UPSC Prelims 2023 Question on –Uranium Enrichment & Electricity
Q. 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?
✅ Correct Answer: [C] Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
Explanation:
Statement I: Correct. India relies heavily on coal-based thermal power, which contributes the majority of electricity generation.
Statement II: Incorrect. Nuclear reactors require uranium enriched to about 3–5% U-235, not 60%.
Higher enrichment levels (≥20% or ≥90%) are used in research reactors or weapons, not for regular electricity generation.
