Daily Current Affairs : 9-September-2023

In a significant move, the Indian government has decided to open up two critical sectors, nuclear power, and space, to private participation. This decision marks a pivotal moment in India’s pursuit of technological advancement and economic growth. Let’s delve deeper into these developments and their implications.

Nuclear Power Sector: The Promise of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

Government’s Recent Push The Indian government is actively promoting Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as a promising technology in the civil nuclear sector. SMRs represent a compact and versatile approach to nuclear energy generation.

Exploring Collaboration and Indigenous Development India is also exploring collaborations with other countries to harness the potential of SMRs. Simultaneously, there is an emphasis on indigenous development to establish self-reliance in this domain.

Significance for Industrial Decarbonization SMRs play a crucial role in industrial decarbonization, aligning with India’s commitment to a greener energy transition. Moreover, India aims to assert its leadership in disseminating this technology globally.

Future Course of Action The final course of action will be determined based on government decisions, considering the Atomic Energy Act of 1962. There is also consideration for involving the private sector and startups in this endeavor.

Challenges in Small-Sized Reactors India’s focus on small-sized reactors aims to fulfill clean energy commitments and position itself as a global leader. However, there are challenges to overcome:

  1. Global Competition: India competes with countries like Russia and China, which have already made strides in SMR technology.
  2. Technological Edge: India’s advantage lies in producing and operating small-sized reactors suitable for mid-sized grids and decentralized operations.
Space Sector: Enabling Private Players with SSLVs

Transfer of SSLVs to Private Sector The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has taken a bold step by transferring its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) to the private sector. This move aims to facilitate private companies in offering on-demand satellite launch services.

Boosting Investment in Space India seeks to increase its share in the global satellite launch market significantly. The SSLV program serves as a government-led platform to foster private innovation in the booming space industry.

Challenges in Privatization While this shift is promising, there are challenges associated with privatizing space technology:

  1. Monopolization Risk: Space technology requires substantial investment, potentially leading to a monopolization of the sector by a few wealthy corporations.
  2. Private Sector Dominance: Historically, privatization has sometimes tilted governments toward favoring specific private brands over public sector initiatives.
  3. Impact on Social Development: ISRO has historically prioritized projects with socio-economic benefits, such as remote sensing and resource mapping. The private sector may prioritize profitability over immediate socio-economic needs.

Important Points:

Nuclear Power Sector:

  • Indian government promoting Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in the civil nuclear sector.
  • Exploring collaborations with other countries and indigenous development of SMRs.
  • SMRs can aid in industrial decarbonization and establish India as a global leader.
  • Future course of action to be determined based on government decisions.
  • Consideration for involving the private sector and startups.
  • Challenges: Global competition with Russia and China, technological edge in small-sized reactors.

Space Sector:

  • ISRO transferring Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) to the private sector.
  • Aim to increase India’s share in the global satellite launch market.
  • SSLV program as a platform for private innovation.
  • Challenges: Risk of monopolization, potential dominance of the private sector, impact on social development.
Why In News

India is ushering in a new era of economic growth by inviting private participation in two pivotal sectors: Nuclear power and space exploration. This move not only fosters innovation and investment but also enhances the country’s global competitiveness in these strategic domains.

MCQs about Privatizing Nuclear Power and Space Sectors

  1. What technology is the Indian government actively promoting in the civil nuclear sector?
    A. Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs)
    B. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
    C. Nuclear Fusion Reactors
    D. Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs)
    Correct Answer: B. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
    Explanation: The Indian government is actively promoting Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in the civil nuclear sector.
  2. What space technology has the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) transferred to the private sector?
    A. Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan)
    B. Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV)
    C. Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)
    D. Chandrayaan-2 Mission
    Correct Answer: C. Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)
    Explanation: The ISRO has transferred its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) to the private sector.
  3. What challenge is associated with privatizing the space sector, as discussed in the essay?
    A. Risk of nuclear accidents
    B. Monopolization risk
    C. Increased space exploration costs
    D. Lack of technological innovation
    Correct Answer: B. Monopolization risk
    Explanation: There is a risk of monopolization of the space sector due to the heavy investment required when privatizing it.

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