Which of the following significant events occurred in 1998 during Atal Behari Vajpayee's tenure as Prime Minister?
A. India conducted its first underground nuclear tests at Pokhran Range
B. Sonia Gandhi stepped into active politics
C. India became the 5th largest GNP in Purchasing Power Parity terms
D. India launched the offensive against Pakistan-backed infiltrators at Kargil
Right Option : A
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Explanation

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:

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.
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.
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.
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.

Question : 2

Statement 1: The 2004 Tsunami disaster killed thousands of people in India. Statement 2: Sonia Gandhi entered active politics in December 1997.
A. Both statements are correct.	B. Only Statement 1 is correct.	C. Only Statement 2 is correct.	D. Both statements are incorrect.
Right Option : B
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Question : 3

Which Indian vocalist was awarded the Bharat Ratna on 14th January 1998?
A. Rajiv Gandhi	B. MS Subbulakshmi	C. Atal Behari Vajpayee	D. Lata Mangeshkar
Right Option : B
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Explanation

MS Subbulakshmi.

MS Subbulakshmi, the legendary Carnatic vocalist, was awarded the Bharat Ratna on 14th January 1998. This honor was given to her for her exceptional contribution to Indian music and culture. She became the first musician and the first woman to receive India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna.

Details about MS Subbulakshmi and the Award:

MS Subbulakshmi (1916-2004):
- Madurai Shanmukhavadivu Subbulakshmi, known as MS Subbulakshmi, was one of the most renowned classical vocalists in the Carnatic tradition. She was born in 1916 in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
- She is celebrated for her divine voice, incredible depth, and mastery over Carnatic music. Subbulakshmi’s renditions of devotional songs and classical ragas earned her widespread acclaim not just in India, but globally.
Her Contributions to Music:
- MS Subbulakshmi was a highly revered figure in the classical music world. She made significant contributions to the Carnatic music tradition and became an iconic figure in Indian classical music.
- She was known for her soulful renditions of compositions by great composers like Thyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, and Shyama Shastri.
- Apart from Carnatic music, Subbulakshmi's rendering of Bhajans and classical compositions gained immense popularity, and she became the voice of devotion for millions of Indians.
Awards and Recognitions:
- Apart from the Bharat Ratna, Subbulakshmi received several prestigious awards during her lifetime. She was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1968 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1975 for her contribution to music.
- She also received numerous honors and accolades from national and international organizations, and her performances were held in some of the most prestigious venues around the world.
Why She Was Awarded the Bharat Ratna:
- MS Subbulakshmi was honored with the Bharat Ratna in recognition of her unparalleled contribution to the world of music and culture, her dedication to preserving traditional Indian music, and her efforts in promoting India’s rich cultural heritage globally.
- Her voice resonated with millions of listeners, and her performances, especially in devotional and classical settings, left a lasting legacy in the music world. She was a symbol of grace, simplicity, and excellence.

Why the Other Options are Incorrect:

A) Rajiv Gandhi: Rajiv Gandhi was awarded the Bharat Ratna posthumously in 1991, after his assassination, not in 1998.

C) Atal Behari Vajpayee: Atal Behari Vajpayee, former Prime Minister of India, was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 2015, long after 1998.

D) Lata Mangeshkar: Lata Mangeshkar, the iconic playback singer, was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 2001, not in 1998.

Thus, the Bharat Ratna awarded to MS Subbulakshmi in 1998 remains one of the highest honors for her exceptional and timeless contributions to Indian music.

Hence, Option B Is Correct.

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