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Onion Prices Hit 5-Year High, Soaring to Rs.80 in Delhi and Mumbai

Onion prices in major cities like Delhi and Mumbai have surged to Rs.70-Rs.80 per kilogram, marking a five-year high in November 2024. The spike, which has left consumers frustrated, comes amid inflationary pressures and a shortage of stocks. The price has doubled in some areas, with wholesale rates escalating from Rs.40-Rs.60 per kg in recent weeks.

Sellers attribute the increase to inflation, with some citing difficulties in sourcing onions at affordable rates. A vendor in Delhi explained that wholesale prices directly impact retail costs. Despite the price hike, onions remain a staple in Indian kitchens, leading to steady demand despite the escalating costs.

Consumers, particularly in metro cities, have expressed distress over the unexpected price surge. A Delhi resident, Faiza, lamented that prices should have dropped in the season, and urged the government to intervene. In Mumbai, buyers like Dr. Khan have noticed similar trends, where the cost of onions and garlic has spiked, affecting household budgets.

The government has implemented measures to stabilize prices, including releasing buffer stocks and imposing a Minimum Export Price (MEP) to control exports. The government is working to ensure the availability of onions in domestic markets by releasing buffer stocks and imposing a Minimum Export Price (MEP). However, experts predict that high prices may persist until December, when fresh supplies from the kharif harvest are expected.

For now, consumers are hoping for a dip in prices, though some liken the fluctuations to the stock market, anticipating that prices may soon fall as quickly as they rose.

India’s Strategic Focus at COP29: Advancing Sustainable Development and Climate Action

As the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) kicks off in Baku, Azerbaijan, India is poised to assert its climate priorities, directly aligned with the country’s objectives for sustainable development, energy security, and climate resilience. The Indian delegation, led by Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh, will actively advocate for a fair, inclusive approach to global climate negotiations.

India will emphasize the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR), urging developed nations to lead on climate action. India aims to ensure that these principles remain central in any agreements made at COP29.

The Indian delegation will emphasize the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), a critical issue on the COP29 agenda. India will push for stronger climate adaptation commitments, focusing on agriculture, water resources, and urban infrastructure, addressing loss and damage.

The Indian delegation will emphasize the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), a critical issue on the COP29 agenda. Additionally, India aims to finalize discussions on carbon markets (Article 6 of the Paris Agreement), hoping to establish fair rules for global carbon trading that do not impede development or trade.

With a global climate finance gap still evident, COP29 holds significant potential for setting ambitious goals that can support developing nations in their transition to a low-carbon future. India’s leadership in these negotiations will be crucial to shaping a climate-responsive future for vulnerable countries.

Jhansi’s Blind Date Trap: Man Kidnapped by Gang, Police Rescue Ensues

A gang, including one woman and two men, lured a 50-year-old Uttar Pradesh man to Jhansi for a blind date, then ambushed and held him for a Rs.3 lakh ransom. Police intervened after victim’s son reported the incident, managing to rescue him and arrest the suspects, who confessed to using multiple women in similar schemes.

The police revealed that victim had already paid ₹1 lakh before the rescue operation, which involved an officer posing as victim’s son. Further investigation aims to dismantle the larger gang network that has allegedly targeted other men with similar traps. This case has exposed ongoing honeytrap schemes in the region, raising safety concerns for singles seeking companionship online

Maratha Activist Manoj Jarange-Patil: Calls for Fadnavis to Resign Over Quota Opposition

In the ongoing Maratha reservation movement, activist Manoj Jarange-Patil has intensified his stance against the BJP, specifically targeting Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for allegedly opposing Maratha inclusion in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. Jarange-Patil accuses Fadnavis of manipulating the reservation system by adding other castes to the OBC list and allegedly orchestrating actions that led to the removal of Maratha reservations previously secured by the community. He insists that while not all BJP leaders oppose the Maratha cause, Fadnavis’s policies have particularly harmed their interests.

Jarange-Patil has continued advocating for Maratha rights, pushing for official recognition under the OBC category, leveraging recently discovered government records of over 5.7 million Kunbi caste members to support their claim. He argues that obtaining OBC certificates will streamline the reservation process for Marathas under the existing category, rather than fragmenting or adding new subcategories.

The activist further clarified his strategic decision to withdraw from the assembly election fray, emphasizing that this move was not due to external political pressure but to protect the Maratha community’s pride. He stressed that contesting as a single caste group could alienate allied communities, such as Dalits and Muslims, whom he sees as vital for broader support in the movement. Jarange-Patil’s immediate focus remains on the reservation struggle, distancing himself from active political campaigning until his community’s demands are addressed fully.

This development has placed significant pressure on the Maharashtra government, which recently engaged senior leaders to negotiate and reduce tensions amid Jarange-Patil’s impactful protests and hunger strikes across the state.

Infrastructure Crisis at Hinjewadi IT Park: Will Authorities Address the Growing Concerns?

Pune’s Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park in Hinjewadi, a prominent IT hub, is currently plagued by chronic infrastructure issues affecting over 500,000 employees. Despite contributing significantly to Maharashtra’s economy, the area faces neglected roads, inadequate public transport, waste management shortfalls, and severe water shortages. These ongoing issues have not only inconvenienced residents and workers but also threaten to drive businesses away to other cities with better infrastructure, such as Hyderabad and Bengaluru.

The most pressing issues include severe traffic congestion and substandard road conditions, often resulting in lengthy delays for commuters. Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, recently underscored the urgent need for road expansions, flyover constructions, and improved solid waste management to create an industry-friendly environment. However, these solutions are yet to materialize despite repeated demands from the Hinjewadi Industrial Association (HIA) for sustainable and long-term improvements.

Residents and employees highlight additional concerns over inadequate public transport options and poor pedestrian infrastructure, which make daily commutes even more challenging. Although the metro project promises some relief, it lacks last-mile connectivity, leaving many dependent on personal vehicles amid worsening traffic conditions. Safety issues also persist, especially for women employees, due to a lack of adequate street lighting and limited CCTV coverage in key areas.

Political promises to address these challenges come as assembly elections approach. Sangram Thopte, the current Congress MLA, faces competition from NCP candidate Shankar Mandekar, both of whom have pledged to tackle these issues. As Hinjewadi awaits tangible improvements, many are skeptical but hopeful that political commitments will finally translate into meaningful action after years of neglect.

Hinjewadi’s IT contributions call for urgent infrastructure upgrades to sustain growth. State authorities emphasize creating competitive zones to attract investments.

BJP Ramps Up Western Maharashtra Campaign Amid Cooperative Sector Concerns

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is refining its campaign strategy to gain ground in Western Maharashtra—a region with a strong opposition presence and deep-rooted cooperative sector interests. Senior BJP leaders, led by general secretary Ajay Jamwal, convened in Pune to develop targeted plans for the region’s 70 constituencies, focusing on booth-level management, outreach programs, and voter engagement.

This intensified push emphasizes flagship schemes like the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana and Apprenticeship initiatives, which the BJP believes will resonate with local voters. Party leaders are also working to secure support by reaching out to beneficiaries of these schemes and encouraging previously unsuccessful candidates to mobilize their networks.

However, the BJP’s strategies have drawn criticism, particularly regarding its influence over the cooperative sector, a backbone of the region’s economy. Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray claimed that Home Minister Amit Shah is actively leading moves to transfer control of cooperative institutions, such as sugar mills and banks, to industrialists. Thackeray’s remarks have fueled debate, with cooperative sector supporters fearing the potential loss of local economic autonomy under BJP leadership.

The BJP’s campaign also includes the promotion of prominent leaders like Devendra Fadnavis, aiming to reinforce its support base in a region traditionally dominated by opposition parties. With polling set for November 20, the BJP’s challenge is to consolidate votes in the cooperative heartland, while balancing promises of development with concerns over regional autonomy and cooperative control.

Supriya Sule Defends Baramati Stronghold

Supriya Sule Defends Baramati Stronghold

Research and Innovation are Key to India’s Growth, Says Vice President at NIT Delhi Convocation

NEW DELHI: In a powerful address at the 4th Convocation Ceremony of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Delhi on November 9, 2024, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar underscored the importance of research and innovation in realizing India’s aspirations of becoming a developed nation. Speaking at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, the Vice President outlined the role of academic institutions in fostering the spirit of innovation that will propel the country to the forefront of global power.

Education as a Service to Society
One of the key points in his speech was the distinction he made between education as a commercial venture and education as a service to society. The Vice President emphasized that education must focus on nation-building rather than just generating profits. He called upon educational institutions to strengthen the moral fabric of society, fostering values that go beyond mere technical knowledge.

India’s Global Aspirations
Vice President Dhankhar, while referencing India’s status as the world’s largest and oldest democracy, stressed that the nation must aim to become the most powerful globally. This ambition, he noted, could only be achieved if the country harnessed its full potential in education, research, and innovation. He also spoke out against the growing trend of demonizing constitutional institutions, a challenge that he believed undermined the integrity of India’s democratic setup.

Nationalism and Leadership
In his address, Dhankhar highlighted that true leaders of the nation must be driven by nationalism and a commitment to national service. He emphasized that the youth, particularly those graduating from esteemed institutions like NIT Delhi, should be inspired to contribute to India’s progress with passion and dedication. He reminded the students that the true “elites” of India should embody a fervor for the nation’s prosperity and serve the country selflessly.

Establishing an Alumni Fund for Educational Excellence
The Vice President also proposed the creation of an alumni fund to support the growth and development of educational institutions. This fund, he suggested, could provide scholarships, research grants, and infrastructure support, fostering a cycle of continuous improvement in academic standards.

Conclusion
In closing, Vice President Dhankhar reiterated that the key to India’s success lies in empowering its institutions and nurturing the next generation of leaders. By focusing on research, innovation, and national service, India can truly rise to its potential on the world stage.

PIB, NEW DELHI

Pune District Sees Over 11 Lakh New Voters Ahead of 2024 Maharashtra Assembly Elections

Pune district has witnessed a significant surge in its voter base ahead of the upcoming 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, with over 11 lakh new voters compared to the 2019 elections. The total number of voters in the district, including Pune city, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and Pune rural, has reached 88,49,590 — up from 77,29,217 in the last election, marking an increase of 11,20,373 voters over the past five years.

The Pune district election branch attributes this rise primarily to an influx of citizens migrating to Pune from across the state and country for education, employment, and business opportunities. Pune’s rapid urbanization, driven by ambitious infrastructure projects and economic growth, has contributed to the growing population and, consequently, the expanding voter list.

Professor Damodar Padhye, an urbanization expert, explained that Pune’s development as a major metropolis, second only to Mumbai in Maharashtra, is a key factor. He pointed to major projects like the two Ring Roads, the proposed international airport at Purandar, and the metro system, all of which are boosting the city’s appeal. Furthermore, Pune’s water infrastructure, supported by five major rivers and 25 dams, ensures a reliable supply for both urban and rural areas, attracting further investment and people.

The increase in employment opportunities has drawn people from other parts of the state and country. Shripad Kshirsagar, a resident who moved from Solapur three years ago, said, “I shifted to Pune for a permanent job, and now my family members have updated their voter registration to Kasba constituency.”

With the rise in population and economic opportunities, Pune’s growing voter base reflects its ongoing transformation into a leading urban hub. As the assembly elections near, this demographic shift is likely to have a significant impact on the region’s political landscape.