Q10. Which option names an atomic research centre in India?
[PSTCL JE Electrical, 08 October 2016]
(A) NIN
(B) BARC
(C) CMIR
(D) ICRISAT
Answer: (B) BARC
Explanation: BARC is India’s principal nuclear research institution at Trombay, Mumbai. It performs research on reactor design, nuclear materials, radiation technologies and isotopes, whereas the other listed organisations concern different scientific fields.
Q9. The Kudankulam station that began commercial electricity production in 2014 is in which state?
[WBCS Prelims, 2015]
(A) Tamil Nadu
(B) Karnataka
(C) Kerala
(D) Andhra Pradesh
Answer: (A) Tamil Nadu
Explanation: Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant is in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli district. Its first VVER unit began commercial operation in 2014, establishing a major nuclear electricity facility through India–Russia cooperation.
Q8. Manikaran geothermal energy site is located in which state?
[Jharkhand Civil Service, 2015]
(A) Arunachal Pradesh
(B) Himachal Pradesh
(C) Jammu and Kashmir
(D) Uttarakhand
Answer: (B) Himachal Pradesh
Explanation: The Manikaran site is in Himachal Pradesh’s Parvati Valley and is noted for its hot springs. It is a long-recognised location for geothermal energy exploration and related research in India.
Q7. Uran natural-gas based power project is located in which Maharashtra district?
[Maharashtra Zilla Parishad Clerk, Nagpur, 2015]
(A) Thane
(B) Raigad
(C) Ratnagiri
(D) Sindhudurg
Answer: (B) Raigad
Explanation: Uran Gas Turbine Power Station is in Raigad district, Maharashtra. Natural gas is used as fuel for the generating units, distinguishing the installation from Maharashtra’s large coal-fired power stations.
Q6. Which listed element is used in nuclear fission fuel and nuclear weapons?
[MPPSC General Studies, 2014]
(A) Zirconium
(B) Uranium
(C) Molybdenum
(D) Vanadium
Answer: (B) Uranium
Explanation: Uranium contains fissile isotopes, most notably uranium-235, capable of sustaining nuclear fission under suitable conditions. Nuclear electricity generation uses controlled chain reactions, whereas weapons involve very different engineered arrangements and safeguards.
Q5. Statement I: A fast breeder reactor does not require a moderator.
Statement II: Parasitic neutron absorption is low.
Select the appropriate answer.
[UPSC Engineering Services Mechanical, 2014]
(A) Both true; II explains I
(B) Both true; II does not explain I
(C) I true; II false
(D) I false; II true
Answer: (A) Both true; II explains I
Explanation: Fast breeders seek to preserve high-energy neutrons, so they generally omit moderators that would slow them. Neutron economy is important for converting fertile material into fissile material while sustaining the fission chain reaction.
Q4. Which source of electricity did the paper identify as most suitable for sustainable development among the choices?
[UPPSC Civil Services Prelims, 2012]
(A) Coal
(B) Mineral oil and gas
(C) Hydroelectricity
(D) Atomic energy
Answer: (C) Hydroelectricity
Explanation: Hydropower uses the renewable water cycle and produces low direct emissions while generating electricity. However, modern assessments also recognise the ecological and social effects of dams, so the historical exam answer reflects the listed alternatives.
Q3. Which power project among the following is based on natural gas?
[Rajasthan 3rd Grade Teacher Social Studies (Jalore), 2012]
(A) Ramgarh
(B) Dholpur
(C) Bhiwadi
(D) Jalippa
Answer: (A) Ramgarh
Explanation: Ramgarh in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district hosts a gas-based thermal power station. It differs from coal-based stations and from hydroelectric installations, and represents Rajasthan’s early efforts to utilise gas for power generation.
Q2. Which listed project is NOT based on natural gas?
[Rajasthan 3rd Grade Teacher Social Studies (Jhalawar), 2012]
(A) Auraiya
(B) Anta
(C) Narora
(D) Ramgarh
Answer: (C) Narora
Explanation: Narora is a nuclear power station in Uttar Pradesh and does not depend on natural-gas combustion. Auraiya, Anta and Ramgarh are associated with gas-based thermal electricity generation, making Narora the exception.
Q1. In which year was the Atomic Energy Establishment Trombay, predecessor of BARC, set up?
[AWES PGT Geography, 2012]
(A) 1954
(B) 1956
(C) 1958
(D) 1960
Answer: (A) 1954
Explanation: Homi J. Bhabha established the Atomic Energy Establishment, Trombay, in 1954. It was later renamed Bhabha Atomic Research Centre. The institute’s work helped build indigenous capabilities in nuclear research and associated engineering.
