What is the budget allocation for the newly established Nuclear Energy Mission as announced in the Budget 2025-26?

Nuclear Energy Initiatives in Budget 2025-26 The Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, announced significant developments in nuclear energy during the presentation of the Budget 2025-26. Key Highlights • Nuclear Energy Mission: A new mission focused on the research and development of Small Modular Reactors (SMR) is established with a budget allocation of ₹20,000 crore. • Operational Goals: By 2033, at least five indigenously developed SMRs are expected to be operational. • Long-term Energy Targets: Aims to develop at least 100 GW of nuclear energy by 2047 as part of India's energy transition efforts. • Legislative Changes: Amendments to the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act will be proposed to facilitate private sector involvement. Additional Budget Proposals • Electricity Distribution Reforms: States will be incentivized to carry out electricity distribution reforms and to augment intra-state transmission capacity. • Financial Incentives: States implementing these reforms will be allowed additional borrowing of 0.5% of their Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP).