News Highlight
The government issued a notification which said that about 100 awards and several fellowships in the field of science were being discontinued.
Key Takeaway,
- On September 26 of every year, the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar award, India’s highest recognition for scientific achievement, is declared.
- However, this year, the day went by without any announcements. Instead, the government will phase out 100 awards and several fellowships in science.
Science awards:
- The government departments like earth sciences, biotechnology, space, atomic energy, etc., have separate prizes to recognise talent.
- In all, there are 207 such awards, of which 4 are national awards, 97 private endowment awards, 54 are lecture/scholarship/fellowship-based, and 56 are internal awards.
Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar award
- This prize is India’s highest science award and is named after the founder and director of the Indian Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
- The Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize is given every year to scientists below forty-five years of age for their contributions to the following fields:
- Biological Sciences
- Chemical Sciences
- Engineering Sciences
- Mathematical Sciences
- Medical Sciences
- Physical Sciences and
- Earth, Atmosphere, Ocean, and Planetary Sciences
- Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) working in India are also eligible.
- Recommendations for the award are given to the governing body of CSIR by the Advisory Committees.
- The award carries a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh.
Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar
- Sir Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar (1894-1954) was the Founder -Director of CSIR and the first Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC).
- Bhatnagar is the father of Indian research laboratories and is remembered for having established various chemical labs in the country.
- In 1958, the Indian Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) instituted the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar award to honour his name and legacy.
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR),
- It is the largest research and development (R&D) organisation in India.
- CSIR has a dynamic network of 37 national laboratories, 39 outreach centres, three innovation complexes, and five units with a pan-India presence.
- It was established in 1942.
- The Ministry of Science and Technology funds CSIR, which operates as an autonomous body through the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
- The structure of the organisation:
- President: Prime Minister of India (Ex-officio).
- Vice President: Union Minister of Science and Technology (Ex-officio).
- Governing Body: The Director-General is the head of the governing body.
- Advisory Board: 15-member body composed of prominent members from respective fields of science and technology.
Pic Courtesy: istock
Content Source: Times of India