What was the code name given to India's first nuclear test conducted at Pokhran in 1974?

Introduction / Context:
India's entry into the group of nuclear-capable nations is a major event in modern Indian history and defence studies. The country's first nuclear test took place at Pokhran in Rajasthan in 1974 and was conducted under a specific code name. This question tests your recall of that historically important codename.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The test referred to is India's first nuclear explosion at Pokhran in 1974.
• We must identify the official or popular code name used for this nuclear test.
• Options list several “Operation” names, only one of which is correctly associated with India's test.

Concept / Approach:
India's first nuclear test was carried out on 18 May 1974. It was described as a “peaceful nuclear explosion” and is popularly known by the codename “Smiling Buddha” or “Operation Smiling Buddha”. Many exam guides and history books mention this name prominently. Other operation names in the options correspond to different countries or events and do not relate to India's Pokhran test.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that India performed its first nuclear test at Pokhran in 1974.Step 2: Remember the codename widely linked to this test – “Smiling Buddha”.Step 3: Among the options, identify the one that contains “Smiling Buddha”.Step 4: The exact option text is “Operation Smiling Buddha”.Step 5: Therefore, choose “Operation Smiling Buddha” as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify this by connecting the historical details: the test date (Buddha Purnima) and the chosen codename “Smiling Buddha”. This symbolism is often highlighted in articles discussing India's nuclear programme. Other operation names, such as “Operation Hurricane” or “Operation Crossroad”, are associated with tests conducted by other nations, confirming they are incorrect for India's first test.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Operation Sakshi: Not historically associated with India's 1974 nuclear test; this appears to be a distractor.
• Operation Hurricane: Name connected with the first British nuclear test, not with India's nuclear programme.
• Operation Crossroad: Refers to a series of nuclear tests conducted by the United States at Bikini Atoll after World War II, not to Indian tests.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse different nuclear test codenames from several countries. To avoid confusion, remember key pairs: “Smiling Buddha – India 1974”, “Pokhran-II / Shakti series – India 1998”, and separate them from foreign operations like Hurricane and Crossroads. Keeping a short table of tests, years, and code names helps in revision.

Final Answer:
The code name given to India's first nuclear test at Pokhran in 1974 was Operation Smiling Buddha.