Current Context : Uttar Pradesh (UP) has achieved the highest number of student nominations in India under the INSPIRE Award MANAK scheme for 2023–24, registering 2,80,747 entries, the highest since the program began.

ABOUT THE SCHEME

• Full Form – Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge (MANAK)
• Implemented By – Department of Science and Technology, Government of India
• Target Group – Students of classes 6 to 12
• Purpose – To promote original ideas, creativity, and scientific innovation among students

UP’s ACHIEVEMENT

• Total nominations: 2,80,747 in 2023–24, a rise of 70,000 from the previous year.
• Districts with the highest entries: Pratapgarh, Prayagraj, Lucknow, and Hardoi.
• 22 of India’s top 50 districts in nominations are from Uttar Pradesh.

COMPARATIVE DATA

• Rajasthan – 1,41,142 nominations
• Karnataka – 1,01,656 nominations
• UP surpasses Rajasthan by 1.39 lakh and Karnataka by 1.79 lakh.

SIGNIFICANCE

• Reflects UP’s strong push towards STEM education and innovation culture.
• Encourages participation from both urban and rural schools, including government and Sanskrit institutions.