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Pro Maharashtra group’s request to Sharad Pawar

The Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) delegation led by acting president Manohar Kinekar, has submitted a memorandum to Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar, urging him to take decisive action on the Maharashtra-Karnataka border dispute. MES demands that political parties in the state address the decades-old issue, with specific focus on Belagavi and other Marathi-speaking areas currently within Karnataka’s borders.

MES spokesperson Vikas Kalghatagi said: “Our goal is to make the nation aware of the atrocities committed against the Marathi-speaking population in Karnataka. We want the issue to be central in election discussions so that it gains the attention it deserves.”

The dispute over the border areas, including Belagavi, has been a source of tension for decades, with repeated flare-ups and protests from both sides. With elections around the corner and political alliances being re-calibrated, the MES hopes Pawar will push harder for the Marathi-speaking population’s cause at this critical juncture. Further, the MES delegation plans to meet the Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis for the same matter.

Also Read:BJP’s Cautious Approach in Maharashtra Assembly Elections: Retains 80 MLAs

Kinekar, a former legislator, criticised Karnataka government for enforcing Kannada on Marathi speaking people. He alleged Karnataka government of violating linguistic rights of the minority. Kinekar believes that mandating Kannada in administrative documentation and business signage, disregards the rights of Marathi population, which in certain areas is more than 15% of the population.

Pawar has responded positively to the appeal and assured MVA would consider the issue in its next campaign committee meeting. Prakash Maragale, an MES office bearer, said that the delegation invited Sharad Pawar to participate in a “Black Day” protest scheduled for November 1 in Belagavi. The protest will be organised to mark the day when the Karnataka government officially declared its formation, which MES has been opposing for a long time.

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The memorandum calls for the inclusion of the border dispute in election manifestos, particularly by MVA partners. MES plans to meet leaders from Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, BJP to attain a broader support for the issue.

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Political Turmoil: Trudeau Faces Ultimatum as Liberal MPs Push for Leadership Change

Canada: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faces mounting pressure from his own party, with Liberal Members of Parliament (MPs) calling for his resignation. During a recent closed-door caucus meeting on Parliament Hill, dissatisfaction within the ranks was palpable as MPs voiced their concerns directly to Trudeau, signaling significant unrest in the party.

As per the sources, the meeting served as part of the weekly caucus gatherings while the House of Commons is in session. The discontent among Liberal MPs has reached a tipping point, culminating in an ultimatum for Trudeau to decide his future by October 28.

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Sources indicate that a document advocating for Trudeau’s resignation was presented during the meeting, although it did not detail any repercussions should he fail to comply.  At least 24 of the 153 Liberal MPs have co-signed a call for Trudeau to step down, reflecting a faction within the party that is increasingly concerned about the upcoming electoral challenges.

The demand for Trudeau’s resignation stems from various factors, including a string of electoral losses in traditionally safe ridings during special elections held in June and September. Public opinion polls suggest that the Liberals are at risk of suffering significant losses under Trudeau’s leadership, as current surveys show the Conservatives leading the Liberals by a considerable 19 points.

With elections mandated before October 2025, Liberal MPs are expressing dissatisfaction not only with Trudeau’s popularity currently at a historic low but also with the party’s preparations for the approaching elections. The urgency for change within the party’s leadership reflects fears of a potentially disastrous electoral outcome if the current trajectory continues.

Severe Cyclone ‘Dana’ Approaches Odisha, Bringing Heavy Rain and Winds

BHUBANESWAR: The coastal regions of Odisha were hit by heavy rainfall and gusty winds on Thursday morning as severe cyclonic storm ‘Dana’ drew nearer to the state’s coastline, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The cyclone is expected to make landfall between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port early Friday, with wind speeds reaching up to 120 kilometers per hour (kmph). As of 5:30 AM, the weather system was located approximately 260 km southeast of Paradip, 290 km south-southeast of Dhamra, and 350 km south of Sagar Island in West Bengal, moving north-northwest at 12 kmph over the last six hours.

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The IMD reported that ‘Dana’ is projected to continue moving northwest and cross the northern Odisha and West Bengal coasts between Puri and Sagar Island, near Bhitarkanika and Dhamra, late on October 24 to the morning of October 25, as a severe cyclonic storm with sustained wind speeds of 100-110 kmph, gusting to 120 kmph.

In the last four hours, Paradip recorded the highest rainfall at 62 mm, while Rajnagar in Kendrapara district saw 24 mm of rain. The IMD also forecasted moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms, with wind speeds of 30-40 kmph, affecting several districts, including Bhadrak, Balasore, Jajpur, Cuttack, Khurda, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, and Puri throughout the day.

Manorama Mohanty, Director of the Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar, indicated that after making landfall, the cyclone is likely to slightly shift westward and could cause rainfall in southern Odisha around October 26. She reassured that the landfall and wind speed predictions have not changed.

Officials reported that strong winds have uprooted trees, blocking roads in several areas, including Balasore, Bhadrak, Bhitarkanika, and Puri.

(Inputs – Ankita Singh, A freelancer reporter at C6N)

Reconciliation Key to Ending Violence: PDP Chief on Ganderbal Attack

In the wake of the recent terror attack in Ganderbal, Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti has emphasized that reconciliation between India and Pakistan is essential to halt the cycle of violence in the region. The attack, which occurred on Sunday, resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, including a local doctor and six non-local laborers working on a tunnel project.

Speaking to reporters after visiting the family of Dr. Shahnawaz Dar, one of the victims, Mufti expressed her deep concern for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who she believes are suffering due to the ongoing animosity between the two nations. “The people of J&K are caught in the crossfire of India-Pakistan tensions, and their lives and livelihoods are being destroyed as a result,” she stated.

Mufti lauded Dr. Dar for his commitment to serving the community, noting that he was an honorable man who fell victim to circumstances beyond his control. “Until both countries engage in meaningful dialogue, similar to the approach taken by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, incidents like this will continue to plague our region,” she warned.

While addressing comments from National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, who has stated that talks with Pakistan cannot proceed unless violence ceases, Mufti refrained from direct criticism but emphasized a collective desire for peace. “Every person in J&K, not just myself, wants this violence to end. We need both nations to sit down and discuss a path forward,” she asserted.

The recent attack in Ganderbal highlights the ongoing security challenges in the region, underscoring the urgent need for diplomatic engagement. As tensions persist, the voices calling for reconciliation grow louder, reflecting a shared yearning for peace among the residents of Jammu and Kashmir.

Rachin-Conway lead NZ’s batting, 201-5 at Tea break

The second test between India and New Zealand kicked off today 9:30 at MCA stadium, Pune. Visiting captain Tom Latham won the toss and elected to bat first. An ideal decision on a typical spin friendly Indian pitch. New Zealand batters and  Indian bowlers had even competition until now. After 2 sessions, the scoreboard stands at 201-5 in 62 overs. Rachin Ravindra continued to pile up runs with his 65(105) (5×4 and 1×6). For India Ravichandran Ashwin and Washington Sundar took 3 and 2 wickets respectively.

The Indian team made 3 changes. Shubhman Gill was fit to participate and he replaced KL Rahul, Washington Sundar replaced Kuldeep Yadav to strengthen depth in batting and Akash Deep replaced Md. Siraj. On the other hand, New Zealand was forced a change due to Matt Henry’s glute niggle. All rounder Mitchell Santner subbed in for Henry.

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NZ had a cautious start. Openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway stitched 32 runs partnership and were set for a big stand before Ravi Ashwin trapped Kiwi skipper Latham lbw. Another 44 runs were added by Conway and Will Young. Young fell prey to Ashwin at 18. First session ended with 102-2 and neither of the sides were dominant.

Rachin Ravindra and Conway added 62. Conway was trapped caught behind by Ashwin. The southpaw contributed 76 to Kiwi’s total. Daryll Mitchell joined Rachin for a 59 run stand. Sundar picked two wickets of Rachin Ravindra and Tom Blundell in quick succession. With 3 wickets and slow run rate, India had upper hand on Kiwis in second session.

With 13 sessions still to go, a lot of action remains in the game. This test match holds significant role for India in its hunt to qualify for WTC final and to save this series as well. India will be batting in 4th innings, hence it needs to capitalize in first 2 days. If it goes down to 4th or 5th day, Kiwis will have an advantage. NZ spinner Ajaz Patel has a good record on Indian soil. Back in Mumbai, 2022,  Patel took all 10 wickets in the innings putting him in history books.

Also Read: India vs New Zealand 2nd Test Preview: Pune Braces for High-Stakes Battle

(Input from the agencies)

BJP’s Cautious Approach in Maharashtra Assembly Elections: Retains 80 MLAs

In a strategic shift ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has decided to retain 80 of its sitting MLAs in its first candidate list of 99 announced on Sunday. This marks a departure from the party’s previous tactics, particularly after a disappointing performance in the recent Lok Sabha elections, where it won only nine out of 28 contested seats.

State BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule emphasized that “the sole criteria for giving a ticket is winnability.” He added that the decision-making process is collective, with a strict mechanism in place to assess each candidate’s prospects. Senior party leaders indicated that, unlike in Gujarat and Haryana—where significant numbers of incumbents were dropped—the Maharashtra strategy focuses on stability, particularly in a politically charged environment.

A BJP insider revealed that the party is keen to avoid unrest among its ranks, especially given the stronger opposition presence in Maharashtra. “We don’t want to promote rebels or Independents,” stated a senior Cabinet minister.

Despite retaining many MLAs, the party faced backlash from some aspirants left off the list. Reports suggest that several have approached Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, advocating for their candidacies. In a notable case, Narayan Rane’s son, Nitesh, is set to contest from Kankavli, while his brother Nilesh is likely to join the Shiv Sena after being denied a ticket.

The party also seems to be balancing familial ties; while some leaders cited a “one family, one ticket” norm, others noted exceptions like the Shelar brothers. In key constituencies such as Shrigonda and Chinchwad, candidate changes were made with the outgoing MLAs’ consent, indicating a careful approach to local sentiments.

Among the retained MLAs are prominent figures including Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil, with the party aiming to project a united front as it heads into the elections. The BJP’s cautious strategy reflects its aim to consolidate support and enhance its electoral prospects in a competitive political landscape.

Liam Payne’s Girlfriend Kate Cassidy Reflects on Their Love After His Tragic Death.

Kate Cassidy, the girlfriend of Liam Payne, shared an emotional tribute on social media following the singer’s death on October 17. In her heartfelt post, she expressed the immense pain of imagining life without him.

On her Instagram, Cassidy posted a series of cherished photos with Liam and revealed their plans to become engaged or married within the next year, highlighting the strong bond they shared. Her message conveyed the deep impact he had on her life and the lives of many others.

Also Read: Kartik Aaryan Reflects on Working with Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.

“My heart is shattered in ways I can’t describe,” Cassidy wrote. “I wish you could see the incredible influence you’ve had on the world, even in these dark times. You brought joy and positivity to millions of fans, your family, friends, and me. You are so deeply loved.”

“None of this feels real, and I can’t wrap my head around this new reality of not having you here. I’m struggling to figure out how to live in a world without you by my side. Together, we got to be kids again, always finding joy in the smallest things.”

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Reflecting on Liam’s spirit, she shared, “You had the kindest soul and a fun-loving nature. It feels like I’ve lost a part of myself. I can’t imagine a day without your laughter and love. You brought so much light into my life. Just a few weeks ago, we were outside on a beautiful evening dreaming of our future together.”

Cassidy also recalled a special note Liam had written, which she keeps close. It read, “Me and Kate to marry within a year/engaged & together forever 444.” She stated, “I know we’ll be together forever, but not in the way we had envisioned. You’ll always be with me. I’ve gained a guardian angel. I will love you for the rest of my life and beyond, carrying our dreams and memories with me wherever I go. Forever yours, Katelyn 444.”

Liam Payne tragically died after reportedly falling from a hotel balcony in the Palermo district of Buenos Aires, Argentina, at the age of 31. Initial reports indicated he fell three floors, but authorities later clarified that he had jumped from his balcony.

(Inputs – Ankita Singh, A freelancer reporter at C6N)

SEBI Chief Madhabi Puri Buch Skips Parliamentary Panel Meeting, Session Adjourned.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) adjourned its scheduled meeting on October 24 after Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch informed the panel she would not be able to attend due to personal reasons. Buch was summoned along with other senior SEBI officials as part of an ongoing review into the performance of financial regulatory bodies amid allegations related to her conduct.

The panel had aimed to scrutinize SEBI’s handling of sensitive issues, including the controversy surrounding Buch’s alleged investments linked to the Adani Group, raised earlier by U.S.-based Hindenburg Research. Despite SEBI’s inquiries about whether Buch’s physical presence was essential, the parliamentary committee insisted on her attendance, intensifying political interest in the matter.

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This review falls under a broader PAC initiative to assess regulatory bodies established by Parliament, including SEBI and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). Opposition parties have pressed for accountability from Buch, pointing to Hindenburg’s allegations and raising conflict-of-interest concerns. Both Buch and her husband, Dhaval Buch, previously denied these accusations, labeling them as “false and motivated.”

The meeting was originally scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. in Delhi but was postponed until further notice. The panel’s questioning will now be rescheduled, with the committee expected to revisit SEBI’s role and response to market irregularities flagged by Hindenburg’s report. This development has become a flashpoint in an already contentious debate over regulatory oversight, with opposition members demanding deeper scrutiny of SEBI’s actions regarding the Adani Group’s compliance with market rules.

(Inputs – Ankita Singh, A freelancer reporter at C6N)

Kartik Aaryan Reflects on Working with Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.

MUMBAI: Kartik Aaryan, who returns as Rooh Baba in the much-anticipated Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, shared his excitement about collaborating with two Bollywood icons—Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit Nene. Directed by Anees Bazmee, the horror-comedy promises a blend of nostalgia and new thrills as Balan reprises her iconic role of Manjulika, and Dixit joins the cast for the first time.

In a recent interview, Aaryan described the atmosphere on set as light and friendly. “Working with Vidya ji and Madhuri ji felt surreal. Vidya’s infectious laughter filled the set, and her fun-loving personality made it easy to connect. Madhuri ji, being the legend she is, added a lot of grace to the film,” Aaryan explained. He also mentioned how their camaraderie extended off-camera, with shared meals and bonding moments.

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The third installment in the popular franchise, set against the spooky backdrop of Kolkata, raises the stakes by pitting Rooh Baba against not one, but two Manjulikas—one played by Balan and the other by Dixit. The film, slated for release on November 1, 2024, promises a rollercoaster of suspense and comedy, with an ensemble cast including Rajpal Yadav, Triptii Dimri, and Vijay Raaz​.

(Inputs – Ankita Singh, A freelancer reporter at C6N)

Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena Gets Updated ‘Mashaal’ Symbol for Maharashtra Polls.

Ahead of the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has assigned a revised version of the ‘mashaal’ (flaming torch) symbol to Uddhav Thackeray’s faction, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray). This adjustment follows criticism during the Lok Sabha elections when the original symbol was mocked by the faction itself for resembling an ice cream cone. The modified design now offers a clearer depiction of a torch to prevent further confusion.

The allocation of election symbols became crucial after the 2022 split in Shiv Sena, which saw Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde leading two rival factions. The ECI granted the name “Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena” to the Shinde group, while Thackeray’s faction was labeled as Shiv Sena (UBT). The EC also denied both factions symbols such as the ‘Trishul’ (trident) and ‘Rising Sun’ due to their unavailability on the list of free symbols.

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Simultaneously, tensions within the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) an alliance of Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (Sharad Pawar) have surfaced over seat-sharing negotiations. Thackeray has urged his allies to avoid internal disputes that could jeopardize their chances in the polls. Seat-sharing agreements are still in progress, with the alliance under pressure to finalize them soon.

The Maharashtra Assembly elections, scheduled for November 20, 2024, will determine control of the state’s 288-member legislature. Both the opposition MVA and the ruling BJP-led coalition, Mahayuti, are working to secure favorable alliances before the polls.