Q55 · UPSC Prelims 2020 · Set A · Current Affairs and GK

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In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under "IAEA Safeguards" while others are not?

A Some use uranium and others use thorium
B Some use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies.
C Some are operated by foreign enterprises and others are operated by domestic enterprises
D Some are State-owned and others are privately-

Correct answer: (b) Some use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies.

Explanation

  1. A

    Some use uranium and others use thorium

    Uranium vs thorium. PHWRs use natural U; thorium is not the IAEA split.

  2. B

    Some use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies.

    Imported uranium vs domestic. Civil reactors on foreign fuel are under IAEA safeguards; military/unsafeguarded plants use domestic fuel.

  3. C

    Some are operated by foreign enterprises and others are operated by domestic enterprises

    Foreign vs domestic operators. NPCIL runs both kinds.

  4. D

    Some are State-owned and others are privately-

    State vs private. Nuclear generation is not a private-operator split here.

Summary. Official key is (b). After the Indo-US civil nuclear deal, imported-fuel civil reactors are placed under IAEA safeguards. Reactors on the military/unsafeguarded list use domestic uranium and are not.

Same topic · past papers

UPSC has asked this before

These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.

  1. 2024 · Q31 · General Studies · 2 marks

    With reference to radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), consider the following statements: 1. RTGs are miniature fission reactors. 2. RTGs are used for powering the onboard systems of spacecrafts. 3. RTGs can use Plutonium-238, which is a by-product of weapons development Which of the statements given above are correct?

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