National Geoscience Awards-2023

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Context:

• The President of India conferred the prestigious National Geoscience Awards (NGA) for the year 2023 at a grand ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre.

About National Geoscience Awards (NGA)

• The National Geoscience Awards (NGA) are among the most prestigious recognitions in the field of geosciences in India.
• Instituted by the Ministry of Mines in 1966, these awards aim to acknowledge and honor outstanding contributions and achievements in various geoscientific fields.
• Eligibility: Any citizen of India with significant contribution in any field of geosciences is eligible for the award.

Historical Context

• Before 2009, these awards were known as the National Mineral Awards.
• The renaming of National Geoscience Awards reflects a broader scope, encompassing various branches of geosciences beyond mineralogy.
• The primary objective remains to celebrate extraordinary achievements and to encourage further advancements in the field.

Award Categories

The NGAs are conferred in three primary categories:

1. National Geoscience Award for Lifetime Achievement: This award honors individuals who have made lifelong contributions to the field of geosciences.
2. National Geoscience Award: This is given for significant contributions in specific geoscientific fields.
3. National Young Geoscientist Award: This award recognizes young scientists who have shown exceptional promise in geosciences.

Screening and Selection Process

The selection process for the NGAs is rigorous and involves multiple stages:

• Nominations: For the 2023 awards, 240 nominations were received across various categories.
• Three-Stage Screening: These nominations undergo a meticulous three-stage screening process to ensure that only the most deserving candidates are selected.

Conclusion

• The National Geoscience Awards play a crucial role in recognizing and promoting excellence in geosciences in India.
• By honoring the achievements of distinguished geoscientists, these awards inspire future generations to contribute significantly to this vital scientific discipline.

Reference

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2046669#:~ 

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. The National Geoscience Awards are given by the Government of India to recognize outstanding contributions in the field of geoscience. Which of the following statements about the National Geoscience Awards is/are correct? The awards are presented annually by the Ministry of Mines. They cover various categories, including exploration, research, and environmental management. The awards are open only to individuals and do not include institutional categories. Which of the above-given statements is/are NOT correct? A. 1 and 2 only B. 1 and 3 only C. 2 and 3 only D. 1, 2, and 3 Answer: B