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2 Jun 2026Science & Technology3 questions

Challenges Surrounding Google's Hyperscale Data Centre in Visakhapatnam

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Article summary

Google's proposed hyperscale data centre in Visakhapatnam highlights critical infrastructural and environmental challenges for India's digital expansion. While hyperscale hubs are essential for processing massive data volumes and supporting artificial intelligence workloads, they demand unprecedented amounts of electricity and freshwater for cooling systems. India's current grid infrastructure, heavily reliant on fossil fuels, faces strain in accommodating such energy-intensive facilities without compromising climate goals. Additionally, local resource competition, particularly concerning water scarcity in coastal regions like Vizag, necessitates stringent regulatory frameworks before scaling such digital infrastructure.

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recallTests whether you read the article and retained key facts.
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applicationTests whether you can apply the concept to a new scenario.
1Q
analysisTests whether you can reason across multiple related facts.
1Q

Sample questions — answers revealed after test

Science & TechnologyRecallEasy

Q1. With reference to the global energy footprint of data centres, which of the following statements is most accurate?

AData centres globally account for approximately 1–1.5% of total global electricity consumption.
BData centres globally account for approximately 3–4% of total global electricity consumption.
CHyperscale data centres consume less energy per unit of computation than traditional data centres due to economies of scale.
DThe International Energy Agency classifies data centres as the single largest industrial consumer of electricity globally.
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Science & TechnologyApplicationMedium

Q2. A state government in a water-stressed coastal region approves a hyperscale data centre that uses conventional evaporative cooling without mandating alternative water management systems. Which of the following consequences is most directly foreseeable based on the known operational characteristics of such facilities?

AThe data centre will primarily draw water from desalination plants, reducing pressure on freshwater aquifers.
BEvaporative cooling will consume millions of gallons of freshwater, intensifying competition with local agricultural and domestic water users.
CThe thermal discharge from the cooling systems will raise coastal sea surface temperatures, triggering marine biodiversity loss.
DThe facility's high electricity demand will automatically incentivise the state grid to shift toward renewable energy to meet load requirements.
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Science & TechnologyAnalysisHard

Q3. Consider the following statements regarding the challenges posed by hyperscale data centres in India: 1. India's coal-dominated electricity grid means that large-scale data centre expansion could undermine the country's commitments under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). 2. Evaporative cooling systems used in hyperscale data centres release treated wastewater into local water bodies, posing risks of aquatic eutrophication. 3. A comprehensive green data centre policy mandating renewable energy sourcing and closed-loop water systems is recommended to reconcile India's digital ambitions with resource sustainability. 4. Hyperscale data centres consume significantly more energy in absolute terms than traditional data centres, even though they may be more efficient per unit of computation. Which of the statements given above are correct?

A1, 3 and 4 only
B1 and 3 only
C2, 3 and 4 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4
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