Daily Current Affairs : 24-December-2024
The Cirus reactor, operational since 1960, played a significant role in India’s nuclear development and scientific progress. It was crucial for advancing India’s capabilities in nuclear technology, contributing to both peaceful applications and defense developments. Let’s look at its history, features, and contributions to various fields.
About the Cirus Reactor
The Cirus reactor, a 40 MW thermal neutron research reactor, was an important asset in India’s nuclear program. It became operational on July 10, 1960, and was built with Canadian assistance under the Canada-India Reactor Utility Services (CIRUS) agreement. The reactor was designed to support both research and isotope production, enhancing India’s technological independence.
- Reactor Type: Vertical tank-type, thermal reactor.
- Fuel Used: Natural uranium metal.
- Moderator: Heavy water.
- Coolant: Light water.
- Maximum Power Output: 40 MW thermal.
The Cirus reactor provided a reliable platform for testing various nuclear technologies, helping India progress in areas like reactor development and fuel research.
Uses and Contributions of the Cirus Reactor
The Cirus reactor had several significant applications in different fields. Some of the key uses included:
- Isotope Production: The reactor played a crucial role in supplying isotopes for medicine, agriculture, and industrial applications, supporting India’s healthcare and agricultural sectors.
- Neutron Beam Research: It facilitated research in condensed matter science, enhancing our understanding of material properties at the atomic level.
- Reactor R&D: The reactor was instrumental in developing the Indian Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) system, a major step in self-reliant nuclear energy production.
- Training Platform: It served as a training ground for engineers and scientists, fostering skills needed for the country’s growing nuclear program.
- Fuel Development: The reactor supported research into advanced fuel assemblies and new nuclear materials.
- Neutron Activation Analysis: The reactor also enabled detailed material analysis, aiding scientific research in various fields.
Pakistan’s Attempt to Replicate the Cirus Reactor
The Cirus reactor also had an impact beyond India. In 1964, Pakistan’s nuclear program began with an effort to replicate the Cirus reactor’s design. This effort was initiated by Munir Ahmed Khan, who visited India’s Trombay facility. Later, a secret team led by Sardar Ali Khan attempted to replicate the reactor’s design to support Pakistan’s nuclear ambitions.
This effort underlined the strategic importance of the Cirus reactor, which not only contributed to India’s peaceful nuclear development but also became a focal point for regional nuclear dynamics.
Important Points:
- Cirus Reactor Overview:
- Operational since 1960, pivotal in India’s nuclear program.
- A 40 MW thermal neutron research reactor built with Canadian assistance.
- Achieved criticality on July 10, 1960 under the Canada-India Reactor Utility Services (CIRUS) agreement.
- Reactor Specifications:
- Type: Vertical tank-type, thermal reactor.
- Fuel: Natural uranium metal.
- Moderator: Heavy water.
- Coolant: Light water.
- Maximum Power: 40 MW thermal.
- Key Contributions:
- Isotope Production: Supplied isotopes for medical, agricultural, and industrial use.
- Neutron Beam Research: Advanced condensed matter science and material studies.
- Reactor R&D: Contributed to the development of India’s Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR).
- Training: Platform for training engineers and scientists in nuclear technologies.
- Fuel Development: Enabled testing and innovation in nuclear fuel assemblies.
- Neutron Activation Analysis: Used for detailed material analysis in scientific research.
- Impact on Pakistan’s Nuclear Program:
- 1964: Pakistan’s effort to replicate the Cirus reactor initiated by Munir Ahmed Khan after visiting India’s Trombay facility.
- Leadership: A secret team led by Sardar Ali Khan aimed to replicate Cirus for Pakistan’s nuclear ambitions.
- Legacy:
- The Cirus reactor significantly shaped India’s nuclear energy, defense, and scientific capabilities.
- It became a strategic asset influencing both peaceful nuclear development and regional nuclear dynamics.
Why In News
The Cirus reactor, operational since 1960, was pivotal in India’s nuclear program, driving scientific innovation and laying the foundation for the country’s nuclear capabilities, which culminated in the successful 1974 “Smiling Buddha” nuclear test, marking India as a nuclear power on the global stage.
MCQs about Cirus Reactor
-
When did the Cirus reactor achieve criticality?
A. 1950
B. 1960
C. 1970
D. 1980
-
Which country provided assistance in the construction of the Cirus reactor?
A. United States
B. Russia
C. Canada
D. France
-
What was one of the major uses of the Cirus reactor in India?
A. Space exploration
B. Isotope production for medicine, agriculture, and industry
C. Fuel assembly development
D. Power generation for cities
-
What significant event did the Cirus reactor contribute to in 1974?
A. India’s first manned space mission
B. The launch of India’s first satellite
C. The “Smiling Buddha” nuclear test
D. The establishment of India’s first nuclear power plant
Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions
