nuclear power programme

Western grid to get 160 MW more soon given the rising demand in summer

India's nuclear journey began with the 1974 'Peaceful Nuclear Explosion' at Pokhran, making it the sixth nation to harness atomic power for defence. Driven by regional security concerns, India conducted the 'Operation Shakti' tests in 1998, solidifying its status as a nuclear power. These advancements underscore India's strategic capabilities and technological prowess.

Russia has successfully tested its new RS-28 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, dubbed 'Satan II' by NATO. President Putin hailed it as the world's most powerful nuclear weapon, capable of carrying multiple warheads and evading missile defenses.

India's recent MIRV-equipped Agni missile test propels its strategic program into global focus. This advancement, a culmination of decades of indigenous development, significantly bolsters India's nuclear deterrence, ensuring survivability and credible retaliation against evolving threats. The Agni series now forms a crucial pillar of India's nuclear triad, reflecting its growing technological prowess and geopolitical ambitions.

India has successfully test-fired the 5,000 km-range, nuclear-capable Agni-5 missile with an MIRV system, joining an elite group of nations including the US, Russia, and China

Xi dealt with Trump as his equal, pitting Beijing’s grand strategic concerns against Washington’s transactionalism. Yes, both sides outwardly agreed on some issues. But Beijing is playing a long game

An Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, or ICBM, is a long-range missile designed to travel more than 5,000 km. Unlike cruise missiles, which fly through the atmosphere using engines throughout their journey, ballistic missiles spend much of their flight outside the atmosphere, which means the missile actually leaves Earth’s air atmosphere and travels through space for part of its journey.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei declared Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities non-negotiable, calling the US the "Great Satan" and asserting that foreigners have no place in the Persian Gulf. He emphasized that Iran's technological and military assets are national treasures to be protected by its population.

Iran has responded to a US ceasefire proposal through Pakistani mediators, seeking a permanent end to regional conflicts and guarantees for maritime security. President Trump rejected Tehran's position, calling it "TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE!" amid rising tensions and drone incidents in the Gulf.

United States President Donald Trump states the naval blockade on Iran will continue until Tehran agrees to a nuclear deal. Military strikes are also being planned. Iran warns of unprecedented action if pressure persists. The situation is volatile, with potential for negotiation or confrontation.

Pakistan's Fatah-3 missile test sparks debate, potentially challenging India's BrahMos dominance in precision strikes. Analysts question if it's a Pakistani leap or Chinese hardware, highlighting China's growing military influence. Operation Sindoor showcased India's advanced capabilities, underscoring the importance of integrated systems beyond just missile technology.

As President Trump arrives in Beijing, anticipation runs low for any breakthroughs regarding China's influence over Iran and the vital Strait of Hormuz. His agenda includes discussions on trade and the pressing issue of fentanyl, yet underlying tensions over their differing views on geopolitical conflicts threaten to overshadow these talks.

While the US and Israel engaged in conflict with Iran, China quietly leveraged the situation to expand its influence. By positioning itself as a diplomatic alternative and stabilizing energy supplies, Beijing benefited from a weakened American strategic position and growing uncertainty about US reliability among allies.

President Trump's visit to China is overshadowed by the Iran War, which has disrupted global energy supplies and impacted his approval ratings. While trade and Taiwan remain on the agenda, the protracted conflict in Iran presents a significant challenge, with the US struggling to achieve its war aims and facing a decline in superpower status.

India’s macro exposure to the Middle East continues to be transmitted primarily through energy and critical input prices, reflecting structurally high dependence on imported crude and natural gas.

India’s answer to Claude Mythos is one or more homegrown AI models as powerful as, if not more powerful than, Mythos. For this, Government of India needs to take the lead. Time is of the essence here

China's potential fourth aircraft carrier, possibly named 'He Jian' and hinted to be nuclear-powered, signals a significant advancement in its naval capabilities. This development, showcased in the film 'Into The Deep', aligns with China's transition to a blue-water navy and its expanding global maritime ambitions.

Washington isn’t interested in being a guarantor of anything, including energy supplies. New Delhi’s strategic response must centre around the one energy source it has in abundance

India is poised to advance its nuclear energy program by inviting bids for the 220 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200) within six months. This initiative, a key part of the nation's clean energy transition, will allow foreign companies to partner with local firms.

Iran and the US remain locked in a standoff, with Iran effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz and the US imposing a naval blockade. Both actions disrupt global commons, while escalating rhetoric and social media influence commodity prices worldwide. India, heavily reliant on regional energy flows, faces significant economic fallout from this 'dual blockade'.

Finland is nearing the activation of a groundbreaking underground repository for highly radioactive nuclear waste, designed for permanent storage over tens of thousands of years. This facility, built deep beneath Olkiluoto, offers a multi-layered safety approach, isolating waste in stable bedrock. It represents a potential working model for other nations as they reconsider nuclear energy.

The researchers tied to sensitive US nuclear and aerospace programs have died or disappeared in recent years. While a federal investigation is on, these cases appear to echo a broader global pattern — one that remains difficult to explain and even harder to conclusively link

India's nuclear ambitions have reached a pivotal stage with the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor achieving criticality, marking a significant step in its three-stage nuclear program. This advancement positions India as a leader in advanced nuclear technology, bolstering its drive for energy self-reliance and security amidst a rapidly expanding power sector.