Q1. According to the Department of Atomic Energy on 27 April 2026, the 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam represents a major step in which stage of India's three-stage nuclear programme?
A The second stage, using plutonium-fuelled fast breeders to multiply fissile material Correct
B The first stage, based on natural uranium-fuelled pressurised heavy-water reactors
C The third stage, using thorium-uranium-233 fuel cycles
D An auxiliary fusion stage outside the three-stage scheme
Explanation
The Department of Atomic Energy described the Kalpakkam 500 MWe PFBR as a major step in the second stage of India's three-stage nuclear programme, which uses fast breeder reactors and plutonium fuel from spent first-stage fuel to multiply fissile material. The first stage is PHWR-based and the third stage envisages thorium-U233; fusion is not part of the three-stage scheme.