The Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology is a highly prestigious award given annually by the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) in India. Named after the Founder-Director of CSIR, the late Dr (Sir) Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, the award is a national recognition for young scientists and engineers who have made significant contributions to scientific research and development in India.
Eligibility and Prize
Any citizen of India who is engaged in research in various fields of science and technology and is under 45 years of age can be considered for the prize. The eligibility also extends to Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) working in India. The prize is based on the contributions made through work done in India in the preceding five years. The recipients are rewarded with a citation, a plaque, and a cash reward of Rs. 5 lakh. In addition, they receive Rs. 15,000 per month until they reach the age of 65 years.
Prize Winning Contributions
The recent winners in 2016, 2017, and 2018 were awarded in New Delhi on National Science Day, which falls on the 28th of February every year. Amongst the 34 winners, Aditi Sen was the only female awardee, recognized for her outstanding work in quantum information and communication. Ganesan Venkatasubramanian was another notable recipient, honored for his work related to the psychiatric disorder, Schizophrenia.
| Year | Awardee | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Aditi Sen | Quantum Information and Communication |
| 2017 | Ganesan Venkatasubramanian | Schizophrenia Research |
| 2018 | Not available | Not available |
Knitwear Sector Development Scheme
To support the knitwear industry, the Union Minister of Textiles launched a comprehensive scheme under PowerTex India. The scheme focuses on creation of new service centers, modernization, upgradation of existing power loom service Centers (PSCs), facilitation, IT, awareness, market development and publicity for knitting and knitwear units.
About PowerTex India
PowerTex India, initiated by the Ministry of Textile in 2017, is a three-year comprehensive scheme aiming at the holistic development of the country’s Powerloom Sector. It includes various programs like branding, subsidies, exploring new markets, new research, and development in power loom textiles, as well as welfare schemes for the powerloom workers.
Eviction Order Stay by Supreme Court
The Supreme Court of India recently stayed its order directing the eviction of numerous Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers. The court was reviewing claims for forest land rights that had been previously rejected under the Forest Rights Act (FRA) of 2006.
Task Force on Offshore Rupee Market
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) formed an eight-member task force, led by former Deputy Governor Usha Thorat, to oversee the offshore rupee market. The task force aims to analyze the reasons behind the development of the offshore Rupee market, assess its effects, propose measures to generate incentives for non-residents to access the domestic market, and review any other relevant issues.
Hanoi Summit 2019
The United States (US) and North Korea recently participated in a summit in Hanoi, Vietnam. This was the second summit between the two nations, following the Singapore Summit in June 2018. Unfortunately, the talks ended abruptly due to disagreement over denuclearization and economic sanctions, and no declaration was signed.
