grassroots conservatives

Rajasthan celebrates its first-ever "Godawan Day" on May 21, honoring the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard. The state bird, declared in 1982, faces extinction due to habitat loss and power line collisions. Extensive conservation efforts, including breeding programs and community involvement, aim to secure its future. This day highlights the urgent need to protect India's vanishing grasslands.

TDP Plans Hybrid Mahanadu With 1,875 Cluster Centres

Tribal district ranks 2nd in India with conservation campaign

Dr Ketan Deshpande, Founder and Chairman of FUEL, has received the Dr BML Munjal Social Impact Award 2026 for promoting education and skilling among underserved youth. Presented in New Delhi, the award recognises grassroots social initiatives across sectors. FUEL stated that its programmes have reached more than one million young people through training, scholarships and career guidance. The organisation has also trained over 2.9 lakh students and supported economically disadvantaged learners with scholarships.

Biodiversity is crucial for human survival, yet it's declining rapidly due to human actions. India is strengthening its conservation efforts, with local communities playing a vital role. Initiatives like restoring coastal ecosystems and creating micro-forests demonstrate how grassroots actions, empowered by traditional knowledge and community institutions, significantly contribute to global biodiversity goals and sustainable livelihoods.

BJP national president Nitin Nabin's maiden two-day visit to Odisha begins Sunday, igniting enthusiasm among cadres ahead of upcoming local elections. He will preside over high-level meetings and training programs, aiming to strengthen the party's organizational base and chart a course for future electoral challenges.

Facing a predicted low monsoon, Birsa Agriculture University's VC urged farmers to diversify from rice to millets, pulses, and oilseeds for the kharif season. Emphasizing moisture conservation and early preparation, he advised rainwater harvesting and vegetable cultivation. Officials are developing district-wise contingency plans to mitigate drought risks, with clarity expected by mid-July.

A stunning New Zealand beach, once slated for private sale, was saved by a remarkable collective effort. Nearly 40,000 citizens pooled over NZ$2.2 million, transforming a grassroots idea into a nationwide movement. This powerful demonstration of shared responsibility ensured Awaroa Beach remains a protected public space for all to enjoy, a testament to what community action can achieve.

The award function paid a tribute to talent, legacy, and mass connect.

Exit polls released on Wednesday after the conclusion of voting across four states and one Union Territory (UT) offered an indecisive picture, where entrenched incumbencies, rising challengers and new entrants are simultaneously may shape electoral outcomes if the exit polls numbers hold. With results scheduled for May 4, the projections reflect both continuity and churn across regions, underscoring how state-specific dynamics continue to define voter behaviour.

This year, the Goldman Environmental Prize makes history by recognizing its first all-female assembly of six remarkable activists. Hailing from diverse corners of the world, these champions are celebrated for their pivotal roles in driving climate justice, championing biodiversity, and standing up for Indigenous rights.

Congress leader Margret Alva remembers a Congress leader saying this during a debate on reservations for women in Parliament years ago. Alva, who has been at the forefront of bringing the issue of quota for women in electoral politics centerstage, believes it is nothing but male ego that is not allowing women their due

Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard made a groundbreaking move, gifting his $3 billion company to environmental causes. Instead of personal profit, the company's earnings now fund climate action and conservation. This unique structure, separating control from financial benefit, ensures Patagonia's profits directly support the planet's health, sparking global debate on purpose-driven business.

The Centre for Environment and Energy Development (CEED) recognized 27 change makers from Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Bihar with the Ekam Samman. These individuals were honored for their significant contributions to climate resilience and community-led sustainable development across various sectors.