When Zelenskyy said that Ukraine “will never succumb” in a speech at the US Capitol, lawmakers applauded him wildly.
In a bold wartime visit to Washington, US officials and “ordinary Americans” were thanked by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for their assistance in fending off Russia’s invasion. Zelenskyy also said that “no compromises” would be made in the effort to put an end to the conflict. The bipartisan Biden Administration and Congress responded by promising to provide billions in new aid to Ukraine as part of their efforts to secure a “just peace.”
During a speech at the US Capitol, Zelenskyy drew a standing ovation from lawmakers as he vowed that Ukraine “will never surrender” and cautioned that the conflict’s implications went beyond his country’s fate, warning that democracy around the world is at risk. In what he had labelled as a “message to Americans,” he continued in English, “This struggle cannot be neglected, expecting that the ocean or whatever else will provide security.”
The US and Ukraine will continue to present a “united defence” as Russia launches a “brutal assault on Ukraine’s right to exist as a nation,” Biden said in a statement welcoming Zelenskyy to the Oval Office earlier on Wednesday.
Zelenskyy said he hoped to travel earlier and that his visit now demonstrated the “situation is under control, thanks to your support,” on his first known journey outside of his country since Russia invaded in February.
Zelenskyy rejected Biden’s definition of a “just peace,” saying, “For me as president, “just peace” is no compromises, when pressed on how Ukraine would attempt to put an end to the conflict. When Ukraine’s freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity were reestablished, along with “payback for all the damages inflicted by Russian aggression,” he claimed the war would come to an end.
The conflict that was forced upon us cannot result in a “fair peace,” he continued.
After a devastating 10-month war that has claimed tens of thousands of lives on both sides and devastated Ukrainian citizens, the highly sensitive journey was taking place.Zelenskyy’s trip was intended to galvanise support for his nation in the US and abroad amid worries that allies are becoming weary of the expensive conflict and its disruption of the world’s food and energy supplies.
Just prior to his arrival, the US announced a $1.8 billion military aid package for Ukraine that included Patriot surface-to-air missiles for the first time. Additionally, Congress was about to vote on a spending plan that included approximately $45 billion in emergency help for Ukraine.
Russia is “trying to exploit cold as a weapon,” according to Biden, while Ukrainians “continue to inspire the world.”
Later, he claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin “had no intention of terminating this horrible conflict” during a joint press conference.
The two leaders seemed to get along well, cracking jokes and giving each other pats on the back throughout the meeting, but Zelenskyy made it plain he will keep pushing Biden and other Western leaders for increased support.
After the Patriot system was operational, he claimed, “we will send President Biden another signal that we would like to receive more Patriots.”
Biden laughed at the forthright question, and Zelenskyy added with a smile, “We are in the fight. “I apologise. I sincerely apologise.
“You need to speak directly to the American people and the world about Ukraine and the necessity to remain united through 2023,” Biden said.
A German startup is offering a futuristic service that could change how we think about life and death. Tomorrow Bio, a company based in Germany, is providing cryopreservation services that allow dead bodies to be frozen and potentially revived in the future. This bold claim comes with a hefty price tag- $200,000 to preserve a full body, and $81,000 for just the brain.
So, how does it work? The process is called cryopreservation, and it involves cooling the body to minus 198 degrees Celsius, which puts the person’s body into a state of “biostasis.” This means that all biological processes stop completely, freezing the body in time. According to Tomorrow Bio, this could allow for future revival when technology is advanced enough to treat the cause of death and restore life.
Tomorrow Bio has already preserved six people and five pets. Over 650 individuals have signed up and paid for this service, hoping that one day they will be brought back to life. The company’s vision is to create a world where people can choose how long they want to live, no matter who they are, where they come from, or their financial situation.
To ensure the preservation process starts as soon as possible after death, Tomorrow Bio has teams on standby in several European cities, including Berlin, Amsterdam, and Zurich. They use specialized ambulances to transport the bodies to the main facility in Switzerland. Once there, the body is placed in an isolated steel container filled with liquid nitrogen. It’s kept at a chilling minus 198 degrees Celsius for ten days, achieving the preservation temperature needed for the process to work.
The co-founder of Tomorrow Bio, Fernando Azevedo Pinheir, believes that in our lifetime, we may see the safe cryopreservation and reanimation of complex organisms. While it sounds like something out of science fiction, the idea is gaining attention, and the startup has already made significant progress in this unique field.
This process, though futuristic, raises interesting questions about the future of life extension and how far science and technology might go in giving people the option to live longer-or come back later. Whether or not you’d choose to sign up for such a service, Tomorrow Bio’s venture is definitely one to watch as it pushes the boundaries of life and death.
On Thursday morning, an explosion near a PVR cinema in the Prashant Vihar area of Rohini, Delhi, caused concern among locals. The incident comes just over a month after a similar blast in the same area had caused widespread alarm.
#WATCH | Delhi | Teams of the Delhi Police Crime Branch, Special Cell and Bomb Disposal Squad are present on the spot, where an explosion occurred in the Prashant Vihar area today. The area has been cordoned off. pic.twitter.com/GincnzmAJ9
According to the Delhi Police, the explosion occurred around 11:48 am. A call was made to the Delhi Fire Service, and fire tenders were immediately dispatched to the site. Specialized teams, including the Delhi Police Crime Branch, Special Cell, and Bomb Disposal Squad, also reached the location to secure the area and start their investigation.
One person suffered minor injuries in the explosion. Fortunately, they were treated and discharged from the hospital soon after. For now, police officials say there are no suspects, and the cause of the explosion is still under investigation.
What We Know So Far
Delhi Police PRO and Additional Commissioner of Police Sanjay Kumar Tyagi stated that the blast scene is being carefully examined. Forensic teams and other specialized units are collecting evidence. The area around the explosion has been cordoned off to ensure public safety and to allow investigators to work without interference.
A Similar Incident Last Month
This isn’t the first time such an incident has occurred in the Prashant Vihar area. In October, a powerful explosion damaged a wall of the CRPF school nearby. That blast caused significant property damage, including shattered shop windows and damaged parked cars. The loud explosion was reportedly heard hundreds of meters away.
At first, investigators suspected the use of a crude bomb. However, further investigation revealed an unexpected cause — a cigarette butt discarded in a garbage dump had interacted with industrial waste, triggering the explosion.
Fortunately, no one was injured in the October incident, but it prompted a high alert across the city. Major investigative agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and National Security Guard (NSG), had inspected the site to gather evidence.
Current Situation
The latest explosion has raised fresh concerns among residents and authorities alike. While this time only minor injuries were reported, the recurrence of such incidents in the same area is alarming.
Investigators are leaving no stone unturned. Evidence is being collected from the site, and forensic teams are trying to determine if the explosion was caused by human negligence, a chemical reaction, or something more deliberate.
What’s Next?
Authorities are urging people to stay calm and avoid spreading rumors. For now, the priority is understanding the root cause of the explosion to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
Local residents hope for a swift resolution. The presence of specialized teams like the Crime Branch and Bomb Disposal Squad reflects the seriousness of the investigation. Whether it was an accident or something more sinister, the truth will hopefully come to light soon.
Final Thoughts
While minor injuries and property damage were the extent of Thursday’s explosion, the incident is a wake-up call for better safety measures. Both October’s and this week’s blasts underline the importance of investigating and managing industrial and chemical waste more carefully. For now, Delhi waits for answers as the investigation unfolds.
The government has taken a big step to modernize how taxpayers manage their information with the launch of the PAN 2.0 Project. Approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, this initiative aims to upgrade the existing PAN (Permanent Account Number) system, making it more secure, efficient, and user-friendly. With an investment of ₹1,435 crore, PAN 2.0 is set to bring a lot of improvements to the current system without creating any extra hassle for citizens.
What Is PAN 2.0?
PAN 2.0 is a revamped version of the current PAN system. It’s designed to serve as a common business identifier, especially for business activities across specified sectors. According to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, this upgrade is part of an effort to strengthen India’s digital infrastructure and make financial processes smoother and safer for everyone.
Here’s what PAN 2.0 promises:
System Upgrades: The new system will enhance the way taxpayer data is managed and accessed.
Unified Portal: A single online platform will be introduced for all PAN-related services.
Better Security: Stronger cybersecurity measures will protect taxpayer data.
Mandatory Data Vault System: Any organization using PAN information must store it securely using a data vault system.
Grievance Redressal: A modern, technology-driven system will make resolving issues faster and easier.
Will You Need to Apply for a New PAN Card?
No need to worry! If you already have a PAN card, you don’t need to reapply. Your existing PAN will remain valid, and you’ll automatically receive the upgraded benefits. The government has also confirmed that there will be no additional cost for these improvements.
What’s changing? The upgraded PAN cards will include QR codes to enhance security and usability. These updates will not affect the current 78 crore PAN cardholders.
How Does PAN 2.0 Help Businesses?
One of the standout features of PAN 2.0 is its focus on making the PAN card a common business identifier. This means businesses across various sectors can use PAN as their primary identification number for compliance and other purposes.
The unified portal will simplify business operations by reducing paperwork and providing an easy, digital way to manage PAN and TAN (Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number) services.
Why Is This a Big Deal?
PAN is a crucial part of financial and tax-related activities in India. For individuals, it helps with filing taxes, opening bank accounts, and more. For businesses, it’s essential for transactions, compliance, and government dealings. With PAN 2.0, the government aims to:
Improve the user experience for both individuals and businesses.
Strengthen data protection to prevent unauthorized use.
Create a streamlined, paperless process for all PAN-related activities.
The initiative also aligns with India’s larger push toward e-governance, ensuring that processes are digital, secure, and efficient.
In Summary
The PAN 2.0 Project is a much-needed upgrade to India’s taxpayer identification system. It brings advanced technology, stronger security, and a user-friendly approach to something that’s already a cornerstone of financial life in the country.
If you’re a taxpayer or a business owner, there’s no action needed on your part. Just look forward to an enhanced system that works better for you. With these changes, PAN 2.0 promises to make managing your financial and tax details easier and more secure than ever.
Valery Zaluzhny, Ukraine’s former commander-in-chief, has made a bold statement: the world is already in the early stages of a third World War. According to Zaluzhny, this conflict is no longer limited to Ukraine and Russia—it now involves major global powers like the United States, North Korea, Iran, and potentially China.
Speaking at the UP100 award ceremony organized by Ukrainska Pravda, Zaluzhny described how the Ukraine-Russia conflict has escalated far beyond its origins. “In 2024, we can absolutely believe that the Third World War has begun,” he said, pointing to mounting evidence of external involvement in the war.
Signs of Global Involvement
Zaluzhny highlighted several troubling developments. North Korean troops have reportedly joined Russian forces, while weapons from countries like Iran and China are potentially being deployed on the battlefield. These claims, although difficult to verify independently, suggest an alarming expansion of the war.
“Ukraine is no longer just fighting Russia,” Zaluzhny explained. “North Korean soldiers are in front of us, and Iranian Shahed drones are openly killing Ukrainian civilians.”
Western media reports suggest that Russia may deploy as many as 50,000 North Korean troops alongside Russian forces for a counter-offensive in Kursk Oblast, a region where Ukraine has gained some control.
Urging Western Allies for Support
Zaluzhny expressed frustration with Ukraine’s Western allies, accusing them of not fully grasping the global stakes. He called for increased aid to prevent the war from spreading further.
“It is still possible to stop this war here, on the territory of Ukraine,” he said. “But for some reason, our partners refuse to understand this.”
His plea underscores the growing urgency for external support as Ukraine faces escalating threats on multiple fronts.
A Controversial Figure
Zaluzhny’s comments come months after his dismissal as commander-in-chief by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Officially, the move was part of a military shake-up. However, reports suggest disagreements over war strategy and speculation about his growing popularity as a threat to Zelensky’s leadership.
Since then, Zaluzhny has been serving as Ukraine’s envoy to the United Kingdom, a role that keeps him engaged in the ongoing geopolitical struggle.
The Bigger Picture
The Ukraine war has already caused immense devastation and upheaval, but Zaluzhny’s remarks highlight an even graver possibility: a global conflict involving superpowers. His warnings about North Korean troops and advanced weapons from countries like Iran add to fears of a broader escalation.
While claims like these are difficult to verify independently, they shed light on the war’s growing complexity. Zaluzhny’s plea for increased support reminds the world that the stakes in Ukraine are higher than ever.
As the war continues, the question remains: Is this the beginning of a third World War? Only time will tell, but the situation demands close attention and swift action to prevent further escalation.
Zomato is tackling food waste with its new feature, Food Rescue. It’s a simple idea with a big goal: reduce wasted food while offering affordable meals. The feature lets restaurants and food businesses sell canceled orders at a discounted price to customers nearby.
Food Rescue first launched as a mandatory program in September 2024. But many restaurant owners weren’t happy about being forced into it. So, Zomato made changes and reintroduced it in November as a voluntary option. Now, businesses can decide if they want to take part.
Here’s how it works. When an order is canceled, the food is still fresh and packed. Instead of throwing it away, the restaurant lists it on the app. Customers near the delivery route can buy it at a lower price. This saves food from being wasted and gives people a chance to enjoy meals for less.
Zomato’s CEO, Deepinder Goyal, says the company handles over 400,000 canceled orders every month. That’s a huge amount of food going to waste. This initiative aims to change that.
We don't encourage order cancellation at Zomato, because it leads to a tremendous amount of food wastage.
Inspite of stringent policies, and and a no-refund policy for cancellations, more than 4 lakh perfectly good orders get canceled on Zomato, for various reasons by customers.… pic.twitter.com/fGFQQNgzGJ
Not everyone is on board, though. Some restaurant owners worry about food quality and how it might affect their brand. “If food is rerouted, it’s still my name on the dish,” said one owner. Others fear logistical challenges, like managing these orders alongside regular ones.
But some see the benefits. Joy Singh from Yeti – The Himalayan Kitchen says the idea is good for reducing waste and could even bring in new customers. Ritika Sharma of Litchi Bistro agrees but stresses the need for transparency. She believes the program could enhance a restaurant’s reputation if done right.
To address concerns, Zomato has made a few changes. Restaurants won’t have to pay extra fees for listing canceled orders. The payment for these orders is shared between the restaurant and the original customer, with Zomato taking only taxes. Delivery workers also get paid for the extra trip.
Debaditya Chaudhury, who runs Chowman and Oudh 1590, thinks the initiative has potential. It could appeal to younger, budget-conscious customers while cutting down on waste. Still, he points out that the program needs smooth operations to succeed.
Food Rescue is a step in the right direction for sustainability. It could save thousands of meals each month and help restaurants recover some costs from cancellations. But for it to truly work, Zomato needs to address the worries of restaurant owners and ensure the process is easy and reliable.
If done well, Food Rescue could set an example for how businesses can fight waste while creating value for everyone involved. It’s not perfect yet, but it’s a promising start.