RAS question
How much was allocated for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) under the Nuclear Energy Mission in Union Budget 2025-26?
Correct answer: (D) ₹20,000 crore.
Union Budget 2025-26 set up a Nuclear Energy Mission for research and development of Small Modular Reactors with an outlay of Rs 20,000 crore.
Explanation
The correct figure is Rs 20,000 crore because the PIB release on Union Budget 2025-26 states that a Nuclear Energy Mission for research and development of Small Modular Reactors will be set up with that outlay. This allocation is a specific mission outlay for SMR research and development, not a general power-sector number. The same release links the mission to India's wider nuclear-energy push, noting the Budget's emphasis on developing nuclear energy for the energy transition and on operationalising at least five indigenously developed SMRs by 2033. The Budget's SMR mission amount is exactly Rs 20,000 crore.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Rs 18,000 crore understates the PIB-stated SMR mission outlay by Rs 2,000 crore.
- (B) Rs 2,77,830 crore is far above the PIB-stated outlay and is not the amount given for the Nuclear Energy Mission for SMRs.
- (C) Rs 2,19,306 crore does not match the PIB release, which gives Rs 20,000 crore for SMR research and development.
Concept
Budget allocations under Indian Economy often frame mission-mode spending in the Union Budget. RAS frequently covers energy security, public investment and emerging technology missions through current-affairs-linked economy questions.