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Modi hails scientists after India achieves first criticality at Kalpakkam fast breeder reactor
India
Published on 26 April 2026
The reactor is built to turn uranium into more fuel
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated scientists for achieving “first criticality” at India’s Prototype Fast Breeder Nuclear Reactor in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. Calling it a historic milestone, the achievement strengthens India’s long-term nuclear roadmap. The PFBR uses MOX fuel and a uranium-238 blanket, designed to help breed additional fuel for future reactor use.
- Modi praised India’s scientists for achieving first criticality at PFBR in Kalpakkam
- The Prototype Fast Breeder Nuclear Reactor is a key part of India’s nuclear strategy
- PFBR uses MOX fuel with a surrounding uranium-238 blanket to support breeding
- The milestone marks progress toward the fast breeder reactor fuel cycle
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This summarization was done by Beige for a story published on 
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