THE 11th Conference of the All India Federation of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers (AIFAWH) concluded echoing the slogan: "Institutionalise ICDS with proper infrastructure and adequate resources; regularise, provide minimum wages, social security, and pension to Anganwadi workers/helpers." This historic conference gave new direction and renewed energy to the struggle of anganwadi workers across the country.

Madhab Saha, a towering figure in Tripura’s left movements, former State Committee Member of CPI(M), four-time MLA from Matabari, and a respected trade union leader, passed away on 21st February while undergoing treatment at ILS Hospital, Agartala. He had been battling cardiac issues for several years. At the moment of his passing, a hall meeting was underway at Agartala Town Hall to commemorate the 178th anniversary of the publication of the Communist Manifesto.

It was 8 am on Sunday, the eighth of February. A group of young men and women were standing in the Drop Gate area of Agartala. Most of them were wearing white T-shirts bearing the slogan “Save the Generation” on the front and back. The scene felt somewhat different and striking. As one moved closer, prominent Left youth leaders came into view — DYFI State Secretary Nabarun Deb, State President Palash Bhowmik, TYF General Secretary Kumud Debbarma, President Kaushik Roy Debbarma, among others.

The India-US trade negotiations expressed in the joint statement have reached a framework of an interim agreement as an expression of commitment to broader India-US Bilateral Trade Agreements. The US President Trump seems to be committed to reducing trade deficits with countries like China, the EU, Vietnam, Japan, India and Canada pursuing his ‘America First’ policy.