Page 6 - NIS ENGLISH 1-15 May, 2026

A New Chapter in India’s Nuclear Journey
NEWS BRIEFS
India has achieved a significant milestone in its nuclear energy programme. The indigenously
designed and built Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, has
successfully attained its ‘First Criticality’ – the state of a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction.
With this achievement, India has officially entered the second stage of its three-stage nuclear
power programme, a vision first conceived by Dr Homi Jehangir Bhabha, the architect of India’s
nuclear programme. The milestone carries substantial global significance. Once fully operational,
India will become only the second country in the world, after Russia, to operate a commercial fast
breeder reactor. The PFBR will enable more efficient utilisation of uranium resources and will
also pave the way for harnessing the country’s vast thorium reserves. This 500-megawatt reactor
possesses the capability to generate greater energy output using a smaller amount of fuel.

Highest-Ever Growth Recorded Warship ‘INS Taragiri’
in the Wind Energy Sector Inducted into the Indian Navy
India achieved its highest-ever annual wind capacity In the first week of April, the fourth powerful
addition of 6.05 GW during FY 2025-26, crossing the warship of the Project 17-A class – ‘INS Taragiri’ –
landmark of 5.5 GW capacity addition in FY 2016-17. was inducted into the Indian Navy in the presence of
This also represents an increase of nearly 46% over the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at Visakhapatnam,
capacity in FY 2024–25, marking a decisive acceleration in Andhra Pradesh. This warship stands as an exemplary
India’s onshore wind deployment trajectory. With this new specimen of modern naval shipbuilding, having been
achievement, India’s total installed wind energy capacity designed by the Warship Design Bureau. Built in a
has now surpassed 56 gigawatts. Gujarat, Karnataka, and remarkably short timeframe and incorporating over
Maharashtra have emerged as frontrunners in both wind 75 percent indigenous content, INS Taragiri serves
energy generation and as a prime example of India’s shipbuilding prowess
the addition of new and robust public-private partnerships. This warship
capacity. This success is capable of high-speed transit and can remain
will play a pivotal role in deployed at sea for extended periods. It is equipped
helping India achieve its with systems designed to monitor enemy movements,
target of 500 gigawatts ensure its own security, and if necessary, deliver an
of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030. Thanks immediate response. It features modern radar, sonar,
to its progressive policies, India today ranks among the and missile systems,
world’s leading markets for wind energy. On the other such as BrahMos and
hand, according to Renewable Energy Statistics 2026, surface-to-air missiles,
India has surpassed Brazil to secure the third position which further augment
globally in terms of installed renewable energy capacity. its operational prowess.
During the financial year 2025–26, India added a total of
55.3 GW of non-fossil energy capacity. As of March 31,
2026, a total capacity of 283.46 GW from non-fossil fuel
sources has been installed in the country.

4 NEW INDIA SAMACHAR || May 01-15, 2026