The emergence of China as fifth nuclear power in October 1964 constituted a significant threat to India’s territorial Integrity and Sovereignty. The strained relations between the two countries after the 1962 aggression sparked off an acrimonious debate on defence policy in the parliament. While speaking on the capital outlay of the Department of Atomic Energy in the Lok Sabha on March 23, 1963, Bade, a member of the Jan Sangh Party strongly pleaded that India should manufacture atomic weapons in view of the threats posed by the Chinese on the borders.But the government opposed this.
The clandestine scale of the United States during Indo-Pak war of 1971 to pressurise India by sending career enterprises and subsequently to expand military base at Diego Garcia indeed provoked the Indian policy makers to go for nuclear deterrent. These preludes, however, were abandoned by the Government of India on the ground that the nuclear technology exclusively for non-peaceful purposes would impede the Growth of human civilisation and culture. However, it expressed its desire to use Nuclear Energy for enhancement of economic developments and civil purposes.
By the beginning of 1972 the basic design for India’s first nuclear device was complete, and other parts of the program for developing the necessary expertise to implement the design were coming along. During that year the data from operating Purnima (starting in May) began flowing in allowing confirmation and refinement of the device’s nuclear design; and the work in plutonium metallurgy reached the point where the device could be successfully fabricated.
The ‘smiling Buddha’, formally designated as Pokhran-I, was the codename of an operation of a first nuclear test explosion by India on 18 May 1974 at Pokhran.
It was also the first confirmed nuclear test by a nation outside the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council having been developed and executed with the help of Canadian Nuclear Reactors and expertise. The explosive yield of the bomb was reported to be 8 kt.
On 7 September 1972 Prime Minister Indira Gandhi gave verbal authorization to the scientists at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) to manufacture the nuclear device.234 In keeping with the great secrecy involved in India’s efforts to develop and test its first nuclear explosive device, the project employed no more than 72 scientists and engineers working on it in the period from 1967 to 1974.
Pokharan-II test
After a remarkable restraint of 24 years, on Buddha Purnima Day 11 May 1998 India exploded three nuclear devices in Pokhran in the desert of Rajasthan. Two days later on 13 May 1998 India tested two more nuclear weapons. India announced that she is in possession of latest technology in developing nuclear weapons including the ability to conduct sub-critical tests by computer simulation. One of the weapons tested was composed of non-weapon grade plutonium – a significant fact that could enhance Indian nuclear arsenals.
Despite the U.S. government’s self-declared “surprise” at India’s multiple tests in May 1998, India’s march towards an openly declared nuclear capability underscored by new tests was clear for a number of years. During the last several years the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has emerged as the dominant power in domestic politics. One of its key platform issues has been its desire to make India an openly declared nuclear power. The BJP created a shortlived government for 13 days in May 1996, and it is now known that Vajpayee actually authorized nuclear tests at that time, and the devices got as far as being placed in the test shafts, before he called them off when it became evident that his government was unlikely to survive long enough to deal with the aftermath.
Two years later however, on 10 March 1998, the BJP achieved a strong electoral victory and finally succeeded in putting together a governing coalition of 13 (later 20) parties. The BJP wasted no time in making clear its intention to deploy nuclear weapons. On 18 March 1998, the day before he was sworn in as Prime Minister, PM-designate Vajpayee declared “There is no compromise on national security. We will exercise all Options including nuclear options to protect security and sovereignty,”. An official planning report further stated directly that the new BJP government intended to “re-evaluate the Nuclear policy and exercise the option to induct nuclear weapons”.
This is for the first time that any nation had used reactor grade plutonium to develop a nuclear weapon. Prime-minister Atal Bihari Vajapayee later said: “India now is a nuclear weapon state.” On 11 May PM’s Principal Secretary and National Security Advisor, Brijesh Mishra, in a statement had said, “These tests have established that India has a proven capability for a weaponised nuclear programme.” R. Chidambaram, then Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission.
The tests were organized into two groups that were fixed separately, with all devices in a group fixed at the same time. The first group consisted of the thermonuclear device (Shakti-I), the fission device (Shakti-II) and a sub Kiloton device (Shakti-III). The remaining two sub Kiloton devices made up the second group (Shakti-IV & V). It was decided that the first group consisting of three devices would be tested on 11 of May and second group on 13 May.
Shakti-I
A two stage thermo-nuclear device with a boosted fission primary its yield was downgraded from 200 kt (theoretical) to 40 kt for test purposes.
Shakti-II
A pure fission device using the plutonium implosion design with a yield of 15 kt. The device tested was an actual nuclear warhead that can be delivered by bombers or fighters and also mounted on a missile.
Shakti-III
An experimental boosted fission device that used reactor grade plutonium for its primary with a yield of 0.3 kt. This test device was used to test only the primary stage, it did not contain any tritium required to boost the fission.
Shakti-IV
A 0.5 kt experimental device. The test only purpose was to collect data about the explosion process and to study the performance of various bomb components.
Shakti-V
A 0.2 kt experimental device that was U-233, as isotope of uranium not found in nature and produced in India’s fast breeder reactors that consume thorium. This device too was used to collect data.
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Nuclear tests are explosions of nuclear devices conducted for the purpose of developing, improving, or demonstrating nuclear weapons technology. Nuclear tests have been conducted by the United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, France, China, India, Pakistan, and North Korea.
The first nuclear test was conducted by the United States on July 16, 1945, at the Trinity site in New Mexico. The test was a success, and the United States used nuclear weapons against Japan in the final days of World War II. The Soviet Union conducted its first nuclear test on August 29, 1949. The United Kingdom conducted its first nuclear test on October 3, 1952. France conducted its first nuclear test on February 13, 1960. China conducted its first nuclear test on October 16, 1964. India conducted its first nuclear test on May 18, 1974. Pakistan conducted its first nuclear test on May 28, 1998. North Korea conducted its first nuclear test on October 9, 2006.
Nuclear tests have a number of negative consequences. They can cause radioactive contamination, which can harm human Health and the Environment. They can also trigger Earthquakes and Tsunamis. Nuclear tests are also a major source of greenhouse gases, which contribute to Climate change.
There are a number of international treaties that regulate nuclear testing. The Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, which was signed in 1963, prohibits nuclear tests in the Atmosphere, in outer space, and underwater. The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, which was opened for signature in 1996, prohibits all nuclear tests, including underground tests. However, the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty has not yet entered into force, as it has not been ratified by all of the countries that are required to do so.
The determinants of nuclear tests are complex and vary from country to country. However, some of the most important factors include:
Political factors: Nuclear tests are often used as a show of military strength or as a way to intimidate other countries. For example, the United States conducted a series of nuclear tests in the 1950s and 1960s in response to the Soviet Union’s nuclear program.
Economic factors: Nuclear tests can be expensive, so countries may only test nuclear weapons if they believe it is in their economic interests to do so. For example, India conducted its first nuclear test in 1974 in part to demonstrate its technological prowess and to gain international recognition.
Technological factors: Countries need to have the technology to develop and test nuclear weapons before they can use them. For example, North Korea conducted its first nuclear test in 2006 after years of research and development.
Scientific factors: Nuclear tests can be used to study the effects of nuclear weapons and to develop new technologies. For example, the United States conducted a series of nuclear tests in the 1950s and 1960s to study the effects of nuclear weapons on human health and the environment.
Social factors: Public opinion can play a role in whether or not a country decides to test nuclear weapons. For example, the United States stopped conducting nuclear tests in 1992 after public opposition to nuclear testing grew.
Environmental factors: Nuclear tests can have a negative impact on the environment. For example, the fallout from nuclear tests can contaminate the air, water, and Soil.
Legal factors: There are international treaties that regulate nuclear testing. For example, the Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty prohibits nuclear tests in the atmosphere, in outer space, and underwater.
The decision to conduct a nuclear test is a complex one that is influenced by a variety of factors. The specific factors that are most important will vary from country to country.
What are the determinants of nuclear tests?
The determinants of nuclear tests are a complex and multifaceted issue. However, some of the key factors that can influence the decision to conduct a nuclear test include:
The political and security environment: Nuclear tests are often seen as a way to demonstrate military strength and deter aggression. In particular, countries that feel threatened by other countries may be more likely to conduct nuclear tests.
The technological capabilities of the country: Countries that have the technological capability to conduct nuclear tests may be more likely to do so, as they may see it as a way to enhance their military capabilities.
The economic costs and benefits of nuclear tests: Nuclear tests can be expensive, and countries may need to weigh the costs and benefits of conducting such tests before making a decision.
The international community’s reaction: Countries that conduct nuclear tests may face international condemnation, which can have a negative impact on their economy and diplomatic relations.
What are the effects of nuclear tests?
Nuclear tests can have a number of negative effects, both on the environment and on human health. Some of the key effects of nuclear tests include:
Radiation exposure: Nuclear tests can release large amounts of radiation into the environment, which can cause cancer and other health problems in humans.
Air Pollution: Nuclear tests can also release large amounts of air pollution, which can cause respiratory problems and other health problems.
Deforestation: Nuclear tests can also cause deforestation, as the radiation can kill trees and other Plants.
Soil contamination: Nuclear tests can also contaminate soil, making it unsuitable for agriculture or other uses.
Water Pollution: Nuclear tests can also pollute water supplies, making it unsafe to drink or use for Irrigation.
What are the alternatives to nuclear tests?
There are a number of alternatives to nuclear tests, including:
Simulations: Nuclear tests can be simulated using computer models, which can provide a more accurate picture of the effects of a nuclear explosion.
Non-destructive testing: Non-destructive testing methods can be used to inspect nuclear weapons without detonating them, which can help to ensure their safety and reliability.
Arms control treaties: Arms control treaties can help to reduce the number of nuclear weapons in the world, which can reduce the need for nuclear tests.
What is the future of nuclear tests?
The future of nuclear tests is uncertain. Some countries, such as North Korea, continue to conduct nuclear tests, while others, such as the United States, have suspended nuclear testing. It is possible that nuclear tests will eventually be banned altogether, but this is likely to be a long and difficult process.
Question 1
Which of the following is not a determinant of nuclear tests?
(A) The political climate (B) The economic climate (C) The technological climate (D) The environmental climate
Answer
(D) The environmental climate is not a determinant of nuclear tests. Nuclear tests are conducted for military purposes, and the environmental impact is not a major consideration.
Question 2
Which of the following countries has conducted the most nuclear tests?
(A) The United States (B) Russia (C) China (D) France
Answer
(A) The United States has conducted the most nuclear tests, with a total of 1,054 tests. Russia has conducted 715 tests, China has conducted 45 tests, and France has conducted 210 tests.
Question 3
Which of the following is the most common type of nuclear test?
(A) Atmospheric test (B) Underground test (C) Underwater test (D) Space test
Answer
(A) Atmospheric tests are the most common type of nuclear test. These tests are conducted in the air, and the fallout from these tests can contaminate the environment. Underground tests are conducted below ground, and the fallout from these tests is contained underground. Underwater tests are conducted underwater, and the fallout from these tests is contained underwater. Space tests are conducted in space, and the fallout from these tests is not a major concern.
Question 4
Which of the following is the most controversial type of nuclear test?
(A) Atmospheric test (B) Underground test (C) Underwater test (D) Space test
Answer
(A) Atmospheric tests are the most controversial type of nuclear test. These tests are conducted in the air, and the fallout from these tests can contaminate the environment. Underground tests are conducted below ground, and the fallout from these tests is contained underground. Underwater tests are conducted underwater, and the fallout from these tests is contained underwater. Space tests are conducted in space, and the fallout from these tests is not a major concern.
Question 5
Which of the following countries has never conducted a nuclear test?
(A) Canada (B) India (C) Pakistan (D) South Africa
Answer
(A) Canada has never conducted a nuclear test. India, Pakistan, and South Africa have all conducted nuclear tests.