GS PrelimsScience and TechnologyInnovation in Energy Technology2023

Consider the following statements : 1. Statement-I : India, despite having uranium deposits, depends on coal for most of its electricity production. 2. Statement-II: Uranium, enriched to the extent of at least 60%, is required for the production of electricity. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

A

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

B

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

C

Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

D

Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Correct Answer: Option C

Explanation

1. Statement-I asserts that India has uranium deposits but relies heavily on coal for electricity production. India does possess uranium reserves (e.g., in Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh), but these are generally low-grade and insufficient to meet large-scale energy needs. Coal remains the dominant source of electricity generation in India. Therefore, Statement-I is correct. 2. Statement-II claims that uranium enriched to at least 60% is required for electricity production. This is incorrect. Most nuclear power reactors, including those used in India (like Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors - PHWRs using natural uranium, and Light Water Reactors - LWRs), use natural uranium or low-enriched uranium (LEU), typically enriched to 3-5% Uranium-235. Highly enriched uranium (HEU), especially above 20% and certainly at 60%, is primarily used in research reactors, naval propulsion reactors, or nuclear weapons, not standard electricity generation. Therefore, Statement-II is incorrect. 3. Since Statement-I is correct and Statement-II is incorrect, option (C) is the correct choice.

More Science and Technology PYQs

View all Science and Technology questions →

Master UPSC Revision

Get 10,000+ topic-wise MCQs, spaced repetition, daily CSAT challenges, and detailed performance analytics.

Coming Soon to Play Store
Coming Soon to Play Store