Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar

• Context (PIB): GoI invited individuals or teams for nominations to “Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar“.

• Nominations can be submitted through the Ministry of Home Affairs Award Portal.
• The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) coordinates the awards.
• Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar will be announced on National Technology Day (May 11, 2024).
• The Award Ceremony for all categories is on National Space Day (August 23, 2024).

Rastriya Vigyan Puraskar

• The award recognises the outstanding contributions of researchers, technologists, and innovators in various fields of science and technology.
• It aims to recognize lifetime achievements and distinguished contributions and encourage young scientists and exceptional teams in various science and technology domains.

Award Categories

• Vigyan Ratna (VR): Maximum of 3 awards for lifetime achievements.
• Vigyan Shri (VS): Maximum of 25 awards for distinguished contributions.
• Vigyan Yuva: Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award: Maximum of 25 awards for young scientists.
• Vigyan Team (VT) award: Maximum of 3 awards for exceptional team contributions.

Domains for Recognition

• Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar is given in 13 domains: 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.

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) It is a premier scientific and industrial research organization in India, established in 1942 by Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar. It operates as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Science and Technology. Some of its notable achievements include the development of the first synthetic anti-malarial drug (Elubaquine & Arteether), the discovery of the anti-leprosy drug (Mycobacterium MW), and advancements in aerospace technologies. National Technology Day It is observed annually on May 11 to commemorate India’s successful nuclear tests conducted on May 11, 1998, in Pokhran, Rajasthan. Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee coined it. The day emphasizes the crucial role of technology in national development and encourages continued investment and innovation. National Space Day It is celebrated every year on August 23 to mark the historic landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the lunar South Pole in 2023. It aims to celebrate India’s technological feat, acknowledge country’s growing prominence in space exploration, & motivate the younger generation to pursue careers in space science & technology.