Consider the following statements: Statement-I: India, despite having uranium deposits, depends on coal for…

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

Solution

Per the official UPSC key, the answer is A. Most coaching keys marked C: Statement-I correct; Statement-II incorrect — reactor-grade uranium needs only ~3-5% enrichment, not 60%. UPSC officially marked A.

Asked in: UPSC Prelims 2023

Practice more Physics & Chemistry Basics questions on Aicharya