Today is Thursday, February 4th, and you're listening to The Morning Announcements.

I'm Sammy Sage.

Let's start today with an international story you may have heard about, the month's long

farmer protests in India.

Last August, the Indian government passed three agricultural bills, which ultimately disadvantaged

the country's farmers and favor corporate interests.

This is pretty significant legislation in a country where agricultural workers make

up nearly 60% of India's population.

The protests have grown exponentially since August, as the government has repeatedly refused

to grant demands of farmers and agricultural unions to repeal all three of these bills.

And in January, the Supreme Court issued an order suspending the bills and appointing

a committee to oversee future negotiations.

The farmers' unions continue to refuse and will accept no less than complete repeal

of all the laws.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly blamed the protests on a misinformation campaign

by the opposition party and claimed that farmers simply don't understand the laws.

The protests were peaceful for months, but on January 26th, also known as India's Republic

Day, things turned violent when police started using tear gas, batons, and assault rifles

against the farmers who had planned a tractor rally in Delhi.

And yes, a tractor rally is exactly what it sounds like.

According to Human Rights Watch, one protestor was killed and 200 were detained.

Over 300 police officers were injured as well as eight journalists.

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