, with a 300 MWe AHWR300-LEU designed as a technology demonstrator for Thorium utilization.
Challenges in Implementation
Despite the progress, several challenges hinder the smooth execution of the program:
- Nuclear Fuel Availability: Limited domestic uranium resources and its low quality, sourced primarily from Jharkhand and Andhra Pradesh, pose significant hurdles in fuel supply.
- Technological Delays in Stage II: The commissioning of the PFBR has faced delays due to technical difficulties and cost overruns, with the project expected to be completed by 2010 but delayed by over a decade.
- Third Stage Roadblocks: The realization of the third stage remains distant due to challenges in recycling U-233, crucial for a sustainable thorium-U-233 fuel cycle.
- Public Opposition: Concerns regarding safety, environment, and livelihood have led to delays, such as the 35-year delay in building reactors at Kudankulam due to public protests.
- Competition from Renewable Energy: The rising popularity and decreasing cost of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, have diverted attention from nuclear energy.
In conclusion, while significant progress has been made, India’s Three-Stage Nuclear Power Program still faces substantial challenges that need to be addressed for its long-term success and energy security.
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Model Answer The Urgent Need for Deep Tech Start-ups in India India's start-up ecosystem has made significant strides, emerging as the third-largest globally, with a remarkable 15-fold increase in funding from 2015 to 2022 and a 66% rise in the number of unicorns over the last four years. However, tRead more
Model Answer
The Urgent Need for Deep Tech Start-ups in India
India’s start-up ecosystem has made significant strides, emerging as the third-largest globally, with a remarkable 15-fold increase in funding from 2015 to 2022 and a 66% rise in the number of unicorns over the last four years. However, the growth of deep tech start-ups has not kept pace with this overall progress, highlighting an urgent need for focus in this area.
1. Developing Original Ideas
2. Achieving Digital Transformation 2.0
3. Addressing Socio-Economic Challenges
4. Creating Employment Opportunities
5. Enhancing Data Localization
In conclusion, while India’s start-up ecosystem has flourished, a concerted effort to nurture deep tech start-ups is essential for sustainable growth and addressing critical socio-economic challenges.
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