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Three resolutions on the refugee crisis in Ukraine
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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CIDCO Announces 3,142 Winners in EWS Housing Lottery
Housing draw offers thousands of economically weaker families a chance to own affordable homes.
The Lottery
The City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) has announced the results of its housing lottery for applicants from the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), with 3,142 applicants declared successful.
The draw has brought relief and excitement to thousands of families who have been waiting for an opportunity to own an affordable home in the Navi Mumbai region. For many selected applicants, the result marks an important step towards fulfilling their long-awaited dream of home ownership.
The housing scheme is aimed at providing homes at relatively affordable prices to eligible families from economically weaker sections. With property prices remaining a major challenge for middle- and lower-income families in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, such schemes offer an important opportunity for those struggling to find affordable housing. Successful applicants can check their results and follow the further procedures announced by CIDCO. They will need to complete the required formalities within the stipulated time to proceed with their housing allotment.
The announcement is expected to provide much-needed support to families seeking secure and affordable accommodation in the rapidly developing Navi Mumbai region. The CIDCO housing initiative is part of the corporation’s broader efforts to expand affordable housing opportunities and help more families move closer to owning a home of their own.
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NMMC Plans Citizen-Focused Initiatives Under Seva Sankalp Abhiyan
Month-long campaign to focus on better civic services, cleanliness, health and community participation.
The Initiative
The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) is preparing a series of citizen-focused initiatives under the ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’, scheduled to be held from September 17 to October 17, 2026.
The campaign, announced by the Maharashtra Government, aims to improve public services and encourage citizens to take part in activities benefiting society. NMMC Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde recently held a meeting with senior officials and school principals to discuss the plans. As part of the campaign, the civic body will organise Seva Setu, innovation challenges, cleanliness drives, health camps, art and elocution competitions, Anganwadi Utsav and digital literacy programmes for senior citizens.
Under Seva Setu, NMMC plans to assess basic civic facilities in tribal settlements, including drinking water, streetlights, sanitation, roads, drainage and healthcare. Special camps will also be held to help residents resolve pending applications related to birth and death certificates, marriage registration and property documents.
The campaign will also promote waste segregation, reduced plastic use, blood donation and fitness awareness. Students will be encouraged to share ideas for building a developed India. Through the month-long initiative, NMMC hopes to bring public services closer to residents while encouraging cleanliness, health, innovation and active community participation.
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Residents Raise Alarm Over Cigarette Sales to Students
Seawoods residents seek strict action against tobacco sales near educational institutions and public spaces.
The Cigarette Sales
Residents of Sector 25, Seawoods, Nerul, have raised concerns over students allegedly smoking in public places and the suspected sale of cigarettes to minors.
Following repeated complaints, the ward officer and local police conducted a raid at a paan shop on the ground floor of Ambika Heights on the night of September 11. Officials reportedly found cigarette cartons at the shop, but no other illegal intoxicating substances.
Residents said students, reportedly aged between 17 and 22, are frequently seen smoking near Seawoods railway station, the bridge and other public areas. They suspect that a local paan shop may be supplying cigarettes to college students. Prakash Yawalkar, president of the Seawoods Citizens Welfare Association, said students were openly smoking outside the shop, raising concerns among residents and parents.
The association has submitted complaints to the local police, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation, mayor, local representatives and the Drug Department. It has urged authorities to strictly enforce the law prohibiting tobacco sales to minors and increase monitoring around schools, colleges and other student gathering points.
Residents said stronger action is needed to prevent tobacco use among young people and ensure that public spaces remain safe and healthy.
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