CURRENT AFFAIRS | 22 JUNE 2026
For decades only one state company could build India’s nuclear reactors. Now power giant NTPC is at the centre of a nuclear opening that reaches from US small reactors all the way to Kerala’s thorium sands.
What Happened
NTPC Ltd — India’s largest integrated power generator — is emerging as a key pivot in the nuclear sector after it was opened up by the SHANTI Act, which reformed nuclear liability and was passed last year. NTPC’s latest collaboration is with New Jersey-based Holtec International for the SMR-300 small modular reactor. Until now, NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd) was the only state-owned company in nuclear construction.
NTPC has signed an MoU with France’s EDF, has an agreement with Russia’s Rosatom for VVER pressurised-water reactors, and is in talks to buy a minority stake in US-based Clean Core Thorium Energy for its thorium-based fuel “ANEEL.” The US 10CFR810 authorisation permits transfer of nuclear technology to specified Indian entities. NPCIL’s reactors are largely PHWRs (Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors), and NTPC is developing the 2,800 MW Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project through ASHVINI, its JV with NPCIL.
⚛️ S&T Framework
India’s 3-stage nuclear programme (Homi Bhabha) moves from PHWRs to fast breeders and finally to thorium, of which India holds vast reserves in Kerala’s monazite sands. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are compact, factory-built units. Liability is governed by the CLNDA, 2010; the sector runs under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, IAEA safeguards and the Indo-US 123 Agreement.
🎯 Why This Matters for CLAT
India’s three-stage nuclear programme, the CLNDA and the 123 Agreement are high-yield static GK and current-affairs anchors, and the new SHANTI Act is exactly the kind of legislative reform CLAT loves to test.
📌 Key Facts
| Company | NTPC Ltd (now in nuclear) |
| Enabling law | SHANTI Act (liability reform) |
| SMR partner | Holtec International (SMR-300) |
| Thorium fuel | ‘ANEEL’ via Clean Core Thorium Energy |
| JV with NPCIL | ASHVINI — Mahi Banswara 2,800 MW |
| Old monopoly | NPCIL (PHWRs) |
🧠 Memory Hook
“NTPC’s SHANTI: Holtec, EDF, Rosatom, Thorium.” The SHANTI Act let NTPC partner four ways — US SMRs, French EDF, Russian Rosatom, and thorium fuel.
📝 Test yourself — take the 10-question quiz below:
Practice Quiz — 10 CLAT-Style Questions
Click an option to reveal the answer and explanation.
