Date: 2026-04-10Category: Press ReleaseState: Union GovernmentCountry: India
Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) marks major milestone in India's journey towards self- reliant Energy Security: Dr. Jitendra Singh at VAKTAVYA 2026
**Executive Summary**
On April 10, 2026, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh addressed VAKTAVYA 2026 at Hindu College, marking the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) as a milestone for India’s energy security. The address focused on the integration of Artificial Intelligence in governance, the expansion of the startup ecosystem into Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, and the flexibility offered by the National Education Policy. The Minister urged the youth to adopt a new mindset to leverage current technological advancements and policy reforms for national growth.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Energy and Nuclear Advancements**
* The indigenously developed Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) is a major step toward self-reliant energy security.
* The reactor utilizes plutonium with liquid sodium as a coolant to ensure high energy output with lower input.
* This development paves the way for thorium-based reactors, utilizing India's extensive thorium reserves for long-term clean energy.
**Artificial Intelligence and Governance**
* AI is viewed as an inevitable tool that will become integral to governance, daily life, research, and decision-making.
* A "hybrid model" is advocated where technology complements rather than replaces human intelligence.
**Startup Ecosystem and Innovation**
* India has reached over 2 lakh startups, ranking among the world's leading startup nations.
* Democratization of innovation is evident as 50% of startups now emerge from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities like Sonipat, Panipat, and Surat.
* There is a notable increase in women’s participation within the startup ecosystem.
**Education and Talent Support Initiatives**
* The National Education Policy (NEP) has introduced flexibility, allowing students to pursue interdisciplinary learning and move away from rigid subject streams.
* The "VAIBHAV" programme connects the Indian scientific diaspora with domestic institutions to foster global collaboration.
* The "Pratibha Setu" portal has been launched to connect high-performing UPSC aspirants with potential employers in the private and public sectors.
**Impact Analysis**
**Students**
**Impact**
Students now benefit from the National Education Policy's flexibility, allowing them to align their studies with evolving interests rather than being confined to traditional academic silos.
**Action Required**
Students are encouraged to explore diverse career paths, engage in interdisciplinary learning, and utilize available technological tools for growth.
**Scientific Diaspora**
**Impact**
Indian scientists abroad have a structured pathway to collaborate with domestic institutions through the VAIBHAV programme.
**Action Required**
Global experts are encouraged to participate in domestic initiatives to contribute to India’s scientific growth.
**UPSC Aspirants**
**Impact**
Candidates who reach advanced stages of the UPSC process but are not final selections can now be accessed by verified organisations for employment.
**Action Required**
Eligible aspirants should utilize the "Pratibha Setu" portal to connect with potential employers.
**Startups in Tier-2 and Tier-3 Cities**
**Impact**
Opportunities and innovation are no longer restricted to metropolitan centers, providing a broader base for economic contribution.
**Action Required**
Entrepreneurs in these regions must continue to leverage the democratised ecosystem to drive local and national innovation.
**Government and Public Administration**
**Impact**
The transition to AI-enabled governance requires a shift in operational strategies to include research and analysis tools.
**Action Required**
Administrators must integrate AI as an enabler while ensuring human oversight remains central to decision-making.
Key Entities Referenced
Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR): An indigenously developed nuclear reactor utilizing plutonium and liquid sodium, marking a milestone in India's journey toward self-reliant energy security.
National Education Policy (NEP): A transformative policy framework that provides students with academic flexibility and the ability to pursue interdisciplinary learning.
VAIBHAV: A program aimed at connecting the Indian scientific diaspora with domestic institutions to facilitate global collaboration and scientific growth.
Pratibha Setu: A digital portal designed to connect UPSC aspirants in advanced stages of examination with potential employers and verified career opportunities.
Dr. Jitendra Singh: Union Minister of State for Science & Technology and Atomic Energy, who presented these key milestones and initiatives at VAKTAVYA 2026.
Ministry of Science & Technology
Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) marks
major milestone in India's journey towards self-
reliant Energy Security: Dr. Jitendra Singh at
VAKTAVYA 2026
AI to Become Integral to Governance and Daily Life, Must Be
Used as an Enabler: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh
50% Startups Emerging from Tier-2 and Tier-3 Cities,
Reflecting Democratisation of Innovation: Dr. Jitendra Singh
Minister emphasises the need for a change in mindset
Posted On: 10 APR 2026 6:05PM by PIB Delhi
Addressing the VAKTAVYA 2026 organised by Hindu College, Union Minister of State (Independent
Charge) for Science & Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Personnel, Public
Grievances and Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh
highlighted the significance of India’s indigenously developed Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR),
stating that it marks a major milestone in India's journey towards self- reliant Energy Security.
The Minister said that the reactor uses plutonium with liquid sodium as coolant, ensuring higher energy
output with lower input, and will pave the way for thorium-based reactors, leveraging India’s vast thorium
reserves. He emphasised that this development strengthens India’s capability and will play a key role in
achieving long-term clean energy goals.
Highlighting the growing role of emerging technologies, Dr. Jitendra Singh underlined that Artificial
Intelligence is no longer optional but inevitable, and will increasingly become part of governance and
daily functioning. He stated that AI can serve as a powerful enabling tool, helping in research, analysis,
and decision-making, but must be used carefully so that human intelligence is not overshadowed. He
described this as a hybrid model where technology complements human capabilities.
Referring to India’s Startup ecosystem, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the country is now ranked among the
leading startup nations globally, with the number of startups reaching 2 lakhs+ rising significantly over the
past decade. He highlighted that nearly 50% of these startups are emerging from tier-2 and tier-3 cities
such as Sonipat, Panipat and Surat, reflecting the democratisation of opportunities and the spread of
innovation beyond metropolitan centres. He also noted the increasing participation of women in the
startup ecosystem.The Minister further spoke about the transformative impact of the National Education Policy (NEP),
describing it as a major shift that has provided students with flexibility and freedom to choose and change
academic pathways. He noted that students are no longer bound by rigid subject streams and can explore
interdisciplinary learning, enabling them to align their education with their evolving interests and
aptitudes.
Highlighting initiatives to support talent and innovation, Union Minister referred to the “VAIBHAV”
programme, which aims to connect the Indian scientific diaspora with domestic institutions and create
opportunities for collaboration. He noted that such initiatives are helping build an enabling ecosystem
where global expertise can contribute to India’s scientific growth.
The Minister also spoke about the “Pratibha Setu” portal, designed to connect UPSC aspirants who reach
advanced stages of the examination process with potential employers. He noted that the platform allows
verified candidate profiles to be accessed by organisations, creating opportunities for those who may not
make it to final selections but possess strong capabilities.
During the interaction with students, the Minister emphasised the need for a change in mindset, stating
that growth in today’s interconnected world cannot happen in silos. He encouraged students to explore
diverse opportunities beyond conventional career paths and make effective use of the technological tools
available to them.
Concluding his address, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the present era offers unprecedented opportunities for
the youth, driven by access to information, technological advancements, and policy reforms. He urged
students to make the most of this enabling environment and contribute actively to India’s growth and
development.*****
NKR/SK
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