THERE are two major ways that the October Revolution changed the world of sciences. First, was that science and technology can be planned; it is through planning of science, technology and the industry that a backward feudal country like Russia could organise its society and catch up with the far more advanced west in only a few decades. That it could combat Nazi Germany in the Second World War was due in part to the rapid industrialisation Russia had done in the 20's and 30's.

THE Russian Revolution of October 1917 was a momentous event which opened a new epoch for the world. As we approach the centenary of the October Revolution, it is possible to look back across the course of the entire 20th century and come to a judgment about its historic significance and contemporary relevance.While it may take a longer time to arrive at definite conclusions about the historical experience of the 74 years of the Soviet Union, as far as the October Revolution itself is concerned, its historic and world wide significance is well established.

ON November 7 this year, we enter the 100th year of the triumph of the October Revolution. This event deeply influenced the course of world history in the 20th century, qualitatively shifting the trajectory of human civilisational advance.

RESENTMENT among anganwadi workers and helpers in Uttar Pradesh has been growing in the past year due to excessive work load. Increasing price rise, very low honorarium, lack of basic infrastructure in anganwadi centres, status of the scheme even after 41 years of its inception and cut in funding in the recent budget have added to their woes. Beginning with the all-India general strike on September 2, 2015, the struggle of anganwadi workers and helpers continued over their demands. In this year-long struggle, participation of workers in all protest demonstrations has been overwhelming.

THE All India Co-ordination Committee of Sugarcane growers met at Sundarayya Vigyan Kendram, Hyderabad in September last week. Representatives from ten states (Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Bihar, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand) participated in this meeting. The meeting began with opening remarks by AIKS general secretary Hannan Mollah,  S Malla Reddy presided over the meeting. The report was presented by N K Shukla, convenor and supplemented by Vijoo Krishnan, co-convenor.