♦ The Rajya Sabha on 18 Deember 2025 passed the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025, completing its parliamentary approval after it was earlier cleared by the Lok Sabha. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences said the Bill consolidates and rationalises provisions from the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act. It also accords statutory status to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), bringing it under the parent legislation and strengthening regulatory oversight in line with global best practices.

♦ Outlining India’s nuclear energy roadmap, the Minister said the country has achieved nearly 9 GW of nuclear capacity and is targeting 22 GW by 2032, 47 GW by 2037, 67 GW by 2042 and 100 GW by 2047. Nuclear energy, he said, will be critical in meeting future power demands driven by artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure, as it provides reliable, clean, round-the-clock power.