Indian Climate Scientist Veerbhadran Ramanathan Wins Prestigious Crawford Award
Indian-American climate scientist Veerbhadran Ramanathan has been announced as the recipient of the 2026 Crawford Award in Geosciences by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. Often referred to as the "Nobel of Geosciences," the award recognizes his pioneering research on super-pollutants and atmospheric brown clouds, which provided new insights into global warming.
At age 82, Ramanathan made a historic discovery in 1975 while working at NASA. He demonstrated that chlorofluorocarbons used in aerosols and refrigeration trap heat in the atmosphere up to 10,000 times more effectively than CO2.
Cuba-US Talks Amid Tensions
A senior Cuban official stated that while the Cuban government is not currently in negotiations with the United States, they are open to discussions if certain conditions are met. This comment follows a threat by former US President Donald Trump to impose tariffs on oil-supplying countries to Cuba. Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez De Cossio said, “We are ready for talks. Perhaps this could open the way for dialogue to maintain a respectful coexistence, despite differences between our countries.” However, he emphasized that Cuba's constitution, economy, and socialist system remain non-negotiable. Cuba faces a severe economic crisis, ongoing power outages, disrupted oil shipments from Venezuela, and US sanctions, resulting in estimated losses exceeding $7.5 billion between March 2024 and February 2025.
India-Israel Environmental Initiative
In Israel's Moshav Nevatim, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "One Tree for Mother" campaign was celebrated alongside the Jewish festival of Tu Bishvat, with at least 300 trees planted. Tu Bishvat is recognized as an environmental awareness day in Israel. Hundreds participated in the event, organized by the Indian Embassy in collaboration with Keren Kayemet LeIsrael and Moshav Nevatim. The initiative highlighted environmental sustainability, community engagement, and the shared commitment between India and Israel.
Officials present included Rami Rozen, Director General of Israel's Environmental Ministry, JP Singh, Indian Ambassador to Israel, and Neer Jamir, Head of the Bnei Shimon Regional Council. Singh emphasized that the trees would serve as enduring symbols of India-Israel friendship, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
Nepal PM Sushila Karki on Jen-Zi Revolt
Nepal's Prime Minister Sushila Karki described the Jen-Zi revolt of 8-9 September as a reflection of governmental failures. Addressing the National Assembly, she stated that the uprising represented youth frustration over neglected aspirations, widespread corruption, and poor governance. She acknowledged that delays in accountability by the executive, judiciary, and legislature caused significant national damage. The government declared the deceased participants as martyrs and provided relief to their families, alongside historic agreements with the protesters regarding their demands.
Regarding upcoming elections, PM Karki stated that nomination processes for the House of Representatives elections on 5 March have been completed. Most weapons looted during the revolt have been recovered, and an integrated security plan has been implemented. She called on all parties to conduct elections in a clean and fear-free environment, emphasizing that the process represents the start of a new political culture rather than just selecting representatives.