Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP): A New National Award for Science and Technology
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Current events of national importance (Awards and Honours), Science and Technology (Achievements of Indians, Key Institutions - CSIR).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 3 (Science & Technology): "Achievements of Indians in science & technology."
General Studies Paper 2 (Governance): "Government policies and interventions."
Key Highlights from the News
The Central Government has announced new national awards for achievements in the field of science called Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP). It is modeled after the Padma Awards.
This year's Vigyan Ratna award (Lifetime Achievement) was given to the famous physicist Jayant Vishnu Narlikar (who passed away in May).
There are three other categories: Vigyan Shri (Distinguished Contribution), Vigyan Yuva (Young Scientists below 45 years), and Vigyan Team (Team of Scientists).
The Vigyan Team award was given to the CSIR Aroma Mission.
An independent panel chaired by the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) selects the award winners.
There were allegations that last year's award selection process was not transparent and that scientists who criticized the government were excluded.
COMMENTS