Science TechnologyMonday, 18 May 2026·The Hindu
India’s 1974 Smiling Buddha nuclear test: key facts for TNPSC science and polity
India’s underground nuclear fission test on 18 May 1974 marked its entry into the nuclear era and is a key TNPSC science-history topic.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On 18 May 1974, India conducted an underground nuclear fission test codenamed Smiling Buddha, a milestone that made India the sixth nuclear power in the world.
Key specifics
- Test date: 18 May 1974, an underground nuclear fission device.
- Code name: Smiling Buddha, associated with India’s first nuclear test.
- Outcome: India was described as the sixth nuclear power in the world.
- Location detail: the test was conducted underground, a key technical feature.
- TNPSC angle: science-history linkage between nuclear technology and national security.
Exam lens
Question type: Science-history match-the-following, date 18 May 1974, code name Smiling Buddha, underground test, sixth nuclear power; TNPSC may ask which event marked India’s entry into the nuclear stage.