Citing India's improving position globally in scientific publications, Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Dr. Harsh Vardhan has said that India's performance in research has been promising and impressive in recent years. In a a written reply in Lok Sabha yesterday, the Minister said the country's ranking in worldwide scientific publications has improved from 12th in 2005 to 6th in 2013. <br/><br/>India is also having a remarkable growth rate of 13.4 percent in its number of research publications as against the world average of 4.4 per cent during 2005 to 2013. Dr. Harsh Vardhan told the house that the schemes like INSPIRE, Faculty Scheme of Department of Science and Technology, and the Fellowships and Awards instituted by Government are all meant for recognition of indigenous talent and outstanding contribution of Indian scientists.