About :

• The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is India’s premier nuclear research facility, headquartered in Trombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• It is a multi-disciplinary research centre with extensive infrastructure for advanced research and development covering the entire spectrum of nuclear science, engineering and related areas.

Background:

• Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha conceived the Nuclear Program in India. Dr Bhabha established the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) for carrying out nuclear science research in 1945.
• To intensify the effort to exploit nuclear energy for the benefit of the nation, Dr Bhabha established the Atomic Energy Establishment, Trombay (AEET) in January 1954 for a multidisciplinary research program essential for the ambitious nuclear program of India.
• Later in 1966, AEET was renamed Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).

Objective of BARC:

• Its core mandate is to sustain peaceful applications of nuclear energy, primarily for power generation.
• It manages all facts of nuclear power generation, from theoretical design of reactors to, computerised modelling and simulation, risk analysis, development and testing of new reactor fuel materials, etc.
• It also conducts research in spent fuel processing, and safe disposal of nuclear waste.
• Its other  research focus areas are applications for isotopes in industries, medicine, agriculture, etc.

Why in News?

High quality Face mask has been developed at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre which is affiliated to Department of Atomic Energy. The mask was developed using HEPA filter and is expected to be cost-effective also.

Reference:

1) https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1631440