SHANTI Act: What is still under Centre’s control in India’s ‘open’ nuclear sector?
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Nuclear & new energy technology· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
The Indian government passed the SHANTI Act, 2025, to allow private companies to participate in the nuclear sector while granting blanket RTI exemptions for nuclear-related information.
Background
The SHANTI Act, 2025 replaces two existing laws to provide a single license for private entities to build, operate, or decommission nuclear power plants and fabricate nuclear fuel. The Act includes provisions for private participation but faces criticism over transparency and environmental risks like groundwater contamination.
Facts for Prelims
- Act / BillSHANTI Act, 2025: Enables private sector participation in India's nuclear power sector.
- FactThe Act provides a single license for building, operating, decommissioning plants, and fabricating nuclear fuel.
- FactThe Act grants blanket exemptions from the Right to Information (RTI) for nuclear facility information.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the trade-offs between promoting private investment in the nuclear energy sector and ensuring public transparency and environmental safety in India.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Transparency-Security Paradox: Balancing public's right to information against national security concerns in nuclear infrastructure.
- Environmental Liability: Risks of radioactive groundwater contamination and the technical complexities of decommissioning private-sector plants.
- Regulatory Oversight: Ensuring private entities adhere to stringent safety protocols without the direct oversight of state-run bodies.
Keywords: Nuclear Governance · Public-Private Partnership · Right to Information · Environmental Impact Assessment · Nuclear Decommissioning
More Science & Technology notes
- Natural disasters taking heavy toll on Himachal, says report; experts seek policy changes · 2 January 2026
- SVIMS IRDL lab receives ICMR grant · 2 January 2026
- Sreekumar G. Pillai appointed director of Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research · 2 January 2026
- DPR for Musi Rejuvenation project Phase-I to be ready in few days: Telangana CM Revanth · 2 January 2026
- Ashwini Vaishnaw virtually witnesses final bullet train tunnel breakthrough in Maharahstra’s Palghar · 2 January 2026
- First phase of nation-wide tiger estimation exercise to begin in Tamil Nadu on January 5 · 1 January 2026
Something wrong, or something missing?
Spotted a mistake in a note, or want a topic, format or PDF that would help your preparation? Write to us. We read every mail and fix errors fast.
This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.