What is Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP)?

Why in News?

• The ISRO- Chandrayan 3 Team will be awarded theVigyan Team award for their contribution in the field of Space Science and Technology.
• Celebrated biochemist Govindarajan Padmanabhan has been selected as the first recipient of the Vigyan Ratna Puraskar. 

About Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP):

• It is a new set of awards introduced by the Government of India in the field of Science, Technology, and Innovation.
• Objective: To recognize the notable and inspiring contributions made by scientists, technologists, and innovators individually or in teams in various fields of science, technology, and technology­-led innovation.
• It is one of the highest recognitions in the field of science, technology, and innovation in India.
• Eligibility:
• Scientists/ technologists/innovators working in government, private sector organizations, or any individual working outside any organization who have made distinguished contributions in terms of path-breaking research, innovation, or discovery in any field of science, technology, or technology- led innovation shall be eligible for the awards.
• People of Indian origin staying abroad with exceptional contributions benefiting Indian communities or society shall also be eligible for the awards.
• Scientists will be selected across 13 domains, namely Physics, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Mathematics & Computer Science, Earth Science, Medicine, Engineering Sciences, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Technology & Innovation, Atomic Energy, Space Science and Technology, and Others.
• The representation from each domain/field, including gender parity will be ensured.
• The awards shall be given in following four categories:
  • Vigyan Ratna (VR) award will recognize lifetime achievements and contributions made in any field of science and technology.
  • Vigyan Shri (VS) award will recognize distinguished contributions in any field of science and technology.
  • Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB) award will recognize and encourage young scientists up to the age of 45 years who made an exceptional contribution in any field of science and technology.
  • Vigyan Team (VT) award to be given to a team comprising three or more scientists/researchers/innovators who have made an exceptional contribution working in a team in any field of science and technology.
• All nominations received for the RVP awards are placed before the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar Committee (RVPC), headed by the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India.
• The award ceremony for all categories of awards will be held on 23rd August (National Space Day). All Awards will have a Sanad and a medal.

Q1: What is the Chandrayaan-3 Mission?

Chandrayaan-3 Mission is the second attempt of the Indian Space Research Organisation after the Chandrayaan-2 to demonstrate the capability of India in safe landing and roving on the lunar surface. The Lander Module of Chandrayaan-3 carrying the Lander, Vikram and Rover, Pragyan, made the historic soft landing on the surface of the Lunar South Pole on August 23, 2023. Thus, India became the first nation to soft-land on the surface of the Lunar south pole and overall the fourth to do a soft landing anywhere on the Earth’s natural satellite. Indian Space Research Organisation launched the Chandrayaan-3 Mission by using the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (LVM3) on 14th July 2023 from Sriharikota.

Source: ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 Team Among Those Selected For First-Ever Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2024. Full List Here