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The US Congress passed spending legislation early on Saturday in a down-to-the wire burst of activity that will avert a destabilising government shutdown ahead of the busy holiday travel season. The Democratic-controlled Senate in an 85-11 vote passed the bill to continue government funding 38 minutes after it expired at midnight (0500 GMT Saturday). The government did not invoke shutdown procedures in the interim. The bill will now be sent it to the White House, where President Joe Biden is expected to sign it into law. The package had earlier cleared the Republican-controlled House of Representatives with bipartisan support. The late-night vote capped a frantic week that saw president-elect Donald Trump and his billionaire ally Elon Musk defeat an initial bipartisan deal, throwing Congress into disarray. The final version stripped out some provisions championed by Democrats, who accused Republicans of caving in to pressure from an unelected billionaire who has no experience in government. Congress did not act on Trump's demand to raise the debt ceiling, a politically difficult task, before he takes office on January 20. The federal government spent roughly $6.2-trillion last year and has more than $36-trillion in debt, and Congress will need to act to authorise further borrowing by the middle of next year. The legislation would extend government funding until March 14, provide $100bn for disaster-hit states and $10bn for farmers, and extend farm and food aid programmes due to expire at the end of the year. Some Republicans voted against the package because it did not cut spending. House speaker Mike Johnson said the party will have more influence next year, when they will have majorities in both chambers of Congress and Trump will be in the White House. “This was a necessary step to bridge the gap, to put us into that moment where we can put our fingerprints on the final decisions on spending,” he told reporters after the House vote. He said Trump supported the package. A government shutdown would have disrupted everything from law enforcement to national parks and suspended pay cheques for millions of federal workers. A travel industry trade group warned it could cost airlines, hotels and other companies $1bn per week and lead to widespread disruptions during the busy Christmas season. Authorities warned travellers could face long lines at airports. THIRD ATTEMPT The package resembled a bipartisan plan that was abandoned earlier this week after an online fusillade from Trump and Musk, who said it contained too many unrelated provisions, such as a pay raise for legislators and a crackdown on pharmacy benefit managers. Republicans struck most of those elements from the bill — including a provision limiting investments in China which Democrats said would have conflicted with Musk's interests. “He clearly does not want to answer questions about how much he plans to expand his businesses in China and how many American technologies he plans to sell,” Democratic representative Rosa DeLauro said on the House floor. Trump has tasked Musk, the world's richest person, with heading a budget-cutting task force but he will hold no official position in Washington. Musk wrote on his social media platform X that he was happy with the package. “It went from a bill that weighed pounds to a bill that weighed ounces,” he posted. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said his party still achieved some of its goals and prevented Republicans from enacting a debt-ceiling hike that would make it easier to cut taxes. “We have successfully advanced the needs of everyday Americans, but there are still things to be worked on and we look forward to that fight in the new year,” he told reporters. Trump's demand to lift the debt ceiling was resoundingly rejected by the House — including 38 Republicans — on Thursday. Johnson said legislators would look at the issue in January. Representative Rich McCormick, one of 34 Republicans who voted against the Friday bill, said it did nothing to change the nation's fiscal trajectory and would only add to the debt load. “We will be the country of the past if we continue doing what we're doing,” he said. The federal government last shut down for 35 days during Trump's first White House term over a dispute about border security. Previous fights over the debt ceiling have spooked financial markets, as a US government default would send credit shocks around the world. The limit has been suspended under an agreement that technically expires on January 1, though legislators likely would not have had to tackle the issue before the spring. ReutersMan accused of raping 2 women in 1989 to be extradited to Mass.
M&M severes business ties with Lokesh Machines over U.S. sanctionsAP Sports SummaryBrief at 3:39 p.m. ESTFor those who are brave enough to ride during the winter, studded motorcycle tires often get discussed as a solution for harsh conditions. These tires have metal studs or spikes that improve traction on icy or snowy terrain. Studded tires are somewhat unusual because they're seldom used and they require specific conditions and riding surfaces to increase traction safely. Depending on state law and time of year, studded motorcycle tires can technically be used on the street during winter months, but you're more likely to find them off-road on icy trails or frozen lakes. Living in the harsh conditions of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, I had the pleasure of riding in some cold winter weather. I quickly learned that having the correct tires and gear is essential when temperatures plummet and conditions deteriorate. Even if studded motorcycle tires didn't exist, it's vital to pick the best tires possible because some brands rank better than others . Staying warm was also essential, and heated riding gear made winter riding more manageable. Some people chose to opt out of winter riding altogether and winterized their bikes for the cold months . With years of riding experience in adverse climates, I've learned how studded tires can be a valuable tool for winter riding. Let's take a closer look at how studded motorcycle tires work, how you can acquire them, their pros and cons, and some alternatives to consider. Studded motorcycle tires have lots of metal studs or pointy spikes embedded into the tire. The exact configuration and number of studs varies based on the tread pattern and type of stud used. The studs bite into ice or hard-packed snow, which helps to increase traction and reduces the likelihood of slipping. The studs also increase control when accelerating, braking, and turning. Think of studded motorcycle tires like an athletic cleat digging into a playing field to provide increased stability and directional control. It's difficult to find motorcycle tires directly from a manufacturer with the studs already installed. That's because studded motorcycle tires are a niche item, and well-known tire makers like Dunlop and Pirelli don't sell them directly to consumers. If you want a set, you'll probably have to buy pre-studded motorcycle tires from specialty motorcycle shops, have a professional mechanic install them, or install the studs yourself. You'll have to find a local shop or one that ships, and the tires might be from lesser-known manufacturers such as Mitas. Studding the tires yourself isn't the safest option, and it's recommended to have a professional mechanic install the studs for you. Assuming you have a bike capable of going off-road, and you're riding on snowy trails or frozen-over lakes, studded tires can be a great option. Studded tires excel in these conditions and can make winter riding more enjoyable while increasing handling and safety. If you're adventurous enough to brave winter riding, studded tires can extend your season year-round. You'll be riding in February while your friends are suffering from cabin fever. If you're primarily riding on the road during the winter months, studded tires might not be the best option for you. While they provide improved traction on roads covered in ice or heavily packed snow, problems arise when you encounter dry or wet bare pavement. The moment your studded tires come into contact with a bare patch of road, the metal spikes act like ball bearings, and the chances of losing traction increase. You might be okay in a car, but with only two wheels, it's a recipe for disaster. Aside from safety concerns, studded tires are more expensive than regular tires due to the extra labor of installing the studs. Finally, the studs can cause road damage, which can lead to costly repairs. Non-studded winter motorcycle tires with unique tread patterns, sipes (small grooves), and softer rubber compounds are a good alternative to studded tires. European tire manufacturer Mitas makes the MC-32 winter tire , designed for wet roads, snow, and slush. The MC-32's have pre-marked spaces to install studs for any extreme winter riding in icy conditions. Germany's Heidenau makes three non-studded motorcycle snow tires: the K 37S, K 58S, and K 62S. The 58 and 62 models use a proprietary rubber blend called Snowtex to increase traction in sub-zero conditions. Turkish tire maker Anlas also has three winter models: the Winter Grip Plus, Winter Grip 2 (SC-500), and the NR-50 WinterGrip. These models use winter tread patterns, advanced polymers, and activated silica technology to increase traction on cold, wet, and snowy roads. If you can't find these tires for any reason, you can always reduce your speed, increase braking distance, and be extra cautious when maneuvering during winter riding. Studded motorcycles are a niche item because they're usually only used in harsh climates and specific riding conditions. If you do a lot of off-road riding during the winter, they may be exactly what you're looking for. However, if you spend most of your time on the road, you might want to seriously consider the pros and cons before buying a set. If you conclude that you don't need studded winter tires but still want to ride on the road during the winter, there are some quality options available, but you'll need to figure out whether they ship to your location. Either way, it's important to slow down and be extra cautious any time you're riding in adverse weather conditions.
Google is suing this US government agency; says as a matter of common sense ...World News | Taiwan Detects Nine Chinese Military Aircraft, Five Naval Vessels Near Its TerritoryCelebrity MasterChef: Full contestants list with photosMoE forms new exam printing press committee after violations found
Security Beefed Up In Panipat For PM Modi's Visit On MondayFor the last month, New Jerseyans have reported odd lights in the sky at night, a rash of reported drone sightings that has attracted the attention of local residents, politicians and . Concerned witnesses have described clusters of lights, saying they look like drones hovering over populated areas around the state. Now, even as sightings have expanded to , government officials haven’t been able to put people’s minds at ease. So who (or what) are behind the mysterious drone sightings? Federal authorities have tried to reassure residents that the objects don’t appear to be operating nefariously. The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security have said these sightings are mostly not drones at all. “Historically, we have experienced cases of mistaken identity, where reported drones are, in fact, manned aircraft or facilities,” . The government also said it hasn’t corroborated the sightings. New Jersey lawmakers say they believe there is more to the story than federal officials have shared publicly. The lack of clear answers has fueled rampant speculation and sometimes bizarre or joking theories. “The drones in New Jersey can easily be explained. Teams are clearly spying on the Jets and Giants practices which is why they have struggled this season,” former NFL kicker Lawrence Tynes said in a on X. “First, . Now, unidentified drones are flying over New Jersey, avoiding radar detection. Gaps in our airspace are being exploited, and because of it, the safety of Americans is at risk,” New Jersey Rep. Jeff Van Drew . Here’s a look at some possible explanations for the sightings – and the evidence for or against the theories. Because the sightings aren't confirmed to be connected, it's also possible different sightings have different explanations. Government officials have said it’s likely there’s aren’t actually drones in many of the sightings. White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby said many of the sightings are actually of piloted aircraft flying legally. Harry Direen, an electronic and software engineering expert at DireenTech, said he wouldn’t be surprised if people were seeing drones at first, but that once the notion of drones took hold, people assumed any aircraft they couldn’t identify was a drone. “After what were likely valid sightings of possibly hobbyist drones, every aircraft can then become suspicious,” he said. Kirby said during a news conference that authorities haven’t been able to corroborate “any of the reported visual sightings” — despite using “very sophisticated electronic detection technologies.” “The FBI, DHS and our federal partners, in close coordination with the New Jersey State Police, continue to deploy personnel and technology to investigate this situation and confirm whether the reported drone flights are actually drones or are instead manned aircraft or otherwise inaccurate sightings,” the agencies said in the statement. U.S. government officials this week assured the public that the spotted aircraft do not appear to be sent by a foreign government, quashing a theory posed by Van Drew, who said the drones could be controlled by Iran. There’s no evidence the drones pose a national security threat, the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security said Thursday. The sightings may actually be piloted aircraft operating legally, the agencies said. Also worth noting: the craft haven’t flown in restricted airspace, they said. “To be clear, they have uncovered no such malicious activity or intent at this stage,” a joint statement from the agencies said. “While there is no known malicious activity occurring in New Jersey, the reported sightings there do, however, highlight the insufficiency of current authorities." New Jersey lawmakers told the Asbury Park Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, said they were briefed by State Police and told authorities don’t know where the drones are coming from, and are unable to detect them. “Listen, I hope it’s no big deal, but the federal government needs to be more truthful.” New Jersey Assemblyman Greg Myhre said. Government officials including the Pentagon said the drones spotted by residents for the last few weeks are not operated by the U.S. government or military. It doesn’t seem likely that a government organization would be flying the drones over public locations, Direen said. “Clearly they are not being very stealthy if they are,” he said. Could the drones people keep seeing be someone playing a prank, or drone hobbyists just out having a good time? It’s not illegal to fly drones in New Jersey, but you have to meet certain depending on the size of the drone and the reason you’re flying it, according to federal and . If that’s the case, it should be pretty easy for officials to figure out, Direen said. “If the drones are being flown legally, the ADS-B transponder on the drone should make it easy for authorities to identify the drone and the operator,” he said. Could the drones be the work of aliens? At this point, officials have given no evidence to suggest that, but also no evidence to debunk it. (And .) “I suppose some alien kids could be flying their toy drones while their parents are busy out abducting humans and performing experiments on them,” Direen said.
Saturday, December 21, 2024 India’s Modern Rail System: The Vande Bharat Express Expansion In 2024, Indian Railways introduced several new routes for its semi-high-speed Vande Bharat Express trains, which have significantly transformed travel across the country. Known for their modern technology, efficient travel times, and improved passenger comfort, these trains have quickly become a sought-after option for travelers. The Vande Bharat Express is now considered a major milestone in India’s rail network modernization, providing faster and more luxurious alternatives to traditional trains. Key Vande Bharat Routes and Their Impact The introduction of these state-of-the-art trains has had a significant impact on the way passengers travel across India. With their advanced features, they cater to both daily commuters and long-distance travelers, enhancing the overall rail travel experience. The Broader Impact on Indian Rail Travel With the launch of these new Vande Bharat Express routes, Indian Railways has set a new standard for rail travel in the country. The Vande Bharat trains have been a game-changer for Indian travelers, offering shorter travel times, greater comfort, and advanced features not typically found in traditional trains. Passengers now enjoy amenities such as Wi-Fi, better seating arrangements, and advanced information systems that make the travel experience more seamless and enjoyable. The emphasis on passenger comfort and safety has significantly improved the appeal of rail travel, especially for long-distance journeys. The modern design and focus on speed are particularly valuable for business travelers, students, and tourists who can now reach their destinations faster and more comfortably. How the Vande Bharat Express Affects the Travel Industry The launch of the Vande Bharat Express has had a direct impact on India’s travel industry. With the introduction of these faster and more comfortable trains, rail travel has become a more competitive option for travelers when compared to other modes of transportation, such as buses and flights. By significantly reducing travel times, these trains make it easier for tourists to visit more destinations in a shorter amount of time. Furthermore, the improved connectivity between major cities is helping to promote regional tourism, as travelers can more easily visit cultural and historical destinations across the country. For businesses, the Vande Bharat Express provides a faster and more efficient means of transportation, allowing for quicker travel between key economic hubs. The Vande Bharat Express represents a key step in the modernization of Indian Railways, paving the way for further advancements in passenger comfort, speed, and connectivity. As more routes are introduced and the trains become increasingly popular, the overall landscape of train travel in India will continue to evolve, providing passengers with more options and better service. The Vande Bharat Express is transforming the landscape of rail travel in India, offering faster, more comfortable, and more efficient travel options for passengers. With its recent launch on multiple key routes across the country, the Vande Bharat Express has already had a profound impact on the travel industry, reducing travel times and boosting regional connectivity. As Indian Railways continues to roll out more routes, it will contribute to the growth of tourism and business travel, providing travelers with a modern, reliable, and convenient mode of transport.
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ISLAMABAD: In response to statements on recent verdicts by military courts, the Foreign Office on Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to fulfilling all its international human rights obligations and commitments under the GSP Plus Scheme. “Pakistan’s legal system is consistent with international human rights law including provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR),” the FO Spokesperson said in a statement. She said that the verdicts had been made under a law enacted by the Parliament of Pakistan and in line with the judgment of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Mumtaz Zahra Baloch stressed that the country’s legal system had remedies of judicial review by the superior courts and guaranteed the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. The statement added that Pakistan believed in constructive and productive dialogue to promote principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. “We remain fully committed to implementing our commitments under the GSP Plus Scheme and core international human rights conventions,” she said. “We will continue to engage with our international partners including the European Union to uphold the international human rights law, without any discrimination and double standards”, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch underscored. Read More: UK reacts to military courts sentences against May 9 rioters Earlier, the May 9 riot suspects were awarded up to 10 years imprisonment by the military courts in Pakistan. The United States (US) expressed its concerns over the convictions of civilians in Pakistani military courts, calling for fair trials and respect for human rights. US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller in his post on X (formerly Twitter) said, “The United States is concerned by the sentencing of Pakistani civilians in a military tribunal and calls upon Pakistani authorities to respect the right to a fair trial and due process.” EU also described the sentencing of Pakistani civilians by a military tribunal as being inconsistent with the obligations under the EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+).