India's Programs — Set 1
Technology · भारत के कार्यक्रम · Questions 1–10 of 50
Who is widely regarded as the 'Father of the Indian Nuclear Programme'?
Correct Answer: A. Homi J. Bhabha
Homi J. Bhabha founded the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research and the Atomic Energy Establishment, Trombay. He formulated India's three-stage nuclear power strategy to utilize domestic resources. He served as the first chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission of India.
In which year was the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) of India established?
Correct Answer: D. 1948
The Atomic Energy Commission was set up in August 1948 under the Department of Scientific Research. It was created to survey for atomic minerals and promote nuclear research for peaceful purposes. Its formation was a critical first step in institutionalizing nuclear technology in independent India.
Which was the first nuclear research reactor to be commissioned in India and Asia?
Correct Answer: A. Apsara
Apsara was a swimming-pool-type reactor that became critical in August 1956 at Trombay. It was built with assistance from the United Kingdom, which provided the enriched uranium fuel. The reactor played a foundational role in training Indian nuclear scientists.
The three-stage nuclear power programme of India is specifically designed to eventually utilize which element?
Correct Answer: D. Thorium
India has vast domestic reserves of thorium, making it the focal point of long-term energy security. The three stages transition from natural uranium to plutonium and finally to thorium-based fuel cycles. Thorium itself is fertile and must be converted into Uranium-233 to be used as fuel.
What was the code name of India's first nuclear test conducted in 1974?
Correct Answer: A. Smiling Buddha
India conducted its first peaceful nuclear explosion at Pokhran, Rajasthan, on Buddha Purnima day. This test made India the first nation outside the permanent members of the UN Security Council to demonstrate nuclear capability. The operation was managed by a small team of scientists and military personnel.
Where is the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) headquartered?
Correct Answer: D. Trombay (Mumbai)
BARC is the premier multi-disciplinary nuclear research center of India situated in Trombay. It was originally called the Atomic Energy Establishment, Trombay, and renamed in 1967 after Homi Bhabha's death. It houses several research reactors and advanced laboratories for nuclear fuel cycle studies.
The Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS), India's first commercial nuclear power plant, was built with assistance from which country?
Correct Answer: A. USA
TAPS was established in Maharashtra in 1969 through a bilateral agreement with the United States. It utilizes Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs) and initially required imported enriched uranium. It marked India's entry into the era of commercial nuclear electricity generation.
Which Indian nuclear power plant is unique for being predominantly indigenous and utilizing a 'Fast Breeder' test reactor?
Correct Answer: D. Kalpakkam
The Madras Atomic Power Station and the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research are both located at Kalpakkam. It is the site for the development of the second stage of the nuclear programme using plutonium fuel. The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at this site is a major milestone for indigenous technology.
In May 1998, India conducted a series of five nuclear tests at Pokhran. What was the name of this operation?
Correct Answer: A. Operation Shakti
Operation Shakti-98 consisted of three tests on May 11 and two tests on May 13. These tests included a thermonuclear device and low-yield fission devices. Following these tests, India officially declared itself a nuclear-weapon state.
What is the primary function of the Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC) located in Hyderabad?
Correct Answer: D. Manufacturing fuel assemblies
NFC is responsible for processing uranium and manufacturing fuel bundles for all of India's nuclear power reactors. It also produces core components and zircaloy hardware required for reactor construction. It is a unique facility that handles both chemical processing and precision engineering.