AWARDS & HONOURS
International Awards
Astrophysicist Dr. Annapurni Subramaniam Honored with COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal 2026
Renowned Indian astrophysicist Dr. Annapurni Subramaniam was conferred the prestigious COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal 2026 during the 46th COSPAR Scientific Assembly held in Florence, Italy.
The accolade, awarded jointly by the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) and ISRO, recognizes exceptional research achievements in astrophysics and space sciences.
Dr. Subramaniam achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Indian woman scientist and fourth Indian overall to win this honor, as well as the third female globally.
She currently serves as the Director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru, with additional charge of the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS).
The accolade, awarded jointly by the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) and ISRO, recognizes exceptional research achievements in astrophysics and space sciences.
Dr. Subramaniam achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Indian woman scientist and fourth Indian overall to win this honor, as well as the third female globally.
She currently serves as the Director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru, with additional charge of the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS).
Key Facts / Static GK
COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal Instituted: 1990
Frequency: Awarded every two years during COSPAR Scientific Assemblies
Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka
Frequency: Awarded every two years during COSPAR Scientific Assemblies
Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka
Practice Quiz — 5 August 2026
Q1. Which of the following statements regarding the RBI's updated Bulk Deposit Interest Rate Directions 2026 is/are correct?
Answer: (B) Both statements I and II are correct — Statement I: The framework allows differential rates on bulk deposits based on LCR run-off rates from October 1, 2026. Statement II: Commercial banks and SFBs share a bulk deposit threshold of ₹3 crore, while RRBs have a threshold of ₹1 crore.
Q2. Under the revised CGSMFI 2.0 guidelines, what is the mandatory minimum combined allocation percentage of guarantee cover reserved for small and medium MFIs?
Answer: (C) 15% — Banks must now allocate at least 15% of the total guarantee cover under CGSMFI 2.0 to small and medium-sized MFIs, replacing the previous segregated structure of 5% and 10%.
Q3. Which agency constructed the new Income Tax Department office complex 'Aayakar Sindhu' inaugurated in Mumbai?
Answer: (B) Central Public Works Department (CPWD) — The 'Aayakar Sindhu' office complex in Nariman Point, Mumbai, was constructed by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD).
Q4. Which Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) has partnered with Flipkart as the principal lending partner for 'Flipkart Pay Later'?
Answer: (B) PayU Finance — PayU Finance, the NBFC arm of PayU, serves as the primary licensed lender for the Flipkart Pay Later digital credit solution.
Q5. Which founding document led to the formal establishment of the Arctic Council in 1996?
Answer: (B) Ottawa Declaration — The Arctic Council was officially established in 1996 through the adoption of the Ottawa Declaration.
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