US President Donald Trump’s approval rating remained close to its lowest level ahead of Tuesday’s congressional midterm elections, with a nationwide poll indicating that a significant section of American voters viewed their ballots as an opportunity to express opposition to the Republican leader.

According to the latest poll completed on Monday, November 2, only 32% of respondents approved of the job Trump was doing as President. The figure was unchanged from the previous week and just one percentage point above his record-low reading of 31%, recorded two weeks earlier.

The findings come as Republicans seek to retain their majorities in Congress, with all 435 seats in the House of Representatives up for grabs and several closely contested races expected to shape the Senate.

Although Trump himself is not on the ballot, his presidency has emerged as a significant factor in the midterm elections.

Democrats lead Republicans in nationwide congressional preference

The poll found that Democrats held an eight-percentage-point advantage over Republicans when respondents were asked which party they preferred to see in charge of Congress.

Around 46% of respondents favoured Democrats, compared with 38% who preferred Republicans.

However, the Democratic lead was narrower than the 11-percentage-point advantage recorded in a similar poll conducted a week earlier.

The so-called generic ballot question provides an overall indication of voters’ preferences between the two parties for control of Congress. However, it does not account for differences between individual states and congressional districts, which ultimately determine the composition of the House and Senate.

Political strategists from both parties believe Democrats have a stronger opportunity to take control of the House of Representatives. Their prospects in the Senate are considered more difficult, with the party facing challenges in states including Alaska and Michigan.

Half of independent voters see their vote as opposition to Trump

The survey also highlighted the extent to which Trump is influencing voters’ decisions despite not contesting the election himself.

Among registered independent voters, 50% said they viewed their congressional vote as a vote against Trump.

In comparison, 13% said their vote was in support of the President, while 33% said Trump was not a factor in their voting decision.

These findings indicate that voters’ views of the President are an important consideration for a section of the electorate heading into the congressional elections.

Rising cost of living emerges as a major election issue

Economic concerns, particularly the rising cost of living, featured prominently in the poll.

Around 78% of respondents said the cost of living would be either a very important or the most important issue in determining their voting decisions.

When asked which party was better equipped to handle the issue, 43% chose Democrats, compared with 32% who favoured Republicans.

The poll also pointed to concerns over rising fuel prices following the US military campaign against Iran, which began in February.

The increase in fuel prices has added to the economic challenges facing the Trump administration ahead of the elections.

Democrats report greater enthusiasm about voting

The survey also found a difference in voting enthusiasm between supporters of the two major political parties.

Around 49% of Democratic voters said they were very enthusiastic about voting in the midterm elections.

Among Republican voters, the corresponding figure stood at 33%.

The difference in enthusiasm is an important factor for both parties as they seek to mobilise their supporters and secure votes across the country.

The latest poll surveyed 1,765 US adults online and had a margin of error of two percentage points.

Harley-Davidson has officially unveiled the Sprint 440, a new entry-level cruiser developed in partnership with India’s Hero MotoCorp. The motorcycle brings traditional cruiser styling to the company’s existing 440cc platform, offering a different design approach from the Harley-Davidson X440.

The Sprint 440 will make its public debut at the EICMA 2026 motorcycle show in Milan, Italy. While the motorcycle is being prepared for international markets, deliveries in the United States are scheduled to begin in spring 2027.

Harley-Davidson Sprint 440 design and styling

The Sprint 440 adopts a conventional cruiser appearance, featuring an elongated and low-slung profile. Its design highlights include a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, a scooped rider seat, swept-back handlebars and a shortened rear mudguard.

A stepped pillion section and a low-mounted exhaust further complement its cruiser styling. The motorcycle also features a relatively narrow profile, with its proportions designed to provide a relaxed riding position.

One of its key highlights is the 671mm laden seat height. Harley-Davidson will also offer optional Reach and Tallboy seats to accommodate riders with different seating preferences.

Engine and performance

The new Harley-Davidson Sprint 440 is powered by a 440cc, single-cylinder, air- and oil-cooled engine.

The powertrain produces 26.7 bhp at 6,000 rpm and 38 Nm of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. It is paired with a six-speed gearbox and an assist-and-slipper clutch.

The company claims a combined fuel efficiency of approximately 34 kmpl. The motorcycle also gets a 9-litre fuel tank, which is smaller than the 13.5-litre unit offered on the India-spec Harley-Davidson X440.

Features and equipment

Despite its traditional cruiser styling, the Sprint 440 receives a modern equipment package.

It comes with a circular 3.5-inch colour TFT instrument console, full LED lighting and a USB Type-C charging port positioned above the headlamp.

Harley-Davidson will also offer several optional accessories, including a detachable windscreen, saddlebags, passenger backrest, engine guard and alternative handlebars.

These accessories will allow customers to customise the motorcycle according to their riding and touring requirements.

Harley-Davidson Sprint 440 price and launch timeline

Harley-Davidson has announced a starting price of £4,995 for the Sprint 440 in the UK.

For the US market, deliveries are scheduled to begin in spring 2027. Final assembly for the US-market motorcycle will take place at Harley-Davidson’s facility in York, Pennsylvania.

The motorcycle’s international rollout will follow different schedules depending on the market.

What about the India launch?

The Sprint 440 has a significant connection with India because it has been developed in partnership with Hero MotoCorp, which is also associated with the existing X440 platform.

However, despite its Indian development connection, an India-specific launch date and local pricing have not yet been announced.

The motorcycle brings a more traditional cruiser design to the 440cc platform, distinguishing it from the roadster-oriented X440. More details about its availability in India are awaited.

Odisha has stepped up its preparations for another cyclonic storm as Cyclone Murasu approaches the neighbouring Andhra Pradesh coast, even as the state continues to deal with the destruction caused by Cyclone Arnab and subsequent floods.

The death toll from Cyclone Arnab in Odisha rose to six on Sunday after two more bodies were recovered from a landslide-hit village in the southern part of the state. Ten people remain missing, with search operations underway to trace them.

According to Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh P Patil, Cyclone Arnab, which made landfall in Andhra Pradesh on October 28, and the subsequent floods have affected around 1.18 lakh people in Odisha. The disaster has also affected 75,388 hectares of agricultural land and damaged 1,672 houses.

Cyclone Murasu likely to hit Andhra Pradesh on November 3

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Murasu is expected to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm before making landfall between Nellore and Narsapur in Andhra Pradesh on the intervening night of November 2 and 3.

The storm is likely to bring wind speeds of 100-110 kmph, with gusts reaching 120 kmph.

India has named the cyclone Murasu, which means ‘war drum’.

Manorama Mohanty, Director of the Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar, said Odisha would begin receiving rainfall from November 2, with its intensity expected to increase on November 3. Rainfall is likely to continue until November 4 under the influence of the cyclone.

Six dead, 10 missing after Cyclone Arnab

The death toll from Cyclone Arnab increased to six following the recovery of two bodies from a landslide-affected village in southern Odisha. Officials said search operations were continuing for 10 missing people.

The hilltop village of Gidipabali, located along the border of Ganjam and Kandhamal districts, was severely affected by a massive landslide triggered by cyclone-induced rainfall.

The village, which was home to around 26 people, was buried under sludge and debris that cascaded down the hills and destroyed houses.

At least 13 people who managed to escape the landslide have been shifted to a relief centre near G Udaygiri, Kandhamal District Collector Vedbhusan said.

Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh P Patil said at least 10 landslide incidents had been reported during Cyclone Arnab, making them a major challenge for the state.

Odisha steps up preparations for fresh cyclone

With another storm approaching, the Odisha government has intensified its preparations, particularly in the southern districts that were badly affected by Cyclone Arnab.

Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the government was fully prepared to deal with the approaching cyclone and urged people not to panic.

The state has issued a high alert in its southern region, including Ganjam district. Authorities have also ordered the evacuation of people living in low-lying areas and hilly terrain before Cyclone Murasu makes landfall.

Some districts in southern Odisha have announced the closure of schools and colleges until November 3.

Meanwhile, more than 6,400 personnel have been deployed to accelerate the restoration of electricity supply in cyclone-affected areas.

Mohan Majhi announces relief package for affected families

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi conducted an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas and announced a special relief package for affected families.

Under the package, each family affected by the floods in the southern region will receive 50 kg of rice and Rs 2,500. Financial assistance will also be provided for crop losses, house damage and livelihood-related losses.

Majhi said the relief package would be reviewed after assessing the damage caused by Cyclone Murasu.

He also said disaster response teams were on standby, vulnerable low-lying areas were being monitored and fishermen had been strictly advised against venturing into the sea.

Additionally, an eight-member inter-ministerial central team will visit Odisha from November 2 to 4 to assess the damage caused by Cyclone Arnab.