UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — PARLIAMENT QUESTION: DEVELOPMENT IN NUCLEAR ENERGY

Q1. Under the Nuclear Energy Mission announced in the Union Budget 2025-26, the ₹20,000 crore outlay is earmarked specifically for which of the following?

  • A. Research, development and deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
  • B. Import of large advanced light-water reactors from foreign vendors
  • C. Setting up of uranium enrichment and reprocessing facilities
  • D. Compensation to victims under the nuclear liability fund

Q2. The ongoing nuclear capacity-expansion programme is setting up new reactors across a defined group of States. Consider the following statements about States included in this group: 1. Rajasthan is one of the States where new reactors are being set up. 2. Haryana is one of the States where new reactors are being set up. 3. Kerala is one of the States where new reactors are being set up. 4. Karnataka is one of the States where new reactors are being set up. Which of the above is/are NOT correct?

  1. Rajasthan is one of the States where new reactors are being set up.
  2. Haryana is one of the States where new reactors are being set up.
  3. Kerala is one of the States where new reactors are being set up.
  4. Karnataka is one of the States where new reactors are being set up.
  • A. 1 and 2
  • B. 2 and 4
  • C. 3 only
  • D. 1, 3 and 4

Q3. With reference to how the SHANTI Act, 2025 differs from the earlier statutory framework it replaces, consider the following statements: 1. It repeals both the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, replacing them with a single comprehensive law. 2. Unlike the earlier regime, it permits private sector participation in setting up nuclear facilities under a licence from the Central Government. 3. Departing from its predecessors, it imposes an unlimited liability cap on small investors so as to discourage their entry. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. It repeals both the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, replacing them with a single comprehensive law.
  2. Unlike the earlier regime, it permits private sector participation in setting up nuclear facilities under a licence from the Central Government.
  3. Departing from its predecessors, it imposes an unlimited liability cap on small investors so as to discourage their entry.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q4. The SHANTI Act, 2025 accords formal statutory status to which of the following bodies?

  • A. Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)
  • B. Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL)
  • C. Atomic Energy Commission (AEC)
  • D. Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)

Q5. Among the Small Modular Reactor designs being developed by the Department of Atomic Energy, which one has the highest electrical generation capacity?

  • A. Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200)
  • B. SMR-55
  • C. High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor (HTGCR)
  • D. 55 MWe pressurised light-water SMR

Q6. The Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200) is being designed and developed principally by which organisation?

  • A. Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
  • B. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
  • C. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
  • D. Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)

Q7. The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) functions under the direct charge of which of the following?

  • A. The Prime Minister
  • B. The Ministry of Power
  • C. The Ministry of Science and Technology
  • D. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

Q8. The Atomic Energy Commission was first set up in 1948 and the Department of Atomic Energy was established in 1954. How many years separated these two events?

  • A. 4 years
  • B. 6 years
  • C. 8 years
  • D. 10 years

Q9. Under the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, the operator's right of recourse against the supplier — the provision most cited for deterring foreign investment — is contained in which section?

  • A. Section 17
  • B. Section 4
  • C. Section 6
  • D. Section 46

Q10. With reference to reactor types and their operation in India, consider the following statements: 1. The 700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) is India's largest indigenously designed reactor and is being built in fleet mode. 2. All nuclear power reactors in India, whether indigenous or imported, are operated by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). 3. India's first 700 MWe PHWR to attain criticality was located at Rawatbhata, Rajasthan. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The 700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) is India's largest indigenously designed reactor and is being built in fleet mode.
  2. All nuclear power reactors in India, whether indigenous or imported, are operated by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).
  3. India's first 700 MWe PHWR to attain criticality was located at Rawatbhata, Rajasthan.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q11. With reference to India's nuclear power capacity, consider the following statements: 1. India's present installed nuclear power capacity is about 8,180 MW from 24 operating reactors. 2. This installed capacity is targeted to rise to 22,480 MW by 2031-32. 3. The Nuclear Energy Mission targets 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2070, coinciding with India's net-zero year. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. India's present installed nuclear power capacity is about 8,180 MW from 24 operating reactors.
  2. This installed capacity is targeted to rise to 22,480 MW by 2031-32.
  3. The Nuclear Energy Mission targets 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2070, coinciding with India's net-zero year.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3