Question 64 from UPSC CSE 2023 - Economics

Question

Consider the following statements:
1. India, despite having uranium deposits, depends on coal for most of its electricity production.
2. 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?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

Strategy: Confirm the foundational facts: India possesses uranium reserves but primarily relies on coal for electricity. For Statement II, recall that nuclear power generation requires uranium enriched to only 3-5%, which is significantly lower than 60%. Therefore, Statement I is correct, and Statement II is incorrect as 60% enrichment is unnecessary for electricity production.

Key Info: ## India's Energy Profile and Uranium Resources
India predominantly relies on coal-based thermal power plants for electricity generation, accounting for approximately 70-75% of its total installed capacity. The country has identified uranium deposits in states such as Andhra Pradesh (notably Tummalapalle), Jharkhand (Jaduguda), Telangana, Meghalaya, and Rajasthan. However, domestic uranium production is limited and insufficient to meet the full requirements of India's nuclear program, necessitating imports under international agreements.

## Understanding Uranium Enrichment
Uranium enrichment is the process of increasing the concentration of the uranium-235 (U-235) isotope.
*   **Natural Uranium:** Contains approximately 0.7% U-235.
*   **Low Enriched Uranium (LEU):** Used in commercial nuclear reactors, typically contains 3-5% U-235.
*   **Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU):** Defined as having over 20% U-235, it is mainly used for research reactors or nuclear weapons.
*   **Enrichment to 60% or more:** Reserved for non-civilian (military) purposes and is not required for standard electricity production. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) monitors global uranium enrichment to prevent proliferation, noting that such high purity levels are not needed for civilian reactors (e.g., Iran's enrichment up to 60% has raised international concern).

## India's Nuclear Program
India's nuclear program is managed by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and overseen by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). India primarily employs pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs), many of which can utilize natural uranium and do not require enrichment, though some newer reactors are designed to operate with LEU.

IASCODEX · Answer

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

IASCODEX · Answer

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

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct