The United States is expected to announce that it will send 1.25 billion dollars (£1 billion) in military assistance to Ukraine, US officials said on Friday, as the Biden administration pushes to get as much aid to Kyiv as possible before leaving office on January 20. The large package of aid includes a significant amount of munitions, including for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems and the Hawk air defence system. It also will provide Stinger missiles and 155mm and 105mm artillery rounds, officials said. The officials, who said they expect the announcement to be made on Monday, spoke on condition of anonymity to provide details not yet made public. The new aid comes as Russia launched a barrage of attacks against Ukraine’s power facilities in recent days, although Ukraine has said it intercepted a significant number of the missiles and drones. Russian and Ukrainian forces are also still in a bitter battle around the Russian border region of Kursk, where Moscow has sent thousands of North Korean troops to help reclaim territory taken by Ukraine. Earlier this month, senior defence officials acknowledged that the US Defence Department may not be able to send all of the remaining 5.6 billion dollars (£4.5 billion) in Pentagon weapons and equipment stocks passed by Congress for Ukraine before President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in. Mr Trump has talked about getting some type of negotiated settlement between Ukraine and Russia, and spoken about his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Many US and European leaders are concerned that it might result in a poor deal for Ukraine and they worry that he will not provide Ukraine with all the weapons funding approved by Congress. The aid in the new package is in presidential drawdown authority, which allows the Pentagon to take weapons off the shelves and send them quickly to Ukraine. This latest assistance would reduce the remaining amount to about 4.35 billion dollars (£3.46 billion). Officials have said they hope that an influx of aid will help strengthen Ukraine’s hand, should Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky decide it is time to negotiate. One senior defence official said that while the US will continue to provide weapons to Ukraine until January 20, there may well be funds remaining that will be available for the incoming Trump administration to spend. According to the Pentagon, there is also about 1.2 billion dollars (£0.9 billion) remaining in longer-term funding through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which is used to pay for weapons contracts that would not be delivered for a year or more. Officials have said the administration anticipates releasing all of that money before the end of the calendar year. If the new package is included, the US will have provided more than 64 billion dollars (£50.8 billion) in security assistance to Ukraine since Russia invaded in February 2022.
The actions of Ed Woodward and the Manchester United board have left many fans disillusioned and frustrated. It is evident that the club's management is out of touch with the values and expectations of the fanbase, who demand accountability, transparency, and a clear commitment to success on the pitch.None
NoneIn conclusion, the real estate market next year holds a mix of new expectations and potential policy developments that are poised to shape the industry landscape. From sustainable development initiatives and technology integration to affordable housing and policy changes, there are exciting opportunities and challenges on the horizon for real estate stakeholders. By staying informed, proactive, and adaptive, industry players can position themselves for success in the evolving real estate market of the future.The Christmas tradition has become nearly global in scope: Children from around the world track Santa Claus as he sweeps across the earth, delivering presents and defying time. Each year, at least 100,000 kids call into the North American Aerospace Defense Command to inquire about Santa’s location. Millions more follow online in nine languages , from English to Japanese. On any other night, NORAD is scanning the heavens for potential threats , such as last year’s Chinese spy balloon . But on Christmas Eve, volunteers in Colorado Springs are fielding questions like, “When is Santa coming to my house?” and, “Am I on the naughty or nice list?” “There are screams and giggles and laughter,” said Bob Sommers, 63, a civilian contractor and NORAD volunteer. Sommers often says on the call that everyone must be asleep before Santa arrives, prompting parents to say, “Do you hear what he said? We got to go to bed early.” NORAD’s annual tracking of Santa has endured since the Cold War , predating ugly sweater parties and Mariah Carey classics . Here’s how it began and why the phones keep ringing. It started with a child’s accidental phone call in 1955. The Colorado Springs newspaper printed a Sears advertisement that encouraged children to call Santa, listing a phone number. A boy called. But he reached the Continental Air Defense Command, now NORAD, a joint U.S. and Canadian effort to spot potential enemy attacks. Tensions were growing with the Soviet Union, along with anxieties about nuclear war. Air Force Col. Harry W. Shoup picked up an emergency-only “red phone” and was greeted by a tiny voice that began to recite a Christmas wish list. “He went on a little bit, and he takes a breath, then says, ‘Hey, you’re not Santa,’” Shoup told The Associated Press in 1999. Realizing an explanation would be lost on the youngster, Shoup summoned a deep, jolly voice and replied, “Ho, ho, ho! Yes, I am Santa Claus. Have you been a good boy?” Shoup said he learned from the boy’s mother that Sears mistakenly printed the top-secret number. He hung up, but the phone soon rang again with a young girl reciting her Christmas list. Fifty calls a day followed, he said. In the pre-digital age, the agency used a 60-by-80 foot (18-by-24 meter) plexiglass map of North America to track unidentified objects. A staff member jokingly drew Santa and his sleigh over the North Pole. The tradition was born. “Note to the kiddies,” began an AP story from Colorado Springs on Dec. 23, 1955. “Santa Claus Friday was assured safe passage into the United States by the Continental Air Defense Command.” In a likely reference to the Soviets, the article noted that Santa was guarded against possible attack from “those who do not believe in Christmas.” Some grinchy journalists have nitpicked Shoup’s story, questioning whether a misprint or a misdial prompted the boy’s call. In 2014, tech news site Gizmodo cited an International News Service story from Dec. 1, 1955, about a child’s call to Shoup. Published in the Pasadena Independent, the article said the child reversed two digits in the Sears number. “When a childish voice asked COC commander Col. Harry Shoup, if there was a Santa Claus at the North Pole, he answered much more roughly than he should — considering the season: ‘There may be a guy called Santa Claus at the North Pole, but he’s not the one I worry about coming from that direction,’” Shoup said in the brief piece. In 2015, The Atlantic magazine doubted the flood of calls to the secret line, while noting that Shoup had a flair for public relations. Phone calls aside, Shoup was indeed media savvy. In 1986, he told the Scripps Howard News Service that he recognized an opportunity when a staff member drew Santa on the glass map in 1955. A lieutenant colonel promised to have it erased. But Shoup said, “You leave it right there,” and summoned public affairs. Shoup wanted to boost morale for the troops and public alike. “Why, it made the military look good — like we’re not all a bunch of snobs who don’t care about Santa Claus,” he said. Shoup died in 2009. His children told the StoryCorps podcast in 2014 that it was a misprinted Sears ad that prompted the phone calls. “And later in life he got letters from all over the world,” said Terri Van Keuren, a daughter. “People saying ‘Thank you, Colonel, for having, you know, this sense of humor.’” NORAD’s tradition is one of the few modern additions to the centuries-old Santa story that have endured, according to Gerry Bowler, a Canadian historian who spoke to the AP in 2010. Ad campaigns or movies try to “kidnap” Santa for commercial purposes, said Bowler, who wrote “Santa Claus: A Biography.” NORAD, by contrast, takes an essential element of Santa’s story and views it through a technological lens. In a recent interview with the AP, Air Force Lt. Gen. Case Cunningham explained that NORAD radars in Alaska and Canada — known as the northern warning system — are the first to detect Santa. He leaves the North Pole and typically heads for the international dateline in the Pacific Ocean. From there he moves west, following the night. “That’s when the satellite systems we use to track and identify targets of interest every single day start to kick in,” Cunningham said. “A probably little-known fact is that Rudolph’s nose that glows red emanates a lot of heat. And so those satellites track (Santa) through that heat source.” NORAD has an app and website, www.noradsanta.org , that will track Santa on Christmas Eve from 4 a.m. to midnight, Mountain Standard Time. People can call 1-877-HI-NORAD to ask live operators about Santa’s location from 6 a.m. to midnight, mountain time.
More than 20 states and cities designate December as Osteopathic Medicine Month
In conclusion, China's economic landscape continues to evolve and shape the global economy in profound ways. By understanding the key drivers, challenges, and opportunities facing China's economy, stakeholders can better navigate the dynamic environment and harness the country's economic potential. As China continues to play a central role in the world economy, it will be crucial to monitor its economic trends and adapt to the changing landscape for mutual benefit and sustainable growth.
Scott Bessent a credible, safe pick for Treasury: experts
The political unrest in South Korea, triggered by scandals involving former President Park Geun-hye and subsequent protests demanding her impeachment, has led to a period of uncertainty in the country. The impeachment of President Park and the subsequent election of Moon Jae-in as the new President have brought about changes in leadership and policies that could potentially affect the relationship between China and South Korea.Hunter Sallis poured in 31 points and Wake Forest needed most of those in a 67-57 home victory against Detroit Mercy on Saturday at Winston-Salem, N.C. Davin Cosby had 11 points as the Demon Deacons (6-1) won their second straight since their only loss, which came a week earlier at Xavier. But it wasn't easy as the visiting Titans (3-3) were persistent as they trimmed a 19-point deficit to nine points with plenty of time remaining (5:54). Orlando Lovejoy led the Titans with 15 points and TJ Nadeau had 13 points and nine rebounds off the Detroit Mercy bench despite shooting 1-for-8 on 3-pointers. Jared Lary added 10 points. Wake Forest doubled up the Titans in 3-point production by making 10 compared to Detroit Mercy's five. But the Demon Deacons took more than half of their attempts (61) from beyond the 3-point arc (35). As a result, they were just 9-for-13 on free throws. The Titans also held a 48-31 advantage in rebounding. Some of that might have been attributed to the absence of Wake Forest center Efton Reid III, who has been dealing with migraines. Detroit Mercy trailed 36-23 at halftime, but Wake Forest couldn't put the Titans away. Sallis shot 12-for-18 from the field and made five 3-point shots. He ended up two points shy of his career-high mark. Sallis came through with clutch shots, including a 3-pointer to go up by 12 with 4:59 left. Cosby had three 3-pointers before hitting his lone 2-point basket with 3:33 left to push the lead back to 14. The Titans shot only 5-for-19 on 3-pointers and they checked in at 33.3 percent overall from the field. Detroit Mercy was charged with 14 turnovers compared to only five for Wake Forest. Detroit Mercy was coming off Wednesday night's victory at Ball State. That outcome marked the team's first true road triumph since February 2023, but the Titans couldn't duplicate it. --Field Level Media
G0VO GoSurround 320 Soundbar The GoSurround 320 Soundbar is the perfect addition to your Christmas and New Year parties, seamlessly blending festive cheer with advanced technology. This wireless device creates an immersive theatre experience, ensuring that every carol, toast, and countdown resonates with crystal-clear sound. With three equalizer modes—Movie, News, and Music—you can customize your audio experience to match the festive spirit. Elevate your holiday celebrations with this exceptional soundbar, available now on Amazon for a limited price of Rs. 2,299/- boAt Aavante Bar 610 Enhance your Christmas and New Year celebrations with a top-notch Bluetooth soundbar. Delivering 25W RMS signature sound through a 2.0 channel system with dual passive radiators, this soundbar ensures your festive music is rich and clear. Enjoy up to seven hours of uninterrupted playback, making it perfect for long holiday gatherings. With multi-connectivity options, it seamlessly integrates with your devices, providing a versatile and immersive audio experience. Priced at Rs. 1,999/- , it is available on Amazon. Goldmedal i-dock player Celebrate the festive season with the future of home entertainment—the i-Dock Player. Perfect for Christmas and New Year's celebrations, this innovative device seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, embodying the spirit of advanced technology. Equipped with an in-built stereo amplifier, the i-Dock Player connects directly to speakers, filling your home with joyful carols or your favorite tracks. Enjoy the convenience of Bluetooth connectivity with a range of up to 10 meters, voice commands, and gesture control, allowing you to effortlessly manage your music and calls. Elevate your holiday festivities with the i-Dock Player, available now on Amazon at a special price of Rs. 11,171/- . Mivi Fort Q200 Soundbar This festive season, make your parties unforgettable with the Mivi Fort Q200 Soundbar. With 200W surround sound, a 2.1 channel home theatre system, and an external subwoofer, it delivers rich, immersive audio for your holiday music and movies. Multiple EQ and input modes let you customize your sound settings, while remote accessibility ensures you can control the music effortlessly. Priced at just Rs. 1,999/- and available on Amazon , it's the perfect addition to your festive celebrations. TAGS: Festivals GiftsThe best speakers for vinyl in 2024: Expert recommendedShare Tweet Share Share Email An influx of innovative cryptocurrencies is capturing attention in the crypto world. Five new altcoins have emerged, each with the potential to turn the current altcoin season into a lucrative gold rush. Among them, a new memecoin on Solana’s blockchain is being highlighted by analysts as especially promising. Discover what sets these digital coins apart and why they could be game-changers. Catzilla: Roaring Into the Meme Coin Arena With Unmatched Profit Potential In the ever-evolving world of meme coins , new contenders constantly emerge, and Catzilla is positioning itself as an ambitious player. Drawing inspiration from successful tokens like Dogecoin (DOGE), Shiba Inu (SHIB) , and PEPE , Catzilla aims to blend viral meme culture with significant financial growth. What sets Catzilla apart is its unique storytelling—a giant, Godzilla-like cat wreaking havoc, which taps into the chaotic energy of Japanese kaiju culture. This game-based narrative not only engages gamers but attracts crypto investors looking for the next big thing. With a fiery combination of anime-inspired chaos and a rebellious mission, Catzilla is rallying crypto enthusiasts and cat lovers, and anime fans to join its movement for a more equitable, decentralized crypto space. 💣Catzilla is Ready to Disrupt the Market! 💣 Unlike many meme coins that burn bright and fade away, Catzilla is here for the long haul, offering investors real potential with a massive 700% ROI . Catzilla’s presale offers a 14-stage process, giving investors multiple opportunities to buy in early. With each stage, the token price gradually rises. ⚡Unlock Triple Value for Maximum Gains⚡ Catzilla operates on a threefold value proposition: epic gameplay , a unifying mission , and a vibrant community. Players can enjoy a thrilling game experience while earning rewards, all while being part of a growing movement that merges the fun of meme culture with the potential for financial freedom . 🚀 Join the Catzilla Revolution 🚀 Catzilla positions itself as a symbol of resistance against the greed and manipulation often seen in the crypto world. By embracing its bold and monstrous persona , Catzilla seeks to restore the playful, decentralized nature of meme coins while ensuring a fair and transparent ecosystem for its users. Join the Feline Frenzy! $CATZILLA Is on the Rise—Claim Your Share Today! Worldcoin (WLD): Revolutionizing Digital Identity with Iris Biometrics Worldcoin (WLD) is a cryptocurrency launched in 2023 that aims to create a global digital identity system using iris scans. Co-founded by Sam Altman, it uses an Orb device to scan eyes and generate unique digital IDs, promoting fair wealth distribution and universal access to the digital economy. The project has attracted over 2 million users and plans a fixed supply of 10 billion tokens valued at $3 billion. While it has seen a surge in token value, it faces privacy concerns due to biometric data collection and is under investigation in several countries. Its potential lies in combining AI and biometrics for financial inclusion, but it must navigate regulatory hurdles to achieve mass adoption. Shiro Neko ($SHIRO): A New Memecoin on the Ethereum Blockchain Shiro Neko ($SHIRO) is a memecoin launched on the Ethereum blockchain, named “White Cat” in Japanese. Inspired by Shiba Inu, it aims to build its own legacy by creating a fun and engaging ecosystem where every holder is part of the community. The project has burned its liquidity pool and renounced its contract, steps intended to enhance transparency and trust. $SHIRO is designed to be accessible and rewarding for both seasoned crypto enthusiasts and newcomers. In the current market cycle, memecoins like Shiro Neko may attract interest due to their community-driven approach and alignment with popular trends in the cryptocurrency space. Movement Network: Bridging Move and Ethereum for Secure Blockchain Apps Movement Network is an ecosystem of modular blockchains using the Move programming language. It enables developers to build secure and fast blockchain applications that can interact with others. By bridging Move and Ethereum ecosystems, it introduces the first Move-based Layer 2 solution for Ethereum. Developers can easily launch high-performance applications with Move. Supported by investors like Polychain Capital and Binance Labs, Movement Labs aims to improve blockchain interoperability and advance Move-based technologies in the Web3 space. The coin’s potential lies in its focus on security and performance, making it attractive in the current market cycle. Kaia: Asia’s Largest Web3 Blockchain Ecosystem Kaia is a high-performance public blockchain bringing Web3 seamlessly to hundreds of millions across Asia. Born from the merger of the Klaytn and Finschia blockchains, initially developed by tech giants Kakao and LINE, Kaia represents the unification of innovation and scale. With direct integration into Kakaotalk and LINE messengers—boasting a combined user base of over 250 million—Kaia delivers the ease and speed of Web2 within familiar superapps. Conclusion Though WLD, SHIRO, MOVE, and KAIA show potential, their short-term impact may be limited. Catzilla stands out as the ultimate meme coin hero, aiming to bring financial freedom to all. Offering a 700% ROI potential during its presale and triple utility—governance, rewards, and staking—Catzilla invites participation in the fight against crypto villains. Site: Catzilla ($CATZILLA) Twitter: https://x.com/CatzillaToken Telegram: Telegram Chat Telegram News Related Items: Catzilla , Shiro Neko Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Can’t Ignore This – Major Investors Backs Catzilla for 8,000% Gains Over Meme Coin Giants SHIB and WIF! SHIB and DOGE Fumble While Catzilla Prepares for Lift-Off – A 1,000x Opportunity? Millionaire’s Playbook: Invest in These 3 Under-radar Coins Set to Be the Next Crypto Boom Comments
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Nagpur: Moviegoers watching a late-night show of “Pushpa 2” at a multiplex in Maharashtra’s Nagpur witnessed a real-life action scene as police stormed the cinema hall and arrested a man wanted in murder and drug cases. The dramatic arrest of Vishal Meshram shortly after midnight on Thursday left the packed audience stunned, but police assured them that they could continue enjoying the movie as they nabbed the accused and took him away. Meshram was on the run for 10 months and was eventually tracked down after police learnt about his interest in the recently-released film, an official from Pachpaoli police station said on Sunday. The gangster had 27 cases against him, including two of murder and drug trafficking, and was known for his violent tendencies, even attacking police in the past, he said. Authorities had been pursuing him relentlessly, using cyber surveillance and tracking his movements in a new sports utility vehicle (SUV), the official said. After tracking him on Thursday, police deflated the vehicle’s tyres outside the cinema hall, located in central part of the city, to prevent his escape, he said. When police personnel entered the hall during the movie’s climax, Meshram was engrossed in the film. The police surrounded him and made the arrest swiftly, giving him no chance to resist, the official said. Meshram is currently lodged in the Nagpur Central Jail and will soon be transferred to a prison in Nashik, the police said. “Pushpa 2: The Rule”, the blockbuster movie starring Allu Arjun, is a sequel to 2021’s Telugu film “Pushpa: The Rise”. It was released on December 5 with dubbed versions in Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Bengali and Malayalam.
EPIC: Emotion recognition tech violates EU fundamental rightsAutel IMEA Hosts Annual Partners Summit and Gala Dinner, Launches New EV Chargers and Advanced Automotive Diagnostic Solutions, and Continues Its Commitment to Sustainability through Mangrove Tree Planting Initiative
The interception of the giant terror ants highlights the crucial role of customs and border control in safeguarding the environment and preventing the spread of invasive species. By remaining vigilant and proactive in enforcing regulations, authorities can effectively combat illegal wildlife trafficking and protect local ecosystems from harm.The Government has not held any discussions nor have entered into any agreements with India regarding the proposed Economic and Technological Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) between India and Sri Lanka during President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent state visit to India. Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath said this during the special media conference held yesterday (20) at the Department of Government Information to create awareness and to provide insights into President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent state visit to India. The Minister said that the relationship between India and Sri Lanka was further strengthened as a result of this state visit to India by the President and the Sri Lankan delegation, as they were well received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indian President Droupadi Murmu and other Indian authorities, which is a significant victory for the country and will further benefit Sri Lanka and its people in many ways with important decisions that were made that are highly beneficial for Sri Lanka and its people in economic, cultural, digital, technological, environmental and many other spheres. Bilateral talks were held between the Indian and Sri Lankan authorities and a statement by the President of Sri Lanka and the Indian Prime Minister were made separately followed by a joint statement by both. Two Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) were signed between the two countries. An MOU was signed for a two week training programme on public service to be conducted for 1,500 Sri Lankan state officials in India for the next five years. A second MOU was signed on the removal of the existing double taxation for businesses of Sri Lankans in India and Indians in Sri Lanka where currently such businessmen are taxed by both countries which will benefit the business community economically in both countries going forward as a result. There were no agreements that were signed besides the two MOUs and only discussions were held on technical matters and development projects between both countries during the three day state visit of India by President Dissanayake. In-depth discussions were held about the issues faced by the Sri Lankan fishermen in the North and the South Indian fishing community to find further solutions to them. President Dissanayake emphasized to Indian authorities about the ongoing problem of South Indian fishermen coming to Sri Lankan waters and continuing to carry out bottom trawler fishing activities and also being arrested by the Sri Lankan authorities for trespassing into Sri Lankan territorial waters for fishing. Both parties agreed to arrive at an expedited permanent solution to these continued fishing problems. The Indian government assured that the ongoing housing projects carried out with Indian aid in its third and fourth stages constructed in the country will be further strengthened and continued. Indian Prime Minister Modi has promised to convert the complete loan amount given by India into a grant, to renovate the Mahawa – Omanthai railway line with the construction of the traffic signal system which is nearing completion that will run two trains between Anuradhapura and Jaffna, which is a significant victory achieved by the Sri Lankan government during this visit. India has also agreed to provide all funds required as a grant to build the Karainagar Boat complex that will greatly benefit the fishing industry in the North and the entire country. The government of India also agreed to expedite the removal of existing legal barriers for the Mahabodhi Foundation in receiving foreign donations. Sri Lankan proposal was made by President Dissanayake to Indian Prime Minister Modi emphasising on the need to discuss and finalise on the demarcation of the Sri Lankan Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) which extends from the Sri Lankan coastline of the Sri Lankan maritime zone as the finalized EEZ area need to be communicated to the United Nations after agreement reached with India, which the Indian government agreed to commence discussions on, to arrive at a final agreement. The President has assured the Indian Prime Minister that the Sri Lankan territory including land and sea areas will not be permitted to be used by anybody including any foreign powers that will cause security threats to India or the Asian region in any way. Discussions were made between the two countries on the ongoing proposed power and energy, electricity development projects which face some technical problems, besides technical, political and cultural fields requiring development that will benefit both countries. The Sri Lankan government agreed to continue the Sampur solar power project that an agreement has already been reached before, between the two countries which the Ceylon Electricity Board and an Indian company have already signed an agreement on the project which will generate solar power for the country. It has been agreed by the Sri Lankan government to hold discussions over power and energy and electricity generating projects between both countries using Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Wind Power, to export excess electricity generated by solar power and wind power which are natural resources that the country possess to other countries through India, under the BIMSTEC economic cooperation which will greatly benefit the country bringing in revenue.Agreement has been made to continue further discussions in the future on the proposed joint venture between Sri Lanka, India and United Arab Emirates (UAE) on construction of a multi-product oil pipeline between Sri Lanka and India to supply affordable and reliable energy, establishment of a high-capacity power grid interconnection between India and Sri Lanka while prioritising environmental protection through flora and fauna project. Minister Herath emphasised that the Sri Lankan government under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will not agree to anything that is detrimental to the country in any way.Pakistan faces visa ban from Gulf countries following criminal allegations
Watch incredible timelapse vid showing swarm of ants OUTSMART humans to solve fiendish puzzle first...can YOU work it out?In a significant development in the political landscape of the country, the Special Prosecutor's Law has been passed amid a deepening internal turmoil within the government. The target of the investigation is none other than Prime Minister Yoon Hee-yul himself, along with 11 other high-ranking officials who have been called upon to cooperate with the ongoing probes.
18-member Presidential Task Force empowered to implement “Clean Sri Lanka” programThis action by UEFA sends a clear message to all officials involved in football: the principles of fairness, transparency, and integrity are non-negotiable. Referees play a crucial role in ensuring that matches are conducted in a manner that upholds the spirit of the game and maintains a level playing field for all teams.