THERE need not have been a war in Ukraine. The Russian government had made it clear almost two decades ago that it would not tolerate the expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) eastward. In 1990, before the fall of the USSR and when the two parts of Germany had negotiated their unification, it had been made clear to the Soviets that NATO would not go beyond the eastern border of Germany. After the fall of the USSR in 1991, NATO violated that agreement and began to absorb states along the border of Russia.

THE Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) submitted a memorandum to Karnataka chief minister S Siddaramaiah on August 22, regarding the Karnataka Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes (Reservation of Appointments (Amendment) Act, 2024. While the CITU acknowledges the positive aspects of the amendment, which includes provisions for reservations for SC, ST, and OBC candidates in outsourced jobs within government departments and public sector undertakings (PSUs), it has expressed significant concerns over a specific proviso in the legislation.

"THE dreams of Buddhadeb Bhattacharya live on!" This declaration was made by CPI(M) leaders during a memorial meeting held at Netaji Indoor Stadium on August 22, to honor the former chief minister and Polit Bureau member of the Party, Comrade Buddhadeb Bhattacharya. Party state secretary Mohammad Salim passionately stated that Bhattacharya's ideals inspired a generation to devote their talents to building a better West Bengal.

TRIPURA has been hit by unprecedented rainfall during the period August 19-23, 2024 leading to the most devastating floods in recent times. Thirty one people have been killed and some are reported missing. AIKS, in a statement issued on August 29, has condoled the loss of lives and expressed its solidarity with their families. There has been widespread loss of crops, cattle and massive damage to houses.

THE All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA), in a statement issued on August 27, has welcomed the release of the Hema Committee report which has painstakingly conducted an inquiry into the shocking atrocities against women in the film industry. It is the first time that a state government has formed a committee to study the malpractices in the film industry and harassment that women have to undergo. It is a known fact that women working in the film industry are victimised everywhere.