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Context:

The government has reconstituted the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC).

Details

Ajit Kumar Mohanty, the Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy, has been appointed as the Chairman of the reconstituted AEC.

The ex-officio members of the reconstituted AEC include National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Pramod Kumar Mishra, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Cabinet Secretary T V Somanathan, and Expenditure Secretary Manoj Govil.

About the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC)

It was established in 1948 to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy. 

It is the governing body of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).

The DAE is under the direct charge of the Prime Minister.

How was it established?

• The AEC was established in August 1948 under the Department of Scientific Research. 
• In 1954, it was reconstituted as the AEC of India with more powers and autonomy. 
• The AEC is headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra. 

What does it do? 

• The AEC organizes research in atomic science.
• It trains atomic scientists.
• It promotes nuclear research in its own laboratories.
• It explores and extracts atomic minerals for industrial use.
• It formulates policies to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

It also provides financial assistance to autonomous national institutes doing research in the atomic field and has various other organisations under it.

Who is in charge? 

• The Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) is the ex-officio Chairman of the AEC.
• Other members are appointed annually by the Prime Minister on the recommendation of the Chairman.

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Source: 

ECONOMIC TIMES