THE CITU Working Committee met on 17–19 July 2026 at Comrade Debanjan Chakraborty Manch (CMPDI Hall) and Comrade Bishnu Mohanty Nagar (Ranchi), six and a half months after the 18th Conference (31 December 2025–4 January 2026). While the Conference's theoretical propositions have only been strengthened since then, the practical situation has thrown up entirely new challenges, making this meeting particularly important.

DISABILITY rights organisations, individuals and concerned citizens have unequivocally condemned the reported use of pellet guns and electric shock weapons against peaceful protesters during the Sansad Chalo march in New Delhi on July 20, 2026.

IN ancient times, when Gargi questioned Yajnavalkya, he warned her that if she continued asking questions, he would curse her and her head would be severed from her body. Even then, those in authority were afraid of questions. When Buddhist monks were attacked and the ancient university of Nalanda, one of the world's oldest centres of learning, was destroyed, the same fear was at work. The forces driven by that fear in those times are once again raising their heads today, seeking to repeat what was done centuries ago.

Law and order in Tripura has deteriorated drastically during the BJP government's eight-and-a-half years in office, CPI(M) State Secretary Jitendra Chaudhury said. Democratic and constitutional rights were being systematically violated, he said, citing several recent incidents, including police preventing CPI(M) leaders from paying floral tributes to slain party leader Badal Shil at Chottakhola in Belonia on July 15 despite prior permission.

ON July 22, the United States and Saudi Arabia signed what Washington calls a ‘peaceful nuclear cooperation agreement’. The agreement has been presented as a commercial arrangement that will help Saudi Arabia diversify its energy system while creating a vast new market for US-based nuclear companies. But its significance goes far beyond the construction of power stations.