Q1. In the first half of the year 1978, the relations between India and U.S.A. suffered setback on account of
(a) U.S. declining for the supply of uranium for Tarapur atomic power plant
(b) U.S. pressurising India to sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty
(c) Banning the consumption of Coca Cola in the country
(d) All factors listed above
(UPSC Prelims 1979)
Answer: (a) U.S. declining for the supply of uranium for Tarapur atomic power plant
Explanation: The diplomatic strain between India and the U.S. in 1978 was primarily due to the refusal to supply uranium for the Tarapur nuclear plant, citing non-signature of the NPT. This decision impacted India’s energy security and reflected tensions over nuclear policy.
Q2. The radiant energy of the sun is due to
(a) Nuclear fission
(b) Nuclear fusion
(c) Sinking of the sun
(d) Violent explosions
(UPSC Prelims 1980)
Answer: (b) Nuclear fusion
Explanation: The sun’s energy comes from nuclear fusion, where hydrogen nuclei combine to form helium, releasing vast amounts of energy.
Q3. Fuel used in a nuclear reactor is
(a) Uranium
(b) Heavy water
(c) Barium
(d) Cadmium
(UPSC Prelims 1980)
Answer: (a) Uranium
Explanation: Uranium is the primary fuel used in nuclear reactors, where its fission reactions release energy for electricity generation.
Q4. How many nuclear power plants are there in India now?
(a) 3
(b) 4
(c) 9
(d) 13
(UPSC Prelims 1981)
Answer: (b) 4
Explanation: As of 1981, India had 4 operational nuclear power plants, including Tarapur, Rajasthan, Kalpakkam, and Narora. These facilities were part of India’s early efforts in nuclear energy development.
Q5. The sun derives its energy from
(a) Nuclear fission reactions
(b) Nuclear fusion reactions
(c) Oxidation of helium
(d) Fission of noble metals
(UPSC Prelims 1982)
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Sun’s energy comes from nuclear fusion, where hydrogen nuclei combine to form helium, releasing tremendous energy. This process occurs in the core of the Sun and powers its radiation and heat.
Q6. India carried out its first underground nuclear explosion at
(a) Thumba
(b) Pokhran
(c) Trombay
(d) Khemkaran
(UPSC Prelims 1984)
Answer: (b) Pokhran
Explanation: India’s first underground nuclear test, known as Smiling Buddha, was conducted in 1974 at Pokhran, Rajasthan. It marked India’s entry into the group of nuclear-capable nations, showcasing its scientific and strategic capabilities.
Q7. The most indigenous atomic power plant is situated at
(a) Kota
(b) Trombay
(c) Tarapur
(d) Kalpakkam
(UPSC Prelims 1984)
Answer: (d) Kalpakkam
Explanation: The Kalpakkam Atomic Power Station in Tamil Nadu is known for its indigenous design and development, including the Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR). It represents India’s self-reliance in nuclear technology, unlike Tarapur and Trombay which had foreign collaboration.
Q8. The fuel used in Fast Breeder Test Reactor at Kalpakkam is
(a) Enriched Uranium
(b) Thorium
(c) Plutonium
(d) None of the above
(UPSC Prelims 1987)
Answer: (b) Thorium
Explanation: The Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) at Kalpakkam uses thorium-based fuel, aligning with India’s strategy to utilize its abundant thorium reserves for sustainable nuclear energy.
Q9. Radioactive element which has been found to have large reserves in India is
(a) Thorium
(b) Uranium
(c) Radium
(d) Plutonium
(UPSC Prelims 1987)
Answer: (a) Thorium
Explanation: India has abundant reserves of thorium, especially along the coastal sands of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It plays a key role in India’s nuclear energy strategy, particularly in fast breeder reactors.
