Prelims 2023 · Science and Technology · Question 21
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?
Answer
Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
Statement-I: Correct. India has uranium deposits, but its electricity mix is dominated by thermal power, especially coal; nuclear power contributes only a small share.
Statement-II: Incorrect. Electricity in most nuclear power reactors uses low-enriched uranium (around 3–5% U-235), and some reactors use natural uranium; 60% enrichment is far above normal power-generation needs.
Option check: Since Statement-I is correct and Statement-II is incorrect, (c) is the correct answer.