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Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary MA BABY reflects on 2025, tracing how war, imperialism, shrinking democratic spaces and neoliberal restructuring shaped global and Indian politics – pointing towards the urgent task of building a more democratic and just future
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ANDREW MURRAY offers some troubling thoughts on pressing political issues
Tensions have once again escalated between Egypt and Ethiopia over GERD, Africa’s largest hydroelectric project, and now Trump has offered to mediate. NICHOLAS MWANGI reports
Even a year ago the phrase "working poor" was not widely used. There have always been historically low-paid workers, both employed and self-employed, such as hospital porters, cleaners, sales reps and unskilled factory workers.
While "luxuries" such as home ownership or an annual foreign holiday may have been out of reach for people like this, in was also true that being in work used to pay more than being unemployed.
Work meant bills were paid and there was enough money for the odd meal out, a night in the pub, a basic week's holiday for the family, household items could be replaced when broken or new items needed and perhaps a few pounds a week could be squirrelled away in a Christmas savings club.
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In the current climate, it is vital to bust the myths and put forward the case for a humane and decent social security system that supports people, argues FRAN HEATHCOTE
Educators must fight for an inclusive, creative system that values all children
Despite caring for vulnerable children and often covering classes, support staff remain undervalued, with some earning less than supermarket workers — but GMB’s campaigning offers new hope, argues DONNA SPICER
