Why is it in the news?
- Recently, the Indian government has instituted the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) to replace multiple science and technology awards given annually.
More about the news
- RVP comprises 56 prizes recognizing scientists, technologists, and innovators, similar to the prestigious Padma awards, but without a cash component.
- The awards include three Vigyan Ratna awards, 25 Vigyan Shri awards, 25 Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar awards, and three Vigyan Team awards.
- They cover various fields, including physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, computer science, medicine, engineering, agriculture, environment, technology, atomic energy, space science, and more.
- The awards aim for adequate representation of women and are open to Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) in limited numbers.
- Categories include lifetime contributions, distinguished contributions, exceptional contributions by young scientists, and exceptional contributions by research teams.
- The awards will be announced annually on May 11 and presented on August 23, starting in 2024.
- A committee, comprising officials from science ministries, academies, and distinguished scientists, will oversee the awards process.
- The RVP awards significantly reduce the number of science awards previously given by various ministries, eliminating most internal awards.
| PIO · Means a foreign citizen (except a national of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, Iran, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Nepal). · A foreign citizen whose one of the parents/grandparents/great grandparents was born and a permanent resident of India. · Who is a spouse of a citizen of India or a PIO. |