13 Sep Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Awards
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Awards”. This topic has relevance in the “Science and Technology” section of the UPSC CSE exam.
For Prelims:
What are the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Awards?
What is CSIR and its organisational structure?
For Mains:
GS3: Science and Technology
Why in the news?
Following a delay of almost a year, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has officially announced the recipients of the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (SSB) awards for the year 2022.
Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Awards
- The Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology (SSB), instituted in 1958 by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in honour of Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, its founder director, is among the highest multidisciplinary science awards in India.
- These awards have been instrumental in recognising and nurturing outstanding scientific talent in India and promoting excellence in scientific research.
Eligibility and Criteria:
- Any citizen of India engaged in research in any field of science and technology for up to 45 years as of December 31 of the year preceding the year of the Prize is eligible for consideration.
- Additionally, Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) working in India are eligible candidates.
- The award is granted based on contributions primarily made within India during the five years leading up to the year of the Prize.
- This ensures that recent and impactful scientific achievements within the country are recognised and celebrated.
- The awardee receives a citation, a plaque, and a cash award of ₹5 lakh. In addition, recipients are granted a monthly stipend of ₹15,000 until the age of 65 years, providing support for their ongoing scientific endeavours.
- In the 2022 awards, two scientists were chosen in the first five categories, while one scientist each was honoured in earth and planetary and medical sciences.
Award Categories:
- Physical Sciences
- Biological Sciences
- Chemical Sciences
- Mathematical Sciences
- Engineering Sciences
- Earth and Planetary Sciences
- Medical Sciences
Announcement and Distribution:
- Traditionally, the names of the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award recipients are declared by the Director General of CSIR on September 26, which coincides with the CSIR Foundation Day.
- The awards are presented to the recipients by the Prime Minister of India, adding to the prestige and significance of these honours.
Council of Scientific & Industrial Research
- The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) is a premier national R&D organisation in India.
- Established by the Government of India in September 1942, CSIR has emerged as the largest research and development organisation in India.
- CSIR is an autonomous body funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology and operates under the Societies Registration Act of 1860.
- CSIR has a dynamic network of 37 national laboratories, 39 outreach centres, 1 Innovation Complex, and three units with a pan-India presence.
- It encompasses a broad range of scientific and technological fields, spanning from oceanography, geophysics, chemistry, pharmaceuticals, genomics, biotechnology, and nanotechnology to mining, aeronautics, instrumentation, environmental engineering, and information technology.
Organisational Structure of CSIR:
plutus ias current affairs eng med 13th Sep 2023
Q1.With reference to the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Awards, consider the following statements:
- Only Indian citizens engaged in research are eligible for consideration.
- The contributions considered for the award must be based on work primarily conducted in India within the preceding five years.
- Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) are not eligible for the award.
Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) None
Q2. Who is the President of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)?
(a) The Minister for Science and Technology
(b) The President of India
(c) The Director General of CSIR
(d) The Prime Minister
Q3. Discuss the significance of Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Awards in recognizing scientific excellence in India and their role in shaping India’s future in science and technology.
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