Why in News?
Astrophysicist Annapurni Subramaniam has been awarded the COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal 2026 for her outstanding contributions to space research. She is the director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru. She became the first Indian woman scientist and the fourth Indian to receive this prestigious international honour.
About the COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal
- The COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal is jointly awarded by the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
- It was instituted in 1990 in memory of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai (the father of India's space programme).
- The medal recognises scientists from developing countries for their outstanding contributions to space research.
