India Nuclear News and Discussion 4 July 2011

[Amber G.]

Should be of interest to India:

ChatGPT said:

The U.S. Army has launched a new effort—through the Defense Innovation Unit—to prototype SMR's (microreactors) at nine Army installations by 2030. The initiative, called the Janus program, seeks commercially built reactors that can provide reliable 24/7 power, especially at bases with frequent outages, high electricity costs, or remote locations where fuel logistics are difficult. The Army argues that nuclear power may be the only practical way to meet growing energy demands while improving resilience against grid disruptions and attacks.

The selected sites include major installations such as Fort Bragg, Fort Hood, Redstone Arsenal, Fort Wainwright (Alaska), and Joint Base Lewis–McChord. Companies will prototype a “first-of-a-kind” and then a “second-of-a-kind” reactor at each location under flexible OTA contracting. Beyond powering bases, the Army hopes this effort will help jump-start the commercial microreactor industry, standardize designs, strengthen the nuclear supply chain, and attract new engineering talent.

Link:Army issues solicitation, announces sites for nuclear-powered bases

[Amber G.]

In the news:
Shocking! Uranium found in breastmilk of lactating mothers in Bihar, infants at potential health risk

[Sanatanan]

^
The article says:

Dr Ashok Sharma of AIIMS Delhi, who is a co-author of the study, said, "The study analysed breast milk from 40 lactating mothers and found uranium (U-238) in all samples. Although 70% of infants showed potential non-carcinogenic health risk, the overall uranium levels were below permissible limits and are expected to have minimal actual health impact on both mothers and infants. The highest average contamination occurred in Khagaria district and the highest individual value in Katihar district. While uranium exposure may pose risks such as impaired neurological development and reduced IQ, breastfeeding should not be discontinued and remains the most beneficial source of infant nutrition unless clinically indicated."

[Font highlight, mine]

So, are the headlines in Tribune news paper meant to be sensational?

I understand Uranium salts dissolve in ground water under favourable environmental chemistry as it is said to happened at Oklo, long long ago. Perhaps in Bihar these conditions exist. Hope AERB will go "deeper" into it . Consumption of such water perhaps manifests breast milk too. Body fluids of other residents in that area may also show U at ppm levels if tested.

On the other hand, is there some sizable U mineralisation in that area not so far identified by our geologists?

[Sanatanan]

^
I recollect some years ago, a similar U contamination "scare" was created in under ground waters even in Punjab.

[Amber G.]

Ottawa close to uranium deal with India worth $2.8 billion, Globe and Mail reports

Canada and India are reportedly close to sealing a US$2.8 billion, 10-year uranium supply deal, which would give India a stable long-term fuel source for its expanding civilian nuclear-power program. The uranium would come from Canadian producer Cameco, and the agreement aligns with broader efforts by both countries to revive economic ties, including restarting stalled CEPA trade talks. For India, the deal strengthens nuclear-fuel security, supports reactor expansion, and diversifies suppliers, while remaining under IAEA-linked safeguards. Neither government has officially confirmed the agreement yet, but it is seen as a major step in deepening civil-nuclear cooperation between the two nations.