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 ✓ UPSC's answer
- (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
Why the answer is (c)
• Statement-I is correct: coal-fired plants supply about 70% of India's electricity, while nuclear power contributes only around 3%, despite uranium deposits at Jaduguda (Jharkhand), Tummalapalle (Andhra Pradesh) and elsewhere.
• Statement-II is incorrect: power reactors use natural uranium (0.7% U-235, as in India's PHWRs) or low-enriched uranium of 3–5%; enrichment to 60% or more is weapons-grade territory and is never required for electricity generation.
• India's reliance on coal reflects abundant domestic coal, low-grade uranium ore and the slow growth of nuclear capacity, not any enrichment requirement.
• Hence Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect, option (c).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation…
- Statement-II is wrong: power reactors need low-enriched or natural uranium, not 60%.
- (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct…
- Statement-II is wrong, so both cannot be correct.
- (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
- Statement-I is correct: India depends mainly on coal for electricity.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2023, held on 28 May 2023. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.