UPSC CSE Prelims
Nuclear Energy Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Practice solved questions for Nuclear Energy with detailed step-by-step solutions, key insights, and trend analysis for UPSC CSE PRELIMS.
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Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: India, despite having uranium deposits, depends on coal for most of its electricity production.
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?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 3 — Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
India indeed has domestic uranium deposits but relies heavily on coal for electricity generation (around 70% of total capacity). However, Statement-II is factually wrong because commercial nuclear power plants do not require uranium enriched to 60%.
✅ Statement-I – Correct: India has uranium deposits in Jharkhand (Singhbhum), Andhra Pradesh (Tummalapalle), and other regions, yet coal remains the dominant source for electricity production due to its abundance, lower cost, and established infrastructure.
❌ Statement-II – Incorrect: Uranium enriched to 60% or more is classified as Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU) and is used for research reactors or nuclear weapons, not commercial electricity production. India's PHWRs use natural uranium (0.7% U-235), while most commercial Light Water Reactors worldwide use Low Enriched Uranium (LEU) enriched to only 3-5% U-235.
📝 Short Notes: Nuclear Fuel Enrichment Levels
| Enrichment Level | U-235 Percentage | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Uranium | 0.7% | India's PHWRs (Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors) |
| Low Enriched Uranium (LEU) | 3-5% | Commercial Light Water Reactors (LWRs) globally |
| Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU) | 20-90% | Research reactors, naval propulsion |
| Weapons-Grade Uranium | ≥90% | Nuclear weapons |
- India's Nuclear Program: Uses indigenous three-stage program starting with natural uranium in PHWRs
- Coal Dominance: India's coal reserves (4th largest globally) and lower capital costs make it preferred despite environmental concerns
- Uranium Sources: Jharkhand (Jaduguda), Andhra Pradesh (Tummalapalle - one of world's largest), Meghalaya, Rajasthan
- Nuclear Capacity: Only ~3% of India's total electricity comes from nuclear power (as of 2023)
In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under “IAEA Safeguards” while others are not?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — Some use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies
India's nuclear reactors are divided into civilian and strategic facilities under the 2005 Indo-US Civil Nuclear Deal. Reactors using imported uranium are placed under IAEA safeguards to ensure peaceful use, as mandated by international agreements for nuclear fuel supply. Reactors using domestic uranium remain outside IAEA safeguards, allowing India to maintain its strategic nuclear weapons program independently.
📝 Short Notes: India's Nuclear Programme and IAEA Safeguards
- Indo-US Civil Nuclear Deal (2008): Separated India's nuclear facilities into civilian (under IAEA safeguards) and military (outside safeguards) categories, ending India's nuclear isolation despite not signing the NPT.
- IAEA Safeguards: International inspection regime to verify that nuclear materials are used only for peaceful purposes and not diverted to weapons programs.
- Separation Plan: India voluntarily placed 14 of its 22 power reactors under IAEA safeguards, while keeping 8 reactors and other facilities outside for strategic purposes.
- Imported Uranium Condition: Any reactor using imported uranium or fuel must be under IAEA safeguards as per bilateral agreements with supplier countries (USA, Russia, France, etc.).
- Domestic Uranium: Reactors using indigenous uranium from Indian mines (Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh) remain outside safeguards, preserving India's three-stage nuclear program and weapons capability.
- Three-Stage Programme: India's unique nuclear strategy using natural uranium (Stage I), plutonium breeder reactors (Stage II), and thorium-U233 cycle (Stage III) to achieve energy security.
- Strategic Autonomy: The separation allows India to maintain its minimum credible nuclear deterrent while accessing international nuclear commerce and technology.
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