2016 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2016 · GS Paper I

Question 79: Science and Technology

India is an important member of the ‘International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor’. If this experiment succeeds, what is the immediate advantage for India?

aIt can use thorium in place of uranium for power generation
bIt can attain a global role in satellite navigation
cIt can drastically improve the efficiency of its fission reactors in power generation
dIt can build fusion reactors for power generation

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).

ITER is an international experiment in France to demonstrate nuclear fusion as a large-scale source of clean energy, and India is one of its seven members. If it succeeds, India gains the knowledge to build fusion reactors for power generation. Fusion has no bearing on thorium-based fission reactors, satellite navigation or the efficiency of fission reactors, so the other options are unrelated.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Using thorium in place of uranium concerns fission reactors, not ITER.
  • (b) Satellite navigation has nothing to do with fusion.
  • (c) ITER does not improve the efficiency of fission reactors.
  • (d) Right: success in ITER would let India build fusion reactors.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2016, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.