indigenous rights

New Zealand's Māori Queen, Ngā Wai Hono i te Pō, met King Charles III at Buckingham Palace, marking a significant moment for Commonwealth ties. The meeting highlighted discussions on climate challenges, Indigenous leadership, and youth empowerment, aligning with the King's long-standing interests and the evolving role of the monarchy.

Berhampur University has launched a two-year study under the Mukhyamantri Research Innovation Programme to explore ecotourism's role in empowering tribal communities in Odisha. The project, funded by OSHEC, will examine three ecologically sensitive sites to assess how community participation and skill development can foster sustainable livelihoods and environmental conservation.

Soaring gold prices are igniting a mining frenzy in Brazil's Amazon, leading to accelerated deforestation in protected zones and hazardous mercury contamination. Illegal mining operations are expanding rapidly, particularly within Indigenous territories, posing a significant threat to the rainforest and its inhabitants. Authorities are struggling to curb these activities, which are often financed by powerful criminal organizations.

In a significant legislative shift, New Zealand plans to enact new laws that will shield companies from accountability regarding climate change repercussions tied to greenhouse gas emissions. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith emphasized that the intricacies of these matters exceed judicial capacities, underscoring a desire to foster a more robust business environment.

In a significant move for Assam's political landscape, the Asom Gana Parishad has recommended Himanta Biswa Sarma to serve another term as Chief Minister. The AGP's legislative committee rallied behind Sarma, highlighting his effective leadership and commitment to developmental projects.

Actress Q’orianka Kilcher is suing James Cameron and Disney, claiming her facial features were used without permission to create Neytiri in Avatar. The lawsuit alleges Cameron used a photo of a then-14-year-old Kilcher as a reference, incorporating her biometric traits into the character's design. A note from Cameron calling her beauty an inspiration is cited as evidence of unauthorized use.

Drones are revolutionizing warfare, as seen in Ukraine and West Asia. India is embracing Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) as a core combat tool, demonstrated in Operation Sindoor. The armed forces are integrating these systems, viewing them as extensions of air power, crucial for future joint operations and defense against enemy drones.

Assam's 2026 election results reveal a stark political divide, with an all-Hindu NDA government and an opposition dominated by Muslim MLAs. This outcome, driven by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's strategy, sharpens identity lines and shrinks the opposition's legislative influence. The Congress faces an existential challenge, consolidating minority votes but losing ground in Hindu-majority regions.

The government has clarified the Rs 81,000 crore Great Nicobar Project, emphasizing its strategic importance for India's presence in the Andaman Sea and Southeast Asia. Officials stated that environmental safeguards and the protection of indigenous communities are core to the planning, with all statutory procedures and consultations meticulously followed to ensure no adverse impact on Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.

India marked the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, a decisive response to Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism following the deadly Pahalgam attack. The Ministry of External Affairs stated the world recognized the attack and India's right to self-defense. The operation successfully targeted terror launchpads, demonstrating India's commitment to combating terrorism.

Barchalla, a rural constituency in Sonitpur, sees BJP's Ritu Baran Sarmah face INC's Ripun Bora in the 2026 election. The seat, historically a Congress stronghold, is now contested amidst demands for ST status and land rights for tea workers. High voter turnout reflects the electorate's political engagement.

As Indian artisanal cheese steps into the global spotlight—after four types won medals at the Mundial do Queijo do Brasil 2026—we speak to chefs at luxury restaurants and hotels on how they are incorporating desi cheeses into global cuisines, whether they are beginning to replace imported varieties, and how home cooks can use them with ease

The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has found that most atrocities against Scheduled Tribes in Jharkhand stem from violations of the Chotanagpur Tenancy (CNT) Act, leading to land exploitation. The commission directed authorities to register FIRs and issue arrest warrants in several land dispute cases, emphasizing the need for police stations in vulnerable areas to protect tribal rights.

An ancient dugout canoe, remarkably preserved for 1,200 years in Lake Mendota, Wisconsin, has been discovered. This invaluable artifact offers a tangible link to the Ho-Chunk Nation's ancestors, showcasing their rich culture and connection to the lake. Laser scanning technology is being used to digitally preserve the vessel, revealing its intricate craftsmanship and historical significance.

Widely credited with expanding the BJP’s footprint in Assam and across the Northeast after switching from the Congress in 2015, Sarma has played a key role in significantly weakening the grand old party in the state

Piprahwa relics are welcome back in India. But it may alter the architecture of restitution – India invoked their return as a right, but the relics returned as part of a private collection on loan to govt

A remarkable discovery at New South Wales' Willandra Lakes unearthed Mungo Lady, revealing 42,000-year-old cremation rituals, predating ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilizations. This find fundamentally altered our understanding of early human culture, demonstrating sophisticated beliefs and emotional ties. The site, also yielding Mungo Man, highlights ancient Australians' complex symbolic behaviour and enduring connection to their land.

The 2026 assembly elections have dramatically reshaped India's political landscape. Vijay's debut in Tamil Nadu, the BJP's gains in West Bengal and Kerala's return to rotation mark significant shifts. Established powers face challenges as new forces emerge, redefining narratives and pushing others to the margins. This analysis highlights the key winners and losers.

Bollywood's Met Gala presence has transformed from mere attendees to fashion powerhouses. From Priyanka Chopra Jonas to Deepika Padukone's dramatic evolution and Alia Bhatt's celebration of Indian craftsmanship, Bollywood's dominant, culturally rich presence on the global stage surely became the highlight of the eve, every year.

In 1996, two students discovered an ancient skeleton, dubbed "The Ancient One," near the Columbia River. DNA analysis revealed the 9,000-year-old remains are genetically linked to Native Americans, resolving a long-standing debate. This discovery revolutionized archaeology, emphasizing respect for indigenous sovereignty and memory, culminating in the skeleton's return to tribal descendants for a traditional burial.

Kerala & TN, to Assam & Bengal, each of the four big states where voting has concluded is a perfect example – via language, culture, politics – of India’s innate ability to live with differences

The chief minister said that the program serves to honour the talented and hardworking members of AWPL who have set new benchmarks of success through their dedication and commitment. He noted that the organisation operates on a direct selling model, delivering products directly to consumers.