Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2024: A New Dawn in India's Scientific Recognition 

- Introduction: The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) 2024 has been announced by the Indian government, elevating the approach of acknowledging remarkable scientific achievements.

- The awards ceremony is slated on the first National Space Day, 23rd August, commemorating the notable event of Chandrayaan-3 moon landing.

Understanding the Significance of Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar

- The RVP is a coveted collection of awards, saluting remarkable accomplishments by Indian origin scientists, technologists, and innovators, both domestic and international.

- These awards honour those who have profoundly impacted research, innovation, or discovery to benefit Indian communities or society.

- The RVP was introduced for the first time in 2024, replacing the previous science awards, including the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize, for a more holistic and modernised system of recognition.

- The awards are announced annually on 11th May, National Technology Day, and the Annual Award Ceremony takes place on National Space Day.

- Various categories under RVP include Physical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, and Engineering Sciences.

Comprehensive Look at the Categories and Eligibility of the Awards

- Vigyan Ratna honours lifetime achievements in any field of science and technology with maximum three awards given each year and is reserved for distinguished scientists and technologists.

- Vigyan Shri acknowledges singular contributions in a scientific or technological field, with a ceiling of 25 awards annually and is for individuals with remarkable achievements in their scientific or technological domains.

- Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar encourages young scientists under the age of 45 who've demonstrated extraordinary research or innovation, with up to 25 awards given each year.

- Vigyan Team awards a team of three or more for exceptional collaborative efforts in any science and technology field, with up to 3 team awards granted.

- Awardees receive a Sanad, a certificate signed by the President of India, and a brochure which includes the citation and photograph of awardees is published on the ceremony day.

The Key Awardees of the Inaugural Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2024

- Vigyan Ratna: The award was given to G. Padmanabhan for his lifetime achievements in the field of biological sciences, focusing on malaria parasites.

- Vigyan Team: The award was conferred upon the Chandrayaan-3 Team for their successful Moon-landing mission in 2023.

- Vigyan Shri: Awards were received by Annapurni Subramaniam, Jayant Bhalchandra Udgaonkar, and Naba Kumar Mondal for their distinguished achievements.

- Vigyan Yuva: The awardees included Vivek Polshettiwar, Urbasi Sinha, and Roxy Mathew Koll for their exceptional contributions in their respective fields. 

The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2024 undeniably symbolises a monumental stride towards applauding scientific accomplishments in India, providing a fresh and encompassing platform for acknowledging and inspiring present and future innovators.