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‘Smiling Buddha’ at 52: Test that announced India’s nuclear arrival

Fifty-two years ago, India detonated a nuclear device in Rajasthan's Thar desert, codenamed 'Smiling Buddha'. This event, coinciding with Buddha Purnima, marked India's entry into the nuclear club. Despite being officially termed a 'peaceful nuclear explosion', the test ignited d

First seen · 11:14 AM UTCMay 18, 2026

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‘Smiling Buddha’ at 52: Test that announced India’s nuclear arrivalFifty-two years ago, India detonated a nuclear device in Rajasthan's Thar desert, codenamed 'Smiling Buddha'. This event, coinciding with Buddha Purnima, marked India's entry into the nuclear club. Despite being officially termed a 'peaceful nuclear explosion', the test ignited d
11:14 AM UTC

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