UPSC Prelims 2001 Q11: Science & Technology – Energy & Environment
Consider the following organisations:
I. Atomic Minerals Directorate for Research and Exploration
II. Heavy Water Board
III. Indian Rare Earths Limited
IV. Uranium Corporation of India
Which of these is/are under the Department of Atomic Energy?
- (a) I only
- (b) I and IV
- (c) II, III and IV
- (d) I, II, III and IV
Answer: (d) I, II, III and IV
Explanation
Organisations under the Department of Atomic Energy
| Organisation | Status under DAE |
|---|---|
| Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research | R&D unit of DAE, Hyderabad — survey of atomic minerals |
| Heavy Water Board | Industrial unit of DAE, Mumbai — makes heavy water |
| Indian Rare Earths Limited | Public sector undertaking of DAE — beach sand minerals |
| Uranium Corporation of India Limited | Public sector undertaking of DAE — uranium mining at Jaduguda |
All four organisations work under the Department of Atomic Energy, which reports directly to the Prime Minister. They cover the nuclear fuel chain from exploring minerals to mining uranium and producing heavy water.
Answer: (d) I, II, III and IV.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Heavy Water Board and the two PSUs are also under DAE.
- (b) Incorrect. Heavy Water Board and Indian Rare Earths are also under DAE.
- (c) Incorrect. The Atomic Minerals Directorate is also under DAE.
- (d) CORRECT. All four organisations are under the Department of Atomic Energy.
Key point
DAE PSUs: NPCIL, BHAVINI, UCIL, IREL (India) Ltd, ECIL. Research centres: BARC, IGCAR, RRCAT, VECC.
Remember
AMD, Heavy Water Board, IREL and UCIL are all under the Department of Atomic Energy.
Common mistakes
- Thinking Indian Rare Earths is under the Ministry of Mines.
- Leaving out the Heavy Water Board as an industrial body.
- Thinking uranium mining is under Coal India or the Ministry of Mines.
Exam tip
Anything linked to nuclear fuel — uranium, rare earths, heavy water — sits under DAE.
Sources
- Department of Atomic Energy — Organisations under DAE (official page, dae.gov.in)
- Department of Atomic Energy — Annual Report (list of units and PSUs)