17th August 2026

Explanation - The Indian nuclear power programme, launched in 1954, envisaged a three-stage development of nuclear power generation from the country’s uranium and thorium resources. The first stage programme consists of setting up of pressurised heavy water reactors (PHWRs). PHWRs are natural uranium-fuelled, heavy water moderated and cooled. The uranium reserves in the country are adequate to support the first stage nuclear power programme of 10,000 MWe through PHWRs. In addition to generating power, PHWRs progressively make available plutonium as a by-product. The technologies for the reprocessing of plutonium from spent PHWR fuel and for fabrication of plutonium bearing fuels have been systematically established in India through research and development over the past several years. The second stage of the nuclear power programme consists of effective utilisation of plutonium in Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) which will provide the key to full utilisation of the country’s uranium resources and prepare the way for the long-term utilisation of the more abundant thorium reserves. FBRs enable generation of more fresh fissile material than is consumed for power production. With the deployment of FBRs, the depleted uranium and plutonium generated in the first stage will permit an additional power potential to the extent of 3,50,000 MWe. During the later part of the second stage programme, it is proposed to use thorium as blanket material in FBRs to generate U-233, another fissile material for use in the third stage programme based on U-233 fuelled reactor systems.

Explanation - The CLNDA provides for strict and no-fault liability on the operator of the nuclear plant, where it will be held liable for damage regardless of any fault on its part. It also specifies the amount (₹1,500 crore) the operator will have to shell out in case of damage and requires the operator to cover liability through insurance. In case the damage claims exceed ₹1,500 crore, the CLNDA expects the government to step in. The Act has limited the government liability amount to the rupee equivalent of 300 million Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) or about ₹2,100 to ₹2,300 crore.

Section 17(b) of the CLNDA — The operator of the nuclear plant, after paying their share of compensation, shall have the right of recourse where the nuclear incident has resulted as a consequence of an act of the supplier or his employee. This includes supply of equipment or material with patent or latent defects or sub-standard services.

Section 46 of CLNDA allows victims of a nuclear catastrophe to seek claims for damages against the operator or the supplier under criminal law, even though such legal actions fall beyond the purview of the CLNDA.

Explanation - The National Mission for a Green India is one of the eight missions under India's National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). It was launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in 2014, with implementation activities beginning in 2015-16. The Mission adopts a landscape-based approach to protect, restore and enhance forest and tree cover while improving ecosystem services and the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities. It combines climate-change mitigation with adaptation by focusing on carbon sequestration, biodiversity, water security and livelihood enhancement. Objectives of GIM — Increase forest and tree cover. Improve the quality of existing forest and tree cover. Enhance ecosystem services such as biodiversity, water and carbon sequestration. Increase livelihood incomes of forest-dependent households. Enhance annual carbon sequestration. The mission envisages increasing forest and tree cover over 5 million hectares and improving the quality of forest and tree cover over another 5 million hectares.

Explanation - The network is designed to bypass US tariffs. A Shadow Transhipment Network refers to an alleged global system where Chinese exporters send goods through intermediate countries before they reach the US, in order to bypass steep American import tariffs. In these transit hubs, the goods undergo minor assembly, relabelling, or repackaging, allowing them to be documented as products of the transit country rather than China, thereby evading US customs duties. This practice is believed to have expanded significantly after 2018, when the US administration imposed sweeping tariffs on Chinese imports. Facing higher duties, Chinese exporters increasingly rerouted shipments through third countries to preserve access to the American market at lower cost. US Report on Tiers Based Transhipment Risk — The White House report, prepared by the Office of Trade and Manufacturing Policy (OTMP), classifies countries into three tiers based on transhipment risk: Tier 1 – India, Mexico, Canada, and the European Union, where illegal transhipment risk is "embedded" within large volumes of legitimate trade. Tier 2 – Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand, described as "closely integrated" with China. Tier 3 – Cambodia, Panama, and the UAE, flagged for "weak customs enforcement." The Department of Commerce's Office of Trade and Economic Analysis (OTEA) estimated that around $67 billion in US-bound goods were transhipped from China via Mexico, India, and Vietnam in 2025, causing an estimated $28 billion in lost tariff revenue.

Explanation - The Union Cabinet approved a ₹13,000 crore PM Vishwakarma scheme. It aims to provide subsidised loans to traditional artisans and craftsmen including weavers, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, laundry workers, and barbers.

Artisans and craftspeople will be provided a recognition through PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card. The craftsmen will be provided a subsidised loan of Rs 1 lakh in the first tranche, and another Rs 2 lakh in the second tranche, at a concessional interest rate of 5%. It also has a provision to provide skill upgradation, incentive for toolkit as well as digital transactions and marketing support. Skilling programme will take place at both basic and advanced types. Participants will get a stipend of ₹500 per day while undergoing training. Beneficiaries will also receive up to ₹15,000 to buy modern tools. The scheme also aims at improving the quality, as well as the reach of products and services of artisans and craftsmen and to ensure that Vishwakarmas are integrated with the domestic and global value chains.