Soma Mandal recognized as South Asia regional winner in Cambridge Awards 2026
Soma Mandal has been named the South Asia regional winner of the Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards 2026, for outstanding work in environmental and climate change education. The accolade, announced by Cambridge University Press & Assessment, highlights Mandal’s efforts to engage students with climate issues, promote sustainability, and foster practical problem solving. Her approach emphasizes safe and inspiring classroom environments and leadership development among students. The Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards annually honor educators who transform student lives through innovative teaching. Mandal’s recognition reflects India’s strong commitment to integrating environmental literacy into school curricula and community outreach.
Award: Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards 2026, South Asia regional winner
Field: Environmental and climate change education
Recognizing body: Cambridge University Press & Assessment
Impact: Student engagement and practical climate solutions
Focus: Safe classrooms and student leadership
Significance: International recognition for Indian educators
May 06, 2026
Anand RK, Suparna Sharma Win 2026 Pulitzer Prize
Indian illustrator Anand RK, freelance investigative journalist Suparna Sharma and Bloomberg’s Natalie Obiko Pearson won the 2026 Pulitzer Prize in Illustrated Reporting and Commentary on 4 May 2026 for a visual investigation into India’s digital arrest scam, titled trAPPed. Anand RK is based in Mumbai and is known for graphic storytelling in investigative journalism. Suparna Sharma has three decades of experience addressing systemic failures and human impact. The Pulitzer Prize, administered by Columbia University, recognises a combination of reporting and visual storytelling that uncovers important societal issues for readers worldwide.
PM Modi congratulates Indian winners at Brazil Dairy Awards 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Indian cheesemakers for a strong showing at Mundial do Queijo do Brasil 2026, noting an impressive debut as Indian artisanal entries won four medals, including a Super Gold. Eleftheria Gulmarg (Brie-style) secured the Super Gold, while Yak Churpi-Soft from Leh’s Nordic Farm and Eleftheria Brunost (Whey Cheese) won Gold. Eleftheria Kaali Miri (Belper Knolle style) earned Silver. Officials Mausam Narang and Thenlay Nurboo were also acknowledged. Modi described the results as a milestone for India’s global dairy reputation and a testament to the growing skill and creativity of Indian cheese makers on the world stage.
Four medals won by Indian cheesemakers
Eleftheria Gulmarg wins Super Gold (Brie-style)
Gold: Yak Churpi-Soft (Nordic Farm) and Eleftheria Brunost
Winners Mausam Narang and Thenlay Nurboo acknowledged
PM Modi calls it a milestone for India’s dairy export profile
Apr 22, 2026
Goldman Environmental Prize 2026 Announces First All-Women Cohort
Goldman Environmental Prize 2026 honoured the first all-women cohort of environmental leaders. The award, often called the 'Green Nobel', recognises grassroots activists protecting biodiversity and fighting climate change. The 2026 six winners come from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South and Central America, and the Island territories, reflecting global diversity. Each recipient receives 200,000 dollars to advance their work. Winners include Iroro Tanshi of Nigeria; Borim Kim of South Korea; Sarah Finch of the United Kingdom; Theonila Roka Matbob of Papua New Guinea; Alannah Acaq Hurley of the United States; and Yuvelis Morales Blanco of Colombia. The prize highlights community-led efforts against fossil fuels and habitat loss.
All-women cohort in 2026
Prize amount: $200,000 per winner
Winners from six global regions
Recognises grassroots environmental action
Celebrates diverse approaches to conservation
Apr 21, 2026
Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao Receives Prof. M.S. Swaminathan Award 2026
Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director and Vice-Chancellor of Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), received the 9th Prof. M.S. Swaminathan Award on 19 April 2026 in Hyderabad. The award honors climate-resilient agriculture and natural resource management, celebrating scientists contributing to food security and sustainable farming. It is instituted by the Retired ICAR Employees Association in collaboration with Nuziveedu Seeds Limited, linking public research with private-sector innovation. Rao’s work focuses on climate-resilient farming and adapting Indian agriculture to changing environmental conditions, aligning with Swaminathan’s green-revolution legacy and India’s sustainable development goals. The award recognizes leadership in agricultural research and policy impact.
Recipient: Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao (IARI).
Award: 9th Prof. M.S. Swaminathan Award; date: 19 April 2026.
Location: Hyderabad; focus on climate-resilient agriculture.
Instituted by Retired ICAR Employees Association and Nuziveedu Seeds Limited.
Emphasizes research impacting food security and sustainable farming.
Sadhvi Satish Sail Crowned Femina Miss India World 2026
In Bhubaneswar, Sadhvi Satish Sail from Goa was crowned Femina Miss India World 2026 during the 61st edition of the pageant. The winner will represent India at Miss World 2027. Rajnandini Pawar from Maharashtra finished as first runner-up. Predecessor Nikita Porwal crowned Sadhvi Satish Sail. The new titleholder is known as a model and entrepreneur and is emerging as a prominent youth icon in fashion and business. She has walked multiple fashion shows and led campaigns across India. The crowning marks a milestone in India’s beauty pageant journey and underscores Indian contestants’ strength on global platforms.
Winner: Sadhvi Satish Sail from Goa, crowned at Bhubaneswar.
Title: Femina Miss India World 2026; will compete at Miss World 2027.
First runner-up: Rajnandini Pawar (Maharashtra).
Previous titleholder: Nikita Porwal crowned Sail.
Sail is described as a model and entrepreneur with a rising youth-icon profile.