Name the award received by the following scientists in January 2023.
1. Shri Khadar Valli Dudekula
2. Shri Modadugu Vijay Gupta
3. Shri Ganesh Nagappa Krishnarajanagara
4. Shri Arvind Kumar
​

Correct option is A

​The correct answer is (a) Padma Shri

Explanation:

• All four scientists—Shri Khadar Valli Dudekula, Shri Modadugu Vijay Gupta, Shri Ganesh Nagappa Krishnarajanagara, and Shri Arvind Kumar—were conferred with the Padma Shri award in January 2023.
• This honor was bestowed upon them in recognition of their significant contributions to the field of Science & Engineering. The Padma Shri is India's fourth-highest civilian award, acknowledging distinguished service in various disciplines. ​

Information Booster:

• Shri Khadar Valli Dudekula (Karnataka): Renowned as the "Millet Man of India," Dr. Khadar Valli is a food and nutrition specialist who advocates the consumption of millets to combat lifestyle diseases like diabetes and hypertension. ​
• Shri Modadugu Vijay Gupta (Telangana): An eminent biologist and fisheries scientist, Dr. Gupta was awarded the World Food Prize in 2005 for developing low-cost techniques for freshwater fish farming, benefiting rural communities. ​
• Shri Ganesh Nagappa Krishnarajanagara (Andhra Pradesh): Recognized for his contributions to Science & Engineering, particularly in the field of agriculture and rural development. ​
• Shri Arvind Kumar (Uttar Pradesh): Honored for his work in Science & Engineering, contributing to advancements in medical sciences and public health.

Padma Awards – Historical Background

• Established: In 1954, alongside the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award.
• Original Classes (1954):
• Pahela Varg (Class I)
• Dusra Varg (Class II)
• Tisra Varg (Class III)
• Renaming (1955):
• These classes were renamed via Presidential Notification as:
• Padma Vibhushan
• Padma Bhushan
• Padma Shri