IN remote Tripura, coverage under health schemes extends to an incredible 57-58 per cent of the state’s population, according to the latest National Family and Health Survey (NFHS) 4, reporting for 2015-16. This is over three and a half times more than health coverage provided in Gujarat, a much richer state, often portrayed as a model of development.Coverage under a scheme/insurance means that out of pocket expenses on health are significantly reduced.

INCIDENTS of communal violence and hatred have increased manifolds in India in recent times. The idea of a secular, democratic republic is under attack by the very forces ruling at the Centre. The idea of those who are leading the regime in this country is an idea which wages war against the constitutional values itself. The brutal murder of Mohammad Afrajul and the circulation of a video of his killing is one of the most horrifying experiences in the recent past.

THE Dalit Shoshan Mukti Manch, NCR Committee organised a symposium on the relevance of Savitri Bai Phule’s ideas in the present time on January 7, at its office 44, Ashok Road, New Delhi. The symposium was attended by 150 people. Savitri Bai Phule was born on January 3, 1831 in Nayagaon village which falls under Pune district of Maharashtra. Commemorating the birth anniversary of the first woman teacher of India, DSMM organised this symposium.The main speaker was Dr Subhash Chandra, professor at Hindi Department of Kurukshetra University, Haryana.

THE CPI(M) Tripura state secretary, Bijan Dhar, has vehemently condemned the RSS-BJP’s blatant bid to vitiate the pre-poll scenario in Tripura by including the country’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, as an active participant in their vital party meeting held on January 14 in the official residence of union home minister Rajnath Singh.At a press conference in Agartala on January 16, Dhar said that the attention of the Election Commission of India was drawn to a news item that the party meeting in the run-up to the upcoming assembly election in three northeastern states was attended

THE Indian History Congress held its 78th annual session at the Jadavpur University campus, Kolkata, from December 28-30, 2017. By all accounts, it was its largest session till date, the number of delegates crossing the 1,600 mark.The session was presided over by the famous historian of Ancient India, Professor KM Shrimali. His presidential address was delivered at the inaugural session on December 28, in the main hall of the Jadavpur University.