An African folktale

THE MAN WHO NEVER LIED

Once upon a time, there lived a wise man named Mamad, known far and wide for never telling a lie. People from even distant lands spoke of him. When the king heard of Mamad, he summoned him to the palace. 

The king asked, "Mamad, is it true that you've never lied?"

"Yes, it's true, " Mamad replied. 

"And you never will lie?" the king asked. 

"I'm certain of that," Mamad answered. 

Several days later, the king called Mamad again. A large crowd gathered as the king prepared to go hunting. Holding his horse by its mane, with his left foot in the stirrup, the king gave Mamad an order. 

"Go to my summer palace, tell the queen I'll join her for lunch, and ask her to prepare a grand feast. We will have lunch together."

Mamad bowed and went to the queen. Meanwhile, the king chuckled, thinking, "We won't go hunting now, and Mamad will lie to the queen. Tomorrow, we'll have a laugh."

But Mamad went to the palace and said, "Perhaps you should prepare a grand feast for lunch tomorrow, or maybe you shouldn't. Perhaps the king will come by the noon, or perhaps he won't."

"Will he come or not?" asked the queen. 

"I don't know." said Mamad, "I know if he puts his right foot in the stirrup or his left foot on the ground."

Everyone waited for the king, who came the next day and told the queen, "The wise Mamad, who never lies, lied to you yesterday."

The queen explained what Mamad had said. Hearing this, the queen realised that a truly wise man never lies.

Based on size measurements

WORLD’S LARGEST FLOWER BOUQUET

The Ahmedabad International Flower Show is organised annually by the Amdavad Municipal Corporation and attracts millions of visitors every year. After winning the Guinness World Record for the Longest Flower Wall last year, Ahmedabad has once again earned a place in the Guinness World Records this year for the World’s Largest Flower Bouquet (based on size measurements). The award winning floral bouquet was 10.24m high and had a 10.84m radius.

Do you know

WHAT MAKES THE EAGLE SOAR AND NOT FLY?

'Soaring' here means a bird gliding without flapping its wings. This is mostly done by riding rising currents of warm air called 'thermals'. Eagles are very good at finding thermals or standing waves ( parcels of rising air). So, although they are descending through the air, that air column is rising faster than their descent speed, so they can stay aloft without having to work at it. Eagles can easily glide from one thermal to another - many hundreds of miles can be covered this way, with little effort other than by steering in the right direction. 

A teacher knows the true student

 ASHTAVAKRA 

Ashtavakra a great sage. He was given this name because his body was bent in eight places, which is what his name literally means. When he was still a baby in his mother’s belly, his father would read aloud sacred verses to him, every night. 

Even before his birth, Ashtavakra was so intelligent that he once corrected his father when he mispronounced a verse. His father was short-tempered and tired. He cursed the unborn baby to be born deformed. The curse took hold, and Ashtavakra was born with eight crooks in his body.

People laughed at his appearance in derision as a child wherever he went. Undeterred, he became a learned sage. At a very young age, he had learnt to look not at people’s appearance or status but at their inner qualities. He composed the Ashtavakra Gita. This is in the form of a dialogue between Ashtavakra and King Janaka, the king of Mithila and the father of Devi Sita. 

Though a very knowledgeable sage, Ashtavakra was reluctant to take disciples, so he had very few. When King Janaka heard the sage, he was very impressed by his knowledge and wisdom. Janaka humbly requested Ashtavakra to accept him as a disciple. Ashtavakra immediately agreed. This caused some heartburn among his other disciples.

They said, "Our guru too plays favourites. Otherwise, why did he accept the king as a disciple without any of the trials that he had us face?" 

The talk reached Ashtavakra’s ears too. One day, King Janaka was late in attending Ashtavakra’s discourse. All the other disciples were already gathered and waiting. 

The moment the king dismounted his horse, Ashtavakra said, ‘Today, I had a terrible vision. The capital of Mithila will be destroyed by earthquake and fire. All the people in the city will die. Those of you who have loved ones or valuables in the city must hurry there now to save whatever you can."

There was unrest among the monks, and all of them quickly left for the capital. Only King Janaka and Ashtavakra were left sitting. Ashtavakra said, "O King! Would you not save anything?"

King Janaka said, "O Guru! You are my only treasure." 

Ashtavakra nodded and said, "If that is the case, mount your horse now, and go and gather my students back to me. Tell them that I have been mistaken, and the capital is in no danger." 

When the other disciples came back, they grumbled about being sent on foolish errands here and there. Slowly, however, they understood that Ashtavakra had not accepted Janaka as a disciple because he was a king but because he had recognised that Janaka was a true student.

India’s weather tracker

INDIA METEOROLOGICAL DEPARTMENT (IMD)

On January 15, 2025, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) will turn 150 years old. 

The organisation was set up by the provincial British government in the country in 1875, and its first (Imperial) Meteorological Reporter was Henry Francis Blanford. The IMD’s genesis can be traced to the importance of the monsoons over South Asia and the formation effects of cyclones from the Indian Ocean. 

Its formation was particularly accelerated by the 1864 Calcutta cyclone, which devastated the city and left more than 60,000 people dead, and the Orissa famine that followed just two years later because the monsoons had failed. So the government at the time decided to funnel weather data collected around the country into a single set of records, managed by bespoke organisation. This organisation was the IMD. 

It was originally headquartered in Calcutta but by 1944 had moved to New Delhi. In independent India, the IMD became a member of the World Meteorological Organisation in 1949. 

The IMD currently operates six Regional Meteorological Centres, a Meteorological Centre in every State capital, plus a panoply of centres for various meteorological services. Aside from tracking and studying phenomena like rainfall and cyclones, the IMD helps record earth quakes and atmospheric pollution and generates alerts and warnings about impending anomalous weather. It also maintains a complicated communications system that collects data from a variety of sources, including ground observatories, naval vessels, atmospheric balloons and satellites. 

Why they matter

FAMILY TRADITIONS

In an age dominated by technology and the hustle of modern life, family traditions serve as an anchor, connecting us to our roots and fostering a sense of belonging. These traditions — whether grand or simple — play a crucial role in shaping positive family dynamics, creating memories, and imparting values to younger generations. 

Foundation for connection: Family traditions, no matter how small, strengthen family bonds. They provide opportunities to come together, share experiences, and celebrate unity. For instance, in many households, festivals like Diwali, Christmas, Eid, etc, are more than just occasions — they are a time for families to come together, perform rituals, and share meals. These moments teach you the importance of togetherness and allow you witness familial bonds. This annual ritual not only reinforces our faith but also creates a space where the entire family reunites — sharing stories, praying and enjoying meals together. 

Passing values: Traditions are a perfect way to instil values in children. While textbooks might teach you about cultural heritage, witnessing and participating in traditions leaves a lasting impact. For example, when you see the family sit down for a meal, keeping their devices away, you learn about the importance of undistracted communication and prioritising relationships over technology. These traditions are more than rituals — they are values in action. By involving in such practices, you learn to respect, express gratitude, and experience the joy of giving. Over time, these values become ingrained, shaping your character and worldview. 

Sense of belonging: In today’s fast-paced world, where devices often replace face-to-face interactions, family traditions offer a much needed respite. They create a sense of belonging, reminding you that they are a part of something bigger than yourselves. A shared tradition, like a festive puja or a simple weekend family meal, reinforces this connection. It provides a sense of identity, helping you understand where you come from and giving a foundation to build your own life.

Creating memories: An amazing part of family traditions is that it offers a chance to create memories. Each time a family comes together for a festival, a game night, or even a weekly Sunday brunch, they add to a pool of cherished moments. These memories become a source of comfort and happiness for you as you grow up. 

Modern challenges: It’s easy to lose touch with family customs amidst the distractions of daily, busy schedules. This is why it’s essential to preserve traditions. They are a reminder of where we come from and provide solace in an ever-changing world. 

Legacy: Whether it’s a religious celebration, a cultural custom, or even a unique family ritual, every tradition is a thread that ties one generation to the next. They enable you to pass down stories, customs, and values to the next generation. This continuity creates a legacy that stands the test of time.

Story

CHANGING OUR VISION 

There was once a very wealthy man who was bothered by severe eye pain. He consulted many physicians and was being treated by several of them. But the ache persisted with more vigour than before. 

Finally, a monk who was supposed to be an expert in treating such patients was called for by the suffering man. The monk understood his problem, and said that for some time he should concentrate only on green colour, and not to let his eyes fall on any other colours. It was a strange prescription, but the wealthy man was desperate and decided to try it out. 

The millionaire got together a group of painters, purchased barrels of green paint and directed that every object his eye was likely to fall on, be painted green; precisely as the monk had directed. When the monk came to visit him after few days, the millionaire's servants ran with buckets of green paint and poured them on him since he was in red attire, lest their master see any other colour, and his eye ache come back. 

Hearing this, the monk laughed and said, "If only you had purchased a pair of green spectacles worth just a few dollars, you could have saved these walls, trees, pots, all other articles, and also you could have saved a large share of his fortune. You just cannot paint the whole world green."

Let us first change our vision and perception; and the world will appear accordingly. It is foolish to shape the world; we need to shape ourselves first. 

Bumpy science behind golf balls

 WHY DO GOLF BALLS HAVE DIMPLES?

Golf balls haven’t always sported hundreds of tiny dimples. Originally, golf balls were smooth wooden balls, which evolved into feather-filled leather-sewn spheres called ‘featherie’ golf balls. Over time, golfers noticed that well-used balls travelled further than new ones. This was because with every strike of the golf club, balls were acquiring dinks and dents. In any other sport, old and damaged balls are quickly replaced, but it turned out that in golf, using battered balls can give golfers a great advantage. Unknown to early golfers, each dent was interrupting the airflow around a travelling ball and reducing the amount of aerodynamic drag it experienced. Drag is a force that opposes motion and reduces an object’s speed when it’s moving through air or a fluid. When a golf ball is struck and sent flying through the air, it separates the airflow around it, causing a vacuumous zone of drag in the area behind the ball to form. Dimples work to reduce the size of that zone, and therefore the amount of drag that slows the ball down. Less drag means the ball can fly further and faster before gravity takes hold and brings the ball back to the ground. Having discovered the benefits of dimples, in the early 1900s golf ball manufacturers began making them standard. Modern golf balls are designed and manufactured to exploit the aerodynamic effects of dimples, varying their size, shape, distribution and patterns on the ball.

DIFFERENT DIMPLES: The dimpled surface of the golf ball has gone through many iterations. In 1848, the gutta-percha ball sported inverted dimples and was covered in a pattern of protruding squares to minimise drag. In 1899, American inventors Coburn Haskell and Bertram Work patented a gutta-percha golf ball with a rubber core. Their design lasted until the early 1900s, when more robust plastics were being developed. Manufacturers found that balls with concave dimples would fly better than a gutta-percha ball. Although it might be hard to differentiate between modern-day golf balls, the number of dimples and the shape of dimples can differ.

Golf ball dimples are created by filling moulds with plastic around rubber cores

Do you know:

● The average golf ball dimple depth is 0.25 millimetres.

● A golf ball with dimples can travel almost twice as far as a smooth ball.

The artful sport of China

JIANZI 

When people think of sports in China, they often envision table tennis, badminton or martial arts. However, there is a captivating and lesser-known sport that has been played for centuries--- Jianzi or Chinese shuttlecock kicking. This traditional game combines skill, agility and creativity, making it a thrilling activity for participants and a fascinating spectacle for onlookers. 

What is Jianzi?

Jianzi (pronounced "jee-an-zuh") is a sport that involves the feet and other parts of the body, except the hands, to keep a heavy shuttlecock airborne. The game is believed to have originated over 2,000 years ago, during the Han dynasty and has evolved from a simple pastime into a competitive sport with dedicated athletes and tournaments. 

The shuttlecock itself is unique, often consisting of feathers attached to a heavy base. This design allows for a slow, graceful flight that players can control with an impressive precision. 

How is Jianzi played?

Jianzi can be played both recreationally and competitively. Informal games may involve a group of friends trying to keep the shuttlecock in the air for as long as possible, while more structured matches include rules and scoring systems similar to those of volleyball or badminton. Competitive Jianzi is usually played on a court with a net, where two teams face off to score points by sending the shuttlecock over the net using acrobatic kicks and well-practiced maneuvers.

Why should you try Jianzi?

Jianzi isn’t just a sport; it’s a testament to co-ordination and ingenuity. It encourages players to build agility, balance and leg strength, making it an excellent addition to any training routine. Unlike many sports that require specialised equipment or facilities, Jianzi only requires a small space and a shuttlecock, making it accessible to anyone willing to give it a try. 

Beyond the physical benefits, Jianzi carries with a cultural significance, offering insight into the communal and artistic spirit of Chinese society. It fosters teamwork, perseverance and the joy of playful competition. 

Where can you watch or play Jianzi?

While Jianzi might not be the mainstream in many countries, there are international organisations and clubs dedicated to the sport. Videos showcasing professional Jianzi players are also available online, displaying jaw-dropping performances that blend elements of martial arts, dance and football. 

For those eager to try Jianzi, all it takes is a few friends, an open space and a shuttlecock. High school students in particular may find it a fun and engaging way to enhance fitness and build community through friendly matches. 

So, next time you’re looking for a new sport to learn or share it with friends, consider giving Jianzi a go. You may find yourself mastering spins and kicks while becoming a part of a centuries-old tradition that's as enriching as it is exciting. 

From Greek Mythology

 THE TALE OF ATALANTA AND HIPPOMENES

 

In ancient Greece, there was a swift and fearless young woman named Atalanta. She was raised in the wild by a bear and became an outstanding hunter, known for her amazing speed. Her fame spread widely, and many people came to challenge her in a footrace.

Confident in her skills, Atalanta made a daring declaration: “I will marry anyone who can outrun me in a race. But those who lose will face a penalty.” Her rules were strict, but many were eager to try, drawn by her beauty and the excitement of the challenge.

One day, a young man named Hippomenes watched Atalanta while she raced. He was amazed by her speed and grace. “How can anyone be so fast?” he wondered aloud.

Hearing this, Aphrodite, the Goddess of love, appeared before him. “You admire Atalanta, don’t you?” she asked. Hippomenes nodded, and Aphrodite handed him three golden apples. 

“Use these in the race. They are no ordinary apples; they are gifts from the Gods.”

Hippomenes accepted the challenge. As the race began, Atalanta took off with incredible speed. But Hippomenes had a plan. He threw one of the golden apples off the track.

Atalanta, drawn to the golden glow of the apple, veered off course to pick it up, giving Hippomenes a chance to get ahead. But she quickly caught up. Again, Hippomenes threw a second apple, and again, Atalanta was briefly distracted.

As they neared the finish line, Hippomenes threw the final apple. Atalanta hesitated, caught between the race and the beautiful apple. This brief pause allowed Hippomenes to cross the finish line first.

Breathless, Atalanta walked up to him. “You have won the race and my heart,” she said, smiling. “But how did you beat me?”

Hippomenes showed her the last piece of the golden apple. “It was Aphrodite’s divine gift that helped me. But it wasn’t just about winning. I admire your strength and spirit.”

The two, brought together by the race and respect for each other, eventually married and began new adventures together.

Moral of the Story: The story of Atalanta and the footrace teaches us that sometimes wit and cleverness can overcome sheer strength.

Do you know

WHY DOES ONE GET MOTION SICKNESS?

Motion sickness experienced by some while moving in a vehicle, results from a defence mechanism in the brain aiming to keep us safe. The balance-maintaining parts of the brain receive inputs from what we see and what we feel. In a moving car, our eyes signal to the brain that we are stationary, creating a sensory conflict as the brain senses the car’s motion. This mismatch triggers nausea as the brain perceives a potential issue. To alleviate this, fixate on a steady point in the distance, like the horizon, to minimize visual disruptions. Opening windows for fresh air can also help mitigate motion sickness. These simple strategies can ease discomfort and enhance travel experiences.

A short moral story

 THE FOOLISH OLD FROG

Once upon a time, there was an old frog which was called the Foolish Old Frog. His most prominent character trait was his extremely low intelligence. He had difficulty with just about everything. He always acted in a silly manner that made everyone laugh at him. They considered him a moron and a worthless creature.

Despite his low intelligence, the frog was very kind-hearted, as he often went out of his way to help others, even if he was sometimes oblivious to their problems. He was generous and compassionate.

One day, the king decided to hold a quiz competition among the top five smartest animals. He called all the animals in the kingdom and asked them to select five contestants known for their intelligence.

The Wise Dolphin was the first contestant selected for the competition. The second was the Smart Chimpanzee. The third was the Intelligent Wolf. The fourth was the Brilliant Squirrel.

Now, some animals wanted to mock and ridicule the old frog, so they chose him as the fifth contestant. They all laughed at him heartlessly and began to mumur,

"He is such a fool! He is an old fool! He will never be able to answer the question correctly! He will be humiliated! Hahaha!"

When the five contestants were ready, the king came up and promised that whichever animal won the quiz would be given a huge sum of money as a prize. An amount that could change their life forever.

At that moment, he asked the question,

"Which mammal is known to have the most powerful bite in the world?"

All the contestants became terribly confused. For several minutes, none was able to get the correct answer. They tried and tried, but all to no avail. Just then, the old frog screamed,

"Hippopotamus!"

The king smiled broadly and exclaimed,

"Wow... correct! You won the quiz!"

The animals were surprised and could not believe it. They suddenly felt ashamed of looking down on the old frog. They felt so guilty that they asked for his forgiveness.

Later on, an animal approached the old frog and asked,

"Tell me, how did you know the correct answer to the quiz question?"

He answered,

"I didn't know the answer. It was just luck. I noticed the hippopotamus was eating my cake, so I screamed his name for him to stop."

MORAL LESSON:

Don't mock or look down on anyone for whatever they are. You may think you've seen it all, but luck and chance are capable of changing a person's life forever!

Animals are the best companions

THE UNSPOKEN BOND

 

There’s a reason why people say animals are the best companions. Their love is pure, their loyalty unmatched, and their ability to connect with us on an emotional level is beyond explanation. Pets don’t need words to communicate; their presence alone can be the comfort we didn’t know we needed.

A wagging tail when you come home, a soft purr when you’re feeling low, or even the quiet nudge of a nose—these small moments remind us of the unconditional love animals offer. They don’t care about your status, mistakes, or past. To them, you are their world, and that’s a connection few humans can replicate.

Animals teach us to live in the moment. They don’t dwell on yesterday’s failures or stress about tomorrow’s uncertainties. They find joy in the simplest things—a walk, a belly rub, or a sunny spot to nap in. In a world that often feels too chaotic, they remind us to slow down and appreciate the here and now.

But the bond goes deeper. Studies show that spending time with pets can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and even improve mental health. They become our confidants, our therapists, and our cheerleaders, all rolled into one. For many, a pet isn’t “just an animal”—they’re family.

Even wild animals have a way of connecting with us. Watching birds soar or dolphins dance in the ocean can evoke awe and remind us of the beauty and harmony in nature. These moments ground us and make us feel part of something bigger.

And when we lose them, the pain is real. The grief of losing a pet or a beloved animal companion is as profound as losing a dear friend. But even in their absence, they leave behind lessons about love, loyalty, and living authentically.

Animals are mirrors of our best selves—kind, forgiving, and full of heart. They don’t ask for much, just love and care, yet they give us so much in return. In their presence, we find a love that’s uncomplicated, unjudged, and unending.

So cherish those moments, whether it’s the playful antics of a puppy, the quiet companionship of a cat, or even the gentle hum of nature around you. Animals remind us of the beauty of connection, one that goes beyond words, transcending species, and leaving an indelible mark on our hearts.

Do you know

 WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN POPCORN AND PUFFED RICE?

POPCORN 

You can pop corn with any heat source, but to puff rice you also need a pressure chamber. Popcorn is the only grain that can be ‘puffed’ at home because it has the right moisture content – 14 per cent – and a fragile hull. When the temperature of the kernel reaches 100 degrees Celsius, water starts to boil inside the starchy cells of the endosperm, causing them to expand. At 175 degrees Celsius, the superheated starchy material explodes through the hull of the kernel and instantly cools to form a chewy bubble. Grains of rice don’t contain enough moisture to pop under normal conditions. Instead, the rice must be heated in a pressure chamber at up to 14 kilograms per square centimetre. When the chamber is opened, the sudden change in pressure and volume causes the hot starch cells in the rice to expand rapidly, bursting through and puffing up like popcorn.

PUFFED RICE 

Famous structure

SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE 

The Sydney Opera House is a multi-venue performing arts centre in the Australian city of Sydney. It was conceived and largely built by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, finally opening in 1973 after a long gestation starting with his competition-winning design in 1957. Utzon received the Pritzker Prize, architecture's highest honour, in 2003.

The Sydney Opera House was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 28 June 2007. It is one of the 20th century's most distinctive buildings and one of the most famous performing arts centres in the world. 

The Sydney Opera House is situated on Bonnelong Point in Sydney Harbour, close to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It sits at the northeastern tip of the Sydney central business district (the CBD), surrounded on three sides by the harbour (Sydney Cove and Farm Cove) and neighboured by the Royal Botanic Gardens. 

Contrary to its name, the building houses multiple performance venues. As one of the busiest performing arts centres in the world, hosting over 1,500 performances each year attended by some 1.2 million people, the Sydney Opera House provides a venue for many performing arts companies including the four key resident companies Opera Australia,  The Australian Ballet, the Sydney Theatre Company and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and presents a wide range of productions on its own account. It is also one of the most popular visitor attractions in Australia, with more than seven million people visiting the site each year, 300,000 of whom take a guided tour.

Other facilities: The building also houses a recording studio, cafes, restaurants and bars and retail outlets. Guided tours are available to the public, including a frequent tour of the front-of-house spaces, and a daily backstage tour which takes visitors backstage to see areas normally reserved for performers and crew members. 

Do you know

WHAT IS WIRELESS CHARGING?

Have you ever wished your gadgets could charge without the hassle of plugging them in? Now, wireless charging without the need of cables or cords! This fantastic blend of science and convenience is making our lives easier and our gadgets more user-friendly. 

What is wireless charging? Wireless charging allows you to power your device without using a cable. Instead of plugging in your phone, tablet or any other gadget, you can simply place it on a special charging pad or stand. It’s like a wireless handshake between the pad and your device, transforming energy without a physical connection!

How does it work? The magic behind wireless charging is called electromagnetic induction. Inside the charging pad, a coil of wire generates an electromagnetic field when electricity flows through it. Your device, like a smartphone, has a similar coil Inside. When you place your device on the charging pad, the electromagnetic field transfers energy to the device’s coil, which then charges its battery. 

The future of wireless charging: The future looks bright for wireless charging. Scientists and engineers are working on making it even more powerful and efficient. Imagine a world where entire room or even outdoor spaces have wireless charging zones, and you can charge your devices just by being nearby!

● Believe it or not, some of the first gadgets to use wireless charging were electric toothbrushes!

● Wireless charging can help reduce e-waste by eliminating the need for multiple charging cables and connectors. 

● Wireless charging isn’t as new as you might think! The idea goes back over a century to a famous inventor named Nikola Tesla. In the late 1800s, Tesla demonstrated the ability to transfer electricity without wires. 

An exalted award

THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE 

One of the most highly regarded prizes in the world is given to honour the person who has done the most toward promoting peace in the world.

The Nobel Peace Prize is one of five prizes created by Swedish businessman and inventor Alfred Nobel (1833–1896). He left money for the awards in his will and specified how each should be bestowed. Awarded on a yearly basis, the Peace Prize consists of a diploma, a medal, and a monetary award that varies a bit over time. Not long ago, the amount was 10,000,000 Swedish kronor (more than $1,600,000). The prize is presented annually in Oslo, Norway, on December 10, the anniversary of Nobel’s death.

First given in 1901, the Peace Prize, in Nobel’s own words, is awarded “to the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between the nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies, and for the holding and promotion of peaceful congresses.” This may also include people or groups who have worked to resolve conflicts or create peace.

The recipient is chosen by the Norwegian Nobel Committee, which is appointed by the Norwegian Parliament. Initial nominations for the prize may be made by a large group of people considered qualified, such as former recipients, university professors, and special advisers to the committee. The committee reviews the nominees and chooses a winner. In some years, no award has been given.

Some famous people have received the Nobel Peace Prize over the years. They include President Woodrow Wilson in 1919 for his part in promoting the League of Nations after World War I; Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1964 for his role in leading a peaceful civil rights movement; and Mother Teresa in 1979 for her charity work with underprivileged people in Calcutta, India. In more recent decades, the prize has gone to the United Nations and its secretary general, Kofi Annan, in 2001 for their work toward a more peaceful world; the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and former U.S. vice president Albert Gore in 2007 for their efforts to increase awareness of global warming; and the Japanese organization Nihon Hidankyo in 2024 for its atomic bomb survivors’ efforts to share their testimony to help keep nuclear weapons from ever being used again.