41.   Russia uses Novaya Zemlya to conduct subcritical test blasts of nuclear weapons, in which plutonium is blasted with explosives too weak to set off an atomic explosion.

42.   Some of the leaders repeated rumors sweeping Birmingham that a test blast was set off in Pakistan Sunday, possibly during the closing session.

43.   Shah also said that despite the treaty, major nuclear powers would be able to develop weapons using highly sophisticated methods that did not require test blasts.

44.   The anticipated missile test follows on the heels of a report that U.S. intelligence officials thought India was planning to set off a nuclear test blast.

45.   Tension peaked earlier this year when the two rivals conducted nuclear test blasts, alarming international leaders.

46.   That account follows a report that U.S. intelligence officials thought India was planning to a nuclear test blast.

47.   The Commission judged the French test blasts met necessary safety standards.

48.   The first test blast at Mururoa Atoll in French Polynesia is scheduled next month, ending a three-year moratorium.

49.   The government on Friday announced it will build a high-energy laser in southwestern France to simulate nuclear weapons tests and avoid staging controversial test blasts in the South Pacific.

50.   The latest test blast came on the same day negotiators returned to Geneva for a final push to approve a global ban on testing nuclear weapons.