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Daily News Analysis

RASHTRIYA VIGYAN PURASKAR

23rd September, 2023 Polity

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Picture Courtesy: cbsenewsindia.com

Context: The Government of India has introduced a new set of National Awards in the field of Science, Technology, and Innovation called the "Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar" (RVP). These awards aim to recognize and celebrate significant contributions made by scientists, technologists, and innovators, either individually or in teams, across various domains of science and technology in India.

Key points about the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar

  • Objective: The primary objective of RVP is to acknowledge and honour exceptional achievements and contributions in the fields of science, technology, and technology-led innovation.
  • The awards are divided into four categories:
    • Vigyan Ratna (VR) Award: Recognizes lifetime achievements and contributions in any field of science and technology.
    • Vigyan Shri (VS) Award: Acknowledges distinguished contributions in any field of science and technology.
    • Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB) Award: Encourages young scientists up to the age of 45 years who have made exceptional contributions in any field of science and technology.
    • Vigyan Team (VT) Award: Given to teams comprising three or more scientists, researchers, or innovators who have made an exceptional contributions while working collaboratively in any field of science and technology.
  • Eligibility: Eligible candidates include scientists, technologists, and innovators working in government, private sector organizations, or as individuals outside any organization. People of Indian origin residing abroad who have made exceptional contributions benefiting Indian communities or society are also eligible.
  • The awards cover a wide range of domains, including Physics, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Mathematics and Computer Science, Earth Science, Medicine, Engineering Sciences, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Technology and innovation, Atomic Energy, Space Science and Technology, and Others.
  • Selection Process: Nominations for RVP awards will be invited annually from 14th January to 28th February (National Science Day). These nominations will be reviewed by the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar Committee (RVPC), chaired by the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India, and comprising Secretaries of Science Departments, members of Science and Engineering Academies, and distinguished scientists and technologists from various fields.
  • The awards will be announced on 11th May (National Technology Day) and presented on 23rd August (National Space Day) each year. Recipients of the RVP awards will receive a Sanad (certificate) and a medal.

Conclusion

  • The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar is a significant initiative by the Government of India to honour and celebrate outstanding contributions in the field of science, technology, and innovation, with the aim of promoting and recognizing excellence in these critical domains.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements:

Statement 1: The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) aims to recognize and celebrate significant contributions made by scientists, technologists, and innovators.

Statement 2: RVP awards are divided into four categories, including Vigyan Ratna (VR), Vigyan Shri (VS), Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB), and Vigyan Team (VT).

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

A) Both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are correct, and Statement-2 is the correct explanation for Statement-1.

B) Both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are correct, and Statement-2 is not the correct explanation for Statement-1.

C) Statement-1 is correct, but Statement-2 is incorrect.

D) Statement-1 is incorrect, but Statement-2 is correct.

Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is B. Both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are correct, but Statement-2 does not provide an explanation for Statement-1; instead, it provides additional information about the categories of RVP awards.

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1959262