indigenous communities
PM Modi Welcomes UNESCO's 20th Intangible Cultural Heritage Session at India's Historic Red Fort
Dec 09, 2025 02:42 am CST
India hosts the 20th session of UNESCO's Committee on Intangible Cultural Heritage at the iconic Red Fort in New Delhi, bringing together delegates from over 150 nations to preserve living cultural traditions. Prime Minister Modi celebrates this milestone event that coincides with the 20th anniversary of India's ratification of the 2003 UNESCO Convention.
Naga Tribes Alert PM Modi About Illegal Migrants Claiming Ancestral Lands in Manipur
Dec 05, 2025 12:09 am CST
Four Naga tribes in Manipur have jointly appealed to Prime Minister Modi regarding illegal migration threatening their ancestral lands and cultural identity. The Joint Tribes Council claims unauthorized settlements linked to deforestation and opium cultivation are encroaching on indigenous territories, with militant groups now demanding separate administration in traditionally Naga areas.
Assam Government Opens Dialogue with Protesters Over Scheduled Tribe Status for Six Indigenous Communities
Dec 01, 2025 01:10 pm CST
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has extended an invitation for discussions with protesters opposing the report on granting Scheduled Tribe status to six indigenous communities. The government maintains that the proposed changes would not affect existing tribal rights, while opposition Congress claims the move could create division between communities. Cabinet ministers have been appointed to meet with tribal organizations to clarify the report's details.
Assam GoM Report Recommends Scheduled Tribe Status for Six Communities in Historic Assembly Presentation
Nov 30, 2025 02:09 am CST
The Assam government's Group of Ministers has presented a crucial interim report recommending Scheduled Tribe status for six communities - Tai Ahom, Chutia, Moran, Matak, Koch-Rajbongshi, and Tea Tribes. The report, tabled during the final day of the winter assembly session, outlines measures to address socio-economic disadvantages and protect land rights while awaiting parliamentary approval for final inclusion in the ST list.
Assam Cabinet Approves Scheduled Tribe Status Recommendation for Six Indigenous Communities
Nov 27, 2025 10:16 am CST
The Assam government, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has approved a crucial Group of Ministers report recommending Scheduled Tribe status for six indigenous communities. If approved by the central government, this landmark decision would classify Assam as a tribal state. The cabinet meeting also approved land allocation for a heritage museum featuring the historic Vrindavani Vastra from the British Museum.
Manipur's Proposal to Remove 'Any Kuki Tribes' from ST List: Understanding the Controversy and Its Implications
Nov 24, 2025 01:24 am CST
The Manipur government has formally requested the removal of the 'Any Kuki Tribes' category from the state's Scheduled Tribes list, arguing it's a redundant classification that enables illegal immigration. This proposal, pending since February 2023, has been met with hesitation from the Tribal Affairs Ministry due to the region's sensitive ethnic tensions. While the state government maintains no tribes would lose ST status as they're already listed individually, the Ministry has kept the matter on hold amid ongoing Meitei-Kuki conflicts that began in May 2023. This article examines the historical context, constitutional processes, and complex tribal identity issues at the heart of this controversial proposal.
Prince William Launches Initiative to Protect Indigenous Defenders of Brazil's Amazon Rainforest
Nov 04, 2025 12:53 pm CST
Prince William unveils a groundbreaking initiative supporting Indigenous communities and environmental activists protecting Brazil's Amazon rainforest, expanding his conservation efforts beyond Africa. During his visit to Brazil for his environmental prize ceremony, the prince emphasizes the urgent need to stand with those risking their lives to defend crucial ecosystems against growing threats.
Brazil's Groundbreaking Tropical Forest Conservation Fund Proposal Explained by India's Environment Minister Ahead of COP30
Nov 04, 2025 02:52 am CST
Brazil has proposed the Tropical Forests Forever Facility, potentially the world's largest multilateral mechanism for tropical forest conservation, announced India's Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav ahead of COP30. This performance-based fund would provide steady payments for forest preservation, with 20% allocated to Indigenous peoples, while addressing critical climate concerns including deforestation, biodiversity loss, and carbon emissions reduction as the Paris Agreement marks its 10th anniversary.
International Competition for Kenya's Rare Earth Minerals at Mrima Hill: Economic Opportunity vs. Community Concerns
Oct 31, 2025 04:23 pm CST
Kenya's Mrima Hill has become the focus of international attention due to its valuable rare earth deposits estimated at $62.4 billion. As nations including the US and China compete for access to these critical minerals, local Digo communities express concerns about potential displacement and environmental degradation. Meanwhile, Kenya's government implements mining reforms aimed at boosting the sector's contribution to GDP from 0.8% to 10% by 2030, balancing economic opportunity against community rights and environmental protection.
Thousands of Tea Garden Workers in Assam March for Scheduled Tribe Status and Better Rights
Oct 08, 2025 11:42 pm CST
Thousands of tea garden workers demonstrated in Assam's Tinsukia district demanding Scheduled Tribe status, land ownership rights, and increased wages. The protesters, descendants of laborers brought by the British over two centuries ago, now constitute one-third of Assam's population and accuse the government of breaking promises to address their longstanding demands.