Context:
The Union government has re-constituted the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC).
Atomic Energy Commission of India (AEC):
- A governing body that oversees the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), responsible for nuclear energy development and related technologies in India.
- DAE is under the direct charge of the Prime Minister.
- Formed in – 1948 under the Atomic Energy Act
- Led by Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha, the father of India’s nuclear program.
- Objective – To promote peaceful atomic energy use and foster research and development.
- Functions and Responsibilities –
- Policy Formulation: Develops policies and programs for nuclear energy and related technologies.
- R&D Promotion: Encourages research and development in nuclear science and technology.
- Regulation and Supervision: Oversees activities related to atomic energy, including production, use, and disposal of radioactive materials.
- Safety and Security: Ensures the safety and security of nuclear installations and materials.
- International Collaboration: Works with international organizations and foreign countries in nuclear energy and related technologies.
- Has 6 research centres in India including Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC, Mumbai) and Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR, Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu)
- Major Achievements –
- 1st Nuclear Reactor – Developed India’s 1st nuclear reactor, Apsara, operational in 1956.
- 1st Nuclear Power Plant – Commissioned India’s first nuclear power plant at Tarapur, Maharashtra, in 1969.
- Nuclear Tests – Successfully conducted Pokhran-I (1974) and Pokhran-II (1998) nuclear tests, demonstrating nuclear weapons capability.
Source: ET
Previous year question
In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under “IAEA safeguards” while others are not?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2020 Prelims]
(a) Some use uranium and others use thorium
(b) Some use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies
(c) Some are operated by foreign enterprises and others are operated by domestic enterprises
(d) Some are State-owned and others are privately-owned
Answer: (b)