India has set up several centres for nuclear and space research. These institutions handle atomic energy, satellite design and rocket launches. Their names and locations are a useful static GK topic for SSC and State exams.
Nuclear Research Centres
- Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC): Mumbai, India's main nuclear research centre.
- Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR): Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu.
- Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD): explores nuclear minerals.
- Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL): runs nuclear power plants.
Key Nuclear Facts
India's first nuclear test was Pokhran-I (Smiling Buddha) in 1974. The second series, Pokhran-II, took place in 1998. India's first reactor was named Apsara.
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Space Research Centres
- Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC): Thiruvananthapuram, develops launch vehicles.
- Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SHAR): Sriharikota, India's main launch site.
- U R Rao Satellite Centre: Bengaluru, builds satellites.
- Space Applications Centre (SAC): Ahmedabad.
Important Bodies
Nuclear research is overseen by the Department of Atomic Energy. Space activities come under the Department of Space and ISRO. The atomic energy programme was founded by Homi Bhabha.
Quick Revision Points
- BARC is located in Mumbai.
- Homi Bhabha is the father of India's nuclear programme.
- India's first nuclear test was in 1974 (Pokhran-I).
- SHAR (Sriharikota) is India's main launch centre.
- VSSC at Thiruvananthapuram builds rockets.
- India's first reactor was Apsara.