Relevance: : GS Paper III – Economy | Infrastructure | Science and Technology
GS Paper III – FDI | Digital Economy | Data Centres | Artificial Intelligence
GS Paper II – Centre-State Investment Cooperation
For Prelims:
Hyperscale Data Centre, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Submarine Cable Landing Station, Cloud Infrastructure, Raiden Infotech, AdaniConneX, Airtel Nxtra, Make in India, South Coast Railway Zone, Visakhapatnam Port City
For Mains:
Digital Infrastructure, AI Economy, Strategic FDI, Ease of Doing Business, Technology Corridors, Digital Sovereignty, Coastal Infrastructure-led Development
Why in News?
- Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation stone for Google’s 1-Gigawatt hyperscale AI data centre at Tarluvada near Visakhapatnam.
- The project involves an investment of ₹1.35 lakh crore across 601.4 acres and is considered one of the largest single Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects in India.
- The project forms part of Google’s larger $15 billion investment commitment to Andhra Pradesh and is expected to transform Visakhapatnam into a major international digital gateway.
- The State government has described it as a major milestone in making Andhra Pradesh a national leader in AI, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure.
What is the Google AI Data Centre Project?
- The project is a 1-Gigawatt hyperscale AI data centre being developed at Tarluvada on the outskirts of Visakhapatnam.
- It will be managed by Google’s subsidiary Raiden Infotech in partnership with Adani Infra.
- Other associated partners include AdaniConneX and Airtel Nxtra as part of the wider Google–Adani–Airtel digital infrastructure ecosystem.
The project will provide:
- large-scale cloud infrastructure
- AI computing support
- hyperscale data storage
- cybersecurity systems
- advanced server networks
- global digital connectivity support
- It is designed to support India’s growing artificial intelligence ecosystem and high-volume digital operations.
- The State government plans to build a larger 6.5-Gigawatt digital hub over the long term, with this project acting as the anchor investment.
Why Visakhapatnam was Chosen?
- Visakhapatnam has major geographical and strategic advantages for such a project.
- It is a major coastal city on the Bay of Bengal with strong port connectivity and available industrial land.
- Its coastal location makes it ideal for an international submarine cable landing station, which is critical for global internet connectivity and large-scale cloud operations.
- Unlike inland cities, coastal cities can directly connect undersea digital communication networks with global markets.
The city also offers:
- stable power availability
- water supply for cooling systems
- industrial infrastructure
- proximity to ports
- connectivity to Southeast Asia and global digital routes
This makes Visakhapatnam suitable for becoming a global AI and data infrastructure hub.
Strategic Importance of Submarine Cable Landing Station
- A submarine cable landing station is the point where undersea fibre optic cables connect a country to the global internet network.
The proposed undersea cable landing system in Visakhapatnam will directly connect the city to:
- Australia
- U.S. West Coast
- West Asia
- Cape of Good Hope route
This reduces dependence on existing digital gateways like Mumbai and Chennai.
It improves:
- international data transfer speed
- cloud reliability
- cybersecurity resilience
- global internet redundancy
- strategic digital sovereignty
This is one of the most important prelims aspects of the news
Hyperscale Data Centres: Meaning and Significance
- A hyperscale data centre is an extremely large data centre designed for massive computing, storage, and cloud services.
- These are used by companies like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta.
They support:
- artificial intelligence models
- cloud computing
- search engines
- digital payments
- government digital systems
- cybersecurity infrastructure
A 1-Gigawatt data centre is exceptionally large and places the Visakhapatnam project among the biggest in Asia.
Such centres require:
- very high electricity supply
- advanced cooling systems
- reliable fibre connectivity
- strong cyber defence
- uninterrupted operational reliability
This is why energy infrastructure becomes central to AI growth.
As Jeet Adani stated: “AI may be written in code, but it runs on electricity.”
Economic and Employment Impact
The project is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
Major employment areas include:
Sector | Likely Employment Area |
Artificial Intelligence | AI engineers, model operations |
Cloud Operations | Server management, cloud administration |
Cybersecurity | Network protection and digital security |
Data Science | Data handling and analytics |
Power Systems | Energy infrastructure management |
Cooling Technology | Thermal systems and maintenance |
Server Manufacturing | Hardware ecosystem |
Networking | Fibre systems and digital infrastructure |
Andhra Pradesh as an Emerging Digital Hub
- The State government is positioning Andhra Pradesh as India’s next major technology corridor.
- Visakhapatnam is being projected as:
- “Steel City to AI Hub City”
- Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw compared this transition to the earlier development of Cyberabad in Hyderabad and stated that Visakhapatnam could become “AI-patnam.”
- This reflects a shift from traditional industrial growth to digital infrastructure-led development.
- The project also strengthens North Andhra’s regional development and supports balanced state-level economic growth.
FDI and Make in India
This project is one of the largest single FDI investments in India.
It reflects:
- investor confidence in Andhra Pradesh
- strategic global technology partnerships
- trusted supply chain development
- digital infrastructure localisation
It also supports the Make in India programme by encouraging:
- server manufacturing
- electronics ecosystem growth
- digital infrastructure manufacturing
- trusted technology supply chains
CARE MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements regarding hyperscale data centres:
- They are designed for massive cloud computing and large-scale digital storage.
- Coastal cities are often preferred for such centres due to submarine cable landing stations.
- Energy supply is a major operational requirement for such centres.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d)
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct : hyperscale data centres are built for very large cloud operations and digital infrastructure.
Statement 2 is correct : submarine cable landing stations improve global digital connectivity and make coastal cities strategically important.
Statement 3 is correct : electricity is the largest operational component of AI infrastructure and data centres.
Therefore, the correct answer is (d).
Q.With reference to the Google AI Data Centre project in Andhra Pradesh, consider the following statements:
- The Google hyperscale AI data centre is being established at Tarluvada near Visakhapatnam with an investment of ₹1.35 lakh crore.
- The project is located in Amaravati and is primarily meant for agricultural data storage.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (a)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: The Google hyperscale AI data centre is being established at Tarluvada near Visakhapatnam with an investment of ₹1.35 lakh crore and is one of the largest single FDI projects in India.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The project is not located in Amaravati. It is being developed in Visakhapatnam and is meant for AI cloud infrastructure, hyperscale storage, cybersecurity, and digital connectivity, not agricultural data storage.
Therefore, the correct answer is (a).
Q. With reference to Andhra Pradesh’s administrative and economic development, consider the following statements:
- Visakhapatnam is emerging as both the headquarters of the South Coast Railway Zone and a major AI-driven digital infrastructure hub.
- Amaravati and Visakhapatnam are both being developed for different strategic purposes, with Amaravati as the administrative capital region and Visakhapatnam as a technology and industrial hub.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (c)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: Visakhapatnam is important for Andhra Pradesh because it is associated with the South Coast Railway Zone and is also emerging as a major AI and data centre hub with projects like the Google hyperscale AI data centre.
Statement 2 is correct: Amaravati is planned mainly as the administrative capital region of Andhra Pradesh, while Visakhapatnam is developing as a major industrial, port-based, and technology-driven economic centre.
Therefore, the correct answer is (c).
Q.With reference to the rivers of Andhra Pradesh, consider the following statements:
- The Godavari River enters Andhra Pradesh after flowing through Telangana and finally drains into the Bay of Bengal near Antarvedi.
- The Penna River originates in the Western Ghats and forms a major delta similar to the Godavari in coastal Andhra Pradesh.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (a)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: The Godavari River flows through Maharashtra and Telangana before entering Andhra Pradesh and finally drains into the Bay of Bengal near Antarvedi after forming a large delta.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The Penna River does not originate in the Western Ghats; it originates in the Nandi Hills region of Karnataka. It also does not form a large fertile delta like the Godavari or Krishna.
Therefore, the correct answer is (a).
APPSC Mains Question
Q. Discuss the strategic importance of hyperscale data centres in India’s digital economy. How can coastal cities like Visakhapatnam become global digital gateways?
(250 words)
FAQs
Q. Why is this project important?
Ans: It is one of India’s largest FDI projects and strengthens India’s AI and cloud infrastructure.
Q. Why was Visakhapatnam selected?
Ans: Its coastal location supports submarine cable landing stations, strong port access, and industrial infrastructure.
Q. What is a hyperscale data centre?
Ans: It is a very large data centre built for massive cloud storage, AI computing, and digital operations.
Q. What is a submarine cable landing station?
Ans: It is the point where international undersea internet cables connect to land.
Q. How does this help Andhra Pradesh?
Ans: It creates jobs, attracts investment, improves digital infrastructure, and positions the State as a major AI hub.
Relevance: :GS Paper III – Environment | Biodiversity | Species Conservation
For Prelims:
Great Indian Bustard (GIB), Jumpstart Method, Ardeotis nigriceps, Critically Endangered, CITES Appendix I, Schedule I, Wildlife Protection Act 1972, Grassland Ecosystem, Species Recovery Programme, Captive Breeding
For Mains:
species conservation, grassland ecology, flagship species, habitat fragmentation, conservation breeding, power line mortality, ecosystem restoration, biodiversity governance, endangered species recovery, in-situ and ex-situ conservation
Why in News?
- A Great Indian Bustard (GIB) chick hatched in Kutch, Gujarat, using an innovative conservation technique called the “jumpstart method” has gone missing after learning to fly.
- Officials stated that the disappearance is not entirely mysterious because once the chick became capable of flight, it likely moved into the open grassland landscape and may have fallen prey to predators.
- This chick was significant because it marked the first successful use of the jumpstart method for GIB conservation in Gujarat.
- The event has again brought attention to the critically endangered status of the Great Indian Bustard and the urgent need for strong conservation efforts.
About the Great Indian Bustard Chick Case
- The chick was hatched on March 26, 2026, in the Naiya grassland of Kutch, Gujarat.
- It was born after conservationists transferred a fertile egg from Rajasthan’s captive breeding centre to Gujarat.
- This was necessary because Gujarat currently has only three surviving female GIBs in the wild, and their eggs are generally infertile due to the absence of breeding males.
- The chick was observed safely for several weeks and started flying around April 18.
- After learning to fly, it was not seen for 4–5 days, creating concern that it may have been preyed upon or moved beyond the monitoring zone.
- Because the chick was too small, it was not geotagged, making tracking difficult.
What is the Jumpstart Method
The jumpstart method is an innovative conservation technique used to increase the survival chances of endangered bird species.
How it works?
- A wild female GIB lays an infertile egg in Gujarat
- Conservationists carefully replace that infertile egg with a fertile egg brought from a captive breeding centre in Rajasthan
- The wild female then naturally incubates and raises the fertile chick as her own offspring
This combines the advantages of captive breeding and wild parental care.
- It improves survival rates because the chick grows in its natural habitat while still benefiting from scientific intervention.
- This method is especially useful where local breeding populations are too small for natural reproduction.
About Great Indian Bustard (GIB)
- The Great Indian Bustard is one of the heaviest flying birds in the world and is among India’s most critically endangered birds.
- It is considered the flagship species of Indian grasslands and an important indicator of ecosystem health.
Scientific Name: Ardeotis nigriceps
Habitat: Arid and semi-arid grasslands, open scrublands, and dry plains
Distribution: Mainly found in Rajasthan and Gujarat, with very small fragmented populations in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh
State Bird: Rajasthan
Conservation Status of GIB
IUCN Red List:Critically Endangered Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I – highest legal protection CITES: Appendix I – international trade prohibited except under exceptional circumstances CMS (Convention on Migratory Species): Protected under international conservation commitments |
Great Indian Bustard (GIB) – Causes of Critical Endangerment
Factor | Key Points |
Collision with Power Lines | Biggest threat; poor frontal vision leads to collision with overhead transmission lines → high mortality |
Habitat Loss | Grasslands misclassified as “wastelands” → diverted for agriculture, solar parks, industries |
Hunting & Poaching | Historical decline due to hunting; now reduced but impact still visible in low population |
Fragmented Population | Small, isolated populations → low genetic diversity and breeding success |
Low Reproductive Rate | Lays only one egg at a time → very slow population recovery |
Conservation Efforts for Great Indian Bustard
Initiative | Key Points |
Project Great Indian Bustard | Species-specific recovery programme focusing on habitat protection and population increase |
Captive Breeding Centres | Located at Ramdevra and Sam (Jaisalmer, Rajasthan); use artificial incubation |
Artificial Insemination | Scientific breeding method to improve success rate and maintain genetic diversity |
Power Line Mitigation | Underground cabling + bird diverters to reduce collision deaths |
Top of Form
Bottom of Form
Species Recovery Programme
The Great Indian Bustard is covered under the Species Recovery Programme under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH).
Objective
To provide focused scientific intervention for critically endangered species with small and declining populations.
Features
- 100% central assistance to States and UTs
- Scientific recovery plans prepared with institutions like Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
- In-situ conservation (natural habitat protection)
- Ex-situ conservation (captive breeding and reintroduction)
- Anti-poaching measures and habitat restoration
Challenges in Conservation of Great Indian Bustard
- Delayed Detection – Vast open grasslands make continuous tracking and early threat identification difficult
- Monitoring Constraints – Small chicks cannot be easily geotagged → limits scientific tracking
- Renewable Energy Conflict – Expansion of solar and wind projects increases power line networks in habitat
- Weak Grassland Policy – Grasslands often undervalued compared to forests in conservation planni
Way Forward
Power transmission lines in GIB habitats must be shifted underground wherever possible.
Grasslands should be legally recognized as ecologically important ecosystems and not treated as wastelands.Captive breeding must be strengthened with better genetic management. Jumpstart methods should be expanded in suitable habitats.
Satellite tracking and non-invasive monitoring systems should be improved.Community-based conservation must be made central to long-term success.Inter-state coordination between Rajasthan and Gujarat is necessary for species recovery.
Conclusion
The disappearance of the Great Indian Bustard chick highlights both the fragility and hope of conservation efforts.
While the missing chick may simply have entered the risks of natural life in the wild, its successful hatching through the jumpstart method marks an important breakthrough.
Saving the Great Indian Bustard is not only about protecting a single bird species but also about preserving India’s threatened grassland ecosystems.
CARE MCQ
Q. With reference to the Great Indian Bustard, consider the following statements:
- It is listed as Critically Endangered under the IUCN Red List.
- Collision with overhead power lines is one of its major threats.
- It is naturally found in dense tropical rainforests of North-East India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (a)
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct : the Great Indian Bustard is classified as Critically Endangered by IUCN.
Statement 2 is correct : power line collision is the leading cause of mortality.
Statement 3 is incorrect : GIB is mainly found in arid and semi-arid grasslands, not tropical rainforests.
Q.Which of the following birds found in India is NOT listed as Critically Endangered under the IUCN Red List?
(a) Great Indian Bustard
(b) White-bellied Heron
(c) Indian Vulture
(d) Himalayan Quail
Ans: (c)
Explanation:
The Indian Vulture is classified as Endangered, not Critically Endangered, though it has suffered a drastic population decline mainly due to diclofenac poisoning. Therefore, option (c) is correct.
The Great Indian Bustard is listed as Critically Endangered due to habitat loss, hunting, and collision with power lines.
The White-bellied Heron is also classified as Critically Endangered, with a very small global population and severe habitat threats.
The Himalayan Quail is considered Critically Endangered and is possibly extinct, as it has not been reliably sighted for many decades.
Q.Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: Jerdon’s Courser, a bird endemic to the Eastern Ghats of India, was rediscovered in 1986 after being considered extinct for several decades.
Statement-II: The Great Indian Bustard, once widespread across the Indian subcontinent, is now classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct but Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
Ans: (c)
Explanation:
Statement-I is correct:Jerdon’s Courser is a rare nocturnal bird endemic to the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh. It was believed to be extinct for many decades before being rediscovered in 1986, making it one of the most remarkable rediscoveries in Indian wildlife conservation. Therefore, this statement is correct.
Statement-II is incorrect: The Great Indian Bustard is not classified as Vulnerable. It is listed as Critically Endangered under the IUCN Red List due to severe habitat destruction, hunting, and threats from overhead power lines. Its population has declined sharply, making it one of India’s most threatened bird species. Hence, this statement is incorrect.
Q.Consider the following species:
- Asiatic Lion
- Great Indian Bustard
- Snow Leopard
- Olive Ridley Turtle
How many of the above-mentioned species are listed as Endangered under the IUCN Red List?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Ans: (a)
Explanation:
- Asiatic Lion — Endangered
The Asiatic Lion is found mainly in Gir National Park, Gujarat, and is listed as Endangered due to restricted habitat and vulnerability to disease outbreaks. - Great Indian Bustard — Critically Endangered
It is not Endangered but placed in a higher threat category due to extremely low population levels. - Snow Leopard — Vulnerable
The Snow Leopard is listed as Vulnerable, not Endangered, after reassessment by IUCN. - Olive Ridley Turtle — Vulnerable
It is classified as Vulnerable because of threats like fishing nets, habitat destruction, and coastal development.
Thus, only one species (Asiatic Lion) is listed specifically as Endangered.
FAQs
Q1. Why is the Great Indian Bustard important?
Ans: is a flagship species of Indian grasslands and an indicator of ecosystem health.
Q2. What is the jumpstart method?
Ans: It is a conservation method where a fertile egg is placed in the nest of a wild female to improve breeding success.
Q3. What is the biggest threat to GIB?
Ans: Collision with overhead power transmission lines is the most serious threat.
Q4. Why are grasslands important for GIB?
Ans: They provide breeding grounds, food sources, and open landscapes necessary for survival.
Q5. How many GIBs are left globally?
Ans: The estimated global population is fewer than 200 individuals.
Relevance: :GS Paper II – International Relations | GS Paper III – Energy | Science and Technology
For Prelims:
Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP), VVER-1200, Uranium Fuel Loading, Nuclear Fission, Rosatom, IAEA, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC), Generation III+ Reactor, Physical Start-up, Nuclear Fuel Assemblies
For Mains:
energy security, nuclear diplomacy, clean energy transition, regional strategic cooperation, low-carbon development, civil nuclear cooperation, sustainable development, South Asian energy transition, nuclear safety governance, Russia-Bangladesh relations
Why in News?
- Bangladesh has started loading uranium fuel into its first nuclear power plant, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP), marking a historic step in its energy journey.
- This makes Bangladesh enter the final phase before electricity generation from nuclear power begins.
- The plant is expected to generate 2,400 MW of electricity and may meet nearly 10% of the country’s total power demand.
- The project has been built with Russian financial and technical support and represents a major milestone in South Asia’s clean energy transition.
About Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP)
- Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is Bangladesh’s first nuclear power project and the country’s largest power generation project.
- It is located at Rooppur in Ishwardi, Pabna District, on the banks of the Padma River.
- The project is being developed by the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) with major support from Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom.
- Bangladesh becomes the 33rd country in the world to use nuclear power for electricity generation.
What is Uranium Fuel Loading?
- Fuel loading is the process of placing enriched uranium fuel assemblies inside the reactor core.
- This marks the beginning of the “physical start-up” phase of a nuclear power plant.
- In RNPP, 163 fuel assemblies are being inserted into the first reactor unit.
- After this stage, the reactor reaches the minimum controllable power level, followed by testing, safety checks, and gradual increase in power generation.
- Only after successful testing does the plant begin supplying electricity to the national grid.
- Thus, fuel loading is one of the most important milestones before actual electricity production begins.
Key Features:
Feature | Details |
Capacity | 2 × 1,200 MW = 2,400 MW |
Reactor Type | VVER-1200 (Generation III+ reactor) |
Safety | Passive & active safety, double containment, core catcher, emergency cooling |
Financial Support | Mainly funded by Russian loans |
India’s Strategic Relevance
- India has a strategic interest in Bangladesh’s nuclear development because of geographical proximity and regional stability.
- India has supported Bangladesh through technical consultations and training assistance.
- A safe and stable nuclear programme in Bangladesh contributes to regional energy cooperation and strengthens South Asian strategic balance.
- It also reflects broader India-Bangladesh cooperation in power, connectivity, and economic development.
Nuclear Fission vs Nuclear Fusion
Nuclear Fission
- It is the splitting of a heavy atomic nucleus such as Uranium-235 into smaller nuclei.
- This releases a huge amount of energy and more neutrons, creating a chain reaction.
- Used in nuclear power plants and atomic bombs.
Nuclear Fusion
- It is the combining of light nuclei such as hydrogen isotopes to form a heavier nucleus.
- This releases even more energy than fission.
- Fusion powers the Sun and stars but is still under experimental research for commercial electricity generation.
Advantages of Nuclear Energy
- Low Carbon Emissions: Supports climate goals and net-zero pathways.
- Reliable Base Load Power:Unlike solar and wind, nuclear plants provide continuous electricity.
- High Energy Density: A small amount of fuel produces a very large amount of energy.
- Reduced Fossil Fuel Dependence:Improves strategic autonomy and energy security.
- Long-Term Supply Stability:Useful for rapidly growing economies with rising power demand.
Challenges of Nuclear Energy
- Radioactive Waste: Safe disposal remains a major long-term challenge.
- High Initial Cost:Plant construction requires massive capital investment and long time periods.
- Safety Risks:Accidents like Chernobyl and Fukushima created major public concern.
- Nuclear Proliferation: Technology misuse for weapons remains a global security concern.
India’s Nuclear Programme
India follows a unique Three-Stage Nuclear Power Programme designed by Dr. Homi J. Bhabha.
Stage I: Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) using natural uranium
Stage II: Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) using plutonium and uranium
Stage III: Thorium-based reactors using India’s large thorium reserves
Recently, the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam achieved criticality, marking India’s progress in Stage II.
Bangladesh’s Rooppur project highlights how nuclear energy remains central to South Asia’s energy future.
Way Forward
Strong regulatory oversight by the IAEA and national authorities must continue.
Regional cooperation in nuclear safety, emergency response, and training should be strengthened. Public awareness regarding peaceful nuclear energy must improve.
Waste management systems and long-term safety protocols should remain a priority.
South Asian countries should balance nuclear expansion with renewable energy integration for sustainable development.
Conclusion
- The start of uranium fuel loading at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant marks a historic milestone for Bangladesh’s development journey.
- It strengthens energy security, supports clean growth, and transforms Bangladesh into a nuclear power-producing nation.
- For South Asia, it highlights the growing importance of nuclear energy in achieving sustainable development and strategic autonomy.
CARE MCQ
Q. With reference to the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, consider the following statements:
- It is Bangladesh’s first nuclear power plant.
- It uses VVER-1200 Generation III+ reactors.
- The project is being developed with technical and financial support from France.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (a)
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct : Rooppur is Bangladesh’s first nuclear power project.
Statement 2 is correct : it uses Russian-designed VVER-1200 Generation III+ reactors.
Statement 3 is incorrect: the project is supported by Russia, not France.
Q. Which of the following best describes the principle behind fusion energy production?
(a) Splitting heavy nuclei into lighter fragments through a neutron-induced chain reaction
(b) Combining light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, with energy released due to mass defect
(c) Sustaining energy release by successive neutron captures in light nuclei at relatively low temperatures
(d) Maintaining the process with slow neutrons in a moderated, subcritical assembly heated to plasma conditions
Ans: (b)
Explanation:
Nuclear fusion is the process in which two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a very large amount of energy. This energy comes from the mass defect, where a small amount of mass is converted into energy according to Einstein’s equation E = mc².
A common example is the fusion of Deuterium (D) and Tritium (T) to form Helium and a neutron. Fusion powers the Sun and other stars and is considered a future clean energy source because it produces enormous energy with less long-term radioactive waste compared to fission.
Q. Consider the following statements regarding India’s three-stage nuclear power programme:
Statement-I: The first stage of India’s nuclear power programme, involving Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), uses natural uranium as fuel and does not require enrichment.
Statement-II: The second stage, focused on Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs), uses plutonium-239 produced from the first stage and breeds thorium-232 into uranium-235 for use in the third stage.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct but Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
Ans: (c)
Explanation:
In the first stage of India’s nuclear programme, Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) are used. These reactors use natural uranium as fuel and heavy water (D₂O) as moderator and coolant. Since PHWRs can efficiently use natural uranium, uranium enrichment is not required, which makes them suitable for India’s limited uranium resources. Therefore, this statement is correct.
Q.Consider the following statements about the applications of nuclear fission:
- Nuclear fission is used in the production of electricity in nuclear power plants.
- It is utilized in the medical field for the treatment of certain types of cancer.
- Nuclear fission is a primary method for the propulsion of deep-space exploration spacecraft.
- The process of nuclear fission is applied in agricultural industries for food irradiation to eliminate pests and extend shelf life.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1, 2, and 4 only
c) 2, 3, and 4 only
d) All of the above
Ans: (b)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: Nuclear fission is used in nuclear power plants to produce heat, which is then converted into electricity through steam turbines.
Statement 2 is correct: In the medical field, radioisotopes produced in nuclear reactors (an outcome of nuclear fission processes) are used in radiation therapy for treating certain cancers.
Statement 3 is incorrect: Deep-space spacecraft generally use solar power or radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) that rely on natural radioactive decay, not controlled nuclear fission reactors for propulsion.
Statement 4 is correct: Food irradiation to eliminate pests and extend shelf life uses gamma radiation from radioisotopes (like Cobalt-60) that are commonly produced in nuclear reactors, linking it to nuclear fission applications.
FAQs
Q1. Why is Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant important?
Ans: It is Bangladesh’s first nuclear power plant and helps improve energy security and clean energy generation.
Q2. What does uranium fuel loading mean?
Ans:It means placing nuclear fuel inside the reactor core before electricity generation begins.
Q3. What is VVER-1200?
Ans:It is a Russian-designed advanced Generation III+ nuclear reactor with strong safety features.
Q4. How much electricity will RNPP generate?
Ans:It will generate 2,400 MW through two units of 1,200 MW each.
Q5. Why is nuclear power important for developing countries?
Ans: It provides reliable, large-scale, low-carbon electricity and reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels.
