- India observed National Technology Day on May 11 marking the anniversary of the Pokhran nuclear Tests of 1998.
The day is celebrated annually on May 11, the day on which India successfully test fired its first nuclear bombs in 1998. During the nuclear tests in Pokhran, five explosives were tested between May 11 and May 13 under Shakti. - The nuclear tests were conducted by the then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and president Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, who had led the scientific team that made preparations for the tests. After Pokhran test, Vajpayee had declared India a nuclear state — the sixth country in the world to join this league.
- In a tweet, President of India said India is committed to using technology to accelerate the developmental process and ensure a dignified existence for every citizen.
- The Prime Minister said, the patriotism and farsightedness of the former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and his team had a major role to play in the success of tests of 1998. He said Atal Ji’s unwavering faith in scientists proved valuable during that crucial time.