By Harsh Thakor*  Rajani Palme Dutt, a prominent Marxist theorist and one of the architects of the British Communist Party, passed away on December 20, 1974, at the age of 79. On the 50th anniversary of his death, his contributions to Marxism, anti-colonialism, and political theory are revisited.

By Bharat Dogra   While the global south expects China to play a leading role in preventing and resisting the increasing domination of the world food system by giant western agribusiness companies, in recent times China appears to be colluding in this domination by promoting GM crops and related businesses in a big way. On January 18 2024 Reuters reported (report titled ‘China’s embrace of GMO crops gains momentum with new import, planting approvals’), “The agriculture ministry approved the domestic production of six more varieties of genetically modified corn, two of soybeans and one of cotton.” What is more the planting of GM crops was expanded to a much wider area and Chinese firms were allowed to develop and sell GM seeds. GM imports were also facilitated. Later in the year Reuters also reported regarding at least partial acceptance of GM wheat here in a report titled ‘China approves first gene-edited wheat in step to open up GM tech to food crops’.

- राम पुनियानी  हाल (दिसंबर 2024) में संसद में चर्चा के दौरान गृहमंत्री अमित शाह ने अपने भाषण में एक ओर बाबासाहेब अम्बेडकर का अपमान किया तो दूसरी ओर यह साबित करने का प्रयास भी किया कि भारतीय राष्ट्रीय कांग्रेस ने अम्बेडकर के साथ बहुत बुरा बर्ताव किया था. शाह को उनकी टिप्पणियों का माकूल जवाब मिला. कई विरोध प्रदर्शन हुए और उनके इस्तीफे की मांग भी की गई. उन्हें उनके इस कथन के लिए माफ़ी मांगने के लिए कहा गया कि “अम्बेडकर का नाम लेना एक फैशन बन गया है”. इस तीखी प्रतिक्रिया से शायद उनके अहंकार और राजनैतिक वजन में कुछ कमी आई हो.

- પ્રતિનિધિ દ્વારા  વાલજીભાઈ પટેલ, સેક્રેટરી, કાઉન્સિલ ફોર સોશ્યલ જસ્ટીસ, દ્વારા ગુજરાત ગવર્નરને એક પત્રમાં ગુજરાત રાજ્યમાં માનવ અધિકાર હનનની ગંભીર ફરિયાદ કરી છે, જેમાં દલિત યુવતી પર બળાત્કાર અને ત્યારબાદ પોલીસ અને અન્ય સત્તાધારીઓ દ્વારા કાયદાને અનિમિત રીતે વળગાડી આરોપીઓને બચાવવા માટે કૃત્ય કરાયું હોવાનો ઉલ્લેખ છે. એમણે માનવ અધિકાર સંરક્ષણના આંતરરાષ્ટ્રીય કરારો અને 1993ના માનવ અધિકાર સંરક્ષણ અધિનિયમનો ઉલ્લેખ કરી રાજ્યમાં માનવ અધિકાર આયોગની “સ્વતંત્ર” અને “તટસ્થ” કામગીરી પર શંકા વ્યક્ત કરી છે.

- सतीश भारतीय मध्यप्रदेश के पन्ना जिले में लोग केन-बेतवा नदी जोड़ परियोजना का विरोध कर रहे हैं। यह विरोध कई व्यापक प्रदर्शनों का रूप ले चुका है। ऐसे ही ‌परियोजना के विरोध में 16 दिसम्बर 2024 को एक बड़ा प्रदर्शन किया गया। इस विरोध प्रदर्शन में लोगों ने परियोजना की विस्थापन प्रक्रिया और प्रशासन के अलोकतांत्रिक रैवये के खिलाफ सवाल उठाये।

By Harsh Thakor*  Franz Kafka’s literary legacy blossomed posthumously, inspiring readers worldwide to reflect deeply on the human condition. Born in Prague in 1883, Kafka emerged as one of the most influential literary figures of the 20th century. His centenary of death was commemorated on June 3, 2024. Tragically, Kafka’s life mirrored the haunting themes of his stories, marked by obscurity and struggle during his lifetime.

By Vikas Meshram* The sad demise of Dr. Manmohan Singh marks the end of a rare political leadership. His exceptional intellectual capability, integrity, transparency, and unparalleled humility were his defining leadership qualities. A man of few words, he was always willing to listen to everyone, regardless of their stature. With his intellect, he resolved highly complex issues, making decisions that were in the best interest of the nation.

By Sandeep Pandey*  At the airports one sees a ‘Prayer Room.’ It doesn’t say which religion it belongs to. One could go in and pray according to one’s religious practice. This is the model which human society will have to adopt if we are to prevent internecine disputes over religious places in future.

By A  Representative  In a scathing letter addressed to the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh and the Chairperson of the State Human Rights Commission, the All-India Inquilabi Youth and Students Alliance (ALIYSA) has called for urgent intervention to address escalating violence, militarization, and human rights abuses in the Bastar region. The letter, endorsed by over 20 activists and organizations affiliated with the National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM), highlights grave violations against adivasi communities, attributing them to unchecked actions by security forces under the guise of counter-insurgency operations. The letter paints a harrowing picture of the Bastar region, which has reportedly become one of the most militarized zones globally. Activists allege that: -- Security camps, ostensibly set up to combat Naxalite insurgents, have become hubs of violence against indigenous populations. -- Over 235 killings by security forces have been reported since December 20...

By Harsh Thakor*  The Shudra Rebellion , authored by Kancha Ilaiah Shepherd, presents a revolutionary perspective on Indian civilisation, shedding light on the overlooked contributions of Shudra nationalism. This work redefines the historical narrative by highlighting the pivotal role of Shudras as builders of civilisation and productive communities.

By Vikas Meshram*  At the age of 90, renowned filmmaker Shyam Benegal, who was battling kidney-related ailments, bid farewell to the world on Monday evening. Shyam Benegal is a name that revolutionized Indian cinema, bringing real-life experiences to the silver screen. His demise is an immense loss to the entire film industry.

By Ananda Maitreya*  The recent fracas in the Indian parliament over the remarks of Home Minister Amit Shah related to Dr. Ambedkar brings up an important point. This is regardless of the intent of Amit Shah, and what many others, chiefly in the opposition, have made of it.  Ambedkarite activists have been highlighting the fact that Dr. Ambedkar’s name has been misused increasingly. There is, what can be called, a tokenism involved in invoking him. People not really invested in his struggle, his interventions, his concerns, his commitment to the uplift of the Dalits have nevertheless chosen to drop his name indiscriminately according to their expediency. 

By Our  Representative  The People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) has issued a scathing statement condemning Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his remarks during a Rajya Sabha debate commemorating the 75th anniversary of India’s Constitution. Shah’s comments about Dr. B.R. Ambedkar have sparked widespread protests and a fiery debate about the government’s stance on the Constitution and the Ambedkarite legacy.

By A Representative  The Campaign Against State Repression (CASR) has strongly condemned the arrest and alleged physical and mental harassment of 13 student activists from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) who were discussing the Manusmriti on December 25. The students, members of the Bhagat Singh Students Morcha (BSM), have been sent to judicial custody for 14 days following an FIR registered under non-bailable sections.

By Harsh Thakor*  On August 5th, Kajol celebrated her 50th birthday. Widely regarded as one of the most talented and well-rounded actresses of her era, she brought a unique vibrancy and zest for life that set her apart from many of her contemporaries. Her ability to convey a wide spectrum of emotions and fully embody her characters was unrivaled by any other heroine of her time. 

By Bharat Dogra  The foundation stone ceremony of Ken-Betwa River Link Project (KBRLP) took place on December 25 in the middle of a big publicity drive for the controversial Rs. 44,605 crore (one crore=10 million) project. Officially this project is publicized to have several benefits, including generating 103 MW hydroelectric power and 27 MW solar power, irrigating 10.62 lakh (10 lakh=one million) hectares of land and providing drinking water to 62 lakh people. The project involves the construction of the Daudhan Dam on the Ken river to take some of its declared “surplus” water to the Betwa river using a 221-km canal. The project is sought to be completed by a Special Project Vehicle (SPV), the Ken-Betwa Link Project Authority and a 20-member national steering committee. The topmost officially stated benefit of this project is that it will contribute a lot to ending the water scarcity of Bundelkhand , a region spread over 14 districts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh which has ...

By AC Michael*  Incidents of violence against Christians in India are sharply increasing year on year since 2014. As per the complaints received on the United Christian Forum (UCF) Helpline there were 127 in 2014, 142 in 2015, 226 in 2016, 248 in 2017, 292 in 2018, 328 in 2019, 279 in 2020, 505 in 2021, 601 in 2022, 734 in 2023 and in 2024 till November end – 745 incidents respectively.

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak  Perceptions continue to play a significant role in shaping personal, political, economic, and cultural debates and discussions in the age of technological revolutions. Evidence-based arguments and evaluations often take a back seat in areas ranging from policy formulation and implementation to the assessment of personal conduct and individual behaviour. The environment based on perception is against the foundations of truth. Perceptions breed different forms of prejudice. Therefore, both ruling and non-ruling elites dedicate significant effort to shaping public perceptions of people, politics, products, services, and ideas. In this exercise of perception management, evidence rooted in human experiences and empirical facts frequently holds limited significance whereas bias takes priority. Social, political, cultural, economic, and religious perceptions play a central role in creating ‘bias’ and sustaining the concept of "otherness" within society. Bia...

By Kirity Roy* On October 9, 2024, a disturbing incident of harassment and abuse took place in the Swarupnagar Block of North 24 Parganas district, involving a local businessman, Hasanur Gazi, who was subjected to physical assault, verbal abuse, and religious discrimination by a Border Security Force (BSF) constable. The incident, which occurred at the Hakimpur Checkpost, has raised serious concerns about the safety and dignity of citizens living in border areas, especially those belonging to religious minorities.

By Harsh Thakor*  Shyam Benegal, a pioneer of parallel cinema in India, passed away on Monday, December 23, at the age of 90. Known for introducing a new wave of realism to Indian cinema in the 1970s and 1980s with classics like Ankur, Mandi, and Manthan, Benegal succumbed to chronic kidney disease. He breathed his last at Wockhardt Hospital in Mumbai, where he had been admitted to the ICU. He is survived by his wife, Nira Benegal, and daughter.

By Bharat Dogra  Thanks to the directions of the Supreme Court and other courts, the efforts of several organizations working with homeless people, and the initiatives of some public-spirited officials, in recent years some important efforts for helping urban homeless people have been seen in India. Despite this, however, the overall condition of urban homeless people remains highly unsatisfactory, and much more remains to be done for their welfare compared to what has been undertaken in recent years. No matter how tired we are in the course of a difficult day's work, there is always the reassuring feeling that at the end of the hard work, we will go back to sleep in the comfort of our home. But there are millions of people in our cities who simply do not have a home.

By Vikas Meshram*  A recent women-centric report by the United Nations highlights that by 2050, over 158 million women and girls could fall into poverty due to climate change. Simultaneously, more than 236 million women and girls may face food insecurity. An estimate suggests that 130 million girls worldwide are deprived of their fundamental right to education annually, and this issue has worsened due to the climate crisis. Climate change, overuse of resources, and severe air pollution are creating significant challenges, especially for women. Changes in the environment and rising air pollution levels are adversely impacting children even before they are born. Doctors state that toxic heavy metals in the air, inhaled by pregnant women, can harm the unborn child. Air pollution is detrimental to the heart, brain, and lungs of newborns. Pollutants cross the placenta, reaching the fetus, restricting essential nutrients from being delivered through the blood. This hampers proper brain a...

By Sudhansu R Das   When the rich people manage their rise with money, influence, quality education, contacts, communication skills and potential to invest,   the poor work hard to live a day with no time to think.  It is the middle class who think about the social, political, economic and cultural problems that ensnare them.   They were once the thought leaders and the harbinger of change.  It is the middle class who hit the road first when the nation faces trouble; be it an emergency, price rise or bad economic policies of any government. They have knowledge, willingness and experience to understand the crux of the problems. Nationalist organizations, RSS, Congress and the Communist parties once thrived on the middle class youth; they had created selfless and dedicated volunteer forces in the country. The Congress Sevadal, the RSS Swayamsevaks and the communist cadres were always in the forefront of any social and political movement.  Those...

Counterview Desk  The People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) has appealed to the Prime Minister to urgently accept the demands of the protesting farmers relating to legal guarantee for MSP, complete waiver of loans. 

By Bharat Dogra  At a time when the union government is in the process of finalizing its allocations for various schemes and programs, it is important to re-emphasize the need for increasing the allocations for some high priority schemes and programs. The union government has a provision for pensions for elderly persons, widows and disability affected persons under the National Social Assistance Program (NSAP) but the allocations for this program has been stagnating at very low levels. In fact the union government offers just INR 200 per month for elderly persons and INR 300 per month for widows. In most states these amounts increase because of the higher contributions of the state governments, but the contribution of the union government is also overdue for a significant increase. In fact the government must go beyond incremental increase and announce a significant new initiative for pensions that assures much higher pensions to all elderly persons who are currently either denied ...

By Vikas Meshram*  The Indian Civil Code, the Indian Evidence Act, and the Indian Civil Protection Code are three major laws that have been recently enacted. These laws aim to replace outdated statutes and align the legal framework with contemporary needs. The implementation of these reforms is expected to make the Indian judicial system more accessible, transparent, and efficient. The previous system, based on laws introduced during the British era, was fraught with numerous shortcomings that resulted in an overburdened judiciary plagued by pending cases. This led to a long and cumbersome justice delivery process for common citizens. The new laws aim to address these challenges by expediting judicial procedures and enhancing efficiency. The laws include provisions for resolving criminal investigations and case judgments within a stipulated time frame. This is anticipated to accelerate case resolutions, making the justice delivery process simpler for citizens. The Indian Evidence A...

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat*  Raj Kapoor, born 100 years ago, left an indelible mark on Indian cinema before his untimely death at 66. He was not just an actor, director, and producer but a visionary who celebrated collective creativity. His legacy is incomplete without acknowledging the immortal contributions of Mukesh, the legendary lyricist Shailendra, the iconic duo Shankar-Jaikishan, and writer Khwaja Ahmed Abbas. Raj Kapoor uniquely cherished and credited his collaborators, unlike many others in an industry often plagued by "intellectual theft."

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak  Mental illness, heart attacks, high blood pressure, and other physical ailments, along with social and emotional distress and economic hardships, are inherent and integral aspects of capitalism and its systems. Capitalism thrives on a sick society because it is easier to manage and control. However, the sickness of society under capitalism is not limited to the physical and mental health of individuals. It extends beyond personal afflictions, permeating the broader structure of society itself.

By Maju Varghese   The Lok Sabha has passed the Disaster Management Amendment Bill, 2024, which will now be presented in the Rajya Sabha. In its statement of purpose, the central government states that the amendment incorporates lessons learned from past disasters and insights gained during the implementation of the 2005 Act.

By A  Representative   A combing operation conducted by the Maharashtra Police in Dalit-dominated areas and the subsequent custodial death of a 35-year-old law student and Ambedkarite activist, Somnath Suryavanshi, has sparked widespread condemnation. The Committee Against State Repression (CASR) has released a statement condemning the incident, describing it as a "custodial murder" and accusing the police of violating human rights. On December 10, International Human Rights Day, a replica of the Indian Constitution was allegedly desecrated in Parbhani district, Maharashtra. In response, local organizations called for a bandh (strike) to protest the police’s alleged inaction and their labeling of the perpetrators as “mentally deranged.”

By Bharat Dogra  Bhanwarpur village located in Naraini block of Banda district, UP, has a dalit hamlet of about 100 households. Till about 25 years back the situation of the village was such that most of the workers here were toiling in bonded type conditions. While land pattas had been allotted in the name of most households, due to their weaker and vulnerable position they had not been able to gain occupation of this land and cultivate this land. It was at this stage that Vidya Dham Samiti (VDS), a voluntary organization, established contact with the people here. After discussions it was decided that getting actual occupation of the land should get the highest priority. The VDS along with community members made various representations to the administration and maintained the continuity of their efforts and campaign. Around this time some officials were also sympathetic to their demands. So several meetings were organized and subsequently a team of revenue officials wa...

By Harsh Thakor*  Shabana Azmi has made a groundbreaking contribution to Indian art cinema, redefining the portrayal of women on screen. Celebrating 50 years in the film industry since her debut in Ankur (1974), she was instrumental in pioneering art films in Bollywood during the 1970s. Shabana introduced the unconventional heroine, exploring unexplored territories in women's acting. Renowned filmmaker Satyajit Ray remarked in his book Our Films, Their Films: "In her very first film, Shabana Azmi establishes herself as the finest dramatic actress in the country." Contributions to Acting Shabana Azmi has portrayed progressive roles that delved deeply into themes of women's oppression, rebellion, and complex social issues. Her performances were marked by sensitivity, intensity, and a rare grace, embodying a unique blend of composure and fiery conviction. She brought psychological depth to her characters, portraying a wide range of emotions and leaving an indelible impac...

Counterview Desk  Statement by close to 200 people including Tushar Gandhi, Annie Raja, Father Cedric Prakash, John Dayal, Prakash Louis, Pamela Philipose, Brinelle D’souza, Aloysius Irudayam, Shabnam Hashmi, Lisa Pires, Minakshi Singh , Abha Bhaiya, and Vinod Pande, asserting that inviting PM Modi to a Christmas reception ignores the plight of persecuted Christians: *** The persecution of Christians in India has been a growing concern over the past few years. According to various reports, there has been a significant increase in violence and harassment against Christians, particularly in rural areas. One of the main reasons attributed to this alarming rise in persecution is the resurgence of Hindutva nationalism, which has led to an increase in anti-minorities sentiment, specially targeting Christians and Muslims. Many religious nationalist groups, such as the Bajrang Dal and the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), have been accused of inciting violence against Christians across many sta...

By Fr. Cedric Prakash SJ*  Dear Leaders of the Christian Community in India, Greetings of peace, love, joy and hope- to each one of you, as you prepare to celebrate my birth once again! I have just come across an invitation, that some of you are planning to celebrate my birthday on 23 December 2024, in Delhi. A great idea indeed – congrats!! My birth as the Saviour of the world must be celebrated! Do go ahead and enjoy yourselves. However, I must confess that your choice of Chief Guest at my birthday party, confuses me tremendously; in fact, I am aghast! Obviously, you will point fingers to me and say to me that during my life on this earth, I was wining and dining with tax- collectors and prostitutes and damned sinners of every hue on the horizon. I have absolutely no doubt that you would conveniently say this to me. Besides, you would also take me on my own words, unhesitatingly quoting me, “I have come for the sinner…!”

By Ram Puniyani*  The Indian Parliament spent two days discussing the Indian Constitution. While opposition leaders argued that our Constitution has ample space for enhancing the rights of weaker sections of society, including religious minorities, they are suffering terribly. Muslims have been reduced to second-class citizens. The ruling dispensation, the BJP leaders within Parliament and its ideologues outside, argued that all the ills of society and violations of Constitutional values began with Nehru (Amendment to stop hate speech), continued with Indira Gandhi (Emergency), Rajiv Gandhi (Shah Bano Bill), and culminated with Rahul Gandhi (tearing the bill), all of whom they accused of violating the Constitution's values.

By Vikas Meshram*  On the occasion of the 75th year of the implementation of the Indian Constitution, a four-day discussion was held in both Houses of Parliament. This was a golden opportunity for introspection. While drafting the world's largest written Constitution, our founding fathers deliberated on every word and article with utmost seriousness. This was an opportunity to revisit and reflect on the values embedded in our Constitution. The discussion should have focused not only on the structure of the Constitution but also on the progress of our nation, the success of its implementation, and the development of our democracy. Unfortunately, the essence of the discussion was completely lost, and it ended up being limited to personal accusations and counter-accusations.

By Harsh Thakor*  Ernest Hemingway stands as a titan of 20th-century American literature, renowned for his innovative style and unflinching portrayal of human existence. Born in 1899, he witnessed the horrors of World War I firsthand, experiences that profoundly shaped his worldview and writing. Hemingway's prose, characterized by its stark simplicity, direct dialogue, and focus on the "iceberg theory" – where much remains unspoken beneath the surface – revolutionized literary expression.

By Bharat Dogra*  Ghanshyam and Sona are Sahariya adivasis and own a one hectare farm in Bamauri village of Lalitpur district, Uttar Pradesh. One acre out of this has been devoted to creating a garden which itself has three components. Firstly, a diversity of fruit trees including Indian gooseberry or amla, guava, lemon, jackfruit and other fruit trees have been planted in the main  garden area. Secondly, many vegetables like brinjal, cucumber, onion, bottle gourd, cucumber and even a spice like turmeric are inter-cropped in the same area. Thirdly, on the border of the garden several other useful trees, such as neem, and in addition bamboo have been planted.

By Kirity Roy*  The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has been urged to address the alleged assault and harassment of Mr. Anowar Mondal, a 20-year-old fisherman from Parashpur village in the Murshidabad district of West Bengal. Mr. Mondal, who belongs to a family of impoverished fishermen, relies on river fishing for his livelihood. The incident highlights issues of human rights violations, abuse of power, and its impact on the livelihood and dignity of vulnerable communities.

By Ram Puniyani*  Tavleen Singh, a prominent columnist, recently expressed her dismay over the Taliban’s decision to bar women from studying medicine in Afghanistan (Indian Express, December 8, 2024). Rightly appalled by this regressive move, Singh also criticized left-leaning liberals, accusing them of being empathetic towards the Taliban, as few have openly condemned this action. However, this assertion about left-liberal attitudes toward the Taliban or regimes like Iran’s might not fully capture the reality. She further takes issue with comparisons between Hindu nationalist policies and those of the Taliban, suggesting that such parallels are misplaced. While the degree of intensity between the two is indeed different, a closer examination reveals fundamental similarities in their political ideologies. Taliban policies toward women and similar attitudes in countries like Iran and parts of the Gulf share a common thread, even if expressed differently.

By Bharat Dogra  A significant number of residents of Bhaggupurva hamlet in Nagnedi panchayat (Banda district) of Uttar Pradesh) migrate regularly from the village as they cannot earn their subsistence in the village. While some of them leave with their children, others leave their small children with their grandparents.

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak  There are thousands of self-help books, articles, and social media pages that promise to reveal the secrets to luring different types of people—whether it's a romantic partner, employees, employers, or individuals in positions of power and wealth. Additionally, there are thousands of consultancies cater to corporations and politicians, offering strategies to lure the masses based on their fraudulent propaganda. These resources claim to unveil strategies, techniques, and mindsets that supposedly unlock the keys to successful luring in personal, political, and professional relationships. From tips on effective communication to mastering body language, eye contact, sweet talk and confidence, the vast range of advice often suggests methods to manipulate, persuade, or influence and lure others in ways that appear to promise instant gratification. 

By NS Venkataraman*  Observers of India, both domestic and international, often note the nation’s deep political divisions and contentious debates. Media coverage, particularly in India and parts of the West, frequently focuses on political confrontations and inflammatory statements by politicians, overshadowing significant developments in economic, industrial, social, and cultural domains. This disproportionate focus contributes to a skewed perception of the country's progress, despite substantial advancements occurring across various sectors.

By Bharat Dogra*  In a hamlet of Mahuari village, in Hussainabad block, several woman had collected around a small contractor who had been assigned the work for constructing several toilets in their village (located in Palamau district of Jharkhand). They had heard complaints that the toilets were being constructed in a very hurried and poor way. They knew what poor construction meant, as they had seen elsewhere—the toilet work was declared to be completed but the toilet could not be used or its use lasted for only a short time.

By Harsh Thakor*  James Baldwin stands as a towering figure in the struggle against racism and the fight for the emancipation of Black people. Born on August 2, 1924, amidst the rising tide of racial injustice in America, Baldwin’s life and work remain a beacon of hope and defiance. As the world celebrates his birth centenary year, Baldwin continues to inspire as a global symbol in the battle for justice, a literary genius, and one of the most profound voices of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.

By A Representative  Sustainable urban development was in focus on the latest episode of the "What India Needs!" podcast. Dr TV Ramachandra, a scientist at the Indian Institute of Science and an authority on environmental sustainability, joined media entrepreneur and author Shutapa Paul to discuss the pressing issues related to industrialisation, its impact on India's green cover, and the urgent need for sustainable urban planning and resilient systems to combat climate change.

Counterview Desk  JNUTA statement on 'continuing brazenness of the JNU administration':  *** The Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers Association (JNUTA) notes that the Honourable High Court of Delhi, in an order dated 10.12.2024 on the contempt petition CONT.CAS(C) 626/2024, has observed that, in its prima facie view, JNU has violated the Court’s order dated 26.08.2019 in W.P.(C) 9185/2019. This matter pertains to the appointment of Chairpersons without adhering to the principle of rotation in the order of seniority. Accordingly, the Court has issued a notice to the University to show cause as to why contempt proceedings should not be initiated.

By A Representative  The Campaign Against State Repression (CASR) has issued a strong condemnation of recent raids conducted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on the residences of labor rights, student rights, and anti-displacement activists across Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi. The raids took place early on the morning of December 20, reportedly targeting individuals associated with trade unions and social justice movements.

By Harsh Thakor*  Nishtha Jain’s documentary Farming the Revolution provides a compelling portrayal of the historic farmers’ movement in India, chronicling the 16-month-long protest against the Modi government’s contentious agricultural laws. The film captures the scale and resilience of the movement, during which thousands of farmers, predominantly from Punjab and Haryana, occupied highways and state borders to oppose laws they viewed as threats to their livelihoods.