Since 1999, May 11 is celebrated as National Technology Day to mark India’s technological advancements. President Pranab Mukherjee will be attending the National Technology Day celebrations in New Delhi this year, along with the Union Minister for Science and Technology Dr Harsh Vardhan.
Here are a few things you need to know about this day.
1.On May 11, 1998, India detonated three nuclear bombs in the Indian Army’s Pokhran Test Range.
Photo source: defence.pk
Two days later, on May 13, 1998, two more nuclear bombs were tested, after which then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee declared India a full fledged nuclear state. This operation was called ‘Operation Shakti’ and it made India the 6th country to join the nuclear club.
2. Hansa 3, India’s first indigenous aircraft was first tested on the same day in 1998 in Bangalore.
Photo source: airliners.net
Hansa 3 was the first of its kind two-seater general aviation plane used for flight training and personal flying.
3. Successful test firing of Trishul, a short range missile made in India, was also done on the same day.
Photo source: aermech.in
The missile was developed as a part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme by the Defence Research and Development Organisation.
4. Every year, on this day, the Technology Development Board of India awards various individuals with national awards for their contribution to indigenous technology.
Photo source: jobsamosa.com
5. This year’s theme for National Technology Day celebrations in New Delhi is ‘Technology Enablers of Startup India’.
Photo source: makeinindia.com
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