BulletsIn

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings on National Technology Day and highlighted the importance of technology in building a self-reliant and globally competitive India.
• National Technology Day is observed every year on May 11 to commemorate India’s successful Pokhran nuclear tests conducted in Rajasthan in 1998.
• India carried out five underground nuclear tests on May 11 and May 13, 1998, under the operation known as Pokhran-II at the Pokhran Test Range.
• The Prime Minister stated that the Pokhran tests reflected India’s scientific excellence, strategic strength, and unwavering commitment towards national security and technological advancement.
• Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee led the government during the nuclear tests, while scientists including Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam played crucial roles in the mission.
• The successful nuclear tests established India as a declared nuclear weapons state and significantly strengthened its global strategic position.
• National Technology Day also recognises the contribution of Indian scientists, engineers, innovators, and researchers towards national development and technological progress.
• The government continues to promote innovation, indigenous technology, digital infrastructure, space research, and advanced manufacturing under the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.