UPSC Prelims 2023 – Question 11

Q11. 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? 
 
(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) 

• In India, power is generated from conventional (Thermal, Nuclear & Hydro) and renewable sources (Wind, Solar, Biomass, etc). Major production of Electricity is achieved through coal, a thermal power plant which is around 75% of the total power generation. Hence, statement I is correct. 
• However, uranium enriched to the extent of at least 60% is not required for the production of electricity. For civilian nuclear power plants, uranium is typically enriched to about 3-5% of uranium-235, which is sufficient for light water reactors that are commonly used for electricity generation. Hence, statement II is not correct. 

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