PFBR Marks Major Milestone in India’s Journey Towards Self-Reliant Energy Security: Dr Jitendra Singh at VAKTAVYA 2026

BuzzBytes News Desk
New Delhi, Apr 10: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Friday 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, while addressing VAKTAVYA 2026 organised by Hindu College.
The Minister, who holds Independent Charge for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and MoS for PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, said that the PFBR 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 emphasized 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, describing this as a hybrid model where technology complements human capabilities.
Referring to India’s startup ecosystem, the Minister said that the country is now ranked among the leading startup nations globally, with the number of startups reaching over 2 lakh, rising significantly over the past decade. He highlighted that nearly 50 per cent 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, Dr Jitendra Singh referred to the “VAIBHAV” programme, which aims to connect the Indian scientific diaspora with domestic institutions and create opportunities for collaboration, noting that such initiatives are helping build an enabling ecosystem where global expertise can contribute to India’s scientific growth. He also spoke about the “Pratibha Setu” portal, designed to connect UPSC aspirants who reach advanced stages of the examination process with potential employers, allowing verified candidate profiles to be accessed by organisations and 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, and encouraged students to explore diverse opportunities beyond conventional career paths while making effective use of technological tools available to them. Concluding his address, he said that the present era offers unprecedented opportunities for the youth, driven by access to information, technological advancements, and policy reforms, and urged students to make the most of this enabling environment and contribute actively to India’s growth and development.