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IAEA’s Global SMR Initiative: What Aspirants Must Know for Competitive Exams

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is accelerating efforts to promote Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as a sustainable energy solution. With workshops in Thailand and Kenya, the initiative targets governments, regulators, and industries. For exam aspirants, understanding SMRs is vital for science, environment, and current affairs sections.

What is the Global Initiative to Boost SMR Knowledge?
The IAEA’s SMR School educates nations on the technical, economic, and regulatory aspects of SMRs. Key highlights:
Regional Workshops: Held in Thailand (July 2025) and Kenya, with more planned in Argentina.
Focus Areas: Safety, licensing, financing, waste management, and stakeholder engagement.
Participants: Over 90 officials from Azerbaijan, Malaysia, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand.
Goal: Help countries integrate SMRs into their clean energy strategies, aligning with COP28’s nuclear expansion consensus.

Why is This Important for Exams?
Current Affairs: IAEA’s SMR initiative reflects global energy trends.
Environment & Tech: SMRs are a low-carbon energy alternative—relevant for UPSC (GS-III), SSC, and state PSCs.
International Bodies: Questions on IAEA’s role appear in KAS, NDA, and other exams.
Policy Decisions: Countries like Uzbekistan and Thailand are adopting SMRs—useful for international relations topics.

Exam Questions & Answers
Q1. What are Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)?
Ans: SMRs are compact nuclear reactors with lower costs and flexible deployment, aiding clean energy transitions.
Q2. Which IAEA initiative promotes SMR education globally?
Ans: The IAEA SMR School, with workshops in Kenya, Thailand, and Argentina.
Q3. Why is Thailand hosting an SMR workshop?
Ans: To explore SMRs in its energy mix and align with IAEA safety standards.
Q4. How do SMRs support COP28 goals?
Ans: They offer scalable, low-carbon energy, helping nations achieve net-zero targets.
Q5. Name two countries already operating SMRs.
Ans: China and Russia have operational SMRs; Uzbekistan is constructing them.

With the IAEA driving SMR adoption, this topic is a high-yield area for competitive exams. Stay updated on nuclear energy policies, COP28 outcomes, and Asia’s energy trends to ace questions in UPSC, SSC, or PSC papers.
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