Pokhran-I Nuclear Test

Source: The Hindu
GS III: National Security and Challenges

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. Details of Pokhran-I Nuclear Test
3. Pokhran

Why in the News?

India conducted its first nuclear test in Pokhran 50 years ago.

News in Brief

• Fifty years ago, in the deserts of Pokhran, an event of great significance echoed not only through Rajasthan but also around the world.
• On May 18, 1974, India made history by conducting its first nuclear test, “Smiling Buddha.
• This pivotal moment represented a major turning point for India, highlighting both a scientific breakthrough and a profound change in the nation’s strategic direction.

Details of the Pokhran-I Nuclear Test

• Pokhran-I, also known as Operation Smiling Buddha, was India’s first successful nuclear test conducted on May 18, 1974.
• This test marked a significant milestone in India’s scientific and strategic capabilities, demonstrating the country’s advancement in nuclear technology and its entry into the league of nuclear-armed states.

Key Facts

• Date and Location: May 18, 1974, in the Thar Desert near Pokhran, Rajasthan.
• Yield: The test had an estimated yield of approximately 8 to 12 kilotons of TNT.
• Project Lead: The test was overseen by key scientists such as Dr. Raja Ramanna, Dr. Homi Sethna, and Dr. P.K. Iyengar.
• International Reaction
  • The test was conducted under a veil of secrecy and surprised the international community.
  • It led to a range of reactions from different countries, with some expressing concern and others acknowledging India’s technological achievement.

Cold War Context

• After World War II, new global alliances and alignments emerged, leading to the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union.
• The US and the USSR engaged in proxy wars in other countries, vying for ideological and economic superiority.
• To prevent massive devastation from nuclear weapons, the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) was signed in 1968.
• The NPT defined nuclear-weapon states as those that had manufactured and exploded a nuclear weapon before January 1, 1967 (effectively including the P-5 countries: the US, UK, France, China, and Russia).

Various Areas of Impact

• Scientific Endeavor
  • The success of Pokhran-I was the culmination of years of dedicated research by Indian scientists.
  • It involved collaboration across various institutions including the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD).
• Geopolitical Impact
  • The test had significant geopolitical implications.
  • It signaled India’s intention to develop a deterrent against potential threats, particularly from neighboring countries with nuclear capabilities.
  • This move also highlighted India’s desire to maintain strategic autonomy and reduce reliance on foreign powers.
• Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)
  • India’s decision to conduct the test outside the framework of the NPT, which it had not signed, underscored its stance on the inequities perceived in the treaty.
  • India argued that the NPT perpetuated the monopoly of established nuclear powers while restricting others.
• International Sanctions and Response
  • In the aftermath, India faced international sanctions, particularly from the United States and other Western nations.
  • These sanctions aimed to curb further development of India’s nuclear program but also spurred India to become more self-reliant in its nuclear technology.

Daily Current Affairs: Click Here

Rate this Article and Leave a Feedback

Today’s Current Affair content is meticulously crafted to align the topic with the syllabus of Civil Service and various other examinations. Join our community of aspirants and embark on a journey of knowledge, growth, and success with IAS Current Affairs. Let’s stay ahead together in the ever-evolving landscape of competitive examinations and the latest current affairs!