Which organisation conducted the study on background radiation levels in Kerala?

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (a) Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)

Explanation:

The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) conducted a study on background radiation levels in Kerala. The study assessed the natural radiation levels in the state, particularly in regions with high thorium deposits found in coastal areas of Kerala.

Findings of the Study:

• Kerala's background radiation levels are naturally higher than other parts of India due to the presence of monazite sands, which contain thorium.
• The study confirmed that these radiation levels are not harmful to humans in normal exposure scenarios.

Information Booster:

Background Radiation:

• It refers to the natural ionizing radiation present in the environment.
• It comes from cosmic rays, radioactive materials in soil, water, and air.
• In Kerala, monazite-rich sands contain thorium-232, leading to higher radiation levels than the national average.

About BARC:

• BARC is India’s premier nuclear research institute, under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• Established: 1954, named after Dr. Homi Bhabha.

Additional Knowledge:

Geological Survey of India (GSI)

• Established: 1851 by Sir Thomas Oldham to find coal deposits for Railways.
• Headquarters: Kolkata, with six regional offices (Lucknow, Jaipur, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Shillong, and Kolkata).
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Mines.

Indian Space Research Organization:

• Early Beginnings (1960s): India’s space research started in the early 1960s.
• INCOSPAR (1962):
• Established under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) at Dr. Vikram Sarabhai's suggestion.
• Focused on space research and led to the construction of the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) in Tamil Nadu.
• Launched India’s first sounding rocket (Nike-Apache) on November 21, 1963.
• Establishment of ISRO (1969):
• Formed on August 15, 1969, in Bengaluru, to replace INCOSPAR and expand the scope of space research.
• Aimed at the development and application of space technology for national needs.