1. Who is known as the “Father of India’s Nuclear Program”?
A) Dr. C.V. Raman
B) Dr. Homi J. Bhabha
C) Dr. Vikram Sarabhai
D) Dr. Raja Ramanna
Answer: B
Explanation: Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha established India’s nuclear program and founded the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) in 1948.
2. The Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) of India was established in__________.
A) 1945
B) 1948
C) 1950
D) 1954
Answer: B
Explanation: Formed on 10 August 1948, the AEC oversees India’s atomic energy policies and programs.
3. The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) was established in __________.
A) 1950
B) 1954
C) 1962
D) 1971
Answer: B
Explanation: The DAE was set up on 3 August 1954, under the direct control of the Prime Minister of India.
4. The headquarters of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) is located at __________.
A) New Delhi
B) Mumbai
C) Chennai
D) Hyderabad
Answer: B
Explanation: The DAE is headquartered at Anushakti Bhavan, Mumbai.
5. The main objective of India’s atomic energy program is to __________.
A) Produce nuclear weapons
B) Generate electricity and promote research
C) Export nuclear technology
D) Replace fossil fuels immediately
Answer: B
Explanation: The focus is on peaceful applications — power generation, medical use, agriculture, and research.
6. India’s first nuclear reactor was __________.
A) CIRUS
B) Apsara
C) Dhruva
D) Kamini
Answer: B
Explanation: Apsara was Asia’s first nuclear reactor, commissioned in 1956 at Trombay, Mumbai.
7. The Apsara reactor was built with the assistance of __________.
A) USA
B) UK
C) Canada
D) France
Answer: B
Explanation: The Apsara reactor was designed and constructed with help from the United Kingdom.
8. India’s first nuclear power plant was __________.
A) Tarapur
B) Kalpakkam
C) Rawatbhata
D) Kaiga
Answer: A
Explanation: Tarapur Atomic Power Station (Maharashtra) was India’s first nuclear power plant, commissioned in 1969.
9. India’s first nuclear power plant (Tarapur) was set up with assistance from__________.
A) USA
B) Russia
C) Canada
D) France
Answer: A
Explanation: Tarapur was set up under the Atoms for Peace program with American help.
10. The three-stage nuclear power program of India was formulated by__________.
A) Homi Bhabha
B) A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
C) Vikram Sarabhai
D) Raja Ramanna
Answer: A
Explanation: Dr. Homi Bhabha proposed the 3-stage plan using India’s thorium reserves.
11. In India’s nuclear program, the first stage uses which fuel?
A) Thorium
B) Uranium-235
C) Plutonium
D) Deuterium
Answer: B
Explanation: Stage 1 uses Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) fueled by natural uranium.
12. The second stage of India’s nuclear program uses__________.
A) Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs)
B) PHWRs
C) Thorium Reactors
D) Light Water Reactors
Answer: A
Explanation: FBRs convert plutonium-239 into fissile uranium-233 or thorium-232.
13. The third stage of India’s nuclear program involves reactors using __________.
A) Thorium
B) Uranium
C) Plutonium
D) Deuterium
Answer: A
Explanation: India aims to use its large thorium reserves for long-term power generation.
14. The governing body for India’s nuclear power generation is __________.
A) BARC
B) NPCIL
C) DAE
D) AERB
Answer: B
Explanation: The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), under DAE, operates India’s nuclear power plants.
15. NPCIL was established in__________.
A) 1975
B) 1985
C) 1987
D) 1990
Answer: C
Explanation: NPCIL was formed in 1987 to operate and maintain commercial nuclear power stations.
16. BARC stands for __________.
A) Bhabha Atomic Research Centre
B) Bharat Atomic Reactor Centre
C) Bombay Atomic Research Centre
D) Basic Atomic Reactor Commission
Answer: A
Explanation: BARC, founded in 1954 (Trombay), is India’s premier nuclear research institution.
17. The regulatory authority for nuclear safety in India is __________.
A) BARC
B) AERB
C) NPCIL
D) DAE
Answer: B
Explanation: The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), formed in 1983, ensures safe nuclear operations.
18. Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) is located at __________.
A) Tarapur
B) Kalpakkam
C) Trombay
D) Kakrapar
Answer: B
Explanation: Established in 1971, IGCAR focuses on fast breeder reactor technology.
19. The Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) is located at __________.
A) Tarapur
B) Kalpakkam
C) Kudankulam
D) Rawatbhata
Answer: B
Explanation: FBTR (1985) is India’s first fast breeder reactor, built with French assistance.
20. The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) is being developed at __________.
A) Tarapur
B) Kalpakkam
C) Kaiga
D) Rawatbhata
Answer: B
Explanation: PFBR (500 MWe) is being developed by BHAVINI — Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited.
21. The major fuel used in Indian reactors is __________.
A) Thorium
B) Uranium
C) Plutonium
D) Deuterium
Answer: B
Explanation: India primarily uses natural uranium for PHWR reactors.
22. India’s largest Uranium reserves are found in __________.
A) Rajasthan
B) Jharkhand
C) Meghalaya
D) Andhra Pradesh
Answer: D
Explanation: The Tummalapalle mines in Andhra Pradesh have one of the world’s largest uranium reserves.
23. The Heavy Water Board (HWB) produces __________.
A) Uranium fuel
B) Heavy water and isotopes
C) Plutonium rods
D) Nuclear waste
Answer: B
Explanation: HWB manufactures heavy water (D₂O) for PHWRs and isotopes for medical use.
24. The Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC) is located in __________.
A) Mumbai
B) Hyderabad
C) Bengaluru
D) Jaipur
Answer: B
Explanation: NFC fabricates fuel assemblies and reactor components for nuclear power plants.
25. India’s three-stage nuclear program primarily aims to utilize __________.
A) Coal
B) Thorium
C) Uranium
D) Deuterium
Answer: B
Explanation: India’s long-term goal is to exploit its vast thorium reserves (3rd stage) for sustainable energy.
26. The Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS) is located in __________.
A) Tamil Nadu
B) Gujarat
C) Maharashtra
D) Karnataka
Answer: C
Explanation: Tarapur (near Boisar, Maharashtra) was India’s first nuclear power station, commissioned in 1969, with two Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs).
27. The Tarapur Atomic Power Station was built with assistance from __________.
A) USA
B) Russia
C) Canada
D) France
Answer: A
Explanation: Built under the Atoms for Peace program with US assistance — operated by NPCIL.
28. The Rawatbhata Atomic Power Station (RAPS) is located in __________.
A) Rajasthan
B) Gujarat
C) Madhya Pradesh
D) Haryana
Answer: A
Explanation: Located near Kota, Rajasthan, RAPS was set up with Canadian collaboration in 1973.
29. The Rajasthan Atomic Power Station initially used assistance from __________.
A) Russia
B) Canada
C) USA
D) France
Answer: B
Explanation: RAPS 1 and 2 were based on the Canadian CANDU design (PHWR type).
30. The Madras Atomic Power Station (MAPS) is located in __________.
A) Andhra Pradesh
B) Tamil Nadu
C) Kerala
D) Karnataka
Answer: B
Explanation: Located at Kalpakkam, MAPS was the first nuclear station indigenously designed and built by India (1984).
31. The Narora Atomic Power Station (NAPS) is located in __________.
A) Gujarat
B) Uttar Pradesh
C) Rajasthan
D) Maharashtra
Answer: B
Explanation: Situated on the banks of River Ganga in Bulandshahr district, NAPS became operational in 1989.
32. The Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) is situated in __________.
A) Maharashtra
B) Gujarat
C) Tamil Nadu
D) Karnataka
Answer: B
Explanation: Located near Surat, KAPS has PHWR-type reactors. Units 3 and 4 (700 MWe each) are India’s largest indigenously built reactors.
33. The Kaiga Atomic Power Station is located in __________.
A) Andhra Pradesh
B) Tamil Nadu
C) Karnataka
D) Kerala
Answer: C
Explanation: Located near Karwar, Kaiga houses 4 PHWR units of 220 MWe each — entirely indigenously developed.
34. The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) is located in __________.
A) Andhra Pradesh
B) Tamil Nadu
C) Kerala
D) Odisha
Answer: B
Explanation: Located in Tirunelveli district, KKNPP is built with Russian assistance (Rosatom) — India’s largest nuclear power plant.
35. The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant uses which type of reactors?
A) PHWR
B) BWR
C) PWR (VVER type)
D) FBR
Answer: C
Explanation: KKNPP uses Russian VVER-1000 Pressurized Water Reactors — each of 1000 MWe capacity.
36. The Kaiga Nuclear Plant has how many operational units?
A) 2
B) 3
C) 4
D) 5
Answer: C
Explanation: Kaiga Generating Station has four 220 MWe PHWR units, all built indigenously.
37. The Kakrapar Unit-3 (2021) is significant because __________.
A) It is India’s first Fast Breeder Reactor
B) It is India’s first 700 MWe indigenously built PHWR
C) It was built under USA collaboration
D) It uses thorium
Answer: B
Explanation: Commissioned in 2021, it represents India’s advancement in self-reliant nuclear technology.
38. The Narora Atomic Power Station has how many units?
A) 2
B) 3
C) 4
D) 5
Answer: A
Explanation: NAPS has two PHWR units, each of 220 MWe capacity.
39. The Tarapur Atomic Power Station currently operates __________.
A) Only BWRs
B) Both BWRs and PHWRs
C) Only PHWRs
D) Only FBRs
Answer: B
Explanation: Tarapur originally had 2 BWRs (with USA) and later added 2 PHWR units indigenously built by NPCIL.
40. The Kalpakkam site houses __________.
A) MAPS and PFBR
B) RAPS and NAPS
C) KAPS and KKNPP
D) None
Answer: A
Explanation: Kalpakkam (Tamil Nadu) houses both the Madras Atomic Power Station (MAPS) and Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR).
41. The Kundankulam Nuclear Plant was built with the assistance of __________.
A) USA
B) Canada
C) Russia
D) France
Answer: C
Explanation: Built with Russian Rosatom technology under Indo-Russian agreement (1988).
42. The Rajasthan Atomic Power Plant was the first to __________.
A) Use thorium
B) Achieve 100% indigenous fuel cycle
C) Be built in collaboration with Canada
D) Produce electricity for export
Answer: C
Explanation: Canada assisted India in RAPS-1 (CANDU design) before suspending help after the 1974 Pokhran test.
43. The Kalpakkam nuclear complex is located on the coast of which sea?
A) Arabian Sea
B) Bay of Bengal
C) Indian Ocean
D) Gulf of Mannar
Answer: B
Explanation: Located 80 km south of Chennai on the Bay of Bengal coast.
44. The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant is operated by __________.
A) BHAVINI
B) IGCAR
C) NPCIL
D) BARC
Answer: C
Explanation: NPCIL operates all commercial nuclear power stations in India, including Kudankulam.
45. The Rajasthan Atomic Power Station (RAPS) is located near __________.
A) Kota
B) Ajmer
C) Jaisalmer
D) Udaipur
Answer: A
Explanation: Located at Rawatbhata near Kota district in Rajasthan.
46. The Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS-3 & 4) uses which reactor type?
A) PHWR
B) PWR
C) FBR
D) BWR
Answer: A
Explanation: TAPS-3 & 4 (commissioned in 2005–06) are Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (540 MWe each).
47. The Kaiga Generating Station Unit-1 set a world record in 2020 for __________.
A) Longest continuous reactor operation
B) Highest electricity output
C) Using thorium fuel
D) Being the smallest nuclear reactor
Answer: A
Explanation: It operated 941 days continuously, the longest for any PHWR reactor worldwide.
48. The Kalpakkam Atomic Complex also houses __________.
A) Nuclear Fuel Complex
B) Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR)
C) Heavy Water Plant
D) Uranium Enrichment Facility
Answer: B
Explanation: IGCAR develops and tests fast breeder reactor technology.
49. The Kudankulam Unit 3 and 4 are currently __________.
A) Operational
B) Under construction
C) Planned
D) Decommissioned
Answer: B
Explanation: Units 3 & 4 (each 1000 MWe) are under construction with Russian cooperation as of 2025.
50. The total installed nuclear power capacity of India (as of 2025) is approximately __________.
A) 4800 MW
B) 6780 MW
C) 7480 MW
D) 8600 MW
Answer: B
Explanation: India operates 23 reactors with a total capacity of 6780 MWe, and several under construction.
51. The Apsara reactor was India’s first nuclear reactor. It is located at __________.
A) Kalpakkam
B) Trombay (Mumbai)
C) Tarapur
D) Hyderabad
Answer: B
Explanation: Apsara, commissioned in 1956, was Asia’s first research reactor — built at BARC, Trombay.
52. The CIRUS reactor was gifted to India by __________.
A) USA
B) Canada
C) UK
D) France
Answer: B
Explanation: The CIRUS (Canada-India Reactor, U.S.) was commissioned in 1960 and supplied by Canada, with heavy water from the USA.
53. The Dhruva Reactor is located at __________.
A) Kalpakkam
B) Tarapur
C) Trombay
D) Kota
Answer: C
Explanation: Dhruva is India’s largest research reactor (100 MW), operational since 1985 at BARC, Mumbai.
54. The KAMINI Reactor is located in __________.
A) Trombay
B) Kalpakkam
C) Tarapur
D) Hyderabad
Answer: B
Explanation: KAMINI (Kalpakkam Mini Reactor) is the world’s only reactor fuelled by Uranium-233 bred from thorium.
55. The Purnima Reactor series (Purnima I, II, III) was developed for __________.
A) Nuclear submarine research
B) Thorium-based fuel experiments
C) Fusion energy
D) Power generation
Answer: B
Explanation: Built at BARC, the Purnima reactors studied thorium-uranium-233 fuel cycles and neutron physics.
56. The Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) at Kalpakkam uses which fuel?
A) Uranium
B) Plutonium-uranium carbide
C) Thorium
D) Uranium oxide
Answer: B
Explanation: FBTR (1985) uses a plutonium-uranium carbide mix, key to India’s second nuclear stage.
57. The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam is being developed by __________.
A) BARC
B) NPCIL
C) BHAVINI
D) IGCAR
Answer: C
Explanation: BHAVINI (Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Ltd.), under DAE, is developing PFBR of 500 MWe capacity.
58. The PFBR reactor uses which type of coolant?
A) Heavy water
B) Carbon dioxide
C) Liquid sodium
C) Light water
Answer: C
Explanation: The fast breeder reactor uses liquid sodium as coolant for better neutron economy.
59. The India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) is proposed to be set up in __________.
A) Maharashtra
B) Tamil Nadu
C) Karnataka
D) Andhra Pradesh
Answer: B
Explanation: INO, under DAE, is proposed at Bodi West Hills (Theni district, Tamil Nadu) for neutrino particle research.
60. The Heavy Water Board (HWB) operates plants mainly for __________.
A) Plutonium refining
B) Heavy water production
C) Uranium mining
D) Nuclear waste reprocessing
Answer: B
Explanation: HWB produces heavy water (D₂O) and rare materials for nuclear reactors and isotopes.
61. The Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana is coming up in __________.
A) Gurugram
B) Hisar
C) Fatehabad
D) Ambala
Answer: C
Explanation: The Gorakhpur Nuclear Power Project will have two PHWRs (700 MWe each) being constructed by NPCIL.
62. The Kovvada Nuclear Power Project is proposed in which state?
A) Tamil Nadu
B) Andhra Pradesh
C) Gujarat
D) Kerala
Answer: B
Explanation: Located in Srikakulam district, Kovvada project will have US-based Westinghouse AP1000 reactors.
63. The Mithi Virdi Nuclear Power Plant was proposed in __________.
A) Rajasthan
B) Gujarat
C) Maharashtra
D) Odisha
Answer: B
Explanation: Mithi Virdi (Bhavnagar district) was proposed for six AP1000 reactors by Westinghouse but remains on hold.
64. The Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project is located in __________.
A) Maharashtra
B) Tamil Nadu
C) Andhra Pradesh
D) Gujarat
Answer: A
Explanation: Jaitapur (Ratnagiri district) is being developed with French company EDF using EPR technology — the world’s largest nuclear project (9900 MWe).
65. The Chutka Nuclear Power Plant is under construction in __________.
A) Madhya Pradesh
B) Rajasthan
C) Uttar Pradesh
D) Haryana
Answer: A
Explanation: Chutka (Mandla district) will have two PHWRs of 700 MWe each — built by NPCIL.
66. The Kaiga Atomic Power Plant Units 5 & 6 are __________.
A) Under construction
B) Operational
C) Decommissioned
D) Proposed abroad
Answer: A
Explanation: Units 5 and 6 (700 MWe PHWR each) are being added to the Kaiga site in Karnataka.
67. The Kakrapar Atomic Power Station Units 3 & 4 (700 MWe each) signify __________.
A) Imported reactors
B) Fully indigenously developed PHWRs
C) Russia-assisted reactors
D) Thorium-based plants
Answer: B
Explanation: Commissioned in 2021 and 2024, these mark a milestone in India’s self-reliant nuclear design.
68. The Nuclear Power Plant at Haripur (WB) is proposed with help from __________.
A) France
B) Russia
C) USA
D) Japan
Answer: B
Explanation: Russia (Rosatom) plans to set up VVER reactors at Haripur, West Bengal, though currently deferred.
69. The BHAVINI company operates under which government department?
A) Ministry of Power
B) Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)
C) Ministry of Science and Tech
D) Ministry of Energy
Answer: B
Explanation: BHAVINI is a public sector enterprise under DAE, operating fast breeder reactors.
70. The Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Ltd. (BHAVINI) is headquartered in __________.
A) Mumbai
B) Hyderabad
C) Kalpakkam
D) New Delhi
Answer: C
Explanation: BHAVINI, established in 2003, is based in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu — near PFBR.
71. The Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD) is based in __________.
A) Hyderabad
B) Bengaluru
C) Mumbai
D) Kolkata
Answer: A
Explanation: Established in 1948, AMD explores uranium, thorium, and rare earth minerals across India.
72. The Uranium Corporation of India Ltd. (UCIL) operates mines mainly in __________.
A) Jharkhand
B) Andhra Pradesh
C) Meghalaya
D) Odisha
Answer: A
Explanation: UCIL runs the Jaduguda, Narwapahar, and Turamdih mines in Jharkhand.
73. The Tummalapalle Uranium Project is in __________.
A) Andhra Pradesh
B) Jharkhand
C) Rajasthan
D) Gujarat
Answer: A
Explanation: Located in Kadapa district, it is one of the world’s largest uranium deposits.
74. The Heavy Water Plant at Manuguru is located in __________.
A) Odisha
B) Telangana
C) Tamil Nadu
D) Kerala
Answer: B
Explanation: Manuguru (near Kothagudem) houses one of India’s major heavy water production facilities.
75. The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is mainly involved in __________.
A) Power generation
B) Research and development in atomic energy
C) Uranium mining
D) Reactor regulation
Answer: B
Explanation: BARC conducts advanced research in nuclear physics, reactors, fuel cycles, medicine, and agriculture.
76. India’s first nuclear agreement was signed with which country?
A) USA
B) Canada
C) Russia (USSR)
D) UK
Answer: B
Explanation: India signed its first agreement with Canada in 1956 for the supply of the CIRUS reactor and technology cooperation.
77. The Indo-US Civil Nuclear Agreement (123 Agreement) was signed in __________.
A) 2004
B) 2005
C) 2008
D) 2010
Answer: C
Explanation: Signed in October 2008, this landmark deal allowed India to engage in global nuclear trade despite not being a signatory to the NPT.
78. The Indo-US Civil Nuclear Deal came into force under which Indian Prime Minister?
A) A.B. Vajpayee
B) Manmohan Singh
C) Narendra Modi
D) P.V. Narasimha Rao
Answer: B
Explanation: Dr. Manmohan Singh finalized and operationalized the 2008 nuclear agreement with the USA.
79. The first foreign nuclear plant to be built in India under the Indo-US deal is __________.
A) Jaitapur
B) Kudankulam
C) Kovvada
D) Mithi Virdi
Answer: C
Explanation: The Kovvada plant in Andhra Pradesh will use American Westinghouse AP1000 reactors under the Indo-US nuclear cooperation.
80. The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project was built with assistance from __________.
A) France
B) Russia
C) USA
D) Japan
Answer: B
Explanation: The Indo-Russian agreement (1988, renewed 2008) led to the construction of VVER reactors at Kudankulam, Tamil Nadu.
81. The Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project is being built with technology from __________.
A) USA
B) Russia
C) France
D) Japan
Answer: C
Explanation: French company EDF (formerly AREVA) is developing Jaitapur using EPR (European Pressurized Reactor) technology.
82. India is a member of which global nuclear organization?
A) IAEA
B) NPT
C) CTBT
D) NSG
Answer: A
Explanation: India is a founding member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) but is not a signatory to the NPT or CTBT.
83. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) headquarters is located in __________.
A) Geneva
B) Vienna
C) New York
D) Paris
Answer: B
Explanation: The IAEA headquarters are in Vienna, Austria. India has been a member since 1957.
84. India’s Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) waiver in 2008 allowed __________.
A) Civilian nuclear trade
B) Military nuclear exports
C) Missile technology access
D) Uranium mining abroad
Answer: A
Explanation: The NSG waiver (Sept 2008) enabled India to import uranium and reactor technology for peaceful purposes.
85. The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. (NPCIL) has international collaboration with __________.
A) Russia
B) France
C) USA
D) All of the above
Answer: D
Explanation: NPCIL collaborates with Russia (Kudankulam), France (Jaitapur), and USA (Kovvada) for nuclear technology and development.
86. The India–Russia nuclear cooperation is governed under which umbrella agreement?
A) Indo–US 123 Agreement
B) Kudankulam Framework Agreement
C) Indo–Russian Strategic Partnership (2000)
D) Indo–France EPR Pact
Answer: C
Explanation: Signed in 2000, this framework governs all Indo–Russian nuclear projects like Kudankulam and future sites.
87. The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) was established in__________.
A) 1979
B) 1983
C) 1987
D) 1990
Answer: B
Explanation: AERB was created to regulate nuclear and radiation safety across India’s nuclear facilities.
88. The AERB functions under the authority of __________.
A) Ministry of Power
B) Department of Atomic Energy
C) Prime Minister’s Office
D) Ministry of Environment
Answer: B
Explanation: The AERB reports to the DAE, ensuring nuclear safety and compliance with international standards.
89. The nuclear waste reprocessing plant at Tarapur handles __________.
A) Spent fuel reprocessing
B) Heavy water production
C) Uranium enrichment
D) Fusion experiments
Answer: A
Explanation: Tarapur Reprocessing Plant extracts uranium and plutonium from used nuclear fuel for reuse.
90. The nuclear waste vitrification technique is used for __________.
A) Generating extra power
B) Converting liquid waste to solid glass form
C) Enriching uranium
D) Producing isotopes
Answer: B
Explanation: Vitrification immobilizes high-level waste into stable glass blocks, ensuring long-term safe disposal.
91. The Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC) produces __________.
A) Radioactive isotopes
B) Reactor fuel assemblies
C) Detonation devices
D) Safety equipment
Answer: B
Explanation: NFC (Hyderabad) fabricates fuel bundles and reactor components for all NPCIL power plants.
92. The heavy water used in India’s PHWRs acts as __________.
A) Fuel
B) Coolant and neutron moderator
C) Catalyst
D) Shielding material
Answer: B
Explanation: Heavy water (D₂O) slows down neutrons and helps sustain fission in PHWRs.
93. The first Indian nuclear test (Smiling Buddha) was conducted in __________.
A) 1968
B) 1972
C) 1974
D) 1998
Answer: C
Explanation: Conducted on 18 May 1974 at Pokhran, Rajasthan, it made India the 6th nation with nuclear capability.
94. The Pokhran-II nuclear tests were held in __________.
A) 1995
B) 1998
C) 2000
D) 2002
Answer: B
Explanation: Conducted under Operation Shakti (May 1998), India tested five nuclear devices, confirming its nuclear weapons capability.
95. The Nuclear Command Authority (NCA) was established in __________.
A) 1998
B) 1999
C) 2002
D) 2004
Answer: C
Explanation: The NCA manages India’s strategic nuclear arsenal, ensuring civilian control and safety.
96. The India’s Nuclear Doctrine is based on __________.
A) Pre-emptive strike
B) No First Use (NFU) policy
C) Retaliatory strike
D) Disarmament
Answer: B
Explanation: India pledges not to use nuclear weapons first but will respond decisively if attacked.
97. Which Indian city is known as “Atomic City”?
A) Kalpakkam
B) Tarapur
C) Trombay (Mumbai)
D) Kota
Answer: C
Explanation: Trombay houses BARC, India’s premier nuclear research institution — earning it the nickname “Atomic City.”
98. The nuclear-powered submarine of India is named__________.
A) INS Chakra
B) INS Vikramaditya
C) INS Arihant
D) INS Viraat
Answer: C
Explanation: Commissioned in 2016, INS Arihant is India’s first indigenously built nuclear-powered ballistic submarine (SSBN).
99. The Kalpakkam Atomic Reprocessing Plant handles __________.
A) Spent fuel
B) Uranium mining
C) Reactor construction
D) Isotope research
Answer: A
Explanation: Kalpakkam’s reprocessing plant extracts plutonium from spent fuel for use in breeder reactors.
100. The long-term goal of India’s nuclear program is to __________.
A) Export nuclear weapons
B) Achieve thorium-based self-sufficiency
C) Depend on imported uranium
D) Build fusion reactors by 2030
Answer: B
Explanation: India’s three-stage program aims for self-reliance using thorium (Stage III) to ensure sustainable nuclear power for centuries.