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PFBR Kalpakkam Criticality: 500 MWe Reactor Milestone

8 April 20261 min read
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGYPFBR KalpakkamCriticality: 500MWe ReactorMilestone8 April 2026safalsetu.com

Why in the news

The prototype fast breeder reactor at Kalpakkam started a sustained chain reaction for the first time, a notable advance for the country’s nuclear power plans.

Key facts

  • Reactor: PFBR, capacity 500 MWe, located at Kalpakkam.
  • Event: first criticality achieved.
  • Programme link: a major step in the second stage of the nuclear programme.
  • Fuel: MOX; as a breeder it makes more fuel than it burns.
  • Ranking: second country after Russia in this area.

Exam angle

  • Place: Kalpakkam; type: fast breeder; output: 500 MWe.
  • Fuel term to remember: MOX.

Test yourself

1. Where is India's 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor located?

The PFBR is at Kalpakkam.

2. Which fuel does the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor use?

The notes say the PFBR uses MOX fuel.

3. After achieving PFBR criticality, India became the second country in this domain after which nation?

The notes name Russia as the first country.

This topic is part of Daily Current Affairs 8 April 2026 (10 topics).

All topics of the dayDay quizApril 2026

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