The prestigious Bharat Ratna award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu to four well-deserving recipients, including former Prime Ministers PV Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh. The ceremony, held at the historic Durbar Hall in Rashtrapati Bhawan, also honoured agronomist MS Swaminathan. The posthumous recognition of these iconic leaders is a testament to their immense contributions to the nation.
Bharat Ratna: India's Highest Civilian Honor
The Bharat Ratna is India's highest civilian award, bestowed upon individuals who have made exceptional contributions to various fields, including art, literature, science, and public service. Instituted in 1954, this prestigious award is presented by the President of India.
Recent Bharat Ratna Ceremony
On November 23, 2022, President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Bharat Ratna award upon four distinguished recipients:
This recognition acknowledges their profound impact on shaping India's destiny.
Bharat Ratna: Background and Significance
The Bharat Ratna was initially conceived during the administration of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. The first awards were presented in 1955 to renowned scholars C.V. Raman, Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, and S. Radhakrishnan. Over the years, it has been bestowed upon some of the most illustrious individuals in Indian history, including:
The Bharat Ratna carries immeasurable prestige and recognition, symbolizing the gratitude of the nation for extraordinary achievements.
Top 5 FAQs on Bharat Ratna
Q1. What is the eligibility criterion for Bharat Ratna? A. The award is restricted to citizens of India who have rendered exceptional service in the fields of art, literature, science, and public service.
Q2. How many Bharat Ratnas have been awarded? A. As of 2022, a total of 49 individuals have received the Bharat Ratna award.
Q3. Can a person receive the Bharat Ratna posthumously? A. Yes, the award has been granted posthumously on several occasions, including to Lata Mangeshkar in 2022.
Q4. Who is the youngest recipient of Bharat Ratna? A. Malala Yousafzai received the award in 2014 at the age of 17.
Q5. What is the medal design of Bharat Ratna? A. The medal consists of a gold disk with a lotus flower encircled by a wreath of ears of corn. The words "Bharat Ratna" are inscribed in Hindi at the top.
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The Navi Mumbai Police have taken swift action against a meat shop owner who marked a goat with the name 'RAM' in yellow, angering several Hindu organisations ahead of the Eid al-Adha festival. The incident has sparked widespread outrage online, with many accusing the owner of deliberately inciting the Hindu community by writing the name on a goat set to be slaughtered in public. An investigation is ongoing, and the shop owner has been detained.
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Following recent remarks made by Elon Musk regarding the elimination of EVMs, Opposition leaders have expressed doubts about the credibility and transparency of India's electoral process. Congress's Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav have both called for greater scrutiny and accountability of EVMs, with Gandhi going so far as to say that democracy becomes a "sham" without these measures. With allegations of tampering and the reluctance of BJP to use ballot papers, the use of technology in elections has come under scrutiny and experts are calling for greater oversight.
As Prime Minister Modi and Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau met for the first time at the G7 Summit, tensions between the two countries have reached a boiling point. Trudeau's explosive allegations against India and subsequent discussions during their meeting have caused a buzz, with Trudeau citing sensitivity in not delving into the details of the conversation. India had previously denounced the allegations as baseless, but with the meeting at the G7 Summit, it seems the two leaders are attempting to repair the strained bilateral relationship.