31 Global Honours for PM Modi: How International Recognition Reflects India’s Rising Global Influence

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May 18, 2026, 2:19 PM

Perched high above the Pink City inside the historic walls of Nahargarh Fort, the Jaipur Wax Museum is preparing for a dramatic transformation. On the occasion of International Museum Day, the museum announced a series of ambitious upgrades designed to move beyond the traditional idea of a wax museum and create a fully immersive storytelling experience powered by Virtual Reality, cinematic presentations, live sets, and automated lighting technology.

The initiative reflects a growing shift in how museums engage modern audiences. Today’s visitors, museum officials believe, no longer wish to simply observe exhibits from a distance — they want to experience history emotionally, visually, and interactively.

According to Anoop Srivastava, the museum is now entering a new phase where wax statues will be accompanied by specially produced films, immersive soundscapes, and virtual storytelling designed to make historical figures and heritage narratives feel alive.

A Museum That Wants Visitors to ‘Feel’ History

Jaipur Wax Museum at Nahargarh Fort Reinvents Itself with VR Films, Live Storytelling and Automated Sheesh Mahal Lighting

Srivastava said the vision behind the upgrade emerged from changing tourist expectations. Visitors increasingly seek experiences that are sensory and emotionally engaging rather than static displays.

The museum’s new direction also aligns with Rajasthan’s broader tourism and heritage strategy under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari, who visited the museum last year. During that visit, the museum team pledged to integrate advanced technologies into the heritage attraction.

The first major project under this initiative centers on the legendary Rajput figure Hadi Rani, whose story of sacrifice and loyalty occupies a revered place in Rajasthan’s folklore.

A dedicated 10-minute cinematic presentation is being created specifically for her exhibit. Inside a specially designed 22-seat theater, visitors will not only view Hadi Rani’s wax statue but also experience her story through film, sound, and dramatic visual presentation. The production explores themes of courage, devotion, patriotism, and sacrifice, with post-production work currently underway in Mumbai.

Bringing Nahargarh Fort’s History to Life

The museum is also producing a separate historical film focused entirely on Nahargarh Fort itself — one of Jaipur’s most iconic hilltop landmarks.

The film will explore the fort’s construction history, the architectural vision behind it, and the challenges encountered during its development. It will also reference the contributions of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, who completed the fort, Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh, who later commissioned palace sections for his nine queens, and the legend associated with Nahar Singh, after whom the fort is believed to be named.

Museum authorities believe this narrative approach will help tourists better understand the fort as more than a scenic viewpoint — presenting it instead as a layered historical and cultural landmark.

In addition to these productions, VR-based films are being developed around select wax figures ahead of the upcoming tourist season. According to Srivastava, visitors are expected to witness the complete transformation by the first week of August.

India’s Only Wax Museum Inside a 300-Year-Old Fort

What sets the Jaipur Wax Museum apart, officials say, is its location and presentation style. Unlike conventional wax museums housed in modern buildings, this museum exists within a 300-year-old heritage fort, where wax figures are integrated into live sets, atmospheric lighting, sound effects, and narrative installations.

Among its most celebrated attractions are the “Royal Figures” gallery and the spectacular Sheesh Mahal, or Hall of Mirrors.

The Sheesh Mahal incorporates intricate Thikri mirror work crafted using more than 2.5 million pieces of glass along with the use of pure gold detailing. To further enhance the experience, the museum is now introducing an automated lighting system that will illuminate the hall through multiple dynamic visual effects, transforming how visitors interact with the space.

Outside the museum complex, colorful LED lighting installations are also being added to create a striking nighttime atmosphere for tourists visiting Nahargarh Fort after sunset.

As Jaipur continues to strengthen its reputation as a global heritage and tourism destination, the Jaipur Wax Museum appears determined to redefine what a museum experience can be — combining history, technology, cinema, architecture, and storytelling within the walls of one of Rajasthan’s most iconic forts.

PM Modi Conferred Sweden’s Prestigious ‘Royal Order of the Polar Star’, Marks 31st Global Honour

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May 18, 2026, 1:20 PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred Sweden’s prestigious “Royal Order of the Polar Star, Commander Grand Cross” during his official visit to Gothenburg, marking yet another major diplomatic milestone in India’s growing global stature. The award, regarded as Sweden’s highest honour bestowed upon a foreign Head of Government, was presented by Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria in a special ceremony attended by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.

A short while ago, I was conferred with the ‘Royal Order of the Polar Star, Degree Commander Grand Cross.’ This is not just an honour for me, but for the 140 crore people of India. It’s equally a tribute to all our friends in Sweden who have enriched India-Sweden relations and… pic.twitter.com/5AKtEAbqIe
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 17, 2026

Instituted in 1748 by King Frederick I of Sweden, the Royal Order of the Polar Star is one of Sweden’s oldest and most distinguished honours. It is awarded to individuals for exceptional public service and contributions toward strengthening Sweden’s relations and international cooperation.

According to the Swedish government, the honour was conferred upon PM Modi in recognition of his role in strengthening India-Sweden ties and advancing cooperation between the two countries in areas such as innovation, green technology, trade, defence and sustainable development. The award also reflects the deepening India-Sweden Strategic Partnership, which gained further momentum during PM Modi’s ongoing Europe tour.

Speaking after receiving the award, PM Modi expressed gratitude to the Swedish Royal Family and the people of Sweden. He dedicated the honour to the people of India and to the enduring friendship between India and Sweden. The Prime Minister described the recognition as a reaffirmation of the historic ties, democratic values and people-to-people connections shared by the two nations.

The honour is particularly significant because PM Modi is reportedly the first Asian leader to receive the Royal Order of the Polar Star, Commander Grand Cross. The recognition also marks the 31st international honour conferred upon him by a foreign nation, highlighting India’s expanding diplomatic outreach and growing global influence under his leadership.

The award ceremony took place during PM Modi’s visit to Sweden as part of his ongoing five-nation diplomatic tour covering the UAE, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy. During his Sweden visit, PM Modi held delegation-level talks with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, focusing on strengthening cooperation in artificial intelligence, green transition, defence, climate action, innovation, startups, resilient supply chains and emerging technologies.

The visit also carried symbolic cultural significance. Sweden presented PM Modi with reproductions of handwritten cards by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, reflecting the long-standing cultural and intellectual ties between India and Sweden.

Political leaders across India congratulated the Prime Minister on receiving the award, calling it a moment of national pride and a reflection of India’s rising prestige on the global stage.

PM Modi’s Netherlands Visit Marks Major Strategic Breakthrough in India-Europe Relations

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May 18, 2026, 12:59 PM

H20260517209247 — PM witnesses the exchange ceremony of the MoU between India and Netherlands, in Netherlands on May 16, 2026.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Netherlands has emerged as one of the most significant diplomatic successes of his ongoing five-nation tour, with India and the Netherlands officially elevating their relationship to a “Strategic Partnership.” The two countries signed 17 major agreements and unveiled a comprehensive roadmap aimed at expanding cooperation across defence, semiconductors, green energy, critical technologies, trade and innovation.

During his official visit to the Netherlands, PM @narendramodi met his Dutch counterpart Rob Jetten where both the leaders expressed their confidence in the ample scope for further development of bilateral relations and of the multifaceted cooperation across sectors of… pic.twitter.com/MjMaVhzJpv
— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) May 17, 2026

During his visit to The Hague, PM Modi held extensive bilateral talks with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, focusing on strengthening collaboration in emerging and strategic sectors. Both leaders emphasized that India and the Netherlands share common democratic values, support for a rules-based international order and a commitment to sustainable development.

One of the biggest outcomes of the visit was the launch of the “India–Netherlands Strategic Partnership Roadmap,” which outlines cooperation in trade and investment, defence and security, clean energy, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cyber security and space technology.

The agreements signed during the visit covered several key sectors. Both nations agreed to deepen cooperation in green hydrogen, renewable energy transition, water management, climate resilience and sustainable agriculture. A Joint Statement of Intent was also signed between NITI Aayog and Dutch authorities for collaboration in the energy sector and energy transition projects.

Defence and security cooperation featured prominently in the discussions. India and the Netherlands agreed to strengthen maritime security collaboration and defence partnerships amid growing global geopolitical uncertainties. Critical minerals and supply chain resilience were also discussed, reflecting Europe’s increasing interest in diversifying strategic partnerships with India.

Technology and semiconductor cooperation emerged as another major pillar of the visit. The Netherlands is home to some of the world’s leading semiconductor technology firms, and India is seeking stronger partnerships to support its expanding electronics and chip manufacturing ambitions under the “Make in India” initiative. Discussions also explored collaboration in artificial intelligence, digital innovation and research partnerships between universities and institutions from both countries.

PM Modi also highlighted the strong people-to-people ties between the two countries and praised the Indian diaspora in the Netherlands for contributing to bilateral relations. The leaders discussed ways to increase mobility for students, researchers, skilled professionals and businesses.

The Ministry of External Affairs described the visit as “highly successful,” noting that the outcomes would provide “new momentum” to India-Netherlands ties. PM Modi himself stated that the agreements and initiatives signed during the visit would give “unparalleled momentum” to the growing partnership between the two countries.

Analysts believe the visit has strategic significance far beyond bilateral ties. At a time of shifting global supply chains and geopolitical realignments, the Netherlands is increasingly viewing India as a trusted economic and strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region. For India, the strengthened partnership opens new opportunities in advanced technology, green energy, defence cooperation and access to European markets.

World AIDS Vaccine Day: Renewing Hope in the Fight Against HIV/AIDS

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May 18, 2026, 12:52 PM

World AIDS Vaccine Day is observed every year on May 18 to raise awareness about the urgent need for a safe and effective vaccine against HIV/AIDS. The day also honours the scientists, healthcare workers, researchers, volunteers, and community members who have dedicated their efforts to combating one of the world’s most serious public health challenges.

The observance traces its origins to a speech delivered by former U.S. President Bill Clinton on May 18, 1997, at Morgan State University. In his speech, he emphasised the importance of developing an AIDS vaccine and called upon the scientific community and global leaders to work together toward this goal. Since then, May 18 has been recognised globally as World AIDS Vaccine Day, also known as HIV Vaccine Awareness Day.

HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, attacks the body’s immune system and can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) if left untreated. Since the beginning of the epidemic in the 1980s, millions of people worldwide have lost their lives due to AIDS-related illnesses. Although significant medical advancements have improved treatment through antiretroviral therapy (ART), there is still no complete cure or universally effective vaccine for HIV.

World AIDS Vaccine Day highlights the importance of continued scientific research and public awareness. Developing a vaccine for HIV has proven especially difficult because the virus mutates rapidly and attacks the immune system itself. However, researchers across the globe continue to make progress through clinical trials, innovative technologies, and international collaboration.

The day also serves as an opportunity to educate people about HIV prevention, testing, and treatment while challenging the stigma and discrimination often faced by people living with HIV/AIDS. Awareness campaigns, seminars, health programs, and community outreach events are organised worldwide to encourage empathy, understanding, and support.

In countries like India, where HIV awareness campaigns have significantly improved over the years, organisations continue to work toward prevention, early diagnosis, and affordable treatment. Public health experts stress that education and awareness remain crucial tools in reducing new infections and combating misinformation.

World AIDS Vaccine Day is not only about scientific progress but also about hope and resilience. It reminds the world that ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic requires global cooperation, investment in research, and compassion toward affected communities.

As researchers continue their search for an effective vaccine, the day stands as a tribute to human determination and the collective fight against HIV/AIDS. It reinforces the belief that through science, awareness, and unity, a future free from AIDS is possible.

International Museum Day: Celebrating the Guardians of History and Culture

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May 18, 2026, 11:51 AM

International Museum Day is observed every year on May 18 to highlight the importance of museums in preserving history, culture, art, and human civilisation. The day serves as a global reminder that museums are not just buildings filled with ancient objects, but living institutions that connect people with their heritage, educate future generations, and promote cultural understanding.

The observance was established in 1977 by the International Council of Museums (ICOM) with the aim of raising awareness about the role museums play in society. Since then, International Museum Day has been celebrated worldwide with exhibitions, educational programs, workshops, guided tours, and cultural events organised by museums and heritage institutions.

Every year, the celebration revolves around a special theme focusing on contemporary global issues such as sustainability, digital innovation, cultural identity, education, and social inclusion. Through these themes, museums are encouraged to evolve beyond traditional displays and become interactive spaces for dialogue, creativity, and community engagement.

Museums hold immense significance because they preserve the collective memory of humanity. They safeguard priceless artefacts, manuscripts, sculptures, paintings, fossils, and historical records that tell the story of human progress across centuries. From ancient civilisations to freedom movements and scientific discoveries, museums help people understand the past and its connection to the present.

In India, museums play a crucial role in preserving the country’s rich and diverse heritage. Institutions such as the Indian Museum, the National Museum, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya house remarkable collections reflecting India’s art, archaeology, history, and cultural traditions. These museums attract students, researchers, historians, and tourists from around the world.

International Museum Day also reminds society about the urgent need to protect cultural heritage from threats such as war, climate change, illegal trafficking of artefacts, and neglect. In recent years, digital technology has transformed museums as many institutions now offer virtual tours and online archives, making knowledge more accessible to people globally.

Beyond education, museums inspire curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. They allow people to experience different cultures, understand historical struggles, and appreciate artistic achievements. For children especially, museums can turn learning into an engaging and memorable experience.

In a rapidly changing world, museums remain vital bridges between the past, present, and future. International Museum Day celebrates these institutions for preserving humanity’s shared legacy and encouraging cultural dialogue across borders. It is a day to recognise that history and heritage are not just about remembering the past, but also about shaping a more informed and connected future.

International Museum Day: Jaipur Museum to Unveil Rare ‘Brahma-Vishnu-Mahesh’ Amethyst Agate from Brazil

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May 18, 2026, 10:25 AM

A remarkable blend of geology, spirituality, and artistic wonder is set to greet visitors at Jaipur’s Khazana Mahal Gem and Jewellery Museum this International Museum Day. The museum has announced the exhibition of an exceptionally rare Amethyst Agate geode sourced from Brazil — a naturally formed stone whose unique structure is said to resemble the divine trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh.

Weighing nearly 100 kilograms, the single-piece specimen is drawing attention not only for its imposing size but also for its striking natural formation. The stone comprises three interconnected spherical Amethyst Agate sections that together evoke the image of Mount Kailash, creating what museum officials describe as a “self-manifested” representation of the Hindu trinity.

Adding to its rarity is the presence of embedded Calcite within the Amethyst crystal structure, making the specimen significant from both geological and spiritual perspectives.

Museum Director Anoop Srivastava said the new acquisition represents far more than a rare mineral display. According to him, the stone also carries deep cultural and spiritual symbolism, while Amethyst Agate itself is traditionally associated with emotional balance, mental healing, stress relief, and protection from negative energies.

To mark International Museum Day, the museum will place the geode at the entrance of its ‘Johari Bazaar’ gallery so that it becomes the very first exhibit visitors encounter. The placement reflects the museum’s larger vision of narrating the journey of gemstones from their raw, natural state to exquisitely crafted jewelry.

“This piece perfectly captures the essence of our museum,” Srivastava said, noting that the stone remains entirely uncut and unpolished, allowing visitors to witness nature’s artistry in its purest form.

The Khazana Mahal Museum already houses an 8.5-foot-tall Amethyst Agate Druzy displayed in two sections, and officials believe the addition of this Brazilian geode further elevates the institution’s stature among India’s few museums dedicated exclusively to gemstones, minerals, and jewelry heritage.

Situated in Jaipur, long regarded as one of the world’s historic centres for gemstone cutting and jewelry craftsmanship, the museum showcases an extensive collection of raw minerals, polished gems, heritage ornaments, and interactive exhibits explaining grading, cutting, and jewellery-making techniques. Visitors can also witness live demonstrations of stone cutting and intricate inlay work.

Beyond exhibition, the museum has increasingly positioned itself as an educational and cultural space. It regularly hosts learning sessions for students, designers, researchers, and tourists aimed at deepening understanding of both the science and symbolism of gemstones.

By combining geological specimens with stories of craftsmanship and cultural tradition, the museum offers visitors a rare opportunity to explore the intersection of science, spirituality, and art.

With the unveiling of the Brahma-Vishnu-Mahesh Amethyst Agate, Khazana Mahal hopes to attract not only gemstone enthusiasts and collectors, but also devotees and tourists visiting Jaipur during the upcoming travel season.

Kalpasar Project: Know The Project on Which India and Netherlands Have Joined Hands Aiming At Gujarat’s Mega Water Vision

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May 18, 2026, 10:04 AM

India and the Netherlands have signed a major agreement to cooperate on one of Gujarat’s most ambitious infrastructure plans — the Kalpasar Project. The Letter of Intent, signed on 17 May 2026 between India’s Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Netherlands’ Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, marks a new step toward transforming the Gulf of Khambhat into a massive freshwater reservoir.

The project is not just about building a dam. It represents a bold attempt to address water scarcity, irrigation needs, transport connectivity and renewable energy generation through a single integrated infrastructure initiative.

What is the Kalpasar Project?

The Kalpasar Project is a proposed multipurpose water infrastructure project in Gujarat. Its central idea is to construct a large dam across the Gulf of Khambhat — also known as the Gulf of Cambay — on India’s western coast.

The aim is to trap freshwater flowing from several rivers into the gulf and create a giant reservoir for irrigation, drinking water and industrial use. If completed, the project would become one of the world’s largest freshwater reservoir schemes built in a marine environment.

Beyond water storage, the project also includes plans for:

Tidal power generation
Irrigation infrastructure
Flood management support
Improved transport connectivity between South Gujarat and Saurashtra

The name “Kalpasar” is derived from Kalpavriksha, the mythical wish-fulfilling tree in Indian tradition, symbolising abundance and prosperity.

Why is the Netherlands Involved?

The Netherlands is globally recognised for its expertise in water engineering and coastal management. Much of the country lies below sea level, making advanced flood control and water management essential to Dutch survival and development.

Under the new agreement, the Netherlands will provide technical expertise and engineering cooperation for the Kalpasar Project. The collaboration is linked to the India-Netherlands Strategic Partnership on Water, a bilateral framework focused on climate adaptation, sustainable infrastructure and water governance.

A major inspiration for the cooperation is the famous Afsluitdijk Dam in the Netherlands.

The Afsluitdijk Connection

The Afsluitdijk is a 32-kilometre-long dam built by the Dutch in the early 20th century. It transformed a saline inlet of the North Sea into a freshwater lake, now used for flood protection, water storage and agriculture.

Indian planners see similarities between the Dutch project and the proposed Kalpasar reservoir. Dutch expertise in marine engineering, salinity control and coastal infrastructure is expected to help address the technical challenges of building a freshwater reservoir in the Gulf of Khambhat.

How Will the Project Benefit Gujarat?

The Kalpasar Project is expected to have major economic and environmental impacts across Gujarat.

Irrigation and Water Supply

The project aims to store freshwater from seven rivers flowing into the Gulf of Khambhat. It is projected to provide irrigation benefits to nearly 10 lakh hectares of land across 42 talukas in nine districts of Saurashtra — a region often affected by water scarcity.

The reservoir could also strengthen drinking water supply and support industrial growth in the state.

Improved Connectivity

One of the most discussed features of the project is a proposed transport corridor across the dam.

Currently, travel between South Gujarat and Saurashtra requires a long road journey around the gulf. The Kalpasar structure could reduce the travel distance from nearly 240 kilometres to about 60 kilometres, significantly improving connectivity and logistics.

Renewable Energy Potential

The Gulf of Khambhat experiences strong tidal movements, making it suitable for tidal energy generation. The project includes plans to harness tidal power as a renewable energy source alongside water storage infrastructure.

Challenges and Environmental Concerns

Despite its ambitious vision, the Kalpasar Project has also raised environmental and technical questions.

Experts have pointed to challenges related to:

Marine ecosystem disruption
Sedimentation and silt accumulation
Salinity management
Coastal biodiversity impacts
Engineering complexity in high-tide conditions

Large-scale environmental assessment and long-term feasibility studies remain essential before the project can move into full implementation.

Why the Project Matters

As climate change intensifies water stress and extreme weather events, countries are increasingly investing in large-scale water management systems. Gujarat’s long coastline and river systems make it a strategic location for such infrastructure experiments.

The India-Netherlands partnership reflects a growing trend of combining global engineering expertise with local development priorities. If successful, the Kalpasar Project could become one of India’s most transformative water infrastructure projects of the century.

Important Facts

The Kalpasar Project is proposed across the Gulf of Khambhat in Gujarat.
The Gulf of Khambhat is also called the Gulf of Cambay.
India and the Netherlands signed a Letter of Intent on 17 May 2026 for technical cooperation on the project.
The Netherlands is contributing expertise based on the Afsluitdijk Dam project.
The project aims to benefit around 10 lakh hectares of agricultural land.
The proposed transport corridor may reduce travel distance between South Gujarat and Saurashtra from 240 km to 60 km.

Smiling Buddha to Operation Shakti: How Pokhran Changed India’s Nuclear Destiny

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May 18, 2026, 9:49 AM

On 18 May 1974, deep beneath the sands of Rajasthan’s Thar Desert, India quietly announced its arrival among the world’s nuclear powers. The operation carried an unusual codename, Smiling Buddha, but its impact reshaped India’s strategic and scientific future forever.

The successful underground nuclear test at Pokhran marked a turning point in India’s post-independence journey. Conducted during the tenure of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the test demonstrated India’s growing scientific capability at a time when the global nuclear order was tightly controlled by a handful of nations.

The Desert That Made History

The remote Pokhran Test Range in Rajasthan was chosen for its isolation and geological suitability. Hidden beneath layers of desert rock, Indian scientists detonated a plutonium-based nuclear device in what the government officially described as a “Peaceful Nuclear Explosion.”

Despite the cautious terminology, the message to the world was unmistakable: India had become the sixth country capable of conducting a nuclear test, joining the ranks of the United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, France and China.

For a young nation still building its industrial and scientific base, the achievement symbolized technological self-reliance and strategic confidence.

Why the Codename “Smiling Buddha”?

The test took place on Buddha Purnima, the birth anniversary of Gautama Buddha, which inspired the codename Smiling Buddha. The contrast between the peaceful spiritual imagery and the immense destructive potential of nuclear technology made the name globally memorable.

Yet for India, the event was not only about military capability. It reflected decades of investment in atomic research led by pioneering scientists and institutions that envisioned nuclear technology as essential for national development, energy security and strategic autonomy.

Pokhran-II: India Declares Itself a Nuclear Weapons State

Twenty-four years later, Pokhran returned to global headlines.

In May 1998, India carried out a series of five nuclear tests under Operation Shakti, popularly known as Pokhran-II. Unlike the ambiguity surrounding the 1974 test, the 1998 explosions openly established India as a nuclear weapons state.

The mission brought together some of India’s most respected scientists, including A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, R. Chidambaram and Anil Kakodkar.

The tests triggered international sanctions and global debate, but they also transformed India’s strategic standing. Over time, India emerged as an accepted nuclear power with growing international partnerships in civilian nuclear energy.

National Technology Day: Celebrating Scientific Achievement

To commemorate the success of Pokhran-II, India observes National Technology Day every year on 11 May.

First celebrated in 1999, the day honours Indian achievements in science, engineering and innovation. It serves as a reminder that breakthroughs in technology often emerge from years of quiet research, institutional commitment and national ambition.

Today, the legacy of Pokhran extends beyond defence. It influences India’s expanding civil nuclear energy programme and broader technological aspirations.

India’s Nuclear Energy Future

India’s nuclear programme has now entered a new phase focused increasingly on clean energy and long-term sustainability.

In a major milestone, the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu achieved first criticality on 6 April 2026, advancing the second stage of India’s three-stage nuclear power programme. The development is significant because fast breeder technology can improve fuel efficiency and reduce long-term dependence on imported uranium.

India’s nuclear power capacity stands at nearly 9 GW in 2026, with an ambitious target of 100 GW by 2047. The expansion is closely tied to India’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.

International interest in India’s civil nuclear sector is also growing. A delegation of senior executives from the American nuclear industry is visiting India from 18–21 May 2026 to explore cooperation opportunities following the enactment of the SHANTI Act.

Key Facts at a Glance

India’s first nuclear test in 1974 was codenamed Smiling Buddha.
Pokhran-II in 1998 was conducted under Operation Shakti.
National Technology Day is observed on 11 May.
India became the sixth nation to conduct a nuclear test in 1974.
The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam achieved first criticality on 6 April 2026.
India aims to increase nuclear power capacity to 100 GW by 2047.

From the silent sands of Pokhran to ambitious clean-energy goals, India’s nuclear story is not merely about weapons or geopolitics. It is also a story of scientific ambition, technological confidence and a nation determined to shape its own future.

Why Is the Woman Always the Villain? The Vijay-Trisha Debate Exposes Society’s Bias

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May 16, 2026, 10:59 PM