UPSC CARE Mains Practice 22th December 2025
Mains Practice Questions for the Day
- National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient India’s education system. Critically examine. (GS Paper – 2, Education- Government Policies & Interventions)
- Examine the evolution of India’s nuclear laws and critically analyse how the SHANTI Bill 2025 and the Nuclear Energy Mission are set to reshape India’s nuclear energy landscape. GS-3 (Energy, Nuclear Technology, Climate Change, Infrastructure)
National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient India’s education system. Critically examine. (GS Paper – 2, Education- Government Policies & Interventions)
Introduction:
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, India’s first education reform in 34 years, aims to transform the education system to make it inclusive, equitable, and holistic, aligning closely with Sustainable Development Goal-4 (SDG-4) which emphasizes quality education for all by 2030. While the policy introduces far-reaching reforms, its implementation poses several challenges.
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How NEP 2020 Aligns with SDG-4
1. Universal Access to Education (SDG-4.1)
- NEP proposes 100% GER in school education by 2030, emphasizing foundational literacy and numeracy.
- The 5+3+3+4 structure focuses on early childhood learning through Anganwadi strengthening.
2. Quality Education (SDG-4.1, 4.7)
- Competency-based learning, experiential learning, and critical thinking focus on improving learning outcomes.
- Introduction of multidisciplinary education, bagless days, and vocational exposure.
3. Equity & Inclusiveness (SDG-4.5)
- NEP stresses gender inclusion, SC/ST/OBC inclusion, and special education zones.
- Focus on socio-economically disadvantaged groups (SEDGs).
4. Early Childhood Care & Education (SDG-4.2)
- Universalization of high-quality ECCE, integrating child-centric pedagogy with NCERT norms.
5. Teacher Training & Professional Development (SDG-4.c)
- Introduction of 4-year B.Ed, teacher recruitment reforms, and continuous professional development (CPD).
- Tech-enabled training through DIKSHA.
6. Higher Education Reforms (SDG-4.3, 4.4)
- GER to increase from 27% (2020) to 50% by 2035.
- Introduction of Academic Bank of Credits, multidisciplinary universities, and research promotion through NCCRR & NRF.
7. Digital Education (SDG-4.4)
- Emphasis on Digital Infrastructure for Education (DigiLocker, PM e-Vidya, SWAYAM).
- Focus on digitally-enabled inclusive classrooms.
Critical Examination: Challenges and Gaps
1. Implementation Deficit
- Policy is ambitious, but execution capacity remains limited, especially in rural states.
- ECCE standards in Anganwadis remain uneven.
2. Digital Divide
- Despite digital push, India faces severe urban–rural, gender, and income-level digital divides, risking exclusion.
3. Funding Constraints
- NEP recommends 6% of GDP for education, but India spends only ~3%, limiting reforms.
4. Teacher Shortages & Training Gaps
- States lack adequate trained teachers; many schools face multi-grade teaching and shortage of subject experts.
5. Multidisciplinary Higher Education Challenges
- Smaller colleges may struggle to transition into multidisciplinary institutions, risking consolidation without quality uplift.
6. Vocational Education Acceptance
- Vocational education still faces social stigma; industry partnerships are inadequate.
7. Linguistic Issues
- Three-language policy and mother-tongue instruction till Class 5 may face resistance due to diversity and capacity issues.
Conclusion:
NEP 2020 represents a transformative and forward-looking policy, closely aligned with SDG-4’s goals of inclusiveness, equity, quality, and lifelong learning. However, achieving its vision requires robust funding, teacher capacity building, digital inclusion, and strong federal coordination. If implemented effectively, NEP 2020 can reshape India’s education landscape and act as a powerful tool in realizing SDG-4 by 2030.
Q. Examine the evolution of India’s nuclear laws and critically analyse how the SHANTI Bill 2025 and the Nuclear Energy Mission are set to reshape India’s nuclear energy landscape. GS-3 (Energy, Nuclear Technology, Climate Change, Infrastructure)
Introduction:
India’s nuclear governance framework has evolved from a state-dominated, security-centric regime to a system increasingly aligned with clean energy goals, global best practices, and technological innovation. Beginning with the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, and culminating in the proposed SHANTI Bill 2025, India seeks to modernize its nuclear sector while ensuring safety, accountability, and energy security.
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I. Evolution of India’s Nuclear Laws
1. Atomic Energy Act, 1962 – Foundational Law
Replaced the 1948 Act and established centralized control over nuclear research, development, and materials. It ensured strict state oversight to maintain peaceful and secure atomic energy use.
2. Amendments (1986, 1987, 2015)
Opened limited doors for government companies and joint ventures, reflecting India’s willingness to expand nuclear capacity without compromising strategic autonomy.
3. Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act, 2010
Introduced a no-fault liability regime and mandated compensation for nuclear incidents. It was crucial for:
- Enhancing public trust,
- Strengthening accountability, and
- Providing clarity to operators and suppliers.
Its unique supplier liability provision, however, discouraged foreign participation.
Nuclear Energy Mission (Union Budget 2025-26)
India has launched a major push to scale up nuclear capacity through SMRs.
Key Features
- ₹20,000 crore allocated to advanced reactor development.
- Target: Five indigenously designed SMRs by 2033.
- Supports India’s shift to clean, reliable baseload power.
BARC Initiatives
- BSMR-200 (200 MWe),
- SMR-55,
- 5 MWth High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor for green hydrogen.
These aim to position India as a global leader in next-gen nuclear technologies.
Key Provisions of the SHANTI Bill 2025
1. Consolidation of All Nuclear Laws
Repeals the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, and CLND Act, 2010, creating a single unified framework for nuclear regulation, liability, safety, and operation.
2. Entry of Private & Foreign Companies
For the first time, private and global firms can build, own, operate, and decommission nuclear plants, ending NPCIL’s monopoly—India’s biggest nuclear reform since Independence.
3. Strategic Functions Retained by Government
State retains control of:
- Fuel production,
- Enrichment & reprocessing,
- Heavy water,
- Sensitive transport,
- Radioactive waste.
This protects national security and non-proliferation obligations.
4. AERB Becomes a Statutory Independent Regulator
AERB gains constitutional legitimacy, financial autonomy, and direct accountability to Parliament—expected to significantly strengthen safety oversight.
5. New Liability Framework
- Supplier liability removed,
- Operator liability capped and linked to reactor capacity,
aligning India with global conventions.
Critics argue this may dilute accountability and weaken the polluter pays principle.
6. Atomic Disputes Tribunal
Facilitates faster resolution of nuclear disputes, boosting investor confidence.
7. Enabling Advanced Technologies
Legal backing for SMRs, BSRs, Molten Salt Reactors, and high-temperature reactors.
Goal: 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047.
Conclusion:
India’s nuclear laws have transformed from a centralized control regime to a modern, innovation-driven, safety-focused framework. The SHANTI Bill 2025, combined with the Nuclear Energy Mission, can accelerate clean energy expansion, attract private and global investment, and strengthen regulatory governance. However, success will depend on addressing liability concerns, ensuring stringent safety standards, and maintaining public trust as India advances toward a 100 GW nuclear future.
