ON June 24, 2014, the Delhi Union of Journalists (DUJ) and its Gender Council (GC) noted with deep concern the deteriorating work environment in media houses, particularly TV channels, which stands exposed by the attempted suicide of a woman TV anchor on the premises of India TV. Behind the glamour projected by the TV industry, the DUJ noted, there lies the grim story of abysmal employment practices, 24/7 working hours, high pressure deadlines, arbitrary contracts, and hire and fire practices.

AT an impressive function in Kochi on June 13, 2014, CPI(M) Polit Bureau member M A Baby inaugurated the EMS Study and Research Centre. He said the centre was established with the objective of conducting study and research on relevant contemporary topics, adding that the country was passing though an extraordinary situation following the BJP victory. The setback suffered by the Left called for “self-criticism with honesty and courage.” He said self-criticism of the conventional style would not serve any purpose.

DRASTIC environmental changes are becoming a threat to agriculture, especially in less developed countries, and it may affect the food security. This concern was shared in a seminar organised by the Rohtak district unit of All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) on June 5.

AT a critical juncture in Indian politics, which has witnessed a temporary setback to the Left and democratic forces in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, a meaningful two day debate pointed out the responsibilities the Left has to take up. At EMS Smriti, a national debate programme organised on June 19 and 20 by the COSTFORD at Thrissur, there was a threadbare discussion on the role of the Left in the new circumstances, and on how to overcome the challenges.

THE glorious history and inspiring experience of the Left-led tribal movement in Tripura was highlighted by the newly-elected member of parliament from the Tripura East (ST) seat and former minister in the Left Front government of Tripura, Jitendra Chaudhury, in the CPI(M)’s Thane district study camp held recently in the Comrade Godavari Shamrao Parulekar Bhavan at Talasari. Over 300 leading activists of the Party – most of them tribals – attended this camp which was specially held in the wake of the Lok Sabha poll results.