By Ross Bennett-Cook*  Travel is on the rise again. According to the UN’s tourism agency, international travel for all purposes reached 97% of its pre-pandemic level in the first quarter of 2024. In some regions such as Africa and Europe, arrivals are already surpassing these levels. Indian travellers, in particular, are adding to this growing trend – no nation’s outbound tourism market is growing faster. In response to this rapidly expanding travel boom, Indian airlines ordered record numbers of new planes in 2024.

By Megan Bryson*  With his delighted expression, round belly, bald head and monastic robes, the “Laughing Buddha” is instantly identifiable. However, astute observers might wonder why this Buddha does not look like the historical Buddha , who lived in India about 2,500 years ago.

By Harsh Thakor*   Professor G.N. Saibaba’s passing is an immense loss to the Indian democratic movement. He was one of the most courageous and intellectually sharp voices against the proto-fascism that he himself fell victim to. My encounters with him remain etched in my heart, as he carved a permanent niche among the crusaders for the emancipation of mankind. Saibaba represented the criminalization and terror faced by those who champion the cause of the oppressed. Though his body has perished, his spirit lives on in the hearts of the marginalized across India, whether in forests, plains, or cities, where the flames of resistance continue to flicker against corporate-backed fascism.

By Vikas Meshram*  Children's fundamental rights are those essential rights required for every child's survival, growth, development, and protection. Safeguarding these rights is not only crucial for their well-being but also essential for the country's bright future. Children are the pillars of society, and it is the responsibility of every community to provide them with a strong, secure, and opportunity-filled environment.

By Leoni Connah* This year’s local elections in India’s northernmost territory of Jammu and Kashmir were the first since the national government controversially stripped the region of its semi-autonomous status in 2019. It’s also the first local election in Muslim-majority Kashmir since 2014.

By Shahrukh bin Parvaiz*  Jammu and Kashmir finally has an elected Legislative Assembly after the abrogation of Article 370. Despite a large turnout, the 2024 elections saw a dip in voter percentage compared to 2014. While the 2014 elections saw a 65.84% turnout, the 2024 elections managed 63.45%, a notable 2.39% decline. These elections are being hailed as a success, but the reality is more complex. The most challenging elections remain those of 1996, held after the controversial rigging in 1989. Back then, the central government had to encourage people to vote, whereas in 2024, it was the people urging the government to hold elections. But let’s focus on the present.

By Bharat Dogra*  A wake-up call before it is too late—the most important food crops—staple food of billions of people—rice and wheat are being targeted by GM crop promoting big business interests and the researchers allied to them. Their most important although undeclared goal is not just to increase profits but in addition to gain control and dominance over the world food and farming system.

By Our Representative  The National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM) has announced its unequivocal support for the Ladakhi people's ongoing struggle for constitutional rights and environmental protection. In a statement released on Saturday, NAPM condemned the central government for failing to deliver on its promises and demanded urgent dialogue with Ladakhi leaders to address their concerns, including granting Ladakh Sixth Schedule Status under the Indian Constitution.

By Our Representative  In the predawn hours of October 1, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) executed raids at 12 locations throughout West Bengal, targeting the residences of several activists in connection with alleged “Maoist links.” The agency confiscated mobile phones and laptops belonging to numerous individuals during these searches, which reportedly resulted in significant property damage.