Topics & issues

Upholding “Freedom of religion or belief, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to peaceful assembly and the right to freedom of association” (22 August) – United Nations

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Freedom of religion or belief, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to peaceful assembly and the right to freedom of association are interdependent, interrelated and mutually reinforcing. They are enshrined in articles 18, 19 and 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Upholding these rights plays an important role in the fight against all … Read more

“Celebrating the rich cultural heritage of tribal art forms” – Odisha, Arunachala Pradesh, Assam & Tripura

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The objective of the scheme is to make special efforts to encourage folk and tribal arts and to frame special programmes for the preservation and strengthening of the vanishing art forms. Through this scheme, the root of the Indian culture is explored and the artistes from the rural belt are provided with a stage to … Read more

“Mountain ecosystems also needed by urbanized areas”: International Mountain Day (11 December) – United Nations

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Women move mountainsThe theme of this year’s International Mountain Day (IMD) on 11 December will be Women move mountains.Women play a key role in mountains’ environmental protection and social and economic development. They are often the primary managers of mountain resources, guardians of biodiversity, keepers of traditional knowledge, custodians of local culture, and experts in … Read more

Switching over to a more sustainable farming approach in the Western Ghats – Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala

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Terming the expansion of commercial plantations in Western Ghats as the reason behind its ecological “degradation”, an expert panel has recommended urgent curtailment in the “disastrous” farming practice in the ecologically sensitive zone. The expert panel, which was set up by the Ministry of Environment and Forest, has also suggested a policy directive for various … Read more

Bhil communities’ success story: Reviving the custom known as “halma” to conserve water – Madhya Pradesh

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Ritesh Mishra, Hindustan Times, Indore, 13-3-16 Halma has united tribes people to conserve environment and water Until now, tribes people have planted more than 11,000 trees in 110 villages, repaired more than 250 hand pumps and dug more than three dozen big ponds in the region, under the drive. More than 10,000 Bhil tribes people from more than … Read more