Question

The first nuclear reactor of India is named as _____
(A) Urvashi
(B) Apsara
(C) Kamini
(D) Rohini

Answer 1

Hint
1. It was also Asia's first nuclear plant.
2. It was vital at the Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC) in Trombay on 4 August 1956.
It heralded the launch of India's nuclear energy programme.
3. A neutron poison (also called a neutron absorber or a radioactive poison) is a material with a large cross-section absorption of neutrons.

Complete Solution Step by Step
1. According to Dr. Homi J. Bhabha, the founder of the Indian Nuclear Program, "Research reactors are the cornerstone of the Nuclear Program."
2. As a result, Apsara, Asia's first research reactor, became operational at the Bhabha Atomic Research Center in Trombay in August 1956.
3. Apsara is a light water swimming pool style reactor with a nominal power output of one megawatt thermal (MWt).
4. The reactor burns enriched uranium in the shape of curved aluminium alloy plates.
5. Details of Apsara Nuclear Reactor
(A) Reactor type: Swimming pool type/ Thermal Reactor
(B) Date of criticality: August 4, 1956
(C) Reactor power: 1 MW
(D) Fuel material: Enriched uranium – aluminium alloy
(E) Fuel element: Plates
(F) Fuel cladding: Aluminium alloy
(G) Total weight of fuel: 4.5 kg
(H) Core size: 560 mm X 560 mm X 615 mm(H)
(I) Moderator: light water

Option B. Apsara is the correct answer

Note
1. India's oldest 'Apsara' nuclear reactor, which was permanently shut down for maintenance in 2009, was refurbished with higher power on 10 September 2018 at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay.
2. Nuclear Suppliers Group is a nuclear export control regime founded by a group of nuclear suppliers that aims to deter nuclear proliferation by retaining control over facilities, export materials and technologies used in the manufacture of nuclear weapons.