Which one of the following subjects is included in the 'Union List' of Indian Constitution?

The correct answer is Atomic Energy.

Key Points

• The Union List in the Indian Constitution enumerates subjects over which only the Parliament has exclusive powers to legislate.
• Atomic Energy, as listed under Entry 6 of the Union List in the Seventh Schedule, is a subject of national importance due to its critical role in energy security and defense.
• The Atomic Energy Act, 1962, governs the regulation, development, and control of atomic energy in India.
• The subject includes the development, research, and utilization of nuclear power for peaceful purposes such as energy production and medical applications.
• India's atomic energy program is spearheaded by organizations like the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).

Additional Information

• Union List in Indian Constitution:
  • The Union List is one of the three lists in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, alongside the State List and Concurrent List.
  • It contains 97 subjects (originally), such as defense, foreign affairs, atomic energy, railways, and banking.
  • Only the Parliament of India has the authority to make laws on Union List subjects.
• Department of Atomic Energy (DAE):
  • Established in 1954, the DAE operates directly under the Prime Minister of India.
  • Its primary focus is the development of nuclear energy for power generation and other peaceful purposes.
  • It oversees organizations like the BARC, NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited), and IGCAR (Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research).
• Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy:
  • Atomic energy is widely used in electricity generation, agriculture, medicine, and industry.
  • Technologies like radiation therapy for cancer treatment and isotope applications in agriculture are key examples.
• International Collaboration:
  • India is a signatory to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), ensuring the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
  • Agreements like the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement have bolstered India’s access to global nuclear technology.