Russian President Vladimir Putin will embark on a rare visit to North Korea, highlighting Moscow’s growing partnership with the nuclear-armed state. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address farmers in Varanasi, outlining plans for their well-being. Other notable events include a Supreme Court hearing on an AAP MLA’s plea and the start of the 56th session of the UN Human Rights Council.
The Congress party has accused the Narendra Modi-led government of waiving off bank loans worth ₹16 lakh crore for its ‘crony capitalist friends’ while neglecting farmers’ loan burdens. General Secretary Jairam Ramesh criticized the Modi government for failing to provide relief to farmers, despite the UPA government’s ₹72,000 crore agricultural loan waiver in 2008. The Congress has pledged to establish a permanent farm loan waiver commission if it comes to power. Ramesh also highlighted the government’s unfulfilled promises to farmers’ organizations, including the implementation of a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP).
Gautam Budh Nagar has emerged as the economic capital of Uttar Pradesh, driven by the development of Noida and the upcoming Jewar airport. The upcoming elections in the region will feature the incumbent BJP, led by Mahesh Sharma, facing challenges from the BSP, SP, and independent candidates. Key issues include the demands of farmers and land losers, delays in registry of flats, and ongoing development projects. Despite the challenges, BJP remains confident in retaining the seat due to its record of development and the presence of Rajput and Jat communities, who have traditionally supported the party.
In Wayanad, Kerala, human-wildlife conflict has emerged as a flashpoint issue in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Wild elephants, tigers, and other animals have claimed at least eight lives and acres of crops in the past 10 years. Farmers and tribals, who depend on farming and forest-related activities for survival, are particularly affected. Despite protests and demands for government action, measures such as rail fencing and trenches have been ineffective against wildlife. Farmers and tribals feel that their concerns are not being addressed by politicians, who make promises during elections but fail to deliver. They are seeking adequate compensation, food and water for animals within the forest, and effective measures to prevent animals from straying into agricultural land.
