UPSC Prelims 2023 Q11: Geography – Indian Agriculture & Land Use
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
- (d) Statement - I is incorrect but Statement - II is correct
Answer: (c) Statement - I is correct but Statement - II is incorrect
Explanation
Why India still runs mainly on coal despite having uranium
| Source | Share of India's electricity (approx., 2023–24) |
|---|---|
| Coal | About 70–75% |
| Renewables + hydro | About 20–23% |
| Nuclear | About 3% |
Statement I — correct. India has uranium deposits (Jaduguda in Jharkhand, Tummalapalle in Andhra Pradesh), but they are low-grade and limited. Coal is plentiful and cheap.
Statement II — incorrect. Power reactors do not need 60% enrichment.
| Uranium type | U-235 content | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Natural uranium | 0.7% | India's PHWRs (Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors) |
| Low-enriched uranium (LEU) | 3–5% | Light-water reactors like Kudankulam |
| Highly enriched uranium | 20% and above; about 90% for weapons | Research reactors, naval reactors, bombs |
Answer: (c) Statement - I is correct but Statement - II is incorrect.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement II is false, so it cannot explain Statement I.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement II is false; power reactors run on natural or 3–5% enriched uranium.
- (c) CORRECT. India relies on coal (about 70%), but power reactors need only 0.7–5% U-235, not 60%.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement I is true; coal dominates India's electricity mix.
Key point
Power reactors use natural (0.7%) or low-enriched (3–5%) uranium; 60% is far above what power generation needs.
Remember
Nuclear power needs only 3–5% enriched uranium, or even natural uranium in PHWRs.
Common mistakes
- Believing electricity needs highly enriched uranium; India's PHWRs run on natural uranium.
- Thinking India lacks uranium entirely; it has deposits, but they are low-grade.
- Overestimating nuclear's share; it is only about 3% of India's electricity.
Exam tip
Remember three numbers: 0.7% natural, 3–5% power reactors, about 90% weapons. Any 60% claim for power is wrong.
Sources
- Department of Atomic Energy — Nuclear power programme
- Central Electricity Authority — Installed capacity and generation reports
- NCERT Class XII — India: People and Economy, Ch 7 (Mineral and Energy Resources)