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SciTech0164 – Indira Gandhi Prize 2014: Why ISRO Won It

The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace usually honours diplomats or global leaders. In 2014, it went to a space agency instead.

ISRO’s Mars Orbiter Mission spacecraft. Photo by Indian Space Research Organisation, via Wikimedia Commons. Licensed under GODL-India.

📑 Contents

🏛️ Must Know

Who Won the 2014 Prize

ISRO Won It The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2014 went to a space agency. That agency was the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Not the Other Three Institutions Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and the Indian Institute of Science were not the 2014 recipients. Neither was the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research.
Recognised for Mangalyaan ISRO was honoured largely for the success of the Mars Orbiter Mission, launched in 2013.

📘 Good to Know

What This Prize Actually Recognises

Established in 1986 The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development has been awarded annually since 1986.
A Broad Eligibility It can go to individuals or institutions worldwide working toward peace, disarmament, or development, not just India-based ones.
Space Science as Development ISRO’s win reflects how space science is treated as a genuine development contribution, not just a scientific milestone.

📝 Previous Year Questions

UPSC CSP 2015 — Who Received the 2014 Indira Gandhi Prize

UPSC 2015 ISRO received the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2014, not the other three institutions listed. See UPSC CSP 2015 GS Paper I, Q50. View this question.

🌟 Great to Know

Why ISRO’s Mars Mission Was Such a Big Deal

First-Attempt Success India became the first country to successfully place a spacecraft in Mars orbit on its very first attempt.
Remarkably Low Cost The mission’s total cost was famously lower than the budget of some Hollywood space films, drawing global attention.
Connects to Other PYQ Facts This same Mars Orbiter Mission success is also tested directly in other UPSC questions about Mangalyaan’s specific achievements.