International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples | 11 Aug 2025

Why in News? 

To mark the occasion of the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, the MP postal department, in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (IGRMS), has organized a three-day philatelic exhibition.  

  • The event was inaugurated by Chief Postmaster General Vineet Mathur and Director of IGRMS, Prof. Amitabh Pande. 

International Day of Indigenous Peoples 

  • About: Observed annually on 9th August, following the UN General Assembly's recognition of this day in December 1994. 
    • The day recognizes the first meeting of the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations in Geneva in 1982. 
  • Theme for 2025: "Indigenous Peoples and AI: Defending Rights, Shaping Futures.” 
  • Key Facts Related to Indigenous Peoples Globally: 
    • There are an estimated 476 million Indigenous Peoples in the world living across 90 countries.  
    • They make up less than 6% of the world's population, but account for at least 15% of the poorest. 
    • They speak an overwhelming majority of the world’s estimated 7,000 languages and represent 5,000 different cultures. 

2025 Equator Prize 

  • The UN Development Programme (UNDP) has announced the ten Indigenous-led, community-based organizations selected for the 2025 Equator Prize, recognizing their environmentally focused solutions that align with this year’s prize theme, "Nature for Climate Action." 
  • Bibifathima Swa Sahaya from India, one of the winners, supports village farmers through multi-cropping, seed banks, and solar-powered processing, blending traditional knowledge with regenerative agriculture and renewable energy. 

Key Facts Related to Tribals in India  

  • About: In India, the term 'Adivasi' refers to various ethnic and tribal groups recognized as the aboriginal population, with Scheduled Tribes (STs) being those indigenous communities acknowledged by the government for special protection and support. 
    • According to the 2011 census, these ancestral groups make up approximately 8.6% of India's general population, which adds up to around 104 million people. 
  • Essential Characteristics: According to the Lokur Committee (1965), the essential characteristics of the tribes are: 
    • Indication of Primitive Traits 
    • Distinctive Culture 
    • Shyness of Contact with the Community at Large 
    • Geographical Isolation 
    • Backwardness 
  • Constitutional Provisions for STs: 
    • Article 15(4): Special provisions for the advancement of other backward classes (it includes STs) 
    • Article 29: Protection of Interests of Minorities (it includes STs) 
    • Article 46: The State shall ensure the welfare of weaker sections (including Scheduled Tribes) and protect them from injustice and exploitation. 
    • Article 275: Allocation of special funds from the Union Government to the State Government for enhancing the welfare and administration of Scheduled Tribes. 
    • Article 350: Right to conserve distinct language, script, or culture. 
    • Article 330 and 332: Reservation of seats for STs in Lok Sabha and State Legislatures.