Consider the following statements: Statement-I: India, despite having uranium deposits, depends on coal for most of its electricity production. Statement-II: Uranium, enriched to the extent of at least 60%, is required for the production of electricity. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement- II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
2. B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement- II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
3. C. Statement-I is correct but statement- II is incorrect
4. D. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Answer: C

Explanation

Statement I is correct: India possesses significant uranium deposits, as confirmed by the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD). However, coal-based thermal power plants remain the dominant source of electricity generation in India, accounting for approximately 75% of the total power output. This highlights India’s continued reliance on fossil fuels despite its nuclear potential. Statement II is incorrect: Most commercial nuclear reactors use low enriched uranium (LEU), typically enriched to about 3-5% uranium-235, not 60%. Uranium enriched to 20% or more is considered highly enriched uranium (HEU), which is used in naval propulsion, weapons, and some research reactors, but not generally for commercial electricity production due to proliferation concerns. Therefore, Statement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect.