1: Introduction

- Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian honour of India, is earmarked for 2024’s five eminent personalities, namely Karpoori Thakur, Mankombu Sambasivan (MS) Swaminathan, Pamulaparthi Venkata (P. V.) Narasimha Rao, Lal Krishna Advani, and Chaudhary Charan Singh.

- These individuals have excelled in their respective fields of politics, governance, and agriculture, thereby significantly impacting the nation.

2: Profile of Awardees and Their Contributions

1. Karpoori Thakur:

   - Known as "Jan Nayak," he served twice as Chief Minister of Bihar.

   - Provided reservation benefits for OBCs, EBCs, women, and economically backward classes among upper castes.

   - Stress on social justice and inclusive development to uplift marginalised communities.

2. Mankombu Sambasivan (MS) Swaminathan:

   - Known as the ‘Father of India’s Green Revolution,’ he made substantial contributions towards agricultural technology and practices.

   - Advocated for fair prices for farm produce, sustainable farming, and development of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Right Act, 2001.

   - Recipient of prestigious awards like the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan.

3. Pamulaparthi Venkata (P. V.) Narasimha Rao:

   - As the 9th Prime Minister of India, he brought about the economic liberalisation of the country.

   - Modified India's foreign policy, strengthened relations with the United States and initiated ties with Israel.

   - His tenure saw the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts that mandated reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions and urban local bodies (ULBs).

4. Lal Krishna Advani:

   - Served as the 7th Deputy Prime Minister of India and as President of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

   - Known for his intellectual ability, upholding strong principles, and fostering the idea of a strong and prosperous India.

5. Chaudhary Charan Singh:

   - As the 5th Prime Minister of India and former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, he championed for peasant rights.

   - Promoted democracy, secularism, and social justice, and led Uttar Pradesh to abolish the zamindari system.

3: Trivia and Background Rules

- Despite the general guideline suggesting a maximum of three Bharat Ratna awards a year, 1999 and 2024 witnessed the conferring of this honour upon four and five recipients, respectively.

4: Significance for Current Affairs and General Knowledge

- In general, the profiles, contributions, and relevant discussion points related to these five Bharat Ratna awardees are crucial for aspirants preparing for government exams. They provide insights into the formation of various constitutional acts, the socio-economic transition of India, agricultural reforms, and major shifts in India's foreign policy. Such knowledge can significantly aid in tackling various sections of a competitive exam, including History, Geography, Civics, and Current Affairs.