India's first nuclear test took place in 1974. What was it called?

Concept

Landmark national tests or operations are often assigned an official code name by the conducting agency — distinct from their date, location, or any later related operation. A question asking ‘what was it called’ is asking specifically for that code name.

Application

India's first nuclear device was detonated at the Pokhran Test Range, Rajasthan, on 18 May 1974. The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and the Government of India designated this test ‘Smiling Buddha’ — the name commemorates Buddha Purnima, the day the test was conducted.

Cross-check

• Shakti 1 names the lead test of India's second nuclear series (Pokhran-II), conducted 24 years later in May 1998 — a later round, not the first.

• Chagai is the code name Pakistan gave its own 1998 nuclear tests, conducted in response to Pokhran-II — a different country's programme.

• Tornado is not associated with any documented nuclear test anywhere.

So the operation that matches India's first nuclear test is Smiling Buddha.