Despite the deafening silence of the mainstream media, the social media space exploded with images and videos of a continuous stream of more than 50,000 red flag bearing working people, mostly tribals, marching across the Palghar district in Maharashtra. This was the heartland of the legendary battle ground of the Worli Revolt.

IN the wee hours of January 2, the skies of Caracas lit up with fire trails from airborne armaments and aircraft. They were followed by a stream of helicopters used in commando operations, most notably the Delta Force. The world woke up on 3^rd morning to the stunning statement by no less than President Donald Trump himself that the US armed forces had taken President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela into custody and he will be taken to an unknown destination under the control of the US administration.

THIS being the year end issue, People’s Democracy greets all our readers for the coming year. For us, reviewing the year gone by is important, as the past gives us the wherewithal to understand the present and step into the future with all our energy and purpose.

IN the rich tapestry of world literature, carols, hymns, and lullabies occupy a place of pride. Lewis Carroll evolved his nonsense rhymes as a distinct tradition to add sarcasm to the repertoire of this genre. In our own country, Sukumar Ray, an exceptionally talented cultural personality and father of the film maestro, Satyajit Ray, made a distinctive contribution to this tradition through his own nonsense rhymes. One of his rhymes spoke out to power with biting sarcasm. The sharp piece brought out the poser, why are the rulers afraid of laughter?

FOUR Labour Codes have been notified by the Government of India immediately after NDA’s major electoral victory in the Bihar Assembly elections, and the accompanying euphoria. The Codes on wages, industrial relations, occupational safety and social security override in the name of ‘simplification of 29 Labour Laws’.The truth is, the Labour Codes dilute and remove vestiges of labour protection which were enshrined in those laws. On the question of job security, all possible roles of the Labour Department will be dispensed with.