Nuclear scientist Rajagopala Chidambaram, former AEC Chairman and PSA, passes away
Chidambaram played a key role in the 1974 test and led the DAE team in the 1998 Pokhran-II tests.
Summary
Rajagopala Chidambaram, former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and former Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, passed away at 3:20 AM on 4 January 2025, the Department of Atomic Energy said; The Hindu reported that he died at Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai, aged 88. Rajagopala Chidambaram played an integral role in India's first nuclear test in 1974 and led the DAE team during the Pokhran-II tests in 1998. He was Director of BARC (1990–1993), AEC Chairman and Secretary, DAE (1993–2000), Principal Scientific Adviser (2001–2018), and Chairman of the IAEA Board of Governors (1994–1995), and received the Padma Shri in 1975 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1999.
Key facts
- Died
- 4 January 2025, 3:20 AM (DAE); Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai; aged 88
- Nuclear tests
- Integral role in 1974 test; led DAE team in Pokhran-II (1998)
- BARC Director
- 1990–1993
- AEC Chairman & Secretary, DAE
- 1993–2000
- Principal Scientific Adviser
- 2001–2018 (DAE)
- IAEA
- Chairman, Board of Governors, 1994–1995
- Honours
- Padma Shri 1975; Padma Vibhushan 1999
Practice MCQs 3 questions
During which period did Rajagopala Chidambaram serve as Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary, DAE?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1993–2000
DAE: he was Chairman, AEC and Secretary, DAE from 1993 to 2000; Director, BARC 1990–1993; PSA 2001–2018.
Rajagopala Chidambaram, who died on 4 January 2025, chaired which international body's Board of Governors during 1994–1995?
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Correct answer: C — International Atomic Energy Agency
DAE: he was Chairman of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (1994–1995).
Consider the following statements about Rajagopala Chidambaram: 1. He played an integral role in India's first nuclear test in 1974. 2. He led the DAE team during the Pokhran-II tests in 1998. 3. He received the Padma Vibhushan in 1999. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
DAE: all three are stated – integral role in 1974, led the DAE team in Pokhran-II (1998), Padma Shri 1975 and Padma Vibhushan 1999.