UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — PARLIAMENT QUESTION: DOMESTIC NUCLEAR POWER GENERATION

Q1. With reference to the design logic of India's three-stage nuclear power programme, which one of the following statements is NOT correct?

  1. Stage 1 of the programme relies predominantly on Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors.
  2. The programme is built around a closed nuclear fuel cycle.
  3. Thorium is used directly as the primary fissile fuel in the Stage 2 Fast Breeder Reactors.
  4. India possesses one of the world's largest thorium reserves but comparatively limited uranium reserves.
  • A. 1 and 2
  • B. 2 and 4
  • C. 3 only
  • D. 3 and 4

Q2. Which one of the following is the apex body responsible for formulating the policy of the Department of Atomic Energy in India?

  • A. Atomic Energy Commission
  • B. Atomic Energy Regulatory Board
  • C. Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited
  • D. NITI Aayog

Q3. With reference to the Nuclear Energy Mission announced in the Union Budget 2025-26, which one of the following is NOT correct?

  1. The Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200) is a 220 MWe design.
  2. The SMR-55 is a 55 MWe small modular reactor design.
  3. The High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor being developed is of up to about 5 MWth capacity, intended for hydrogen production.
  4. The Mission targets at least 5 indigenously developed Small Modular Reactors to be operational by 2030.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 4 only
  • C. 3 and 4
  • D. 1 and 2

Q4. The amendments to the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 proposed to enable private-sector participation in nuclear power are being taken up by which one of the following?

  • A. Ministry of Law and Justice
  • B. Department of Atomic Energy
  • C. Ministry of Power
  • D. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

Q5. With reference to the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, which one of the following is NOT correct?

  1. The maximum liability of the operator is capped at ₹1,500 crore.
  2. The operator is held liable on the principle of strict, no-fault liability.
  3. The Act provides the operator a right of recourse against suppliers.
  4. The Act currently permits private companies to own and operate nuclear power reactors in India.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 3 and 4
  • C. 4 only
  • D. 2 only

Q6. In the context of India-US civil nuclear cooperation, the term '123 Agreement' derives its name from which one of the following?

  • A. Section 123 of the U.S. Atomic Energy Act, 1954
  • B. Article 123 of the Statute of the IAEA
  • C. Rule 123 of the Nuclear Suppliers Group Guidelines
  • D. Section 123 of India's Atomic Energy Act, 1962

Q7. India's indigenous 700 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor fleet (including RAPP-7 and KAPP/KAPS-3&4), which recently expanded installed capacity to 8,780 MW, is operated by which one of the following?

  • A. BHAVINI
  • B. NPCIL
  • C. IGCAR
  • D. AERB

Q8. India's 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, marking the country's entry into Stage II technology, attained its first criticality in which year?

  • A. 2023
  • B. 2024
  • C. 2025
  • D. 2026

Q9. With reference to nuclear power in India's climate and energy-security policy, which one of the following is NOT correct?

  1. Nuclear power is treated as a base-load source available round the clock.
  2. India has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
  3. Under the Panchamrit targets, India aims for 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030.
  4. The 100 GW nuclear-by-2047 target is spearheaded by NITI Aayog as the nodal implementing agency.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 2 and 4
  • C. 4 only
  • D. 1 and 3