National Technology Day
Why in News?
The Prime Minister expressed his “gratitude” towards the scientists and their “efforts” that led to the “successful Pokhran tests in 1998” on National Technology Day (11th May).
What is National Technology Day?
- About:
- The day, which was first observed on 11th May, 1999, aims to commemorate the scientific and technological achievements of Indian scientists, engineers. The day was named by the former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
- Every year, the Technology Development Board of India (a statutory body under the Ministry of Science and Technology) celebrates the day by awarding individuals with the National Award for their contribution to science and technology in India.
- The focus this year is ‘Integrated Approach in Science & Technology for Sustainable Future’.
- Significance:
- It is the day India successfully tested nuclear bombs in Pokhran on 11th May, 1998.
- India successfully test-fired its Shakti-1 nuclear missile in operation called Pokhran-II, also codenamed as Operation Shakti.
- The nuclear missile was tested at the Indian Army's Pokhran Test Range in Rajasthan. This was the second test which was conducted after Pokhran-I codenamed Operation Smiling Buddha, in May 1974.
- On the same day, India performed a successful test firing of the Trishul Missile (surface to air short range missile) and had test flown the first indigenous aircraft – ‘Hansa – 3’.