UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — South Korea, Turkiye to deepen nuclear energy, defence relations

Q1. With reference to light-water nuclear power reactors, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Because ordinary water serves as the moderator, light-water reactors can sustain a chain reaction on natural uranium without any enrichment.
  2. In a pressurised water reactor, the primary-circuit water is held at high pressure and passes its heat to a separate secondary loop where steam for the turbine is raised.
  3. In a boiling water reactor, steam produced inside the reactor vessel itself drives the turbine, so no separate steam generator is required.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q2. Consider the following statements: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. India's indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors can be fuelled with natural uranium that has not been enriched.
  2. Heavy water absorbs far fewer neutrons than ordinary water, so enough neutrons survive moderation to sustain a chain reaction even with the low fissile content of natural uranium.
  • A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
  • B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
  • C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
  • D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Q3. Consider the following assertion: India's defence-industrial engagement with South Korea has moved beyond a simple buyer–seller relationship. Which of the following statements support/supports the above assertion?

  1. India and the Republic of Korea have described the K9 Vajra as a successful joint venture, with a second batch of production underway.
  2. An Indian private firm is producing K9 Vajra-T guns at its own armoured-systems complex in Gujarat.
  3. The K9 is a self-propelled tracked gun rather than a towed artillery piece.
  • A. 2 and 3 only
  • B. 1 only
  • C. 1, 2 and 3
  • D. 1 and 2 only