Sakuni and Geeta Devi collect sal leaves from the Hehegara forest and make plates and bowls to sell in Dalton Ganj. Despite working together for over two decades, they struggle with low income and cannot afford to leave this work.

Geeta and Sakuni Devi, friends and residents of Kope village in Jharkhand, have been collecting Sal leaves from nearby forests for over thirty years to make donas and pattals, which they sell in the city of Dalton Ganj. Despite the hard work and long hours spent in the forest, the income from selling these items is minimal. They are part of a community that relies on forest products for livelihood. The article highlights the challenges faced by rural workers, the decline in forest cover, and the impact of restrictions on collecting wood from the forest.

In Jharkhand's Palamau district, Sakuni and Geeta Devi have been making plates and bowls from sal leaves for the past two decades. Despite the hard work, their earnings remain low, but they cannot afford to leave this job. The article highlights the economic struggles and labor conditions in rural India.

In the forests of Palamau, Jharkhand, two friends, Sakuni and Geeta Devi, collect sal leaves to make and sell plates and bowls. Despite their hard work, the income is insufficient to meet their needs. The article highlights the economic struggles and laborious nature of their work.

Torpa Rural Development Society for Women (TRDSW) held a meeting with parents at Doenger Middle School to discuss the importance of parental involvement in children's education. The meeting covered the roles of parents, the use of local materials as teaching aids, and the aspirations of parents for their children. It highlighted the differences in educational engagement between urban and rural areas, and the use of school management committees to bridge this gap. The discussion also touched upon a program in Telangana where IT companies fund schools to develop technical skills among Gond tribal children. The meeting concluded with parents rethinking their roles and agreeing on actions to support their children's education.

Assam, a northeastern state in India, faces devastating annual floods, severely impacting regions like Lakhimpur district. The Mising tribe has adapted by building flood-proof bamboo houses, but challenges persist with contaminated water, inadequate sanitation, and disrupted education. Agriculture suffers, forcing some farmers to migrate. Government support has been insufficient, highlighting the urgent need for sustained assistance and comprehensive strategies to combat climate change-induced floods.

In Bhikhahi village, Garhwa, Jharkhand, Sitaram Chaudhary and his wife Shanti Devi have been making ropes from sunn hemp for over 40 years. Despite the labor-intensive process, the demand for these traditional ropes has dwindled due to the availability of cheaper and stronger nylon ropes. The mallaah community, traditionally involved in rope-making, is gradually shifting to other occupations. Sitaram's family, including his son and daughter-in-law, have moved away from this craft, seeking better economic opportunities. The article highlights the challenges faced by traditional rope-makers and the economic realities pushing them towards alternative livelihoods.

Geeta Devi and Sakuni, two women from a small village in Jharkhand, rely on collecting Sal leaves from the nearby forest to make and sell dona and pattal in the local market. Despite the hard work and long hours spent in the forest, the income they earn is minimal. The article highlights the economic hardships faced by these women, the challenges posed by wildlife in the forest, and the impact of government restrictions on their livelihood. The narrative also touches on their personal lives, family responsibilities, and the seasonal nature of their work.

Elderly village heads from the Apatani tribe in Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh, are learning English alphabets through a voluntary education program initiated by social activist Yachang Tacho. The program, taught by Hano Usha, aims to empower the village leaders, who have traditionally been illiterate, to read, write, and sign documents, reducing their vulnerability to exploitation. The initiative has seen significant success, with participants like Tillghk Morth and Tadu Yarang expressing pride in their newfound literacy skills.

Geeta Devi and Sakuni Devi, residents of a small village in Jharkhand, have been collecting Sal leaves from the forest for over 30 years to make and sell plates and bowls. Despite the hard work and long hours spent in the forest, the income from this activity is minimal. The women face numerous challenges, including dangerous wildlife and the physical toll of the work. The Jharkhand government's policies on firewood collection have further complicated their efforts. Both women continue this laborious work to support their families, despite the meager earnings.

Geeta Devi and Sakuni Devi, residents of a small village in Jharkhand, India, collect leaves from the forest to make plates and bowls for sale in the nearby town of Daltonganj. Despite spending long hours in the forest, their earnings are insufficient to support their families. The article highlights the economic hardships faced by these women, the dangers they encounter in the forest, and the impact of government restrictions on firewood collection. Both women continue this laborious work as it is their primary means of livelihood.

Geeta Devi and Sakuni Devi, residents of a small village in Jharkhand, rely on collecting leaves from the forest to make and sell dona (bowls) and patta (plates) in the nearby town of Daltonganj. Despite the hard work and long hours spent in the forest, their earnings are minimal. The article highlights their daily struggles, the impact of government policies on their livelihood, and the economic hardships faced by rural women dependent on forest resources.

Geeta Devi and Sakuni Devi, residents of a small village in Jharkhand, rely on collecting and selling forest products like leaves and twigs to sustain their families. Despite the hard work and long hours spent in the forest, their earnings are minimal. The article highlights the economic hardships faced by rural women and the impact of government policies on their livelihoods. The narrative also touches on the challenges posed by wildlife and the changing forest landscape due to deforestation.

Deficient rainfall in Jharkhand has led to a significant drop in paddy sowing, forcing many farmers and agricultural laborers to migrate in search of work. The state has recorded a 36% rainfall deficit, severely impacting paddy cultivation, the main crop. Farmers like Kuldeep Ram and Anil Ram have left their villages to work as laborers elsewhere. The situation is dire, with many districts facing up to an 80% decrease in cultivation. Experts suggest that the government should universalize the Public Distribution System (PDS) and continue the Pradhan Mantri Gareeb Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY) to ensure food security amid the looming drought.

In Kalakuwa village, Assam, Mising tribe women like 17-year-old Opuli Narah continue the tradition of weaving Mekhela Sador on bamboo looms, despite economic challenges and declining numbers of weavers. The intricate process, which takes about a month per piece, yields low financial returns, exacerbated by the exclusion of Mekhela Sador from government support schemes. The community's designs reflect their deep connection with nature, but the future of this cultural heritage is uncertain due to low profits and frequent flooding.

The Gaddi tribe in Himachal Pradesh faces the decline of its traditional weaving craft, as modern lifestyles and professions take precedence. Rekha Devi and Muna, both skilled in weaving the traditional gardu blanket, struggle to maintain the craft amidst low demand and the younger generation's disinterest. The article highlights the cultural significance of the craft and the challenges in preserving it as the community shifts towards modern education and employment.

Tourism in the Himalayan region has led to increased waste dumping, causing human-wildlife conflicts. Waste Warriors, founded by Jodie Underhill, aims to address this through better governance, community empowerment, local entrepreneurship, and policy research. The organization faces challenges in integrating government efforts, particularly with the Swachh Bharat Mission – Gramin, but continues to work towards systemic solutions in waste management.

Shingve, a village in Maharashtra, has become renowned as the 'carrot village' due to its extensive carrot farming, which has bolstered the local economy and reduced youth migration. Transitioning from sugarcane to carrots, farmers have found financial stability despite fluctuating prices, thanks to consistent demand. The village's carrots are distinguished by their quality, attracting traders from Maharashtra and Gujarat. Innovations in cultivation and post-harvest processes have increased yields, with carrots now covering 400 hectares. Despite competition from Indore, Shingve's carrot industry generates significant revenue, though challenges like the lack of cold storage persist.

Rukmini Devi, a villager from Poi, Tamil Nadu, dreamt of discovering gold nuggets under her village's land, leading to a massive gold find and the villagers' newfound wealth. However, it was revealed to be an April Fools' Day prank by Teesta Rajan, Associate Director of Village Vibe. The story highlights the excitement and subsequent letdown of the villagers, emphasizing the playful nature of the prank.

Baraon village in Palamu district of Jharkhand is renowned for its generations-old craft of making cattle bells from used iron drums. The bells, created in 10 different sizes using a traditional local measurement called a farma, are shaped with precision, treated with brass and borax, and heated in a furnace. Despite the meticulous craftsmanship, the advent of the machine age and a reduction in cattle numbers have led to a decline in the prevalence of these bells, once a symbol of prosperous rural life.

In Jharkhand's Palamu district, the Vishwakarma family continues the traditional craft of making cowbells, a practice that is becoming increasingly rare. Despite the hard work and low income, the family remains dedicated to their craft, though younger generations are seeking other opportunities. The article highlights the economic challenges and cultural significance of this fading tradition.

Kaizen, the kindness festival organized by the IIT-Delhi chapter of the National Service Scheme (NSS), features a variety of events including workshops, panel discussions, and student-driven competitions. The festival covers topics such as gender sensitization and LGBTQIA+ inclusion, with notable speakers like Jayant Sinha and Mihir Vatsa. The event, in partnership with Bhumi Foundation, aims to promote volunteering and includes activities like making seed balls and crafting dog collars. The festival also features stalls from self-help groups across India.

Joshimath, a town in Uttarakhand, is facing severe land subsidence, causing buildings to crack and collapse. Residents like Lalu and Kuldeep Singh Rawat are struggling without compensation due to lack of land documents. The Uttarakhand government has announced interim relief, but many affected families have not received it. The disaster has also led to significant loss of livelihood, particularly for daily wage laborers and local vendors. Activists are demanding a survey to identify families without land papers and transfer land ownership to them. The situation remains dire, with many residents living in temporary shelters and facing an uncertain future.

Maharashtra villages are pioneering widow reforms, with Herwad village leading the movement by banning archaic widowhood customs. The initiative, started by social activist Pramod Zinjade, has spread to over 7,000 villages in Maharashtra and even to neighboring states like Goa and Karnataka. The Maharashtra government has supported these reforms, encouraging gram panchayats to ban widowhood practices. The movement has seen widows being included in social and auspicious activities, challenging traditional norms. While the reforms have been widely accepted, some, like young widow Asmita Patil, believe that the choice of how to grieve should be left to the individual.

Geeta Devi and Sakuni Devi, residents of Naditola in Jharkhand, rely on the forest for their livelihood, collecting and selling Sal leaves to make plates and bowls. Despite the hard work and long hours spent in the forest, the income is meager. The article highlights the economic hardships faced by these women, exacerbated by government restrictions on firewood collection and the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown. The narrative underscores the challenges of rural life and the resilience of these women in sustaining their families through traditional crafts.

Tribal women in Jharkhand, such as Salchariya Devi and Geeta Khairwar, make and sell eco-friendly sal-leaf cups and bowls called dona, and neem twigs called datoon. Despite their hard work, they earn very little due to low demand and lack of market access. A government ban on single-use plastics briefly boosted sales, but the effect was short-lived. The women continue their efforts, hoping for better market opportunities and government support. Palamu parliamentarian Vishnu Dayal Ram suggests that consumers should be encouraged to use these eco-friendly products more.

In Palamu, Jharkhand, farmers like Teera and Anita are struggling with debts after investing in seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides for kharif sowing on leased land. Landowner Ashok Shukla, who has faced losses due to insufficient rainfall, notes a trend of upper caste landowners migrating for other jobs and leasing their land to Dalits. Despite good rainfall this year, Teera, who supports a 10-member family, is concerned that the harvest will not provide enough food for six months. Both Teera and Ashok Shukla reflect on the diminishing viability of agriculture in the region.

The world's largest transgender beauty contest, Miss International Queen 2020, is being held in Pattaya City, Thailand, with participation from 21 countries. Neetu RS from Karnataka, India, who won the title of Miss Transqueen India last year, is representing India in this event. The contest aims to promote equality and acceptance for transgender individuals in society. Neetu's journey from being born as a boy in a small village in Karnataka to representing India at Miss International Queen 2020 is described as inspiring, detailing her transition and advocacy for transgender rights.

Rohingya Muslims residing in a slum near Kalindi Kunj, Delhi, are facing severe hardships with no work for the past two months, exacerbating their struggle to survive and afford medical care for the sick. The community of 65 families, who arrived in 2012 after enduring long-term persecution in Myanmar's Rakhine state, fears losing their homes again after a fire destroyed their previous camp in 2018. The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests have further worsened their situation, with claims of threatening videos circulating on social media. Statements by Indian Home Minister Amit Shah, likening illegal immigrants to termites, have intensified their fears. Professor Farhat Hasan from Delhi University condemns such dehumanizing language. The UNHRC reports over 18,000 registered Rohingya in India, with estimates of around 40,000 residing illegally.

The Shaheen Bagh protests against CAA and NRC have reached 50 days, with children like 8-year-old Sohel experiencing fear of the police and 9-year-old Komal, who cannot speak or hear, finding her life changed by the movement. College students, including Osama, are helping children express themselves through art. Amidst the protests, there is a concern for the children's mental health, with the NCPCR emphasizing the need for counseling. Professor Seema Alim from Jamia Millia Islamia University notes the broader psychological impact of the protests on children.

Pure EV, an e-bike and lithium battery manufacturer incubated by the Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, has secured an undisclosed amount of investment from V.C.Nannapaneni, the chairman and managing director of Natco Pharma, in his personal capacity. The investment round values Pure EV at $35 million. The company is planning to use the funds to increase its manufacturing capacity and to boost its R&D efforts. Pure EV is developing high-speed and long-range scooters and motorcycles, with launches planned for late 2019 and early 2020. Additionally, the company is working on HVDC electric truck/bus lithium battery modules and aims to showcase them in 2020. Pure EV is also expanding its EV manufacturing capacity to 2000 units per month by October 2019 and is building strategic sales partnerships across India.

Samsung Venture, the venture capital arm of Samsung Group, has invested $8.5 million in four Indian startups, marking its entry into the Indian market. The investments include system apps company OSLabs (Indus OS), speech technology firm Gnani.ai, IoT solutions provider Silvan Innovation Labs, and an undisclosed early-stage computer vision startup. These investments align with Samsung's strategic goals and product ecosystem, with a focus on technologies like AI, IoT, and cloud services. Samsung is also committed to making all its products IoT ready by 2020 and has invested heavily in R&D globally. Other large corporates like Alphabet Inc, Intel, Qualcomm, and Microsoft have also invested in Indian startups, and Facebook is collaborating with VC funds to support SMB growth.