India's Programs — Set 2
Technology · भारत के कार्यक्रम · Questions 11–20 of 50
Which organization is responsible for the design, construction, and operation of nuclear power plants in India?
Correct Answer: A. NPCIL
Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) is a public sector enterprise under the Department of Atomic Energy. It operates as a commercial entity to scale up nuclear power production across the country. Currently, it manages a fleet of Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors and Light Water Reactors.
The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tamil Nadu uses which type of reactor technology?
Correct Answer: D. VVER (Water-Water Energetic Reactor)
Kudankulam uses Russian VVER-1000 reactors, which are a type of advanced pressurized water reactor. This project is a result of an inter-governmental agreement between India and Russia. It is currently the highest-capacity nuclear power station in India.
Which Indian state has the Narora Atomic Power Station?
Correct Answer: A. Uttar Pradesh
Narora is located in the Bulandshahr district of Uttar Pradesh on the banks of the Ganges. It consists of two units of indigenous Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors. The station is notable for being located in a high-seismic zone with specialized safety designs.
The 'CIRUS' research reactor, which played a key role in India's early nuclear development, was a collaborative project with which country?
Correct Answer: D. Canada
CIRUS stands for Canada-India Reactor Utility Services and was commissioned in 1960. It was a heavy-water-moderated reactor that provided the plutonium used in India's first nuclear test. It was eventually decommissioned in 2010 as part of the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement.
Which Indian city is known for the Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT)?
Correct Answer: A. Indore
RRCAT is located in Indore and focuses on non-power applications like lasers and particle accelerators. It was established in 1984 and renamed in 2005 to honor the physicist Raja Ramanna. The center contributes to medical, industrial, and fundamental research using synchrotron radiation.
What is the primary moderator used in India's indigenous Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs)?
Correct Answer: C. Heavy Water (D2O)
Heavy water is used to slow down neutrons effectively, allowing the use of natural uranium as fuel. India is a global leader in heavy water production technology through its Heavy Water Board. This design was chosen early on to avoid the need for enriched uranium.
Which organization under the DAE is responsible for mining and processing uranium in India?
Correct Answer: D. UCIL
Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) operates several mines and processing plants, primarily in Jaduguda, Jharkhand. It ensures a steady supply of uranium for the nation's nuclear power and research needs. It works in coordination with the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research.
Which radioactive mineral is extensively found in the monazite sands of the Kerala coast?
Correct Answer: C. Thorium
Thorium is found in the form of monazite sand along the coastal areas of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha. These deposits represent about 25% of the world's total thorium reserves. This abundance is the logical basis for the third stage of India's nuclear power plan.
In which state is the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station located?
Correct Answer: C. Gujarat
Kakrapar is situated near Surat in Gujarat and houses both 220 MW and 700 MW indigenous reactors. Unit-3 at Kakrapar was the first 700 MW PHWR to achieve criticality in India. These larger reactors are the future mainstay of NPCIL's expansion plan.
Which Prime Minister inaugurated the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) in 1954?
Correct Answer: C. Jawaharlal Nehru
Jawaharlal Nehru created the DAE under his direct charge to accelerate scientific development. He viewed nuclear energy as a symbol of modernity and self-reliance for the new republic. Since then, the DAE has always remained under the direct oversight of the Prime Minister's Office.