Q. Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: Developing thorium-based nuclear energy technology is a strategic priority for India’s energy independence and security.
Statement-II: Thorium is more efficient and cost-effective than uranium for producing nuclear energy.
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 and 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

Answer: C
Notes:

Explanation –

Statement 1 is correct. Developing thorium-based nuclear energy technology is a strategic priority for India. India has significant thorium resources and sees thorium-based nuclear energy as a way to achieve long-term energy security and reduce its dependence on imported uranium. The country has a three-stage nuclear power program that aims to ultimately harness thorium-based nuclear energy.

Statement 2 is incorrect. Thorium is not necessarily more efficient or cost-effective than uranium for producing nuclear energy. While thorium-based nuclear energy offers some potential advantages, such as reduced nuclear waste and a potentially more abundant fuel supply, it also presents significant technical and economic challenges. Currently, uranium-based nuclear energy is the most widely used and established nuclear energy technology, and thorium-based nuclear energy is still in the research and development stage.

Source: Forum IAS

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