Global News

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Champion of Democracy: María Corina Machado Wins the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, recognizing her relentless struggle for democracy and civil rights in a country long gripped by political and economic turmoil.The Nobel Committee hailed Machado for “her tireless efforts to promote democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and her unyielding courage in pursuing a peaceful transition to democracy.”Known for her steadfast voice against the authoritarian rule of President Nicolás Maduro, Machado has faced intimidation, political disqualification, and periods of hiding. Yet she remained in Venezuela, rallying the fragmented opposition, inspiring citizens to vote, and leading a movement rooted in nonviolence and civic resistance.What the Nobel Peace Prize Stands ForThe Nobel Peace Prize, established through Alfred Nobel’s will in 1895, honors those who have made exceptional contributions toward peace and human rights. It is considered one of the world’s most prestigious recognitions, celebrating individuals or organizations that bring people together and advance freedom through peaceful means.This year’s selection reflects the Nobel Committee’s continuing commitment to uphold democratic ideals at a time when authoritarianism is on the rise across many nations. In awarding Machado, the Committee emphasized her embodiment of “civilian courage,” standing firm not with weapons, but with words and willpower.The Road to RecognitionMachado’s political journey began in the early 2000s when she co-founded Súmate, a civic group advocating for electoral transparency. Over the years, she emerged as one of the most prominent and fearless critics of the Venezuelan government, constantly demanding fair elections, free speech, and justice for political prisoners.Despite being banned from public office and often targeted by state propaganda, Machado continued to mobilize Venezuelans through peaceful activism. Her leadership has become a symbol of hope for millions longing for change in a nation battered by economic collapse, mass emigration, and human rights abuses.In her first response to the announcement, Machado said she was “in shock” but deeply honored. She dedicated the award to “every Venezuelan who has not given up on freedom,” calling it “a victory for all who continue to resist fear and despair with faith and courage.”The Contenders and Global AttentionThe 2025 Peace Prize drew intense speculation, with 338 nominations, including human rights activists, peace mediators, and even political figures like former U.S. President Donald Trump.However, the Nobel Committee’s final decision underscored its apolitical stance. The award to Machado reaffirms that true peace stems from democratic values, social justice, and nonviolent struggle, not from power or prestige.Her win also places Venezuela firmly back on the global stage, highlighting the country’s continuing crisis and the resilience of its people.Why the World Is WatchingMaría Corina Machado’s Nobel win carries significance far beyond Venezuela’s borders. It is a resounding message that peaceful dissent still matters, that voices of reason, even when silenced at home, can echo across the world.Her recognition is being seen as both a moral victory for Latin America and a warning to authoritarian regimes everywhere that oppression cannot erase the demand for freedom.As global democracy faces mounting challenges, Machado’s story reminds us that peace is not merely the absence of war, it is the presence of justice, dignity, and truth.

10 Oct 2025

Global News

The Survivors Who Changed the World: Meet This Year’s Nobel Peace Prize Winners

For its decades-long advocacy for peace and nuclear disarmament, Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese atomic bomb survivors' organization, has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Earlier, the Norwegian Nobel Committee praised their grassroots efforts to eliminate nuclear weapons, hailing the survivors—known as Hibakusha—for sharing their heart-wrenching testimonies of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. Through their persistent work, they have brought the horrors of nuclear warfare to the world's attention and emphasized the necessity of a world free from such catastrophic weapons.As survivors of the most devastating form of warfare humanity has ever seen, the Hibakusha have shouldered the burden of educating the world about the harrowing effects of nuclear bombs. With their memories and scars etched into history, Nihon Hidankyo has spent over 60 years campaigning to ensure that no one else ever has to endure such unimaginable pain.From Destruction to Determination: How Nihon Hidankyo BeganThe story of Nihon Hidankyo began over a decade after the atomic bombings that reduced Hiroshima and Nagasaki to ruins, causing immense devastation and loss. Formed on August 10, 1956, the organization emerged from the second World Conference against A and H Bombs, which was convened in response to mounting concerns over nuclear testing—particularly following the United States’ hydrogen bomb test on March 1, 1954. This test sent shockwaves worldwide, highlighting the terrifying reality of nuclear weapons.The survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki—those who had endured the horrors of atomic bombs—came together to form Nihon Hidankyo, determined to raise their voices. They shared their personal experiences, not out of anger, but with a deep hope that their suffering would ignite a global movement to eliminate nuclear weapons forever.Source:Google ImagesThe Heart of the MovementAt the core of Nihon Hidankyo’s mission are the powerful and deeply moving testimonies of the Hibakusha. These survivors have spoken, time and time again, about the incomprehensible suffering caused by nuclear weapons. Their testimonies have not only educated the world about the human cost of nuclear warfare but have also humanized the abstract threat of nuclear armament.The Norwegian Nobel Committee, in their official release, highlighted the significance of these stories. Hibakusha’s stories of surviving the bombings and their aftermath have touched hearts and minds across the globe, prompting critical discussions on disarmament and peace.A Movement of Global ChangeNihon Hidankyo's efforts have extended far beyond Japan. As early as 1975, Yukimune Hajime, a co-chairperson of the organization, joined the people's delegation to the United Nations to advocate for an international treaty to ban nuclear weapons. This was not just an isolated action; it marked the beginning of a worldwide push for disarmament, leading to deeper investigations into the real-life impacts of nuclear bombings and furthering research into the suffering endured by the Hibakusha.In 1985, the organization sent delegations to the five nuclear-armed nations, petitioning their governments to work toward the elimination of nuclear weapons. This bold and courageous move demonstrated that Nihon Hidankyo's commitment to peace was not bound by borders—it was a global call for justice and humanity.Their voice has been steady over the years, even when faced with opposition or indifference. It is this steadfast persistence that has earned them respect and admiration. In 2005, during his Nobel Peace Prize Award Ceremony speech, Professor Ole Danbolt Mjos, the chairperson of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, made an exceptional reference to the Hibakusha and Nihon Hidankyo, saluting their ongoing efforts. In 2010, the organization was honored with the Peace Summit Award for Social Activism at the 11th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates.They have built a global network united by a single goal: the total elimination of nuclear weapons.A Future Free of Nuclear WeaponsNihon Hidankyo’s journey, from its founding in 1956 to its Nobel Peace Prize victory in 2024, is a powerful example of how individuals, even those who have endured the worst of humanity's atrocities, can rise up and create positive, lasting change. The organization's dedication to peace has brought international attention to the devastating effects of nuclear weapons. Their unrelenting advocacy for disarmament has inspired countless others to join the cause.

21 Oct 2024

Global News

Good News

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From Smelly Shoes to Global Acclaim: Indian Scientists Win Ig Nobel 2025 for Ingenious Everyday Innovation

On September 18, 2025, in Boston, two Indian researchers captured global attention at the Ig Nobel Prize ceremony, an event known for celebrating the unusual, humorous, yet thought-provoking side of science. Vikas Kumar, Assistant Professor of Design at Shiv Nadar University, and his student, Sarthak Mittal, were honoured in the engineering design category for their inventive shoe rack that eliminates unpleasant odors a problem familiar to anyone living in multi-story buildings. Kumar recalled the surreal moment when they first learned about their award: “At first, we thought someone was playing a prank on us. Later, emails and calls from the chief editor, Mark Abrahams, made us realize that this was real.” Their achievement shows that even the smallest, everyday problems can spark groundbreaking innovation.From Hostel Observation to Scientific InquiryThe idea for the award-winning project originated in a student hostel. Mittal noticed that fellow students often placed their shoes outside their rooms. “Initially, I thought it was due to lack of space,” Mittal said. “But later I realized the real culprit was odor.” This simple observation led to rigorous research. Kumar and Mittal examined medical literature, discovering that shoe odor is caused by bacterial accumulation. To counter this, they designed a shoe rack equipped with an ultraviolet (UV) lamp similar to the lamps used in water purification systems to sanitize shoes and prevent odor.The Ig Nobel: Celebrating the Unusual in ScienceThe Ig Nobel Prizes were founded in 1991 by the science humour magazine Annals of Improbable Research. Conceived as a playful counterweight to the Nobel Prizes, the Ig Nobel highlights studies that make people laugh first, then think.While the awards may seem whimsical, they address serious scientific questions in creative ways. Previous Indian laureates include a 2003 study calculating the surface area of elephants and a 2020 Peace Prize shared with Pakistan for diplomats secretly ringing each other’s doorbells at midnight. This year, Kumar and Mittal’s award marked India’s 22nd Ig Nobel Prize, reinforcing the country’s growing presence in unconventional research.Highlights from Ig Nobel 2025The 2025 Ig Nobel ceremony highlighted a range of unusual yet scientifically intriguing studies that captured both humor and curiosity. The Peace Prize went to Germany’s Jessica Werthmann, who examined how moderate alcohol consumption can improve a person’s ability to speak a foreign language. In Literature, William Bean from the USA studied his fingernails over 35 years, publishing related medical insights. Researchers from Australia, Canada, and Poland won the Psychology prize for investigating how telling narcissists they are smart affects their performance. The Nutrition award was shared by teams from Nigeria, Togo, Italy, and France, who studied rainbow lizards eating pizza to understand the impact of urbanization on animal diets. In Pediatrics, American scientists Julie Manella and Gary Beauchamp found that garlic consumed by breastfeeding mothers influences breast milk flavor and, in turn, infants’ moods. Japanese researchers in Biology painted cows with zebra-like stripes, discovering that it reduced insect attraction.Chemistry honorees from Israel and the USA explored whether swallowing Teflon affects satiety. In Aviation, an international team studied how alcohol influences bats’ flying ability.European scientists in Physics investigated why pasta sauces sometimes form lumps. While eccentric, these studies reveal a deeper curiosity about the natural and social world, demonstrating that research can be both playful and meaningful.Everyday Science What makes Kumar and Mittal’s work particularly relatable is its grounding in everyday human experiences. Almost everyone has encountered smelly shoes, whether in a hostel, apartment, or gym locker. The project demonstrates how scientific inquiry begins with human experience. Mittal’s observation of fellow students sparked questions, leading to experiments, research, and ultimately, global recognition. This human element—the curiosity and empathy behind the experiment—is what relates with people worldwide.Science That Makes You Think and SmileThe 2025 Ig Nobel Prizes captured the imagination of scientists and the public alike. From odor-fighting shoe racks in India to zebra-striped cows in Japan, the ceremony highlighted how curiosity, creativity, and humor intersect in research.For Vikas Kumar and Sarthak Mittal, winning the Ig Nobel is more than recognition; it is a celebration of curiosity sparked by observation, ingenuity, and a desire to improve human experience. Their award demonstrates that science does not always have to be grandiose to be impactful; it just needs to address real-world challenges with insight, imagination, and a touch of fun. In a world often focused on high-stakes achievements, the Ig Nobel serves as a reminder: sometimes, making people laugh first can inspire them to think deeply, and that is true science.

24 Sep 2025

Good News

Shape up, Bacteria: Nobel Prize-Winning Antibiotic Discovery Could Revolutionize Medicine and Save Lives

A groundbreaking discovery in the field of antibiotics has won the 2022 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. The discovery, made by a team of scientists, has the potential to revolutionize the way antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, and could save countless lives in the process.   The breakthrough involves a new type of antibiotic that uses shapeshifting chemistry to attack bacterial cells. Traditional antibiotics work by targeting specific structures within the cell, but bacteria can quickly develop resistance to these drugs by mutating their structure. The new antibiotics, however, use a shapeshifting mechanism that allows them to adapt to the changing structure of the bacterial cell, making it much harder for the bacteria to develop resistance.   The discovery is particularly significant because antibiotic resistance is a growing problem worldwide. As bacteria become resistant to traditional antibiotics, it becomes more difficult to treat bacterial infections, and many people die as a result. The new antibiotics offer a potential solution to this problem, as they are less likely to be affected by bacterial resistance.   The Nobel Prize-winning discovery has been hailed as a life-saving breakthrough by medical experts around the world. It is expected to have a significant impact on the way antibiotics are developed and used, and could help to stem the tide of antibiotic resistance.  

5 May 2023

Good News

Positive Reads

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Six Indian Scientists Who Were Nominated for Nobel Prize: Recognizing Contributions to Science

Six Indian scientists have been nominated for the prestigious Nobel Prize in recognition of their groundbreaking contributions to the field of science. Each scientist has made significant strides in their respective fields, demonstrating their commitment to advancing knowledge and pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration. The first scientist, Thiruvengadam Rajendram Seshadri, was nominated for his pioneering research in chemistry. His work encompassed various areas, including antimalarial drugs, plant chemistry, and pigments of cotton flowers. Despite his nomination for the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1966, the honor went to Robert S. Mulliken that year. Another notable nominee, Gopalasamudram Narayanan Ramachandran, made remarkable contributions to molecular biophysics and the study of protein structures. Though nominated for the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, he did not receive the accolade. Dr. Upendranath Brahmachari, a Bengali doctor, received two nominations for his discovery of urea stibamine, a potential treatment for kalaazar. However, he did not win the Nobel Prize. Undeterred, Brahmachari continued his research in malaria, leprosy, and influenza. Satyendra Nath Bose, an Indian physicist, was recognized for his contributions to Bose-Einstein statistics, which aids in the study of indistinguishable particles. Despite the value of his work, he was not awarded the Nobel Prize. Homi Jehangir Bhabha, known as one of India's greatest scientists, received five nominations for the Nobel Prize. While he did not receive the honor, his work as the architect of India's nuclear energy program and his contributions to quantum theory and cosmic radiation garnered international recognition. Meghnad Saha, a renowned physicist, received multiple nominations for his groundbreaking Saha-Langmuir equation, which revolutionized the field of astrophysics. Financial constraints prevented him from further publishing his theories, possibly affecting his chances of winning the Nobel Prize. These Indian scientists' nominations for the Nobel Prize highlight their remarkable contributions to the scientific community, inspiring future generations of researchers to push the boundaries of knowledge and make groundbreaking discoveries.

4 Jan 2024

Positive Reads

Wanderlust

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Whispers of Wisdom: Unveiling the Enchanted Legacy of Santiniketan

Santiniketan, a small town nestled in the heart of West Bengal, India, is a place where vibrant culture and captivating history converge. It pulsates with the echoes of an extraordinary visionary who carved its destiny - Rabindranath Tagore, the legendary poet, Nobel laureate, and philosopher. In 1901, Tagore breathed life into Santiniketan, fashioning it into an experimental school that defied convention. Like a phoenix rising, this humble institution would later blossom into the illustrious Visva-Bharati University in 1921. Even today, its hallowed halls resound with intellectual curiosity and boundless creativity. Visva-Bharati University stands as a testament to Tagore's audacious spirit, embracing a pioneering approach to education. Here, disciplines intertwine, harmonizing the arts, humanities, and sciences. It is a crucible where traditional wisdom meets modern thought, where innovation blooms and boundaries dissolve. But the allure of Santiniketan extends far beyond academia. UNESCO, the global custodian of cultural heritage, has acknowledged the profound influence of the Tagore family and the town itself. They have honored Santiniketan by designating it as a Creative City of Literature, a distinction that illuminates the profound impact of Tagore's literary genius and his dedication to the arts and education. With this accolade, Santiniketan emerges as a magnetic force, drawing in artists, writers, and scholars from every corner of the globe Here, the spirit of Tagore dances in the breeze, resonates in the rustling leaves, and imbues the very essence of this enchanting town. Santiniketan remains an eternal muse, igniting the flames of imagination in each new generation of thinkers and artists. Shantiniketan remains a vibrant cultural hub, attracting artists, writers, and scholars from around the world. The town's rich history and cultural heritage continue to inspire new generations of thinkers and artists, who strive to carry forward Tagore's legacy of creativity, social justice, and education for all.

7 Jul 2023

Wanderlust

Global Inspirations

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Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed’s Peace Efforts Have Earned Him the Nobel Peace Prize for 2019

Abiy Ahmed, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia has been hailed as a visionary and reformer. His successful efforts for peace with neighboring foe Eritrea has spread hope across Africa to nations that have been affected by civil unrest. Abiy Ahmed’s Peace Efforts The Nobel committee said that Abiy was honored for his efforts to achieve peace and international cooperation, and in particular for his decisive initiative to resolve the border conflict with neighboring Eritrea. When Abiy took office in April last year he initiated policies to transform societies in the Horn of Africa that have been adversely affected by border conflicts and civil unrest. He formally ended a  20-year-old stalemate between Ethiopia and Eritrea in the historic meeting with the Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki. He immediately freed dissident from jail, apologized for state brutality and welcomed home exiled groups. The Nobel Committee The Nobel committee chose from more than 300 nominations this year which included activist Greta Thunberg who was s strong contender. The committee believed that this award will encourage Abiy Ahmed to push on the peace initiatives in the right direction spreading winds of hope in Africa that have been marred by violence, border issues and civil unrest. Abiy Ahmed said that he was thrilled and humbled to hear the news. "It is a prize given to Africa, given to Ethiopia", he said. Image Source: Common Dreams

13 Oct 2019

Global Inspirations

American Trio Awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine

Americans Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash and Michael W. Young have won the Nobel Prize in Medicine. They were awarded the 9-million-kronor ($1.1 million) prize for their discoveries about the body's daily rhythms, opening up whole new fields of research and raising awareness about the importance of getting proper sleep. The American trio was able to peek into the body’s biological clock and study how it worked which was a mystery until now. All living beings have a biological clock that attunes the functions of the body to the fluctuations of the day. This adaptation is called circadian rhythm and it influences sleep, behavior, hormone levels, body temperature and metabolism. Juleen Zierath of the Nobel academy said that the winners have raised "awareness of the importance of a proper sleep hygiene." Michael Hastings, a scientist at the U.K. Medical Research Council, said the discoveries had opened up a whole new field of study for biology and medicine. Mr. Rosbash and Mr. Hall along with Mr. Young isolated the “period gene” in fruit flies. Mr. Hall and Mr. Rosbash found that a protein encoded by the gene accumulated during the night and degraded during daytime. Later, Mr. Young discovered another "clock gene" that encoded the TIM protein that was required for a normal circadian rhythm. The Nobel Assembly said in its prize statement that the paradigm-shifting discoveries by the laureates established key mechanisms for the biological clock.

3 Oct 2017

Global Inspirations