Month: October 2023

US Congress averts government shutdown hours before October 1 deadline

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The US narrowly averted a disruptive and costly shutdown of federal agencies as Congress passed compromise legislation to keep the government running until November 17.

The legislation, passed in both chambers on Saturday just hours before a midnight deadline, buys Democrats and Republicans time to negotiate longer-term federal funding. It doesn’t include new funding for Ukraine.

President Joe Biden is expected to sign the bill, capping an extraordinary day in Washington that began with the country careening to what appeared to be an inevitable and prolonged federal funding lapse.

“Tonight, bipartisan majorities in the House and Senate voted to keep the government open, preventing an unnecessary crisis that would have inflicted needless pain on millions of hardworking Americans,” Biden said in a statement.

Final passage by the Senate was set in motion earlier in the day by embattled House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who called the bluff of the far-right Republicans and pushed the last-minute compromise. They’d threatened to oust him from leadership if he didn’t shut down the government, a move most in Congress see as highly unpopular with voters.

“If somebody wants to remove me because I want to be the adult in the room, go ahead and try,” McCarthy told reporters.

In unusually swift action in the typically slow-moving Capitol, the bill made it through both chambers in less than 12 hours.

“Total roller coaster,” Representative Guy Reschenthaler, the House GOP chief deputy whip, said of the day’s events.

Americans to investors globally have been watching Washington closely in recent days as the the risk of a shutdown grew. Even a short-term funding breach would pause many federal functions and paychecks, while economists predicted that a long-term shutdown could impede the Federal Reserve’s efforts to quell inflation without widespread job losses. Markets also considered how an impasse could further harm perceptions of US governance.

The legislation, which is devoid of deep spending cuts and border policies demanded by Republican hardliners, marks a rare bipartisan victory in a fiercely divided Washington.

“After trying to take our government hostage, MAGA Republicans won nothing,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said after final passage.

But the exclusion of the Ukraine aid — at least for now — is a blow to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who last week met with Biden and lawmakers and personally pleaded for new weapons systems, including F-16 fighter jets and longer-range ATACMS missiles.

Biden and other lawmakers sought to assure Ukraine that the US remains committed to the war effort. The US has sent $44 billion to Ukraine since the Russian invasion last year and Biden has requested an additional $24 billion to refill accounts that the Pentagon says are nearly depleted.

“We cannot under any circumstances allow American support for Ukraine to be interrupted,” Biden said, adding that McCarthy has committed to passage of a separate Ukraine aid package.

The bill passed the Senate on an 88-9 vote, just hours after an overwhelming House vote that included nearly all Democrats and more than half of Republicans.

The legislation includes $16 billion in disaster relief funding but not aid for Ukraine. Lawmakers in both parties who support the Ukraine funding said that would be handled separately.

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Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Life on other planets: A look at space missions to explore alien life

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

International Music Day 2023: Five Bollywood actors known for their singing skills

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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International Music Day is observed on October 1 every year by the International Music Council (IMC). The International Music Day is also an occasion for globally recognising the importance of music and musicians. The objective of the day is to promote musical art in every section of society and attain world peace and harmony by bonding through music. The day is observed in a bid to promote harmony and peace among different cultures through the mutual appreciation of music.

History

The International Music Council, founded by UNESCO in 1949, established the International Music Day in 1975. The council along with its President Lord Yehudi Menuhin firmly believed that music can strengthen relationships and bridge cultural gaps among communities.

He also wrote a letter to all the members of the council, explaining the relevance of recognising music and its importance. In his letter, he cited some major reasons for proclaiming a day as International Music Day.

A resolution was also passed in the 15th General Assembly in Lausanne, Switzerland, to dedicate a special day to music. Finally, on October 1, 1975, the first International Music Day was observed across the world.

Significance

The day holds major significance as it helps to realise the power of music in uniting societies, communities, and people. The day also offers an opportunity for people to celebrate music and contribute towards a more peaceful, joyful, and harmonious society. While many may confuse International Music Day and World Music Day, it holds different meanings. International Music Day is observed to promote peace and harmony through music, whereas World Music Day is observed to encourage people to practice and learn music.

International Music Day: Bollywood stars who are good singers

There are many talented singers and musicians in the country. Music plays a significant role in the Indian film industry and there are several actors who are great singers.

Ayushmann Khurrana: Ayushmann Khurrana is no doubt a wonderful actor. However, his singing talent also makes him an exceptional artist. He has lent his voice to many hit songs like Saadi Gali Aaja, Nazm Nazm, Naina Da Kya Kasoor, and Mitti Di Khushboo.

Farhan Akhtar: Besides being a great actor, Farhan Akhtar is also an amazing singer who has exhibited his talent in many films. He has showcased his skills in films like Rock On and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.

Priyanka Chopra: Apart from being a versatile actress, Priyanka Chopra has also excelled in the field of music. She has recorded singles and has worked with both Bollywood and Hollywood artists.

Shraddha Kapoor: Apart from her commendable acting in many movies, Shraddha Kapoor has also shown her singing skills in films like Ek Villain and Baaghi.

Amitabh Bachchan: Legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan has lent his voice to numerous songs of his own films. Thanks to his baritone and rich vocals, Bachchan’s songs are quite recognisable.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

International Coffee Day: Discover the world’s 10 most expensive coffees

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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What’s the first thing we need when we wake up? A cup of hot coffee, isn’t it? Did you know there’s a day dedicated to coffee and everyone who loves this beverage? Yes, the International Coffee Day is celebrated on October 1. The special occasion is a chance for coffee enthusiasts to come together, share their love for this beverage, and show support for the millions of coffee farmers, as well as those involved in producing, trading, selling, and serving coffee.

This year, the International Coffee Organization and the International Labour Organization are launching the #CoffeePeople campaign, focusing on “promoting the right to a safe and healthy working environment in the coffee supply chain” and encouraging people to participate in a social media challenge related to this theme.

Here’s a list of the world’s top 10 most expensive coffees:

Black Ivory Coffee: $500 per pound

From Thailand, this coffee is made from Arabica beans that pass through elephants’ digestive systems. The unique process imparts distinctive flavours, making it the priciest coffee globally.

Finca El Injerto Coffee: $500 per pound

This rare and rich coffee is made from special small beans. The meticulous washing and double-breaking process enhance the quality, justifying the high price tag.

Hacienda La Esmeralda: $350 per pound

Grown on the slopes of Mount Baru in Panama, this coffee, shaded by guava trees, offers a rich flavour. Its high cost reflects the expertise and care invested in the cultivation.

Kopi Luwak Coffee: $160 per pound

Originating in Indonesia, Kopi Luwak is made from beans, collected from the faeces of Asian palm civets. It is believed that going through the animal’s digestive system creates a uniquely flavoured coffee.

Saint Helena Coffee: $79 per pound

Cultivated on the remote island of St. Helena, this coffee boasts a caramel flavour with a hint of citrus. The high price is attributed to the cost of transportation from this distant island.

Molokai Coffee: $51 per pound

Hawaii’s Molokai Coffee benefits from ideal growing conditions and expert craftsmanship. The exotic taste comes from the combination of skilled production and the perfect climate.

Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee: $50 per pound

Grown in Jamaica’s Blue Mountains, this coffee is renowned for its mild taste, lacking the typical bitterness. Its popularity in Japan contributes to its relatively high price.

Fazenda Santa Ines Coffee: $50 per pound

Produced near the Mantiqueira mountains in Brazil, this coffee boasts a century-old tradition. The sweet and fruity flavour is a result of using various delicious fruits in the production process.

Los Planes Coffee: $40 per pound

Cultivated in El Salvador on the Los Planes farm, this coffee has won several awards. The taste features a note of brown sugar threads and tangerine with caramel undertones.

Mi Esperanza Coffee: $35 per pound

Mi Esperanza Coffee stands out for its absence of bitter aftertaste, common in other varieties.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow