India observed annually on 11 May.

Objective : to mark the anniversary of the successful Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998 that demonstrated India’s nuclear capability and scientific progress.

About the Day

• Commemorates India’s nuclear tests under Operation Shakti at Pokhran, Rajasthan, on 11 May 1998.
• Announced by then PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the tests made India a nuclear-armed state.
• Observed since 1999, the day highlights the role of science and technology in national advancement.
• Also celebrates the first test flight of the indigenous Hansa-3 aircraft and the successful test of Trishul missile.