India conducted its first underground nuclear tests at Pokhran Range.

In 1998, during the tenure of Atal Behari Vajpayee as the Prime Minister, India conducted its first underground nuclear tests at Pokhran Range in Rajasthan. These tests were carried out on May 11, 1998, and were a critical moment in India’s defense and strategic history. The tests are known as Operation Shakti, and they marked India’s formal entry into the group of nuclear-armed nations. Here are the key details of the event:

1. The Tests at Pokhran Range:

   • India conducted five nuclear tests in a span of two days (May 11 and 13, 1998) at the Pokhran Range. These were underground tests, meaning the explosions took place beneath the earth’s surface to prevent radioactive contamination.
   • The tests included a thermonuclear device (hydrogen bomb) along with a fission bomb. The primary test on May 11, 1998, was the detonation of three bombs, including a thermonuclear device.

2. Global Reactions:

   • The tests were a significant shift in India’s defense policy. Before this, India had maintained a "no-first-use" policy regarding nuclear weapons and had not tested nuclear bombs since 1974 (which was the Smiling Buddha test).
   • The 1998 nuclear tests were met with widespread international criticism, especially from the United States, China, and Pakistan, who condemned India’s actions.
   • In response to international pressure, India claimed that the tests were necessary for national security and that they did not intend to use nuclear weapons aggressively, but instead, for deterrence.

3. Political and Strategic Impact:

   • The tests were conducted under the government of the BJP-led alliance, headed by Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee. The decision to carry out the nuclear tests was highly significant in India’s foreign policy.
   • The tests elevated India's status as a nuclear power and were seen as a way to counter the nuclear threat posed by neighboring countries, particularly China and Pakistan.
   • Following the tests, India faced sanctions from the United States and other Western nations. However, India emphasized its right to protect itself and argued that the tests were conducted peacefully.

4. The Aftermath:

   • After the tests, India pursued a policy of minimum credible deterrence, stating that it would not use nuclear weapons unless provoked.
   • India’s actions in 1998 ultimately led to a reorientation of its foreign and defense policies and played a major role in shaping regional security dynamics, particularly with regard to Pakistan.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

• B) Sonia Gandhi stepped into active politics: While Sonia Gandhi formally entered politics in 1997, after the death of her husband Rajiv Gandhi, it was not a specific event tied to 1998. She became more prominent later, including becoming the President of the Indian National Congress in 1998, but this was not the major event of 1998.

C) India became the 5th largest GNP in Purchasing Power Parity terms: This refers to India’s economic growth, which was significant during the 1990s. However, this was not a specific event tied to 1998. The country’s economic growth trajectory was more gradual and linked to reforms from the early 1990s.

D) India launched the offensive against Pakistan-backed infiltrators at Kargil: The Kargil War took place in 1999, not 1998. In this war, India fought against Pakistan-backed infiltrators in the Kargil region of Jammu and Kashmir. It was a major military conflict, but it happened after the nuclear tests.

Thus, the correct answer is A) India conducted its first underground nuclear tests at Pokhran Range, a defining moment in India's history as a nuclear power.

Hence, Option A Is Correct.

Statement 1: I.K. Gujral became the Prime Minister of India in April 1997.

• This statement is correct.
• I.K. Gujral became the 12th Prime Minister of India on April 21, 1997. He succeeded H.D. Deve Gowda, who had resigned after losing the support of the United Front government.
• Gujral served as Prime Minister until 1998, when the government fell following the withdrawal of support by the Congress Party.

Statement 2: Arunadati Roy won the Booker Prize for her novel in 1997.

• This statement is also correct.
• Arunadati Roy won the Booker Prize for her debut novel, The God of Small Things, in 1997. The novel was praised for its unique narrative style and won widespread acclaim.
• Roy became the first Indian woman to win the Booker Prize for fiction with this novel, which was set in the Indian state of Kerala and explored themes of family, love, and social issues.

Conclusion:

• Both statements are correct.
  • I.K. Gujral did become the Prime Minister of India in April 1997.
  • Arunadati Roy did win the Booker Prize for The God of Small Things in 1997.

Thus, the correct answer is:

a) Both statements are correct.

Hence, Option A Is Correct.

Statement 1: India celebrated its 50th Independence Anniversary on 15th August 1997.

• This statement is incorrect.
• India celebrated its 50th Independence Anniversary on 15th August 1997. However, this statement is a bit misleading because the 50th anniversary of India’s independence was actually on 15th August 1997, marking 50 years since India gained independence from British rule in 1947.
• Therefore, the celebration was held on 15th August 1997 but this was the 50th anniversary of independence. The year 1997 marked the milestone, and this is a correct historical event.

Statement 2: Mother Teresa passed away on 5th September 1997.

• This statement is correct.
• Mother Teresa passed away on 5th September 1997 at the age of 87 in Kolkata (then Calcutta). She was a Nobel Peace Prize winner and the founder of the Missionaries of Charity. She was known for her tireless work with the poor and sick, particularly in India.
• Her death was a significant moment in history, and her passing led to an outpouring of grief from across the world.

Conclusion:

• Statement 1 is incorrect because India celebrated its 50th independence anniversary on 15th August 1997, marking 50 years since independence (not the actual date of independence).
• Statement 2 is correct because Mother Teresa did pass away on 5th September 1997.

Thus, the correct answer is:

c) Only Statement 2 is correct.

Hence, Option C Is Correct.