UPSC CARE Mains Practice 23rd September 2025
Topic – Small Modular Reactors and AI driven data centre
Q1. India is exploring the use of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to power its AI-driven data centre boom. Discuss the prospects, challenges, and policy implications of such an initiative. (15 marks, 250 words)
Introduction
Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications are driving a massive surge in global data centre capacity, leading to exponential energy demand. India’s $10 billion data centre market is projected to nearly double by 2027, with electricity costs forming nearly 65% of operational expenditure. In this context, the Indian government is considering the use of nuclear energy—specifically Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)—to provide clean, round-the-clock power. This aligns with global trends where tech majors like Google and Microsoft have partnered with nuclear plants to ensure sustainable AI infrastructure.
Body
- Rising Energy Needs of AI and Data Centres
- Role of SMRs in India’s Energy Mix
- Economic and Strategic Advantages
- Policy and Legal Challenges
- Way Forward: A Balanced Approach
Conclusion
India’s openness to SMR-led nuclear energy for AI data centres reflects a pragmatic recognition of the energy–technology nexus in the 21st century. While challenges of liability, safety, and public acceptance persist, SMRs provide an opportunity to align digital growth with climate commitments. If pursued with caution and reform, India could not only secure sustainable AI infrastructure but also emerge as a key player in the global nuclear technology value chain.
UPSC Syllabus
Artificial Intelligence and Energy needs
Why was this question asked?
Q. Give an account of the growth and development of nuclear science and technology in India. What is the advantage of fast breeder reactor programme in India? (2017)
Introduction
Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications are driving a massive surge in global data centre capacity, leading to exponential energy demand. India’s $10 billion data centre market is projected to nearly double by 2027, with electricity costs forming nearly 65% of operational expenditure. In this context, the Indian government is considering the use of nuclear energy—specifically Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)—to provide clean, round-the-clock power. This aligns with global trends where tech majors like Google and Microsoft have partnered with nuclear plants to ensure sustainable AI infrastructure.
Body
Rising Energy Needs of AI and Data Centres
- The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects data centre power demand could double by 2026, straining India’s renewable-dependent grid.
- Data centres are high capital–low employment industries, but vital for digital sovereignty and AI-led growth.
- Traditional renewable sources face intermittency; nuclear offers baseload stability critical for AI and machine learning applications that run continuously.
Role of SMRs in India’s Energy Mix
- Small Modular Reactors (30–300 MWe units) offer flexibility, modularity, and lower upfront cost compared to conventional large reactors.
- SMRs can be deployed near data clusters, reducing transmission losses.
- Global examples: Russia’s Akademik Lomonosov (35 MWe x 2) and China’s HTR-PM have demonstrated feasibility.
- For India, SMRs fit into its dual goals of clean energy transition and technology leadership in nuclear supply chains.
Economic and Strategic Advantages
- Reduces dependence on fossil fuels for high-tech growth sectors.
- Enhances energy security, shielding data centres from grid volatility.
- Can position India as a nuclear technology exporter, leveraging Indo–US civil nuclear cooperation.
- Supports India’s net-zero commitments and strengthens its bargaining power in global climate negotiations.
Policy and Legal Challenges
- Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (2010) deters foreign suppliers due to operator’s right of recourse.
- India’s nuclear sector is state-controlled; private participation in plant operations remains restricted.
- Legislative reforms—such as liability easing and permitting minority foreign equity in nuclear projects—are politically sensitive and procedurally difficult.
- Public concerns over safety, waste management, and accident risks remain strong.
Way Forward: A Balanced Approach
- Gradual reforms: amend liability law to attract global SMR suppliers while ensuring strong safety norms and compensation frameworks.
- Encourage public–private partnerships in SMR deployment, especially near digital and industrial hubs.
- Integrate SMRs into India’s national data centre policy to offer stable, clean power incentives.
- Parallel investments in renewables + storage to avoid over-dependence on nuclear alone.
- Position SMR collaboration as part of Indo–US trade and technology diplomacy, linking digital economy with clean energy transition.
Conclusion
India’s openness to SMR-led nuclear energy for AI data centres reflects a pragmatic recognition of the energy–technology nexus in the 21st century. While challenges of liability, safety, and public acceptance persist, SMRs provide an opportunity to align digital growth with climate commitments. If pursued with caution and reform, India could not only secure sustainable AI infrastructure but also emerge as a key player in the global nuclear technology value chain.
Topic – Space technology
Q 2. India’s expanding satellite fleet faces growing risks from debris, collisions, and hostile actions. How is India planning to safeguard its space assets? (15 marks, 250 words)
Introduction
Satellites today form the invisible infrastructure of modern life. They power navigation, communication, weather forecasting, e-governance, banking transactions, disaster management, and military surveillance. For India, with over 50 operational satellites and ambitious plans for expansion, safeguarding these assets is critical. Threats range from space debris and natural phenomena to cyberattacks and hostile manoeuvres by rival powers. Recognising these risks, India has initiated a multi-layered strategy to ensure space security.
Body
- Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Collision Avoidance
- Guarding against Physical and Natural Threats
- Cybersecurity and Anti-Jamming Measures
- Policy, Regulation, and International Cooperation
- Future Surveillance and Strategic Assets
Conclusion
India’s satellite protection strategy is evolving into a comprehensive, multi-dimensional framework. From SSA and collision avoidance to cybersecurity, natural hazard preparedness, international rule-making, and futuristic “bodyguard” satellites, the measures reflect both defensive prudence and strategic foresight. While challenges remain — such as ageing NavIC satellites and the need for continuous monitoring capacity — India’s proactive investments and policies signal its determination to secure its growing presence in space. Protecting satellites is no longer a technical task alone; it is a strategic imperative central to India’s economic security, national defence, and global standing.
UPSC Syllabus
Satellite technology
Why was this question asked?
Q. India has achieved remarkable successes in unmanned space missions including the Chandrayaan and Mars Orbitter Mission, but has not ventured into manned space mission, both in terms of technology and logistics? Explain critically. (2017)
Introduction
Satellites today form the invisible infrastructure of modern life. They power navigation, communication, weather forecasting, e-governance, banking transactions, disaster management, and military surveillance. For India, with over 50 operational satellites and ambitious plans for expansion, safeguarding these assets is critical. Threats range from space debris and natural phenomena to cyberattacks and hostile manoeuvres by rival powers. Recognising these risks, India has initiated a multi-layered strategy to ensure space security.
Body
Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Collision Avoidance
- India has established the Indian Space Situational Awareness and Management (IS4OM) centre in Bengaluru to monitor satellites and issue collision warnings.
- Project NETRA aims to build radars and telescopes across the country for continuous tracking of debris and satellites.
- Already, Indian satellites carried out more than 10 collision-avoidance manoeuvres in 2023 alone.
- To strengthen this layer, ISRO is considering LiDAR-based satellites and the concept of “bodyguard satellites” that can monitor suspicious manoeuvres by foreign spacecraft and shield critical Indian satellites.
Guarding against Physical and Natural Threats
- The orbital environment itself poses dangers. A screw-sized debris object travelling at 28,000 km/h can destroy a satellite.
- India’s Multi-Object Tracking Radar at Sriharikota provides partial coverage, with more stations planned.
- Additionally, natural threats like solar storms can disrupt power systems and communications.
- India’s Aditya-L1 mission at the Lagrange point provides real-time data on solar activity, enabling early warnings to place satellites in safe mode or adjust orbits.
- India has also declared its commitment to Debris-Free Space Missions by 2030, focusing on controlled re-entry and minimising space junk.
Cybersecurity and Anti-Jamming Measures
- The digital domain poses equal threats, as ground stations and user terminals are often the weakest link.
- To counter spoofing and jamming, ISRO is testing Navigation Message Authentication (NMA) for the NavIC system. Defence satellites are believed to employ anti-jamming methods like spread-spectrum signals and beam-steering antennas.
- On the policy front, CERT-In guidelines (2025) mandate strong encryption, network segmentation, secure credentials, and incident reporting.
- These measures extend to private players through IN-SPACe licensing, ensuring uniform cybersecurity practices across India’s emerging space economy.
Policy, Regulation, and International Cooperation
- India recognises that space security requires international coordination.
- It actively engages in forums like the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) and hosted the Inter-Agency Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) in 2024. These platforms push for global norms of responsible behaviour in orbit.
- Domestically, regulatory mechanisms through IN-SPACe mandate compliance with safety and security standards.
- India’s approach thus combines national preparedness with active diplomacy to shape rules of the road in outer space.
Future Surveillance and Strategic Assets
- The Indian government has sanctioned a ₹27,000-crore programme to launch 52 new surveillance satellites by 2026, aimed at strengthening earth observation and national security.
- Start-ups are also contributing to space-based SSA satellites that track debris and monitor space objects.
- The prospective bodyguard satellites will further enhance deterrence by accompanying and protecting valuable space assets, reflecting India’s shift from passive monitoring to active defence of its orbital infrastructure.
Conclusion
India’s satellite protection strategy is evolving into a comprehensive, multi-dimensional framework. From SSA and collision avoidance to cybersecurity, natural hazard preparedness, international rule-making, and futuristic “bodyguard” satellites, the measures reflect both defensive prudence and strategic foresight. While challenges remain — such as ageing NavIC satellites and the need for continuous monitoring capacity — India’s proactive investments and policies signal its determination to secure its growing presence in space. Protecting satellites is no longer a technical task alone; it is a strategic imperative central to India’s economic security, national defence, and global standing.
