IIT Bombay's Professor Karthikeyan Lanka Receives NASI Young Scientist Award 2026

Key Facts

• Professor Karthikeyan Lanka is an Associate Professor at IIT Bombay's Centre of Studies in Resources Engineering and an associate faculty member in the Interdisciplinary Programme in Climate Studies.
• He was selected for the NASI Young Scientist Award 2026 by the National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI).
• The 96th Annual Session and Symposium of NASI is scheduled to be held on 4–5 December 2026 at Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi.
• NASI was established in 1930 and is one of India's oldest science academies, headquartered in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
• Professor Lanka's research areas include remote sensing of terrestrial processes, land-atmosphere interactions, and agricultural droughts.
• Remote sensing involves the use of satellite and airborne data to study Earth's surface.
• Land-atmosphere interaction is a key theme in climate and environmental studies.
• The NASI Young Scientist Award is given to early-career scientists in different scientific disciplines.
• The 2026 award list includes other scientists such as Professor Ankit Agarwal, Dr. Ashutosh K. Singh, and Dr. Akanksha Singh.

Background & Context

The National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI), founded in 1930, is among the oldest scientific academies in India, with its headquarters in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. It contributes to the promotion of science in India through organizing annual sessions, symposia, and recognizing outstanding scientists via awards. The NASI Young Scientist Award is a prestigious recognition for early-career scientists contributing significantly to their fields.

IIT Bombay's Centre of Studies in Resources Engineering (CSRE) specializes in studies related to earth and environmental sciences, especially utilizing remote sensing technologies. Professor Karthikeyan Lanka's interdisciplinary research combines satellite data analysis and climate studies to explore terrestrial processes, land-atmosphere interactions, and agricultural droughts, which are critical areas in understanding environmental dynamics and climate change impacts.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

Current affairs related to Indian scientific awards and notable scientists are commonly asked in competitive examinations including civil services, state PSCs, and other government exams. Details about NASI, its history, and awards like the Young Scientist Award are relevant for science and technology sections. IIT Bombay's contributions to research, especially via its CSRE, and events like NASI's Annual Session at Banaras Hindu University can appear in questions focusing on research institutions and campuses, science awards, or geography.

Knowing key facts such as NASI's year of establishment (1930), headquarters (Prayagraj), event details (96th NASI Annual Session in December 2026 at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi), and prominent awardees strengthens answer quality in exams.

Points to Remember

• NASI (National Academy of Sciences, India) was established in 1930 and is based in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
• Professor Karthikeyan Lanka of IIT Bombay has been selected for the NASI Young Scientist Award 2026.
• The 96th NASI Annual Session and Symposium will be held at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, on 4–5 December 2026.
• Remote sensing and land-atmosphere interaction are key research areas at IIT Bombay, particularly under Professor Lanka's work.
• The NASI Young Scientist Award honors outstanding early-career scientists in various scientific disciplines across India.