2023 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2023 · GS Paper I

Question 11: Science and Technology

Consider the following statements :

  1. Statement-IIndia, despite having uranium deposits, depends on coal for most of its electricity production.
  2. Statement-IIUranium, enriched to the extent of at least 60%, is required for the production of electricity.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

aBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
bBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
cStatement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
dStatement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).

Statement I is correct: coal supplies most of India's electricity, and nuclear power is only a few percent because India's uranium deposits are limited and low-grade, so the country relies on coal. Statement II is wrong: power reactors use low-enriched uranium of roughly 3 to 5 percent U-235, and India's heavy-water reactors run on natural uranium. Enrichment of 60 percent or more is far beyond what electricity needs; weapons grade is about 90 percent.

  • I. India generates most of its electricity from coal despite having some uranium.
  • II. Reactor fuel needs only 3 to 5 percent enrichment, not 60 percent.

How you could have got this

If you were sure Statement-I is correct, (d) goes. Then judge the second statement; if it is correct too, decide whether it explains the first.

What you needed to know: India generates most of its electricity from coal despite having some uranium.

Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Statement II is false, so it cannot explain Statement I.
  • (b) Statement II is false, so 'both correct' fails.
  • (c) Correct: Statement I is true, Statement II is false.
  • (d) Statement I is true, so this reverses the position.

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

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2023, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.