Question

In which year the first nuclear test was conducted by India under the code-name of Smiling Buddha?

• A. $1970$
• B. $1974$
• C. $1984$
• D. $1950$

Answer 1

The correct option is B $1974$

• On 18 May 1974, India conducted its first nuclear test at Pokhran in Rajasthan.
• The Indian government claimed the test was for peaceful purposes only, naming it "Smiling Buddha". It involved a fission device using plutonium.
• Although officially known as Pokhran I, the 1974 test was informally named “Smiling Buddha” and is frequently referred to as such.