Is India Heading for a Food Crisis? Record Harvests Cannot Hide the Hunger Beneath by Mohd Ziyaullah Khan countercurrents.org/2026/10/… India’s record foodgrain harvests offer an important buffer against shortages, but they do not guarantee future food security. A deficient 2026 monsoon, disruptions to fertiliser supplies linked to the Iran war, and rising global commodity prices are creating risks for agricultural production and food affordability. Millions of households already struggle to afford a nutritious diet, even when grain stocks remain sufficient. Regional inequalities further expose states dependent on supplies from other regions to potential price increases and shortages. The article examines these vulnerabilities and outlines measures to protect farmers, stabilise food supplies and make nutritious food affordable.

A Mother’s Prayer for Her Son: Faith, Forgiveness and Justice by Nancy Sequeira countercurrents.org/2026/10/… Nancy Sequeira, mother of Dr Randall Sequeira, who is in judicial custody in Odisha, appeals for her son’s release and a fair trial. She describes Randall as a doctor dedicated to serving poor and oppressed communities, particularly Adivasis, and expresses concern about the potential health and livelihood impacts of mining activities on these communities. Facing grave charges, including murder, dacoity and offences relating to arms, Randall maintains his place in his parents’ hearts through their unconditional love and faith. Nancy says her family seeks no revenge or hatred, only truth, justice and her son’s return to medical service

A Mother’s Prayer for Her Son: Faith, Forgiveness and Justice by Nancy Sequeira countercurrents.org/2026/10/… Nancy Sequeira, mother of Dr Randall Sequeira, who is in judicial custody in Odisha, appeals for her son’s release and a fair trial. She describes Randall as a doctor dedicated to serving poor and oppressed communities, particularly Adivasis, and expresses concern about the potential health and livelihood impacts of mining activities on these communities. Facing grave charges, including murder, dacoity and offences relating to arms, Randall maintains his place in his parents’ hearts through their unconditional love and faith. Nancy says her family seeks no revenge or hatred, only truth, justice and her son’s return to medical service

Israa was a friend for life by Shaimaa Hussein countercurrents.org/2026/10/… In October 2023, Shaimaa Hussein and her best friend Israa Abu Jald spent a day on a Gaza beach, sharing shawarma, laughter and memories. They promised to return the following week. Two days later, Israel’s intensified assault forced Shaimaa’s family to seek shelter in a school. On 22 October, after Israa messaged Shaimaa about their uncertain future, a bombing destroyed Israa’s home, killing her and several family members. Shaimaa called her friend 22 times, hoping she would answer. Years of friendship, shared dreams and everyday kindness survive in Shaimaa’s memories, including her visits to the sea.

Famine threatens Gaza again as Israel continues to use starvation as a tool of genocide by Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor countercurrents.org/2026/10/… Gaza faces a renewed threat of famine as severe food shortages, rising prices and restrictions on supplies leave millions struggling to meet basic needs, according to Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor. Flour shortages and inadequate fuel have forced bakeries to close, while the seven remaining bakeries operating with World Food Programme support could shut down within days. Families are cutting meals, children face growing nutritional risks, and people with chronic illnesses struggle to obtain suitable food. Euro-Med Monitor says Israeli restrictions on food, fuel and humanitarian assistance are perpetuating starvation and calls for unrestricted supplies, urgent relief and accountability for violations of international law.

CJP Leaders Reportedly Signing Peace Bonds Sparks Debate Over Ideological Commitment by Arun Srivastava countercurrents.org/2026/10/… The reported signing of peace bonds by Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka after seven days in Tihar Jail has sparked debate over ideological commitment, political strategy and the limits of protest. The article contrasts their reported decision with student activist Neha Bora’s refusal to sign a peace bond and her legal challenge to the Delhi Police notice. It examines the use of preventive legal measures against activists involved in demonstrations demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the rollback of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The author questions CJP’s ideological foundations and its willingness to sustain dissent under institutional pressure.

The Militarization of Germany’s Car Industry by Thomas Klikauer countercurrents.org/2026/10/… Germany’s automotive industry is undergoing a transformation as car manufacturers and suppliers increasingly enter military production. Thomas Klikauer examines how government funding, rising military expenditure and industrial restructuring are facilitating the conversion of civilian factories into arms production facilities. Workers facing job losses in the automotive sector are being recruited to manufacture ammunition, tank components and other military equipment. The article explores the implications for employment, public spending, industrial priorities and local communities. It also highlights resistance from trade unions and peace groups, alongside concerns that Germany’s growing military-industrial complex could deepen economic dependencies and divert resources from social needs.

“People Against SIR, Odisha” Calls for Statewide Protests Across Odisha on October 23 by Prakash Kumar Samantsinghar countercurrents.org/2026/10/… People Against SIR, Odisha, has called for statewide protests on October 23 against the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The campaign demands the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, cancellation of the SIR, restoration of deleted voter names and measures to ensure the Election Commission’s independence. It also calls for comprehensive electoral reforms, including proportional representation, curbs on money and muscle power, and public funding of elections. Rallies, public meetings and demonstrations are planned across Odisha. In Bhubaneswar, the main protest will take place on Mahatma Gandhi Marg from 5 pm to 8 pm.

Eugene Debs and the Evolution of the American Working-Class Movement by Harsh Thakor countercurrents.org/2026/10/… Eugene V. Debs devoted his life to the American working-class movement, championing industrial unionism, socialism and collective ownership. From his early trade union activities to his five presidential campaigns, Debs challenged the concentration of economic power and the exploitation of workers. His imprisonment for opposing the First World War strengthened his standing as a defender of political dissent and international solidarity. Yet his commitment to electoral politics and democratic institutions also exposed enduring debates within socialism over reform, revolution and working-class power. A century after his death, Debs's political legacy continues to inform discussions on labour, democracy and socialism.

The Fall of Zohran Mamdani by Bhabani Shankar Nayak countercurrents.org/2026/10/… Zohran Mamdani’s election as New York City mayor raised hopes of a break with established political and economic power. Bhabani Shankar Nayak argues that his early political choices reveal a growing gap between his democratic socialist identity and his practice in office. From his appointment of police commissioner Jessica Tisch to his response to protests against Benjamin Netanyahu, Mamdani is accused of accommodating existing power structures rather than advancing radical change. The article examines how populist measures and the language of socialism can weaken working-class trust when they leave the foundations of capitalism intact.

Trump and Netanyahu’s Dangerous War against Iran: How Their Decisions Could Push the World towards an Economic Disaster by Syed Mohammad Raghib countercurrents.org/2026/10/… The military confrontation involving Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu and Iran threatens consequences far beyond West Asia. Disruptions to oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have pushed energy prices higher, increasing the risks of inflation, slower economic growth and financial instability. Countries dependent on imported energy, including India, China, Japan and South Korea, face particular exposure. Rising fuel, fertiliser and transport costs could place additional pressure on farmers, small businesses and low-income households worldwide. Syed Mohammad Raghib examines the economic and humanitarian consequences of military escalation and argues that diplomacy, civilian protection and international law must take precedence over prolonged military confrontation.

Beyond PCOS: Her Silent Battles by Nilofer Shaheen countercurrents.org/2026/10/… Living with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can involve struggles that extend far beyond physical symptoms. Irregular periods, acne, facial hair, hair loss and weight changes can affect a woman’s confidence, emotional well-being and sense of self. Yet, many women face these challenges in silence, fearing judgement or dismissal when they try to express their feelings. In “Beyond PCOS: Her Silent Battles,” Nilofer Shaheen explores the emotional burden of the condition and the social expectations that intensify it. She calls for families, friends and partners to listen without judgement and offer compassion alongside medical care and awareness.

The Empty Stadium Illusion: Why Banning Israeli Fans is Not Enough by Dr Ramzy Baroud countercurrents.org/2026/10/… Banning Israeli fans from stadiums and relocating fixtures behind closed doors may signal growing opposition to Israel’s participation in international sport, but they do not amount to a comprehensive boycott. Dr Ramzy Baroud examines the contrast with the international sporting isolation of apartheid South Africa, tracing how decades of political and intellectual groundwork eventually led to coordinated action by governments and sporting bodies. He argues that solidarity with Palestinians must move beyond public demonstrations and individual acts of conscience towards sustained institutional pressure. Without coordinated action, Israel’s continued participation in international sport risks proceeding without meaningful accountability for its actions in Gaza.

Mohan Bhagwat and the RSS: A History of Regime Change by Dr Suresh Khairnar countercurrents.org/2026/10/… In an open letter to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Dr. Suresh Khairnar examines the organisation’s historical role in efforts to change governments in India. Drawing on an interview with senior RSS functionary Nanaji Deshmukh, Khairnar traces the RSS and Jana Sangh’s involvement in non-Congress political alliances, the JP movement of the 1970s, the formation of the Janata Party, and the BJP’s subsequent political journey. He also recalls the RSS’s role in the 2011 India Against Corruption movement and questions Bhagwat’s recent allegation that foreign forces are behind movements seeking regime change.

Elections should not be this important, but they are by Bill McKibben countercurrents.org/2026/10/… In "Elections Should Not Be This Important, but They Are", Bill McKibben examines how electoral outcomes have become decisive for democracy, climate action and planetary survival. The contest in Brazil could shape the future of the Amazon rainforest, whose ecological stability is already threatened by deforestation and climate change. In the United States, political decisions and rising emissions are undermining global efforts to limit warming. McKibben highlights candidates challenging industrial pollution and defending climate action, while warning that democratic institutions and environmental protections are increasingly at stake. He urges people to work for electoral victories and defend democracy.

Beyond Borders: Building Community in the Face of Displacement by Norbert Byambo Kagosi with Mujib Abid countercurrents.org/2026/10/… Forced to flee the Democratic Republic of Congo after threats to his life, Norbert Byambo Kagosi walked for two months to reach Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda. Today, he works as a peacebuilder, educator and conflict resolution trainer, helping fellow refugees build a future through community initiatives. In this article, Norbert and scholar-activist Mujib Abid examine displacement, militarised borders and the unequal freedom of movement in a world shaped by conflict, resource struggles and economic inequality. Ahead of the #NoWar2026 global online conference, they explore migration, solidarity and the possibilities of building communities beyond borders.

Guarding Against Executive Overreach: Post-Protest ECI Reform Must Address Authoritarian Tendencies by M V Georgekutty countercurrents.org/2026/10/… India’s Election Commission must be protected from executive interference through structural reforms that safeguard its independence. M V Georgekutty examines how weaknesses in the 2023 law governing appointments to the Election Commission could allow future governments to undermine free and fair elections. Drawing on the experiences of Hungary under Viktor Orbán and Turkey under Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the article identifies three provisions requiring reconsideration: the Search Committee’s composition and powers, the executive’s authority to alter the number of Election Commissioners, and eligibility rules that restrict appointments to senior civil servants. The author argues that transparent selection and institutional safeguards are essential to democratic accountability.

Nature Can’t Wait by Mary Robinson countercurrents.org/2026/10/… Amid wars, geopolitical turmoil and fiscal pressures, protecting nature is often treated as a priority that can wait. Mary Robinson argues that postponing action threatens the ecological foundations of the global economy, food security and livelihoods. More than half of global GDP depends on nature, yet progress toward the international target of protecting 30% of land and oceans by 2030 remains uneven. While 20% of land and inland waters are protected or conserved, only 3.5% of the ocean is effectively protected. Robinson calls for increased financing, concrete implementation plans and sustained management of protected areas to safeguard biodiversity and strengthen resilience.

India Needs Public Information Networks, Not Hyperscale Data Centres by Sagar Dhara countercurrents.org/2026/10/… India’s growing hyperscale AI data-centre ambitions raise serious questions about the use of electricity, water, land and minerals. Sagar Dhara examines the environmental costs of these facilities and asks whether their benefits justify the resources they demand, particularly when local communities and public utilities may bear part of the burden. He proposes an alternative: decentralised public information networks linking villages, towns, districts, states and national systems. Such networks could support public records, healthcare, education, agricultural services and government accountability without requiring gigawatt-scale computing infrastructure. Dhara calls for transparent assessments and comparisons before governments commit scarce resources to hyperscale projects.

To Chill or Not to Chill: The First Amendment Beyond the President’s Press Room by Narayana Rao Rampilla countercurrents.org/2026/10/… A US federal judge’s decision to block the exclusion of CNN, MS NOW and POLITICO journalists from the White House complex affirms that press access cannot be manipulated to punish critical reporting. Narayana Rao Rampilla examines the ruling’s First Amendment implications, its limits, and the constitutional principles governing viewpoint discrimination. He also questions the disparity between protections available to powerful media organisations and the vulnerabilities of independent journalists and undocumented civilians facing state power. The article connects press freedom with due process, equal protection and civil disobedience, arguing that constitutional liberty must extend beyond the boundaries of the White House briefing room.