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Three resolutions on the refugee crisis in Ukraine

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Following Russia’s decision to push for a vote on a Security Council resolution that makes no mention of its attack on its smaller neighbor, the United Nations will face three resolutions on the increasing humanitarian situation in Ukraine on Wednesday.

The United Nations General Assembly is set to begin debating two competing resolutions on Wednesday morning: one backed by Ukraine and Western nations that explicitly blames Russia for the increasing humanitarian situation, and the other sponsored by South Africa that does not.

The third resolution, sponsored by Russia and severely criticized for failing to mention its invasion of Ukraine, will be voted on by the Security Council. . Last Friday, Russia called off a council vote on the measure because diplomats expected it would be massively defeated, with many abstentions and few “yes” votes, while at least nine votes are required for approval and no vetoes.

Dmitry Polyansky, Russia’s deputy UN ambassador, informed reporters on Tuesday that Russia has requested a vote on Wednesday. It was set to take place following the Security Council’s planned discussion on cooperation with the Arab League on Wednesday morning.

Polyansky stated that if Western countries do not support the Russian resolution, it will be a “reflection of their dishonesty” and refusal to support a purely humanitarian action “without any politicization,” as prior humanitarian resolutions issued by the 15-member council have been.

Russia canceled Friday’s vote on its resolution “because they recognized they didn’t have support for that resolution,” according to US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield. She stated that there is still no support.

After Russia made it obvious after two weeks of deliberations in the Security Council that it would veto their text, France and Mexico decided to take their humanitarian resolution to the 193-member General Assembly. The humanitarian situation is linked to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The two nations, along with 20 others, including Ukraine and the United States, wrote to the assembly president on Monday, requesting that the extraordinary session of the General Assembly be reconvened on Wednesday to vote on the resolution.

South Africa circulated a competing draught resolution on Monday that is identical to the Russian language before the Security Council but does not name Russian aggression. On Tuesday, it was transmitted to the United Nations General Assembly.

As a first step toward improving the deteriorating humanitarian situation, the South African draught calls for “immediate suspension of hostilities” and urges “political engagement, talks, mediation, and other peaceful means aimed at attaining sustainable peace.”

According to a list of speakers acquired by The Associated Press on Tuesday night, 61 countries intended to address the assembly on the topic. As a result, the vote could take place either Wednesday evening or Thursday morning.

Ukraine and South Africa were the first two speakers, each presenting the Western-backed resolution they support and helped design. Although Security Council resolutions, General Assembly resolutions are not legally enforceable, they do have strength in terms of representing international opinion because they lack veto power.

Supporters of the French-Mexican resolution hoped to garner the same vote for the draught as they did for a resolution passed by the assembly on March 2 that demanded an immediate end to Russia’s military operations in Ukraine and the departure of all Russian forces. Supporters welcomed the resolution as proof of Russia’s global isolation as it passed 141-5 with 35 abstentions.

“Russia is the offender here, and it is outrageous for Russia to believe it can bring up a humanitarian settlement,” Thomas-Greenfield said. “Russia needs to stop fighting.” It must halt the slaughter of Ukrainians. It must cease targeting civilians and evicting people from their homes, resulting in a humanitarian disaster.”

The French-Mexican draught resolution reiterates the March 2 demand that Russia ceases its military offensive in Ukraine and evacuate all soldiers, as well as protection for all people and critical infrastructure.

The proposal condemns Russia’s action against Ukraine, claiming that the “dire humanitarian repercussions” are “on a magnitude that the world community has not seen in Europe in decades.” It also condemns Russia’s shelling, bombing, and “besiegement” of highly populated cities, especially Mariupol in the south.

The draught resolution expresses strong opposition to assaults on people and “civilian objects,” such as evacuation convoys, and calls on all parties to “protect civilians escaping armed conflict and violence.”It also necessitates that assistance workers have unrestricted access to their transportation, supplies, and equipment.

Russia’s suggested humanistic resolution, which was distributed a day after France and Mexico announced that their text will be presented to the UN General Assembly, makes no mention of the war. It simply asks for the protection of civilians “in vulnerable situations” as well as safe passage for humanitarian aid and individuals fleeing Ukraine.

It supports UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ appeal for engagement and negotiations, as well as a negotiated cease-fire that allows “all civilians” to be evacuated quickly.

Russia’s plan goes on to declare that “the parties concerned must agree on humanitarian pauses to this aim,” but never names the parties involved. Russian authorities assert that they did not initiate the conflict, and they have wrongly dismissed reports of Russian military defeats or civilian deaths in Ukraine. Russian forces, according to state media and government authorities, are only targeting military targets.

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Navi Mumbai Cancels Invitations to Newly Elected Corporators for Republic Day Ceremonies

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School principals to hoist the national flag following administrative delays.

The Flag Hoisting

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has cancelled invitations extended to newly elected corporators for Republic Day flag-hoisting ceremonies in civic schools this year, citing administrative and procedural delays.

Although the municipal elections have concluded, the first general body meeting of the newly elected corporators is yet to take place. In view of this, the NMMC education department has issued revised instructions for the January 26 celebrations across all municipal schools. As per the new directive, school principals will themselves conduct the flag-hoisting ceremonies, and corporators will not be invited to preside over the events.

Officials clarified that any earlier circulars or communications instructing schools to invite corporators should be treated as cancelled. In cases where invitation letters have already been sent, school principals have been directed to inform the concerned corporators about the revised decision and explain the administrative reasons behind the change.

The move has been described as a temporary arrangement until formal procedures related to the newly elected body are completed. The education department has emphasized that the decision is purely administrative and not political in nature.

Despite the change, the NMMC has instructed all schools to ensure that Republic Day celebrations are conducted with full enthusiasm, discipline and respect for national values. Principals have been asked to strictly adhere to the guidelines and ensure smooth conduct of the programme.

The decision has drawn attention as it comes soon after the municipal elections, highlighting the impact of procedural delays on official civic events.

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1111-Feet Tricolor Yatra Fills Navi Mumbai with Patriotic Zeal

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ABVP initiative sees thousands of students participate spontaneously ahead of Republic Day.

The Initiative

Patriotic fervour gripped Navi Mumbai as the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) organised a massive 1,111-feet-long Tricolor Yatra, witnessing spontaneous participation from thousands of students and citizens on the eve of Republic Day.

The yatra was held as part of Youth Week celebrations and to mark the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, with the objective of inspiring nationalism, unity and social responsibility among the youth. Students marched proudly while holding the enormous national flag, raising slogans such as “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” “Vande Mataram” and “Jai Hind,” creating an atmosphere charged with patriotic emotion.

The rally began at Blue Diamond Chowk, Vashi, and culminated at Rajiv Gandhi College of Arts, Commerce and Science, Sector 10A, where a short programme was organised. Speakers highlighted the role of students in nation-building and appealed to the youth to actively contribute to society beyond academics.

Prominent attendees included ABVP state minister Rahul Rajoria, sports coordinator Arpita Malik, and college principal Dr Basukinath Pandey, who praised the enthusiasm and discipline shown by the participants. They urged students to uphold constitutional values and remain socially responsible citizens.

The event’s smooth execution was attributed to the efforts of Dr Akshay Shet and more than 100 volunteers. Participants and local residents said the Tricolor Yatra strengthened the sense of unity and national pride, making it a memorable and inspiring pre-Republic Day event for Navi Mumbai.

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Garbage Piles Become Major Issue Ahead of Uran Elections

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With the Uran civic elections approaching, local residents and political observers are raising serious concerns about the persistent garbage problem across the area. Overflowing waste on main roads and traffic lanes has emerged as a key issue in the election campaign, with voters expressing frustration over poor civic management.

Several key thoroughfares in Uran, especially around busy intersections and residential localities, have been seen strewn with garbage that has not been collected for days. Piles of waste are causing traffic disruptions, foul odour and unhygienic conditions, prompting complaints from commuters, shopkeepers and local residents.

Civic activists and opposition leaders have criticised the local administration for its failure to ensure regular garbage collection and proper waste disposal. They say that poor sanitation has not only affected the appearance of the town but also posed health risks, especially during peak summer months.

Residents pointed out that despite repeated assurances from officials, garbage is frequently left uncollected in several areas, leading to water logging and breeding of insects. Many voters have highlighted this issue as a priority concern affecting their daily lives and have demanded immediate action from authorities.

Political parties contesting the Uran elections have responded by promising stricter monitoring of waste collection, improvement in street cleaning, and deployment of more resources for solid waste management.

As election day approaches, garbage disposal and civic cleanliness have become central themes in public discussions, reflecting growing citizen demand for improved basic services and accountable governance.

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