UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2023

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?

  1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
  2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
  3. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
  4. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Answer

Correct Answer

Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

Explanation

India does rely mainly on coal for electricity (Statement-I is true). However, nuclear power reactors typically use low-enriched uranium (around 3-5%), not 60% enrichment, so Statement-II is false.

Topics: economy, energy sector, nuclear energy, uranium enrichment