UPSC-Relevant News Items

1. PM Nehru Established India’s First Atomic Energy Act, Ensuring State Control- Editorial analysis

Page: 7

Summary:

• • The Atomic Energy Act, 1948, was India's first legislation on atomic energy.
• • It was introduced by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
• • The Act established atomic energy development as an exclusive state monopoly.
• • A key purpose was to ensure complete governmental control over atomic progress.
• • The legislation specifically prohibited the export of vital atomic minerals.
• • Specific controlled minerals included Monazite, rich in thorium and uranium content.
• • The preservation of national strategic mineral deposits was a central objective.
• • The Act sought to facilitate entry into crucial international cooperative agreements for atomic progress.
• • It provided the necessary institutional framework authorization.
• • This authorization immediately preceded the setting up of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) in August 1948.
• • It authorized the Central Government to establish administrative institutions to conduct fundamental atomic research and foster industrial utilization.

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