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India’s rail and road expansion isn’t just paving highways—it’s building economic expressways. Think of a developing nation as a moving train or a speeding car. Without solid tracks or smooth roads, the journey is bound to be bumpy, inefficient, and slow. For India, the story of progress is being rewritten with stronger rails and broader highways, ensuring this journey is seamless and swift. A strong network of roads and railways isn’t just about moving people and goods; it’s the engine driving economic growth and connectivity. India’s government recognises this and is accelerating efforts to create a world-class transportation infrastructure. In August, the Union Cabinet approved eight ambitious railway projects to enhance connectivity in eastern states with an investment of 246.6 billion. In November, the Cabinet approved three major multitracking projects across Indian Railways, totalling an investment of 79.3 billion. On the roads front, India’s Vision 2047 policy (becoming a developed nation by 2047) aims to stretch the national highways network to over 200,000 km by 2037, with high-speed, access-controlled highways at its core. These roads will not only cut travel time but also drastically reduce road accidents, aligning India with global standards of logistics efficiency. As India accelerates its journey toward world-class rail and road infrastructure, certain companies stand out as key players in this transformation. Their established presence, proven track record, and robust order books position them to take on the monumental projects driving this expansion. Let’s delve into three specific stocks that are at the forefront of this growth. With their strong foundation and capacity to handle large-scale projects, these companies are uniquely poised to capitalise on the massive opportunities in rail and road development. L&T has cemented its position as a leading player in India’s road and railway infrastructure sectors. With a diverse portfolio that includes metro projects, expressways, and rail systems, L&T brings both scale and technical expertise to the table. According to its latest earnings call for the fiscal second quarter (July-September), L&T reported a record order book of about 5.1 trillion, with 67% stemming from infrastructure projects. L&T’s transportation infrastructure segment has demonstrated robust execution, with recent projects including portions of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail and multiple elevated corridors aimed at urban decongestion. The railways segment continues to be a strategic focus for L&T, particularly with its participation in dedicated freight corridors and metro rail projects. The company is heavily involved in the Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors, projects expected to streamline freight operations and reduce logistics costs. According to its integrated annual report for FY24, L&T’s expertise in executing rail electrification and complex track systems places it in a strong position to benefit from increased government allocations under Vision 2047. On the road infrastructure front, L&T has been instrumental in constructing expressways and smart highways, including projects like the Meerut-Aligarh-Ghaziabad corridor. These initiatives align with the government’s plan to expand the national highway network. Additionally, L&T’s projects increasingly incorporate smart technology such as digital monitoring systems, which enhance efficiency and safety. L&T’s construction and mining machinery business is also expected to see significant growth. According to Arvind K. Garg, senior vice president, the segment is projected to grow by 20% in 2025-26 and double its sales over the next five years. This growth is supported by new product launches like the Komatsu PC35 mini excavator and increased investments in after-sales service capabilities. In parallel, L&T is diversifying into the aerospace and space sectors. The company is leveraging its 50-year relationship with the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) to expand into manufacturing launch vehicles and satellites. As per its Q2 disclosures, L&T is part of a consortium with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd to manufacture the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). The first launch, expected in 2025, will mark a significant milestone as India opens its space sector to private firms. For investors, L&T’s integrated approach across sectors, coupled with its focus on high-margin projects and technological advancements, positions it as a resilient and forward-looking choice. Its diversified order book, strong execution capabilities, and alignment with government infrastructure initiatives make it a standout player in India’s growth narrative. L&T’s current price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio stands at 36.8, significantly higher than that of other infrastructure companies. This elevated valuation suggests that the market is pricing in a strong growth trajectory and the company’s ability to maintain consistent profitability. However, the modest 2.6% rise in its share price over the past year indicates that the optimism embedded in its P/E ratio has not translated into immediate stock market gains. This time correction perhaps makes it a stock to watch for 2025. GR Infraprojects Ltd has built a strong reputation in the infrastructure space with its expertise in constructing national highways, expressways, and bridges, as well as its growing presence in railway projects, including rail overbridges and track-laying contracts. Its strategic expansion into both sectors reflects its capability to deliver integrated transport solutions, positioning it as a key player in India’s infrastructure development drive. GR Infraprojects continues to strengthen its role as a key player in India’s infrastructure development, contributing significantly to roads, railways, and power transmission. The company’s diversified portfolio demonstrates its strategic approach to capturing opportunities in these high-growth sectors. As of September, the company reported an order book of 20,680 crore, with 13,300 crore allocated for ongoing execution and 4,130 crore awaiting appointed dates. GR Infraprojects highlights progress across several projects, including highway engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC), and hybrid annuity model (HAM) projects. The company has also advanced metro and rail connectivity projects, which it sees as crucial for enhancing urban mobility and freight efficiency across states. It has also strategically diversified into the power transmission sector, aligning with India’s target of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. In September, GRIL raised 1,670 crore through Standard Chartered Bank to fund its greenfield power transmission projects. GRIL’s FY24 annual report highlights its long-term plans in power transmission, aiming to build a resilient network that supports the nation’s renewable energy goals. The company has successfully delivered other transmission projects within budget and on schedule, reinforcing its reputation in this emerging vertical. GR Infraproject’s strategic presence in roads, railways, and power transmission positions it as a key beneficiary of India’s infrastructure and renewable energy ambitions. Its ability to execute complex projects across multiple domains, its financial discipline, and proven track record make it an interesting candidate to watch out during India’s road and railway expansion boom. GR Infraprojects’ stock has rallied moderately over the past year, gaining 28.3%. While this reflects a healthy appreciation in its market value, its current price-to-earnings (PE) ratio of 15.6 suggests that the stock remains reasonably valued compared to peers in the infrastructure sector. This PE level indicates that while the market acknowledges the company’s solid fundamentals it has yet to fully price in the GR Infraprojects’ long-term growth potential. The valuation offers room for potential share price upside, provided the company continues to execute effectively and leverage opportunities in its core and emerging sectors. Ircon International Ircon International is a prominent public sector undertaking with expertise in the railways and highways sectors, delivering large-scale and technologically advanced infrastructure projects. Founded in 1976 as a railway construction company, Ircon later diversified into highways and integrated projects, strengthening its multi-sectoral presence. According to its Q2 investor presentation, Ircon had an order book of 24,250 crore as of 30 September, with railways contributing 78% and roads 22%. This reflects the company’s focus on delivering large-scale, technologically advanced projects, including electrification, signalling, and track-laying for railways and highways, bridges, and tunnels in the road sector. Ircon’s FY24 annual report highlights the company’s long-term growth plans, which include diversifying into emerging sectors like renewable energy. Ircon is progressing with its 500 MW solar project, aiming to leverage its engineering expertise in the energy sector to enhance its revenue mix. Additionally, the company is expanding its international footprint cautiously, targeting stable markets while mitigating geopolitical risks. The annual report states that Ircon plans to double its turnover in the next five to six years by securing larger, more complex projects. Ircon’s strategy includes focusing on high-margin, niche projects such as tunnels and bridges, where competition is lower and operational margins remain steady. The company aims to secure 10,000-12,000 crore in new orders annually to align with the government’s infrastructure priorities under PM Gati Shakti and Vision 2047. Over the past year, Ircon’s stock has rallied moderately, posting a gain of 22.4%. Despite this growth, its current price-to-earnings (PE) ratio of 21.4 suggests the stock is relatively fairly valued compared to its peers in the infrastructure sector. Conclusion , Warren Buffett famously remarked. That is precisely the case with India’s infrastructure boom, as investments in railways and highways are not just expenses but milestones marking a transformation in the country’s economic future. With a huge estimated outlay for railway projects and an ambitious plan to expand its road highways network, India is sowing the seeds for unparalleled connectivity and economic upliftment. Beyond the expansion plans, this marks a shift towards environmental sustainability and efficiency in transport. Reducing 322 million litres of oil imports and about 900,000 tonnes of carbon emissions through railway expansions is equivalent to the amount of environmental impact through the planting of 35 million trees. On the other hand, high-speed, access-controlled highways under Vision 2047 redefine logistics efficiency and safety as a comprehensive approach to infrastructure. For investors, the opportunity lies in identifying companies poised to harness this momentum. Firms like Larsen & Toubro, GR Infraprojects, and Ircon International represent a suggestive list of stocks that believes are well-positioned to grow, though this is not a conclusive or advisory recommendation. Whether these companies can continue to deliver at this high level will be a key determinant on how they perform in the stock market.
Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, died at his home in Plains, Georgia today. He was 100. Carter's interest in promoting renewable energy was on display at his January 20, 1977 presidential inauguration. Solar panels were installed to warm the reviewing stand near the White House, where Carter watched the inaugural parade. "It happened to be one of the coldest days of the year that morning and very little sun," says Paul Muldawer, the Atlanta architect Carter tapped to design his inauguration facilities. "We made a statement, although it honestly didn't work as well as I would have liked it to work," Muldawer says. Wind chill that day was in the teens, according to the National Weather Service . Carter wanted a ceremony that reflected his values. That extended to the reviewing stand, which was built so it wouldn't end up in a landfill after the ceremony. Instead of wood, it was made of steel. "After the inauguration, we had it disassembled, shipped to Atlanta, and then it was recycled as a bandstand," says Muldawer, who's now 92. The structure was in a public park where free concerts were held. "Carter was just thrilled with that. He really liked the idea of repurposing that facility." The inauguration set the stage for Carter's four years as President. His environmental legacy has shaped how the country is responding to climate change today. "At the time that Jimmy Carter was president, his biggest concern was energy security," says Amy Myers Jaffe, director of the Energy, Climate Justice and Sustainability Lab at New York University. In 1977, the U.S. was importing 8.81 million barrels of petroleum a day, mostly from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, or the OPEC cartel. That made the U.S. vulnerable during the 1973 Arab oil embargo, which led to long lines at gas stations. In several ways Jaffe says Carter was ahead of his time by being an early advocate for conserving energy and boosting renewable electricity, such as solar power. But Carter also promoted domestic coal mining. The subsequent growth of that industry contributed to the warming climate the world is experiencing now. Carter boosted energy efficiency and solar Shortly after Carter took office in 1977, he delivered what has become known as the "sweater speech." Sitting by a lit fireplace, he wore a cardigan sweater and addressed the country on television. "All of us must learn to waste less energy. Simply by keeping our thermostats, for instance, at 65 degrees in the daytime and 55 degrees at night we could save half the current shortage of natural gas," Carter said. Energy efficiency seems like a given today, but it wasn't really on Americans' minds after the 1950s and '60s, Jaffe says. Back then, it seemed like the oil would always flow. Jaffe says some even made fun of Carter's efficiency plea – an indication of how unusual the request was at the time. Still, energy experts then were thinking about the possibility that oil and gas could run out. That prompted Carter to encourage alternative sources of energy. "He even put solar panels, famously, on the White House," Jaffe says. At a press event unveiling the solar panels that would be used to heat water, Carter made clear that energy security was at the top of his mind. "Today, in directly harnessing the power of the sun, we're taking the energy that God gave us, the most renewable energy that we will ever see, and using it to replace our dwindling supplies of fossil fuels," Carter said. By the end of the 20th century, Carter wanted the U.S. to get "20% of all the energy we use from the sun." The country still hasn't reached that goal , though more than 80% of new generating capacity this year is expected to come from solar and battery storage. As if to highlight the risk of experimenting with new energy sources, Carter told reporters at the solar panel unveiling, "A generation from now, this solar heater can either be a curiosity, a museum piece, an example of a road not taken, or it can be just a small part of one of the greatest and most exciting adventures ever undertaken by the American people." The panels were removed less than a decade later during the Reagan administration. "Had the United States stayed the course, and we had not had volatility in our federal efforts in alternative energy, we would maybe still be the premier country for alternative energy," Jaffe says. Instead, she says, the U.S. is playing catch-up with countries like Denmark and Spain on wind energy, and China for solar and electric vehicles. The panels removed from the White House were stored in a government warehouse until Unity College acquired them, according to Maine Public . Sixteen panels were re-installed on a roof at the college in Central Maine and used to heat water for the dining hall. One of the panels, about the size of a picnic table, is displayed on the campus with a marker describing its historical significance. A climate change warning and promoting coal The summer after Carter took office, he received a memo with the subject "Release of Fossil CO2 and the Possibility of a Catastrophic Climate Change." It warned that increasing concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has a "greenhouse effect" that "will induce a global climatic warming." The memo was from Frank Press, Carter's chief advisor on scientific matters and the director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Press wrote, "The present state of knowledge does not justify emergency action to limit the consumption of fossil fuels in the near term." But he did write that considering the "potential CO2 hazard" should become part of the country's long-term energy strategy. The top of the memo is marked "THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN." Climate change, though, was not an issue Carter highlighted during his time in office. He actually boosted domestic coal production. Coal is the most carbon-intense fuel for generating electricity. Carter's 1980 campaign speech to miners in West Frankfort, Illinois includes a level of boosterism rarely seen outside of the coal industry these days. "America indeed is the Saudi Arabia of coal, and my goal as President of the United States is to see on the world energy markets Arab oil replaced with Illinois coal," Carter told miners and employees of the Old Ben Coal Mine No. 25. He also boasted that the country would, "produce more coal in 1980 than has ever before been produced in the United States of America." The greenhouse gas emissions from burning more coal are an issue the country still grapples with as the effects of climate change become clear. "I calculated once that we had roughly five full extra years of emissions at roughly the 2000 level of CO2 emissions due to Carter's energy coal policies," says Philip Verleger, an economist who worked on energy issues in the Treasury Department during the Carter administration. In a 1978 speech Carter did recognize the polluting nature of coal by announcing a commission on the coal industry. "Ultimately, we will learn to harness the energy of the Sun and the oceans with fusion power to meet our energy needs. But for now, we have no choice but to continue to rely heavily on fossil fuels, and coal is our most abundant fossil fuel," Carter said. But even Verleger comes back to Carter's work advancing energy efficiency and renewable energy. "Carter really started the ball rolling, created many of the ideas that are now coming to the fore. And that's good. The downside in terms of environment was the emphasis on coal," Verleger says. An enduring environmental legacy Preserving land also was a priority for Carter. Near the end of his presidency, he signed into law the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act . It provided protections for 157 million acres of land through the creation of national parks, refuges and conservation areas. The legislation doubled the size of the National Park System and was the largest expansion of protected lands in history, according to the National Park Service . Carter also signed legislation in 1977 creating the Department of Energy, which is implementing much of the climate-focused Inflation Reduction Act that Congress passed and President Joe Biden signed last year. The law dedicates money to boosting renewable energy and research on new technologies. "Over four decades ago, Carter was putting in place policies that we are now enhancing today," Jaffe says. The IRA's focus on domestic manufacturing also is helping fulfill Carter's goal of putting "the United States back to where it needs to be, and dominating supply chains for things like solar panels, manufacturing and electric cars," explains Jaffe. In his final years, Carter's environmental legacy came full circle. In 2017 he leased 10 acres of his land in Plains, Georgia for a solar power project that produces enough electricity to supply about half the demand of his hometown. At the dedication event he told the crowd, "This site will be as symbolically important as the 32 panels we put on the White House," according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution . "People can come here and see what can be done." Copyright 2024 NPR
Political Ripple: Chhagan Bhujbal's Exclusion Sparks Debate in MaharashtraDETROIT (AP) — Brandon Noel's 26 points helped Wright State defeat Detroit Mercy 80-72 on Saturday. Noel had seven rebounds for the Raiders (6-5, 1-1 Horizon League). Jack Doumbia scored 21 points while shooting 8 of 16 from the field and 5 for 6 from the line and added 13 rebounds and three blocks. Alex Huibregste shot 5 of 10 from the field, including 2 for 6 from 3-point range, and went 5 for 5 from the line to finish with 17 points, while adding six assists. The Titans (5-6, 1-1) were led in scoring by Orlando Lovejoy, who finished with 14 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. Detroit Mercy also got 12 points from Nate Johnson. Grant Gondrezick II also recorded 11 points and two steals. Wright State's next game is Wednesday against Marshall at home. Detroit Mercy visits Davidson on Saturday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by and data from .
BREAKING NEWS Anthony Albanese's government set to pass laws that will ban social media for under-16s World-first legislation expected to pass the Senate Trials underway for age-verification technology READ MORE: Meet the American who helped ruin Albanese Government's censorship plan By ANDREW BROWN FOR AAP Published: 23:35 GMT, 27 November 2024 | Updated: 23:55 GMT, 27 November 2024 e-mail 1 View comments Children younger than 16 are all but set to be banned from social media, with federal parliament poised to enact the world-first legislation. The Senate is expected on Thursday to pass the laws that would ban young people from platforms such as Facebook , Instagram and TikTok with bipartisan support. However, there has been concern the proposal has been rushed through parliament without proper scrutiny, given Australia would be the first country to implement such a ban. The ban would come into effect one year after the laws pass the parliament, with trials of age-verification technology still being carried out by the federal government. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said the age limit would help children to be safe online. 'We know parents are concerned about the harms to children and we have taken a decision to support them,' she told parliament. 'Keeping Australians safe online requires decisive action and the Albanese government is delivering exactly that.' Criticism had been levelled at the ban after an inquiry into the laws ran for just three hours, with people also only given one day to hand in submissions, as well as a lack of consultation with young people themselves. The ban, which would see children under 16-years-old from accessing social media, would come into effect one year after the laws pass the parliament Minister Michelle Rowland has defended the laws, saying the government is supporting parents Suicide Prevention Australia executive director Christopher Stone said the laws had been rushed and would not address the issue of online harms. 'The government is running blindfolded into a brick wall by rushing this legislation,' he said. 'It has bypassed the rigorous consultation and scrutiny needed for such a far-reaching decision. 'Young Australians deserve evidence-based policies, not decisions made in haste. 'This legislation fails to consider the positive aspects of social media in supporting young people's mental health and sense of connection.' While the bill has enjoyed bipartisan support support, several coalition members have broken ranks on the issues. Tasmanian Liberal MP Bridget Archer crossed the floor to vote against the ban in the House of Representatives, while coalition senator Matt Canavan has also criticised the laws. Facebook Anthony Albanese TikTok Instagram Share or comment on this article: Anthony Albanese's government set to pass laws that will ban social media for under-16s e-mail Add commentDecades of recession, less work-related drinking and greater health consciousness have shrunk Japan’s alcohol consumption. Leading global drinks data and analytics provider IWSR (formerly International Wine and Spirits Record) lists Japan in the world’s top 10 no/low alcohol markets — forecast to grow another 5% by 2027. Japan’s best bartenders are adapting fast. Shuzo Nagumo is the CEO of Spirits & Sharing, an alcohol-related services company which owns seven Tokyo bars. “The nonalcoholic beverage market is larger than the alcoholic market, and further innovation in nonalcoholic drinks is expected to continue in the future,” Nagumo said. Nagumo’s chief technical officer, Manabu Ito, has around 37 years of bar experience. “When I first started working during the economic bubble era, Japan was full of hardworking people who stayed late and drank heavily to keep going. Younger people, in particular, drank a lot back then.” Ito said younger people today seem to drink with a clearer purpose. They research bars and drinks online, then choose them based on their personal likes. Also, older people are drinking noticeably less, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. A surprising number of Japanese bartenders only drink small amounts of alcohol or none at all. “Japanese DNA variations make it impossible for certain individuals to process alcohol,” said Nagumo. A bar manager at a luxury hotel venue shared another reason: “I only drink alcohol once a week to preserve my palate.” Hiroaki Takahashi is the bar manager of Japan’s first nonalcoholic bar, Tokyo’s Low-Non-Bar, which opened in 2020. Referring to its founder, Eiji Miyazawa, Takahashi said: “He stopped drinking around 2018 due to health reasons. Nowadays, he sometimes drinks in small amounts because he loves bars. “As for myself, I have been a bartender since the age of 20, but I rarely drank outside of studying in bars until I turned 30, as alcohol would negatively affect my health.” Low-Non-Bar serves zero-, low-alcohol (up to 3%) and alcoholic drinks. Patrons can order alternating levels of alcohol — Takahashi calls this “liver sustainability.” Takahashi adds premium ingredients like seasonal organic produce, truffle-infused honey, homemade syrups and aromatic waters to subtle-tasting, alcohol-free spirits — with complex, flavorsome results. Originally, the whole menu was zero-alcohol. After COVID travel bans ended, liquor was added to meet foreigners’ requests. The current clientele is mostly in their 30s: about 40% male, 60% female, 60% teetotallers and 40% drinkers. However, Takahashi thinks Japan remains behind bars overseas — like a "nonalcoholic isolation state” — because it bans nonalcoholic spirit imports due to regulations on additives. In 2024, Low-Non-Bar released its own nonalcoholic gin, Ginnie. Without alcohol’s preservative and flavor extracting properties, it has a shorter shelf-life and requires twice the amount of botanicals compared to alcoholic gin. Three alcohol-free Ginnie cordials with extracts like cypress, vanilla and dealcoholized sake are also available. Bartender Hiroaki Oda also busts the myth that mocktails are just sugary, uninspired concoctions. At Oda’s Bar Ixey in Gion, there’s no menu as he customizes guests’ alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverages. “The reason why I make nonalcoholic cocktails is because I want to be ready to pass on the culture of the bar, which I love, to the next generation.” In the past two years, he’s received many nonalcohol requests from young people, but also people in their 40s. Bar Ixey features “drinkable perfumes” crafted with botanicals (many from Oda’s private herb garden) and an aroma extractor. The fragrances are 10 to 100 times more concentrated than a typical herbal tea. Without ethanol’s viscosity, creating texture in alcohol-free drinks is challenging. “It is important to compensate for a lack of body by adding concentrated aroma. Whether or not it has a concentrated aroma makes a huge difference,” Oda explained. During the COVID lockdown, Oda closed his bar and experimented with distillations. “Then the Japanese government banned the serving of alcohol after 8 p.m., so we did a nonalcohol bar. This was one of those grand social experiments that rarely happen, because without it, customers would never have had three nonalcoholic cocktails all in a row.” Oda distilled about 140 different plants, and chose the best results to create Miatina, a 0%- alcohol spirit. Today, there are three Miatina varieties, with essences like cedar, mushroom and lavender. Oda’s second venue, Ixey Non-Alcoholic Spirits Kyoto Distillery & Salon, opened in 2022 in Gojo. “The next challenge is a hands-on distilling class. We plan to start at the beginning of the year. With alcohol, it is not possible for customers to take home their own alcohol made at the distillery, but with nonalcoholic drinks it is possible.” Kenichi Tomita graduated from culinary school, entered the drinks world and opened his own bar in 2007. At Bar Nano Gould in Sapporo, he makes cocktails ranging from classics to his own wild inventions, exploring the concept “cocktails are liquid cuisine.” “I teach at a cooking school. We are also developing the menus of restaurants. Cocktail pairing is very interesting and difficult. It's worth the challenge. We held collaboration events with various restaurants such as sushi, soba, French, Italian, Indian and so on,” Tomita said. “It has become a matter of course not to drink alcohol when eating out,” Tomita observes. “People who have been forced to drink alcohol up until now are happy,” he says. “Alcohol harassment is gone.” Zero- and low-(3-5%) alcohol cocktails are adapted from his alcoholic recipes. Tomita’s creations use products from across Japan (especially Hokkaido) including vinegar, cacao, goat milk, soup stock, soybeans and deep ocean water. You can also pick flavors like pumpkin and caramel, or azuki beans and blue cheese from a separate menu. “Nonalcoholic gin is very beautiful and delicate. And it's expensive,” Tomita shared. One brand he uses is Nema, Japan’s first nonalcoholic gin. Tomita’s boundless creativity spills over to a sister venue nearby. Bar Nano Femto is run by bartender Marie Mizuno and follows the same theme, but with different recipes. Spirits & Sharing’s Nagumo also works closely with food. He said catering for luxury brand parties and food pairings at restaurants are driving mocktail demand. His company hosts mocktail seminars in-house and for external clients. Amongst his Tokyo bars, Folklore sells the most mocktails. It also specializes in nihonshu (Japanese rice wine, or sake ) with relatively low, 14-18% alcohol content and shochu (distilled Japanese spirit made from potato, rice or wheat). Ito’s bar, Mixology Heritage, is classic style (with a whisky emphasis). Nonalcoholic choices are limited but its new menu — for the first time — features a code explaining each drink’s alcohol level. Ito also thinks bartenders today are exercising more and cutting back on alcohol. And himself? “I used to drink until morning in the past, but now I’ve shifted to having just a little drink after work. On my days off, I enjoy taking my time and savoring drinks when I have the opportunity to relax.” Japan’s drinking habits have changed, but watching these professionals blend cutting-edge mixology with the precision and elegance of their classic training — you feel assured that the beauty of Japanese bar culture will evolve and survive.In a quaint rural village nestled amidst lush greenery and tranquility, a perplexing incident has stirred up a storm of conflicting opinions among its residents. The incident revolves around the mysterious arrival of a lost female master's graduate, and the varied accounts provided by the villagers regarding her reception. As the truth remains shrouded in ambiguity, it is imperative to delve deeper into the intricacies of the situation to uncover the underlying realities.
IETC: Strong Performance, Growth Potential Amidst AI EvolutionINDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Former U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly believes the coming days, following the death of former President Jimmy Carter, will be a celebration of one of the most extraordinary lives in U.S. history. “If not world history,” Donnelly told News 8’s Tim Spears. Carter, who spent his life after leaving office in service to humanitarian causes, visited St. Joseph County, Indiana, in 2018 for Habitat for Humanity’s Carter Work Project . Donnelly’s meeting with Carter during that build left a lasting impression. “What he said is, ‘You always feel the best and know you’re doing the best when you can be helping others,’ and that was what Jimmy Carter was about,” Donnelly said. “It’s a staggering, staggering legacy that he and [his late wife Rosalynn Carter] have left to us.” Much of Carter’s work was motivated by being a Christian. He regularly taught Sunday school lessons until his mobility declined in recent years. Donnelly sees Carter’s follow-through on his beliefs as one of the former president’s lasting lessons. “I think you can take away a deep faith that he had,” Donnelly said. “That drove the decisions that he made in so many ways. That God put him here and he was required to do his best.” Jimmy Carter was the nation’s 39th President. He died Sunday , nearly two years after entering hospice care. He was 100.
Insurgents' stunning march across Syria gained speed on Saturday with news that they had reached the suburbs of the capital and with the government forced to deny rumors that President Bashar Assad had fled the country. The rebels' moves around Damascus, reported by an opposition war monitor and a rebel commander, came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern part of the country, leaving more areas, including two provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters. The advances in the past week were among the largest in recent years by opposition factions, led by a group that has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the United Nations. As they have advanced, the insurgents, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, have met little resistance from the Syrian army. The U.N.’s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, on Saturday called for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition.” Speaking to reporters at the annual Doha Forum in Qatar, he said the situation in Syria was changing by the minute. In Damascus, people rushed to stock up on supplies. Thousands rushed the Syria border with Lebanon, trying to leave the country. Many shops in the capital were shuttered, a resident told The Associated Press, and those that remained open ran out of staples such as sugar. Some shops were selling items at three times the normal price. “The situation is very strange. We are not used to that,” the resident said, insisting on anonymity, fearing retributions. “People are worried whether there will be a battle (in Damascus) or not.” It was the first time that opposition forces reach the outskirts of Damascus since 2018, when Syrian troops recaptured the area following a yearslong siege. Amid the developments, Syria’s state media denied rumors flooding social media that Assad has left the country, saying he is performing his duties in Damascus. Assad's chief international backer, Russia, is busy with its war in Ukraine. Lebanon’s powerful Hezbollah, which at one point sent thousands of fighters to shore up Assad's forces, has been weakened by a yearlong conflict with Israel. Iran, meanwhile, has seen its proxies across the region degraded by regular Israeli airstrikes. Pedersen said a date for the talks in Geneva on the implementation of U.N. Resolution 2254 would be announced later. The resolution, adopted in 2015, called for a Syrian-led political process, starting with the establishment of a transitional governing body, followed by the drafting of a new constitution and ending with U.N.-supervised elections. Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said insurgents were in the Damascus suburbs of Maadamiyah, Jaramana and Daraya. Opposition fighters were also marching from eastern Syria toward the Damascus suburb of Harasta, he added. A commander with the insurgents, Hassan Abdul-Ghani, posted on the Telegram messaging app that opposition forces had begun the “final stage” of their offensive by encircling Damascus. Syria’s military, meanwhile, sent large numbers of reinforcements to defend the key central city of Homs, Syria’s third largest, as insurgents approached its outskirts. The shock offensive began Nov. 27, during which gunmen captured the northern city of Aleppo, Syria’s largest, and the central city of Hama, the country’s fourth largest city. HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani told CNN in an interview Thursday from Syria that the aim is to overthrow Assad’s government. The Britain-based Observatory said Syrian troops have withdrawn from much of the two southern provinces and are sending reinforcements to Homs, where a battle is looming. If the insurgents capture Homs, they would cut the link between Damascus, Assad’s seat of power, and the coastal region where the president enjoys wide support. The Syrian army said in a statement Saturday that it has carried out redeployment and repositioning in Sweida and Daraa after its checkpoints came under attack by “terrorists.” The army said it is setting up a “strong and coherent defensive and security belt in the area,” apparently to defend Damascus from the south. The Syrian government has referred to opposition gunmen as terrorists since conflict broke out in March 2011. After the fall of the cities of Daraa and Sweida early Saturday, Syrian government forces remained in control of five provincial capitals — Damascus, Homs and Quneitra, as well as Latakia and Tartus on the Mediterranean coast. Tartus is home to the only Russian naval base outside the former Soviet Union while Latakia is home to a major Russian air base. In the gas-rich nation of Qatar, the foreign ministers of Iran, Russia and Turkey met to discuss the situation in Syria. Turkey is a main backer of the rebels. Qatar's top diplomat, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, criticized Assad for failing to take advantage of the lull in fighting in recent years to address the country’s underlying problems. “Assad didn’t seize this opportunity to start engaging and restoring his relationship with his people,” he said. Sheikh Mohammed said he was surprised by how quickly the rebels have advanced and said there is a real threat to Syria’s “territorial integrity.” He said the war could “damage and destroy what is left if there is no sense of urgency” to start a political process. After the fall of the cities of Daraa and Sweida early Saturday, Syrian government forces remained in control of five provincial capitals — Damascus, Homs and Quneitra, as well as Latakia and Tartus on the Mediterranean coast. On Friday, U.S.-backed fighters of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces captured wide parts of the eastern province of Deir el-Zour that borders Iraq as well as the provincial capital that carries the same name. The capture of areas in Deir el-Zour is a blow to Iran’s influence in the region as the area is the gateway to the corridor linking the Mediterranean to Iran, a supply line for Iran-backed fighters, including Lebanon’s Hezbollah. With the capture of a main border crossing with Iraq by the SDF and after opposition fighters took control of the Naseeb border crossing to Jordan in southern Syria, the Syrian government's only gateway to the outside world is the Masnaa border crossing with Lebanon. Associated Press writers Albert Aji in Damascus, Syria and Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Baghdad contributed to this report.
President Zelensky Reveals Ukrainian Military Death Toll in Response to Trump's ClaimsFour military men and one federal police agent were arrested as part of the same probe.
'Hypocritical': Labor ramming through 36 bills slammedTate McCubbin scores 20 as Austin Peay rolls past Brescia 93-46NORMAL, Ill. (AP) — Sasa Ciani had 16 points in UIC's 73-67 victory over Illinois State on Sunday. Ciani had nine rebounds for the Flames (9-4, 1-1 Missouri Valley Conference). Javon Jackson scored 14 points while going 4 of 10 from the floor, including 2 for 3 from 3-point range, and 4 for 6 from the line. Ahmad Henderson II shot 4 of 7 from the field, including 1 for 3 from 3-point range, and went 3 for 3 from the line to finish with 12 points. The Redbirds (8-5, 0-2) were led by Malachi Poindexter, who posted 20 points. Ty Pence added 10 points and Dalton Banks pitched in with nine points, five assists and two steals. Jackson scored nine points in the first half and UIC went into the break trailing 35-33. UIC outscored Illinois State by eight points in the second half. Ciani led the way with 14 second-half points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
DETROIT (AP) — Brandon Noel's 26 points helped Wright State defeat Detroit Mercy 80-72 on Saturday. Noel had seven rebounds for the Raiders (6-5, 1-1 Horizon League). Jack Doumbia scored 21 points while shooting 8 of 16 from the field and 5 for 6 from the line and added 13 rebounds and three blocks. Alex Huibregste shot 5 of 10 from the field, including 2 for 6 from 3-point range, and went 5 for 5 from the line to finish with 17 points, while adding six assists. The Titans (5-6, 1-1) were led in scoring by Orlando Lovejoy, who finished with 14 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. Detroit Mercy also got 12 points from Nate Johnson. Grant Gondrezick II also recorded 11 points and two steals. Wright State's next game is Wednesday against Marshall at home. Detroit Mercy visits Davidson on Saturday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Not Purdy: 49ers hit Green Bay with backup QB, no Bosa
"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" Thanks for your interest in Kalkine Media's content! To continue reading, please log in to your account or create your free account with us.
NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. (AP) — Thomas Batties II had 16 points in Harvard's 67-61 victory against Iona on Sunday. Batties also contributed eight rebounds and six blocks for the Crimson (4-8). Austin Hunt scored 16 points, shooting 5 for 9 (1 for 3 from 3-point range) and 5 of 6 from the free-throw line. Tey Barbour had 14 points and shot 4 for 6 (3 for 5 from 3-point range) and 3 of 3 from the free-throw line. The Gaels (4-9) were led in scoring by Dejour Reaves, who finished with 22 points and four steals. Adam Njie added 12 points and four steals for Iona. Yaphet Moundi also put up eight points and four blocks. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
Brazilian police indict former President Bolsonaro and aides over alleged 2022 coup attempt
As table tennis continues to evolve and embrace new technologies, it is crucial for all stakeholders to engage in open dialogue and constructive debate about the role of innovation in the sport. By working together to uphold the principles of fairness, transparency, and sportsmanship, we can ensure that table tennis remains a vibrant and competitive arena for athletes and fans alike. Wang Chuqin's stance on the controversial ball tracking system serves as a reminder that the integrity of the game must always take precedence, no matter the level of technology involved.By GABRIELA SÁ PESSOA and MAURICIO SAVARESE, Associated Press SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil’s federal police said Thursday they indicted former President Jair Bolsonaro and 36 other people for allegedly attempting a coup to keep him in office after his defeat in the 2022 elections. Police said their findings were being delivered Thursday to Brazil’s Supreme Court, which must decide whether to refer them to Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet, who will either formally charge Bolsonaro and put him on trial, or toss the investigation. The former right-wing president has denied all claims he tried to stay in office after his narrow electoral defeat in 2022 to his rival, leftist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro has faced a series of legal threats since then. Police said in a brief statement that the Supreme Court had agreed to reveal the names of all 37 people who were indicted “to avoid the dissemination of incorrect news.” The 700-page police document likely will take several days for the court to review, Supreme Court justice Alexandre de Moraes said. Dozens of former and current Bolsonaro aides also were indicted, including Gen. Walter Braga Netto, who was his running mate in the 2022 campaign; former Army commander Gen. Paulo Sérgio Nogueira de Oliveira; Valdemar Costa Neto, the chairman of Bolsonaro’s Liberal Party; and his veteran former adviser, Gen. Augusto Heleno. The investigation started last year. On Tuesday, four military men and one federal police agent were arrested as part of the same probe . Other investigations focus on Bolosnaro’s potential roles in smuggling diamond jewelry into Brazil without properly declaring them, and in directing a subordinate to falsify his and others’ COVID-19 vaccination statuses. Bolsonaro has denied any involvement in either. Another probe found that he had abused his authority to cast doubt on the country’s voting system, and judges barred him from running again until 2030. The far-reaching investigations have weakened Bolsonaro’s status as a leader of Brazil’s right wing, said Carlos Melo, a political science professor at Insper University in Sao Paulo. “Bolsonaro is already barred from running in the 2026 elections,” Melo told the The Associated Press. “And if he is convicted he could also be jailed by then. To avoid being behind bars, he will have to convince Supreme Court justices that he has nothing to do with a plot that involves dozens of his aids. That’s a very tall order,” Melo said. On Tuesday, the federal police arrested four military and a federal police officer accused of plotting to overthrow the government following the 2022 elections, including alleged plans to kill Lula and other top officials.Manchester United's decision to forgo appointing a sporting director comes at a time when the club has been under scrutiny for its transfer strategy and player recruitment. Many fans and pundits alike have called for the club to follow the lead of other top European clubs by bringing in a sporting director to oversee and coordinate their footballing operations.