Q11. Where is India’s first prototype fast breeder reactor (PFBR) being developed?
A) Trombay, Mumbai
B) Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu
C) Tarapur, Maharashtra
D) Kakrapar, Gujarat
Explanation: India’s first prototype fast breeder reactor (PFBR) is under development at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. The project is managed by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI) and will play a key role in India’s second stage of nuclear power generation strategy.
Q12. Which stage of India’s nuclear power programme involves thorium utilization?
A) First stage
B) Second stage
C) Third stage
D) All stages
Explanation: The third stage of India’s nuclear power programme focuses on utilizing thorium-232 as fuel to produce uranium-233. India has abundant thorium reserves, and this stage aims to achieve long-term energy security using indigenous resources.
Q13. Which was the first nuclear reactor in India?
A) Apsara
B) CIRUS
C) Dhruva
D) Kamini
Explanation: Apsara, located at Trombay, Mumbai, was India’s first nuclear reactor. It became operational in 1956 and was a swimming pool type research reactor, marking the beginning of India’s journey in nuclear technology development.
Q14. Which nuclear power plant in India has the highest installed capacity?
A) Tarapur Atomic Power Station
B) Kakrapar Atomic Power Station
C) Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant
D) Kalpakkam Nuclear Power Plant
Explanation: Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tamil Nadu has the highest installed capacity among all nuclear power stations in India. With Russian collaboration, its two operational units each generate 1000 MW, making it India’s most powerful nuclear facility.
Q15. In which year was the Atomic Energy Commission of India established?
A) 1945
B) 1948
C) 1958
D) 1962
Explanation: The Atomic Energy Commission of India was established in 1948 with the objective of developing nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Under the leadership of Dr. Homi J. Bhabha, it laid the foundation of India’s nuclear research and power programme.
Q16. What is the fuel used in Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) in India?
A) Enriched uranium
B) Natural uranium
C) Thorium
D) Plutonium
Explanation: Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR), which form the backbone of India’s nuclear power programme, use natural uranium as fuel and heavy water as both coolant and moderator. This design was chosen due to India’s limited uranium enrichment capacity.
Q17. Where is India’s uranium enrichment plant located?
A) Tarapur
B) Mysuru
C) Kalpakkam
D) Hyderabad
Explanation: India’s uranium enrichment facility is located at Mysuru, Karnataka, under the Rare Materials Plant. The facility produces enriched uranium for India’s nuclear submarines and some civilian reactors, contributing to both defence and energy programmes.
Q18. The Dhruva reactor, located in Trombay, is primarily used for what purpose?
A) Power generation
B) Isotope production
C) Uranium enrichment
D) Training
Explanation: The Dhruva reactor, commissioned in 1985 at Trombay, is a research reactor mainly used for producing radioisotopes for medical, agricultural, and industrial applications. It also supports nuclear research and development.
Q19. Which is the only reactor in India that uses enriched uranium and light water?
A) Tarapur reactors
B) Kudankulam reactors
C) Kakrapar reactors
D) Kalpakkam reactors
Explanation: The Tarapur Atomic Power Station initially used boiling water reactors (BWRs) fueled by enriched uranium and moderated by light water. It was India’s first commercial nuclear power station, established with US cooperation in 1969.
Q20. What is the main role of Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI)?
A) Enrichment of uranium
B) Construction of fast breeder reactors
C) Isotope production
D) Thorium research
Explanation: BHAVINI is a government-owned corporation under the Department of Atomic Energy, responsible for constructing and operating fast breeder reactors in India. Its flagship project is the 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu.
That’s all for today’s Nuclear Programmes of India GK Questions. I hope these questions help you strengthen your exam preparation. For more such study material:
👉 Watch detailed explanations on our YouTube Channel
👉 Also read: Major Cricket Awards in India GK Questions
👉 Also read: Digestive System Biology GK Questions
👉 Also read: Periodic Table Questions & Answers
