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Trump Reaffirms Promise to End Russia-Ukraine Conflict, Raises Concerns Among Allies

WASHINGTON: Trump’s War-Ending Vision
As the U.S. Presidential election draws attention worldwide, Donald Trump’s vow to end the Russia-Ukraine war has raised both hope and anxiety. Trump, who has repeatedly claimed he could resolve the ongoing conflict in just 24 hours, views his strong rapport with Russian President Vladimir Putin as a leverage point in negotiations. His proposal, however, brings uncertainty about the future of U.S. support for Ukraine, which has relied heavily on American military and financial aid since the war began in 2022.

During a recent speech, Trump doubled down on his campaign promise to withdraw from entangling foreign conflicts, which has drawn support among U.S. voters weary of long overseas involvements. Yet, his rhetoric has led to widespread concern in Kyiv, where officials now worry about maintaining support in a potentially shifted geopolitical landscape.

U.S. Allies Weigh In
For Ukraine, a top financial and military backer, the potential shift in U.S. policy could be devastating. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, though hopeful for bipartisan backing, recognizes the challenge of garnering unwavering support if the U.S. changes its stance. According to European Union foreign policy officials, a pivot in U.S. foreign aid policies could force Ukraine to look elsewhere for critical support, possibly turning more toward European allies for aid packages and military assistance.

Meanwhile, Trump’s strategy remains vague. His references to a swift peace negotiation have left analysts speculating how a quick resolution might align with Ukraine’s territorial goals, particularly the reclamation of territories currently occupied by Russian forces. European allies, committed to a unified front against Russia, express mixed views on Trump’s approach, highlighting a need for consistent and coordinated strategies among NATO members to ensure Ukraine’s security and sovereignty.

Prospects of Trump’s Strategy
Some in Ukraine, such as foreign relations committee head Oleksandr Merezhko, believe that Trump’s pragmatic approach to foreign policy might eventually benefit Ukraine, though this may require flexibility and creative diplomatic solutions. Trump’s direct approach could create pressure on both sides to negotiate, yet the scope and feasibility of such an agreement remain uncertain, especially with the complexities of the ongoing conflict.

Web Team, C6N

Development Projects Stall Amid Election Code, Disrupting Candidates’ Campaigns

Pune: many candidates are grappling with the impact of the model code of conduct, which has halted several key development projects. This disruption comes at a time when these projects were seen as vital to securing voter support.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar had approved a significant ₹1,256 crore in funds for various initiatives through the District Planning and Development Committee (DPDC). In

In addition, authorities approved projects worth ₹5,500 crore to address urgent needs, including infrastructure, health, and education. However, with the election code coming into force, the authorities froze the execution of these plans, frustrating candidates who had hoped to showcase these achievements.

Several public and civic facility projects, such as the repair of school buildings, rural roadworks, and infrastructure under the Nagarotthan Abhiyan, received approval.

Despite this, the tender processes could not proceed, putting projects valued at ₹366 crore at a standstill. Pune Zilla Parishad CEO, Vijay Singh Nalavde, emphasized that this delay is especially impactful for works over ₹10 lakh, which require a tender process to proceed.

With over 30 DPDC members from various constituencies, many MLAs, especially from the Grand Alliance, were counting on these projects to boost their electoral prospects. However, the suspension of these projects has prevented them from presenting tangible achievements during the campaign season. This has raised concerns among candidates, who fear that a potential change in power after the elections might lead to the redistribution of projects, leaving them without accomplishments to highlight.

The stalling of these initiatives has not only caused dissatisfaction among candidates but has also disrupted the flow of essential development work, potentially influencing voter sentiment in key areas.

Sharad Pawar Criticizes Mahayuti Government Over Farmer Distress, Unemployment

MUMBAI: As Maharashtra gears up for the upcoming Assembly elections, veteran leader and NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar has intensified his criticism of the ruling Mahayuti government. Addressing a rally in Nagpur on November 7, Pawar accused the coalition government led by the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance of failing Maharashtra’s farmers and contributing to the worsening situation for the agrarian sector, among other issues. He urged the electorate to consider these factors when they vote on November 20.

Farmer Distress in Focus
According to Pawar, the Mahayuti government has been unable to provide effective support for Maharashtra’s struggling farmers. He alleged that policies under the current administration have led to poor crop yields and a lack of compensation, which have compounded challenges for rural Maharashtra. Pawar further highlighted the issue of limited subsidies and insufficient loan waivers as pressing problems, particularly affecting cotton and onion farmers in Vidarbha and Marathwada, where crops are often impacted by erratic weather.

Unemployment and Women’s Safety Among Key Concerns
At the rally, Pawar emphasized the government’s failure to address rising unemployment. He highlighted that recent policies have not generated enough job opportunities, leaving educated youth with limited employment prospects. Pawar also voiced concerns over women’s safety, suggesting that the state has seen a rise in incidents of violence against women, a situation he attributed to administrative neglect by the ruling coalition.

A Call for Strong Leadership and Accountability
Pawar’s critique extended to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom he accused of prioritizing regional interests over Maharashtra’s needs. He urged voters to advocate for change by supporting leaders who are genuinely committed to the welfare of the state, especially in agriculture, job creation, and public safety.

With his rhetoric intensifying, Pawar aims to galvanize his base and appeal to undecided voters, positioning the NCP (SP) as a solution-oriented alternative. The upcoming election remains pivotal for Maharashtra, with both sides vying for voter trust amid rising political tensions.

Web Team, C6N

Delhi’s Air Quality Deteriorates to ‘Severe’ GRAP Stage-3 Curbs Imposed, Schools Go Online

Delhi’s air quality plunged to “severe” levels on November 15, prompting stringent measures under Stage-3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). With the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing 400 in many areas, including Anand Vihar and Jahangirpuri, smog blanketed the city and neighboring regions like Gurugram and Ghaziabad.

Key restrictions include a ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles, suspension of most construction activities, and daily water sprinkling on major roads. Primary schools have shifted online until further notice. Meanwhile, the Delhi Metro has added 20 weekday trips to mitigate vehicular pollution.

Vehicular emissions and stubble burning remain top contributors to Delhi’s pollution. On Thursday alone, 202 stubble-burning cases were recorded in Uttar Pradesh. Political blame games have also ensued, with opposition parties demanding stronger interventions.

( By Ankita Singh, team at C6N)

Sharad Pawar Intensifies Attack on ‘Traitors’ Ahead of Maharashtra Assembly Elections

Sharad Pawar, leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), has escalated his criticism of former allies who joined Ajit Pawar’s faction. Pawar called Dilip Walse Patil a “traitor” during a recent rally, expressing his disappointment over the betrayal. This follows similar accusations against Chhagan Bhujbal for aligning with the rival faction in 2023.

Political observers highlight the intense nature of this election, with key constituencies locked in tight battles. Abhay Deshpande noted that the rift within the Pawar family and among former allies has added a dramatic element to the campaign.

Walse Patil, a long-time Pawar loyalist, now faces off against Devdatta Nikam, a candidate from the Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction. During a rally in Ambegaon, Pawar promised to defeat Walse Patil at the polls, accusing him of betraying the party. In response, Walse Patil announced he would address the allegations during his campaign’s final meeting on November 18.

Pawar also targeted Bhujbal in a rally in Yeola, criticizing his actions and accusing him of damaging the reputation of the area. Bhujbal responded by alleging that Pawar had orchestrated the split within the Shiv Sena, further fueling the ongoing political drama in Maharashtra.

As the election nears, the stakes are high, with Pawar and his allies rallying for support against former members of their own party who have joined the rival camp

NPP Secures Dominant Lead in Sri Lanka’s 2024 Parliamentary Election

Colombo, Sri Lanka – In a decisive turn of events, the National People’s Power (NPP) party, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, is on track for a commanding victory in the 2024 Sri Lankan parliamentary election. Early results indicate the NPP is likely to secure a significant majority, reflecting a wave of public support for political reform and economic stability.

Electoral Surge for the NPP
Preliminary results reveal the NPP capturing over 62% of the national vote, translating to an estimated 140 seats in the 225-member parliament. This overwhelming lead comes on the back of President Dissanayake’s recent presidential election win, where he pledged transparency, anti-corruption measures, and a new era of governance.

The party’s success appears rooted in its ability to tap into widespread public discontent with the political establishment, particularly following the economic crises and political upheavals that led to the ousting of Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2022.

Challenges for Opposition Parties
The main opposition, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), and the United National Party (UNP), led by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, suffered significant losses. The SJB has managed only around 18% of the vote, while the UNP’s influence continues to dwindle, with both parties failing to connect with a populace eager for change.

Broader Implications
Analysts suggest the NPP’s dominance could lead to a transformative political period in Sri Lanka. However, some caution against the risks of consolidating too much power, with calls for ensuring robust parliamentary checks and balances. Critics have also expressed concerns over the NPP’s potential challenges in balancing progressive policies with the country’s pressing need for economic recovery and international cooperation.

Looking Ahead
The newly elected parliament will convene on November 21, marking the start of the 17th Parliament. The focus will be on the NPP’s legislative agenda, including policies aimed at addressing corruption, unemployment, and economic reform.

PM Modi Highlights Mahayuti’s Vision for Progress and Development in Raigad

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized his party’s commitment to progress in Raigad, invoking the legacy of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Speaking at a Kharghar rally, Modi underscored “swaraj” (self-rule) and “suraj” (good governance) as core principles only Mahayuti can achieve.

Outlining transformative projects, he highlighted the ₹30,000-crore Navi Mumbai airport, the Samruddhi Mahamarg expressway, and upcoming investments in data centers, semiconductors, and ports. These initiatives, he argued, are reshaping Maharashtra as India’s growth engine, enhancing infrastructure and employment opportunities across the state.

Modi paid tribute to local icons like Lahuji Raghoji Salve and DB Patil, stating that their legacies fuel his party’s dedication to Maharashtra’s progress. He also emphasized support for coastal communities, citing projects that promote the region’s “blue economy” and bolster fisherfolk livelihoods.

Modi warned against divisive politics, emphasizing that unity is key to Maharashtra’s progress. Modi emphasized the Mahayuti alliance’s commitment to Shivaji Maharaj’s vision, promising infrastructural and economic progress for Maharashtra’s future.

Dehradun Tragedy: Legal Path Sought as 6 Students Die in Car Crash

In Dehradun, a tragic accident at ONGC Chowk claimed the lives of six students returning from a party. The victims, aged under 25, were in a speeding Innova that collided with a container truck, leading to severe injuries and fatalities. CCTV footage revealed the car accelerating suddenly before the collision, with reports indicating no fault of the truck driver.

Though Inspector KC Bhatt mentioned no complaints from victims’ families, police are consulting legal experts on possible actions due to the unusual circumstances. Siddhesh Agrawal, the sole survivor, remains in critical condition at Synergy Hospital, unable to recount the incident due to serious injuries. Eyewitnesses and a local businessman who alerted authorities prior to the crash reported the car’s speeding.

This heartbreaking accident has left mourning families seeking justice as authorities explore legal options.

Rahul Gandhi Criticizes UP Government and UPPSC for Neglecting Competitive Exam Aspirants

UTTAR PRADESH: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has sharply criticized the Uttar Pradesh government and the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) for their handling of competitive exams. Gandhi’s remarks came in response to protests from students who are frustrated with repeated rescheduling of exams and the lack of clarity surrounding the process.

UPPSC’s Mishandling of Exam Schedules:
The UPPSC has come under fire for its handling of the Review Officer and Assistant Review Officer exams, which have faced multiple delays. Additionally, the UPPCS exams, scheduled for December 2024, are set to be conducted over multiple shifts, sparking concerns about fairness in the exam process. Students argue that the system, which uses a percentile-based scoring model, could lead to significant disparities in results. Many candidates have expressed frustration over these issues, claiming that such practices disadvantage serious aspirants who are working hard to secure a government position.

Rahul Gandhi’s Strong Criticism:
Rahul Gandhi condemned the UP government’s approach, labeling it as “insensitive” towards the competitive students. He emphasized that these disruptions not only caused stress but also undermined the efforts of young aspirants who look to public service exams as a pathway to stability and success. Gandhi urged the state government to address the growing dissatisfaction among students and ensure a transparent and fair examination process.

Protests and Student Response:
The protests, which began earlier in October, have escalated, with students staging large demonstrations and even organizing candlelight vigils. Students demand that the exams be held in a fair, transparent manner and that exam dates be finalized without further changes. A significant protest took place outside the UPPSC office in Prayagraj, where candidates gathered to voice their grievances, urging the government to take immediate action.

UP Govt’s Response:
In response to the growing protests, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath intervened by addressing the students’ concerns. After reviewing the situation, the CM announced that the upcoming exams would be conducted in a single shift. This decision was made to alleviate concerns regarding scoring discrepancies and ensure a more uniform testing environment for all candidates. Students have welcomed this decision, hopeful that it will lead to a more equitable exam process.

Conclusion:
As protests continue, the UP government’s swift response to address the concerns of students has brought some relief. With the announcement of single-shift exams, many candidates now hope that the UPPSC exams will be fairer and less disruptive, ensuring that the focus remains on merit and hard work.

Web Team, C6N