Bharat Ratna for P.V. Narasimha Rao, Charan Singh, MS Swaminathan

Source-This post on Bharat Ratna for P.V. Narasimha Rao, Charan Singh, MS Swaminathan is based on the article “M.S. Swaminathan, P.V. Narasimha Rao, Charan Singh to get Bharat Ratna” published in “The Hindu” on 9th February 2024.

Why in the News?

The government has recently announced that the Bharat Ratna will be conferred on former PM P.V. Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh, as well as Green Revolution pioneer M.S. Swaminathan. 
This is in addition to the two recipients previously announced earlier this year — socialist leader Karpoori Thakur and former Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani.

Who were P.V. Narasimha Rao, Chaudhary Charan Singh, and M.S. Swaminathan?

Note- PV Narshima Rao was the first PM from southern India.

About Bharat Ratna

1) About– Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award of India, instituted in 1954.

2) Domain of recognition– The award initially honored contributions in arts, literature, science, and public services. However, in December 2011, its scope was expanded to include ‘any field of human endeavor‘.

3) First recipients– Scientists Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman, C. Rajagopalachari and Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan.

4) Non Indians– The award has also been given to non-Indians – Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan and Nelson Mandela.

5) Recommendation for Bharat Ratna-The recommendations for Bharat Ratna are made by the Prime Minister to the President.

6) Bharat Ratna Award Limit:
a. The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of three in a particular year.
b. However, in 2024, five Bharat Ratna awards were announced, one more than the four announced in 1999. This marks the highest number ever conferred in a single year.

7) Title guidelines:
a. According to Article 18 (1) of the Constitution, the Bharat Ratna cannot be used as a prefix or suffix to the recipient’s name.
b. However, if the award holder wishes to indicate they have received the award, they may do so in their biodata, letterhead, or visiting card.

UPSC Syllabus- Personalities in news/Miscellaneous/History Art and Culture