• To recognize outstanding contributions by scientists, including retired professionals, in atomic energy and related technologies.
• Allow retired professionals to continue research aligned with the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
• Focus on research in sensitive atomic energy technologies, benefiting strategic sectors.

• Honorarium: Rs. 200,000 per month (capped at last drawn salary).
• Contingency Grant: Rs. 76,000 per year for secretarial assistance, telephone bills, etc.
• Equipment and Book Allowance: Rs. 1,25,000 for equipment and Rs. 10,000 for books.
• Transport Allowance: Fixed monthly transport allowance for those without an official vehicle.

• Eligibility: Open to distinguished scientists, including retirees involved in critical atomic technologies.
• Tenure: 1 to 5 years, decided by a Selection Committee.
• Implementation: Administered by DAE, providing research support and necessary infrastructure.

• Financial Constraints: Budget limitations can affect the scale of research.
• Integration of New Technologies: Adapting to the fast-changing technological landscape poses challenges.
• Coordination across Stakeholders: Bureaucratic delays and communication issues can arise.

Who was Homi Bhabha?

• Homi Jehangir Bhabha (1909–1966) was a pioneering Indian physicist and the father of India’s nuclear programme.
• He founded the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in 1945 and the Atomic Energy Establishment, Trombay (later Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, BARC) in 1954.
• Bhabha formulated India’s three-stage nuclear power programme in the 1950s and emphasized nuclear power for military and energy purposes.
• He was the first Indian to receive the Adams Prize in 1942 and served as the President of the UN Conference on Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy in 1955.
• Bhabha activated Apsara, Asia’s first research reactor, at BARC in 1956, and was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1954.

PYQ:

[2015] Indira Gandhi Peace Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2014 was given to which of the following?

(a) Bhabha Atomic Research Centre

(b) Indian Institute of Science

(c) Indian Space Research Organization

(d) Tata Institute of Fundamental Research