Language Settings
Select Website Language
newshunt
newshunt

Filters

Channels
Topics
Other Filters

Stock Markets Close With Marginal Gains, Sensex Tests 84,500, Nifty Ends Above 25,800

The Indian benchmark indices closed after registering marginal gains as the Sensex gained over 12 points to close trade at 84,478.67, while the Nifty gained nearly 4 points to end at 25,879.15. In the 30-share BSE Sensex, the top gainers included stocks like Asian Paints, ICICI Bank, PowerGrid, L&T and Bajaj Finserv. Meanwhile, the laggards included Reliance, Kotak Bank, Titan, HDFC Bank and the State Bank of India. In the broader 50-share NSE Nifty50, the Nifty Smallcap 250 declined 0.40 per cent. Sectorally, the Nifty PSU Bank declined 0.68 per cent and the Nifty Metal rose 0.44 per cent. Previously, during early morning trade, the Sensex started trading at 84,515.33 or 48 points higher and the Nifty opened above 25,847 or 28 points lower. What Do Experts Say? Equity markets began Thursday’s session on a cautious note, with the Sensex opening higher while the Nifty slipped in early trade. Overall sentiment remained muted as investors awaited new catalysts to push the benchmarks to fresh record levels. V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services, said, “The market needs more triggers to take it to new record highs. With the outcome of the Bihar polls largely discounted by the market, there are no political triggers that can push the market significantly higher. The reverse might happen if the actual poll results turn out to be different from the exit polls.” Vijayakumar pointed out that upcoming economic developments could play a decisive role in shaping near-term market movement. “The important economic factors that have to be watched for is a possible India-US trade deal removing the penal tariffs and reducing the reciprocal tariffs,” he noted. He further observed that the fall in October retail inflation to 0.25 per cent suggests a possible rate cut by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) in December. However, he cautioned that “the monetary policy transmission turning weak has become a challenge for the RBI.” Vijayakumar added that markets are likely to consolidate in the near term and respond to developments as they unfold. “Positive triggers happening simultaneously can lead to short-covering pushing the market sharply up. But sustained uptrend would be challenging given the FII selling and elevated valuations,” he said.

'He Doesn't Speak English, How Will He Talk?': Axar Patel On Captaincy Bias

Indian all-rounder Axar Patel has called for a change in mindset regarding the perception of leadership in cricket. He believes that a player’s ability to lead - whether in international cricket or the IPL - should not be judged by the language they speak. Speaking to The Indian Express ahead of India’s first Test against South Africa, the Gujarat cricketer challenged long-standing notion that only those who are fluent in English or possess a certain style or demeanor are considered “captaincy material.” Axar emphasized that communication and leadership come from clarity of thought and intent, not language proficiency. “People start saying ‘oh he is not a captaincy material, he doesn’t speak English. How will he talk? Yeh hai, voh hai’. Arre! Captain’s work is not to just talk,” Axar told Indian Express. “Captain’s work is to know the player and see how to get the best out of him - what’s his strength, what’s his weakness. Captain knows that I have this player and what I need to do to get work out of him.” “If we say ‘personality chahiye, acha English bolna chahiye’ - that’s a perception made by the public based on their own thinking,” he explained. “It’s important that people have to change their personal thinking. Stop thinking ‘oh his personality is good, he can speak English - so he is captain material’. One thing about captaincy is there should be no language barrier.” “It’s all about what you see and what the media is showing. How active you are on social media. How you talk. People judge you on all that,” he said. “Everyone likes to give opinions these days - he is capable, he is not capable, make him captain, don’t make him captain.” Leading a team full-time for the first time, Axar Patel had a respectable outing as captain of Delhi Capitals during IPL 2025 season. Under his leadership, the franchise finished fifth on the points table, falling just short of a playoff berth. Reflecting on his captaincy journey, Axar shared that his approach focuses on finding the right balance between keeping the team environment relaxed and maintaining discipline and professionalism on and off the field. “I want to keep the team environment friendly and lively, but no one should take things for granted,” he said. “There’s a line - what needs to be done to win the game needs to be done first. Then we should have fun. It’s working at the moment. I believe that if you’re having fun, you do better.”

WATCH VIDEO: Delhi Man Shows Air Purifier Clogged In Just 2 Weeks Amid Worsening AQI

As Delhi continues to choke under a blanket of smog, a video shared by a resident has gone viral for showing just how dire the situation has become. In the clip, uploaded by Abhishek Bajpai, the man documents the journey of ordering a new air purifier through Blinkit, unboxing it, and later revealing how the filter turned completely black after two weeks of continuous use. He captioned the post, “Delhi is killing your lungs,” sparking a flood of reactions from alarmed citizens. The video has become a stark visual reminder of what the national capital’s air quality is doing to people’s lungs.           View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Abhishek Bajpai (@abhishekk_bajpai_) ALSO READ: Pencil Makes Hole In Rs 1.5-Cr Flat In Noida, Owner Shares Video Social Media Reacts With Shock, Sarcasm And Concern The viral video has triggered an avalanche of comments on social media, ranging from disbelief to dark humour. Many users expressed frustration over the worsening air quality, while others debated accountability. One commenter wrote, “It was the government’s fault, not people’s fault.” Another added with sarcasm, “Air purifier needed purification.” A third joked, “Soon air purifier warranties will auto-void if used in Delhi.” Amid the humour, several users offered practical tips, warning that cleaning or replacing filters should be done cautiously, as the fine dust can easily re-enter the lungs. With the AQI swinging between ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’, health experts continue to warn citizens about the rising risk of respiratory illnesses, especially for children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions. Delhi’s AQI Remains ‘Severe’ As Smog Blankets The City Thursday morning saw Delhi engulfed once again in a thick layer of smog, as the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) hovered around 405, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The toxic air has persisted through the week with readings touching 428 earlier. Schools have been directed to operate in hybrid mode, keeping young children indoors to minimise exposure.

Pencil Makes Hole In Rs 1.5-Cr Flat In Noida, Owner Shares Video

Complaints about the quality of construction in Noida’s luxury housing projects are nothing new, but a recent video has pushed those concerns to another level. A resident of a Noida high-rise has gone viral after demonstrating how a simple wooden pencil could be hammered straight into the wall of his Rs 1.5-crore apartment with minimal effort. Noida Man Places Pencil Against Wall The clip, shared on Instagram by a user, shows the man placing a pencil against a wall and lightly tapping it with a hammer. To the shock of viewers, the pencil slides smoothly into the wall, leaving a clean hole with no drill, no resistance.           View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by TheViralNoidaManWithPencil&Hammer😜 (@kabeer.unfiltered) In the video, the resident is heard saying, “This hole was made with a pencil. I just placed it against the wall, hit it lightly, and it went straight in. That’s how weak the construction is, you don’t even need a drill.” Captioning the post, he wrote in Hindi: “Apna ghar dusro se banwao to unke sir par khade rehkar banwao bhai… warna ye milega!” (If you get your house built by someone else, stand over their head and supervise or this is what you’ll end up with.) The video has sparked a flood of reactions online, with users expressing outrage and disbelief over the apparent poor structural quality of a supposedly “premium” flat. Many have tagged real estate developers and authorities, demanding accountability and stricter quality checks in the NCR housing sector.

'How Many Wives?': Trump Sprays Syrian President Al-Sharaa With Perfume At White House Meeting

In a moment that has astonished political observers around the world, US President Donald Trump hosted Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House — a meeting once deemed impossible given al-Sharaa’s controversial past. The event quickly became the talk of global media, not only for its historic significance but also for a light-hearted exchange that added an unexpected touch of humor to a tense geopolitical narrative. Trump Jokes 'How Many Wives?' Footage from the meeting shows Trump gifting al-Sharaa two bottles of perfume, jesting that one was “for your wife.” The U.S. President then turned to the Syrian leader with a grin and asked, “How many wives?” Taken by surprise, al-Sharaa answered, “One,” drawing laughter from Trump and senior officials present, as per a report on India Today. Trump replied, “You never know!” — a moment that soon went viral across social media platforms. A clearer video: Trump spraying Jolani with cologne and asking, “How many wives do you have? Just one? You never know….” Never a dull moment. pic.twitter.com/FPYce56qjZ — Open Source Intel (@Osint613) November 12, 2025 Al-Sharaa, 43, who once headed the al-Nusra Front — an affiliate of al-Qaeda — came to power in Syria last December after the ouster of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad. His visit to Washington coincided with a major U.S. policy move: the Treasury Department’s decision to suspend sanctions on Damascus for six months, signalling a remarkable thaw in relations between the two nations. During their joint appearance, Trump praised the Syrian leader’s resilience and expressed optimism about the future of bilateral ties. Asked about al-Sharaa’s militant background, Trump dismissed concerns, remarking, “Everyone has a past.” Al-Sharaa, who is also known by his former nom de guerre Abu Mohammad al-Julani, later told Fox News that his “chapter with al-Qaeda is closed” and that his meeting with Trump focused solely on rebuilding Syria and restoring regional stability. Diplomatic experts have called the encounter a turning point in U.S.–Syria relations, marking Washington’s first formal engagement with Damascus since the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011. Yet, the move has also sparked debate at home and abroad, with critics questioning the implications of legitimizing a leader with such a turbulent past.

Pakistan Ready For Two-Front War With India, Afghanistan: Minister Khawaja Asif

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has made another provocative remark, asserting that the country is “fully prepared” to fight a two-front war, including one against India on the eastern border and another with the Taliban along the western frontier. Speaking at a public event, Asif said, “We are ready for war on two fronts. We are ready, we are prepared to face both the eastern (India) and western border (Afghanistan). Allah helped us in round one and He will help us in round two.” Statement Follows Deadly Suicide Blast In Islamabad Asif’s comments came days after a suicide blast in Islamabad killed 12 people and injured 36 others. The Pakistani Taliban (TTP) has claimed responsibility for the attack. “By attacking Islamabad, Afghanistan has increased the temperature of war.” : Khawaja AsifWhen a journalist mentioned that the TTP had claimed responsibility for the Islamabad blast, he seemed genuinely surprised and replied, “Is it?”Yes, he is the Defence Minister of… pic.twitter.com/2DHImK8wq1 — OsintTV 📺 (@OsintTV) November 12, 2025 Following the blast, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif accused groups “active with Indian support” of being involved in the bombing. Asif, meanwhile, claimed the Afghan Taliban had “sent a message” through the attack. “The rulers of Kabul can stop terrorism in Pakistan, but bringing this war all the way to Islamabad is a message from Kabul, to which — praise be to God — Pakistan has the full strength to respond,” he said in a post on X. Rhetoric Amid Mounting Domestic Challenges Asif’s war rhetoric is being seen as an attempt to project military strength at a time when Pakistan is grappling with a deteriorating economy and diplomatic strain. His remarks come as Islamabad faces growing instability along its western border and international pressure over its counter-terror efforts. Controversial Comment on Delhi Blast The Defence Minister’s latest outburst follows his recent controversial remarks on the Delhi car blast that killed 13 people near the Red Fort. Downplaying the explosion, Asif called it “a gas cylinder explosion” and accused India of “politicising the incident”. “Until yesterday, it was a gas cylinder blast. Now they are trying to label it a foreign conspiracy. India could soon blame Pakistan for it,” Asif had said. Indian Response Indian officials have dismissed his statements as “a desperate attempt to deflect attention”. Senior security sources told India Today TV that Asif’s tone reflects “Islamabad’s nervousness”, particularly as early forensic reports suggest that the Delhi explosion involved a military-grade explosive.

7 Simple Breathing Exercises To Strengthen Your Lungs Naturally

In our fast-paced lives, we often take the act of breathing for granted. Yet, every deep inhale and slow exhale holds the key to improved lung capacity, better oxygen flow, and enhanced mental clarity. With rising pollution, stress, and sedentary lifestyle, lung health has never been more crucial. The good news is, you don't need fancy equipment or medical treatments to actually strengthen your lungs. What you really need is just a few minutes of focused breathing every day. These seven simple breathing exercises not only enhance your respiratory power but also help you feel calmer, more energised, and more in control of your body. ALSO READ: 8 Best Steam Inhalation Tricks To Clear A Stuffy Nose Instantly 1. Diaphragmatic Breathing (Image Source: ABPLIVE AI) Also known as "belly breathing," this exercise strengthens the diaphragm. It's the muscle that plays a key role in efficient respiration. Sit or lie down comfortably and place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen. Inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your belly to rise as your lungs fill with air. Exhale slowly through pursed lips, feeling your abdomen fall. Repeat for 5-10 minutes daily. This technique will encourage your lungs to expand fully and improve oxygen intake. It's particularly beneficial for people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 2. Pursed-Lip Breathing (Image Source: ABPLIVE AI) This technique slows down your breathing and helps maintain open airways for longer. It allows more air to enter your lungs. Inhale slowly through your nose, then exhale gently through pursed lips, as if blowing out a candle. Exhale for twice as long as you inhale. Pursed-lip breathing improves ventilation, increases lung capacity, and reduces shortness of breath. It's effective for those recovering from respiratory illness or trying to build endurance during workouts. A regular practice of this breathing technique can regulate your breathing rhythm and calm your nervous system. 3. Anulom Vilom (Image Source: ABPLIVE AI) A cornerstone of pranayam, Anulom Vilom balances both sides of the brain and purifies the respiratory system. Sit in a meditative posture, close your right nostril with your thumb, and inhale deeply through your left nostril. Then, close your left nostril with your ring finger and exhale through the right. Repeat this breathing cycle for 5-7 minutes. This practice enhances oxygen distribution, clears sinuses, and relaxes the mind. It also boosts concentration, stabilises blood pressure, and supports better heart and lung coordination. 4. Kapalabhati (Image Source: ABPLIVE AI) Kapalabhati is a dynamic breathing exercise that detoxifies the lungs by expelling stale air and stimulating energy flow. Sit straight with your spine erect, take a deep breath, and exhale sharply through your nose while pulling your navel inwards. The inhalation happens naturally between exhalations. Continue for 30-50 rounds, rest, and repeat. It’s a powerful method for cleansing the respiratory tract, improving circulation, and energising the body. 5. Box Breathing (Image Source: ABPLIVE AI) Popular among athletes and mindfulness practitioners, box breathing improves oxygen efficiency and mental clarity. Inhale through your nose for a count of four, hold your breath for four, exhale for four, and hold again for four before repeating. This rhythmic breathing pattern increases lung capacity, balances the nervous system, and promotes a sense of calm. This breathing technique is useful for reducing anxiety and stress while improving lung endurance and stamina. 6. Bhramari (Image Source: ABPLIVE AI) Named after the humming sound of a bee, Bhramari involves deep inhalation followed by a gentle exhalation wile making a low humming sound. Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and place your fingers lightly over your ears. Inhale deeply, then exhale while humming softly. This sound vibration calms the mind, enhances focus, and opens the respiratory passages. It also helps lower blood pressure and improves oxygen absorption, making it one of the best natural exercises for both mental and lung health. 7. Deep Yawning Stretch Breathing (Image Source: ABPLIVE AI) This breathing technique mimics the natural act of yawning to stretch and expand your lungs. Sit or stand comfortably, open your mouth wide, and take a deep breath as if yawing. Hold for a few seconds and release slowly. It boosts oxygen flow, opens up the chest muscles, and relieves tightness caused by prolonged sitting or shallow breathing. Doing this a few times refreshes your lungs, clears the airways, and revitalises your energy levels.

‘Train Us, Then Go Home’: Trump’s New H-1B Policy Targets Rebuilding American Industry

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has defended President Donald Trump’s revised H-1B visa policy, describing it as a targeted effort to train American workers, not replace them. In an interview with Fox News host Brian Kilmeade, Bessent explained that the administration’s approach centres on “knowledge transfer,” a plan designed to rebuild core US industries like manufacturing, shipbuilding, and semiconductor production after decades of outsourcing. “Train the US workers. Then go home. Then the US workers fully take over,” Bessent said, summing up the administration’s intent behind the revamped visa framework. Addressing Fears of Job Displacement Responding to concerns that foreign professionals might displace American employees, Bessent pushed back firmly. “An American can’t have that job, not yet,” he said. “We haven’t built ships or semiconductors here for years. Overseas partners coming in, teaching American workers, that’s a home run.” 🚨 BREAKING: Treasury Sec. Scott Bessent says President Trump's plan for visas is to TEMPORARILY bring in expert overseas workers to train Americans, they they go BACK home."Train the US workers. Then, go home. Then, the US workers fully take over."KILMEADE: You understand… pic.twitter.com/vDbabSVxDW — Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) November 12, 2025 According to Bessent, the updated H-1B programme is structured to bring in global expertise for a limited period, allowing US workers to acquire specialised skills before those foreign experts return home. The initiative, he said, aligns with Trump’s broader agenda to restore domestic production and reduce dependence on imports. Trump’s Broader Economic Vision The remarks come amid mixed reactions from Trump’s own supporters. Some within the MAGA movement have voiced unease over the president’s recent comments defending temporary foreign labour. In a separate Fox News interview, Trump acknowledged that certain technical skills are still lacking within the US workforce. “You can’t take people off the unemployment line and say, ‘We’re going to make missiles,’” he said. 🚨I PRESSED President Trump on H-1B visas.🚨“If you want to RAISE WAGES for Americans, you can’t flood the country with THOUSANDS of foreign workers.”@POTUS: “You have to bring in talent… You can’t take people off the unemployment line and say, ‘go make missiles.’”The… pic.twitter.com/lB4wWuRKGK — Laura Ingraham (@IngrahamAngle) November 12, 2025 Economic Incentives for American Families Beyond immigration policy, Bessent also highlighted aspects of the administration’s economic strategy, revealing that discussions are underway for a possible USD 2,000 tariff rebate for families earning below USD 100,000. “The president’s talking about a $2,000 rebate,” he confirmed. “It’s part of ensuring families feel the benefits of strong trade policy.” Looking Ahead to a ‘Blockbuster Year’ Looking ahead, Bessent painted an optimistic picture for the nation’s economy, calling 2026 a potential ‘blockbuster year’. He emphasised that the administration’s vision of “Parallel Prosperity,” where Wall Street and Main Street thrive together, hinges on maintaining a Treasury market that remains “deep, liquid, and stable.”

Are Earth’s oceans nearing collapse? NASA’s 2025 prediction warns of a potential 2050 climate disaster

Decades after his initial climate warning, NASA scientist James Hansen now highlights an alarming acceleration in climate shifts. His team's research points to a potential collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) within 20-30 years, a critical system regulating global temperatures. This could trigger catastrophic weather changes, but solutions like carbon fees and public awareness offer hope.

Google Doodle Today Wants You To Learn About DNA: Here's Why

Google Doodle Today: Google’s homepage on Thursday (November 13) greeted users with a vibrant tribute to one of science’s most celebrated biomolecules, DNA. The tech giant rolled out a fresh Google Doodle dedicated to deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that stores the genetic code for every living being. The artwork, centred on the iconic double helix, aims to nudge users toward exploring the science behind what makes each organism unique. Why DNA Gets A Doodle According to Google, DNA consistently ranks among the most searched biology topics on its platform. Interest in the subject steadily rises during the academic calendar and sees a noticeable surge every February, as per Google Trends. By dedicating a doodle to DNA, the company is underscoring its educational value and the curiosity it sparks among students and science enthusiasts. Google shared a short explainer for users landing on the themed homepage. The note reads: "This Doodle dives into deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA. It’s a molecular polymer that carries the genetic instructions for growth, reproduction, and function for all living organisms. It consists of two chains that coil together to form a double helix. Put simply, it’s the genetic code that makes each individual unique. Searches for DNA peak annually during the school year. Ready to learn more? Explore DNA further with AI Mode in Google Search. You can ask any question that comes to mind and get a helpful, AI-powered response complete with relevant sites on the web. From there, it's easy to ask follow-up questions or explore a new topic of interest." AI Mode Gets A Push While the Doodle highlights the science behind DNA, it also subtly spotlights Google’s evolving search experience. The company is pointing users toward its AI Mode, an assistive layer that helps break down complex topics, guide follow-up curiosities, and surface trusted information from across the web. With DNA as an example, Google is positioning the tool as a study companion, especially for younger learners navigating foundational scientific concepts. The DNA-themed doodle serves as both a nod to one of biology’s defining discoveries and a reminder of Google’s role as a learning tool for millions. By pairing scientific flair with AI-driven exploration, the platform is encouraging users to dive deeper into the building blocks of life, one search at a time.

Pakistan Newspaper Dawn Forgets To Delete ChatGPT Input In Story: Here's What Internet Has To Say

Pakistan’s top English newspaper, Dawn, recently landed in trouble after readers found an AI prompt left inside one of its published news stories. The mistake happened in the Business section on November 12, in a report titled “Auto sales rev up in October.” The last paragraph clearly showed a ChatGPT-style message, proving the editors forgot to delete it before printing.  This error went viral, and many people on X (formerly Twitter) pointed out how careless it was for such a major newspaper. Journalists and public figures also mocked the mistake online. Dawn AI Blunder Invites Criticism After the story was published, several X users shared screenshots of the last paragraph. The paragraph said something like: “If you want, I can also create an even snappier ‘front-page style’ version…” This made it obvious that AI had been used, and the editor forgot to remove the prompt before publishing. Dawn really outdid themselves.. they used ChatGPT to write the article and forgot to delete the prompt from the final draft..level 😭🤦🏻‍♀️ pic.twitter.com/vhn5yGGfjs — Arfa Khan (@thearfakhan) November 12, 2025 Many people expressed concern, saying it was shocking to see such negligence from one of Pakistan’s oldest and most respected newspapers. The incident also made people question how much AI Dawn uses for editing and writing. Journalist Omar Quraishi poked fun at the situation. He said that while he knew journalists used AI these days, this mistake was too much. Another journalist commented that the Business desk should have at least removed the last paragraph. Former Federal Minister Shireen Mazari also reacted. She said the editors should have deleted the AI prompt so the newspaper could at least “keep some credibility.” Journalist Moeed Pirzada joked as well, saying Dawn needed “intelligence to use AI.” Netizen Reacts To Dawn AI Editing Mistake  Dawn’s silly mistake has quickly become a big topic online. Many people are now questioning how trustworthy big newspapers really are. Others are blaming editors for using too much AI instead of checking their work properly. Several users on X (formerly Twitter) shared the error, and readers are feeling uneasy about it. One user named Man Aman Singh Chinna posted a screenshot of the mistake, and many people reacted to it. Here’s what people had to say. My man had one job, must be looking for a new one now. — HITARTH C. (@Hitarth1994) November 12, 2025 Someone removed the em dashes and the word “quiet”. Full marks for that — Cdr Abhilash Tomy KC, NM (@abhilashtomy) November 12, 2025 They don't even know how to copy paste 🤣🤣 — Aravind (@aravind_trades) November 12, 2025 damnnnnn imagine the backlash the editor might get rn — Misha | video editor (@MishtifyMov) November 12, 2025 When natural stupidity takes the help of artificial intelligence. — Sam ALT Man (@k0ol1) November 12, 2025 All in all, taking the help of AI is fine until someone fully depends on it. This is a great example or a caution to people who regularly use AI to get their work done. It's best to keep your eyes open while handling tasks that hold utmost importance.

US Govt's Longest Shutdown Ends After 43 Days

President Donald Trump on Thursday signed a bipartisan bill bringing an end to the longest government shutdown in US history, a 43-day impasse that left Washington paralysed and hundreds of thousands of federal workers without pay. As he signed the legislation, Trump declared, “I just want to tell you the country has never been in better shape. We went through this short-term disaster with the Democrats because they thought it would be good politically.” “It’s an honour now to sign this incredible bill and get our country working again,” he added, signalling relief after weeks of political deadlock. Bill Clears Congress After Weeks of Gridlock The bill reached Trump’s desk just hours after it passed both chambers of Congress. The House of Representatives voted to restart crucial federal operations, including food assistance programmes, air traffic control, and payments to hundreds of thousands of civil servants, marking the end of an exhausting standoff. Under the deal, funding for military construction, veterans’ affairs, the Department of Agriculture, and Congress will continue through next autumn, while the rest of the government will be funded until the end of January. Around 670,000 furloughed civil servants are now set to return to work. Another similar number of employees who had been working without pay, including more than 60,000 air traffic controllers and airport security officers, will receive back pay. The agreement also reinstates several federal workers dismissed during the shutdown, allowing critical services like air travel to gradually return to normal. Democrats Hold Their Ground on Health Subsidies For over five weeks, Democrats refused to reopen the government unless Trump agreed to renew pandemic-era tax credits that helped millions of Americans afford health insurance. Recent Democratic victories in multiple state elections appeared to embolden their stance, strengthening their hand in negotiations. However, the stalemate broke when a group of eight Senate moderates from both parties crafted a compromise that secured a Senate vote on healthcare subsidies — though without guarantees of further action in the House. The Republican-controlled House eventually passed the funding package by a 222–209 vote, with Trump’s influence holding his party together amid strong Democratic opposition. Fiery Exchanges in the House Chamber Outgoing Democratic Representative Mikie Sherrill, recently elected as New Jersey’s next governor, delivered a sharp farewell speech opposing the bill. “To my colleagues: Do not let this body become a ceremonial red stamp from an administration that takes food away from children and rips away healthcare,” Sherrill said in her final remarks on the House floor. “To the country: Stand strong. As we say in the Navy, don’t give up the ship.” Her impassioned plea underscored the deep divisions that defined the shutdown, a political battle that disrupted millions of lives and tested the resilience of federal institutions. House Returns Amid Mounting Political Pressure Thursday’s vote marked the first day back in session for the Republican-led House since mid-September, following a long recess that many viewed as a pressure tactic against Democrats. The chamber’s return also reignited another contentious issue: a pending vote on releasing all unclassified records related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein — a move that Speaker Mike Johnson and President Trump have so far resisted.

US Shutdown Nears End As House Sends Bill To Trump’s Desk After 43 Days

After 43 tense days, the longest government shutdown in US history may finally be coming to an end. On Wednesday, the House of Representatives voted to reopen the government, clearing the final hurdle for a funding bill that had already passed the Senate. According to the White House, President Donald Trump is set to sign the measure Wednesday night, calling the agreement a “very big victory.” A Costly Standoff That Left Few Satisfied Even as relief spreads across Washington, few lawmakers are celebrating. The drawn-out standoff has left both sides frustrated and politically bruised. Democrats failed to secure the health insurance provisions they had pushed to include in the spending deal. Meanwhile, Republicans, despite holding control in Congress, have faced mounting criticism, with opinion polls and several local election results showing a dip in public support. The final House vote passed narrowly, 222–209, as Republicans used their slim majority to get the bill across the finish line. 43 Days of Disruption and Uncertainty The shutdown’s impact was felt nationwide. Federal employees missed multiple paychecks, airport delays grew as security staff shortages worsened, and thousands of families queued up at food banks to make ends meet. What began as a political standoff over spending priorities soon turned into a crisis of endurance, for both government workers and the millions who rely on public services. The Battle Over Health Care Funding At the heart of the deadlock was a dispute over healthcare. Democrats had demanded an extension of an enhanced tax credit—set to expire at year’s end—that helps reduce the cost of health insurance through Affordable Care Act marketplaces. They refused to back a short-term funding bill that excluded the measure. Republicans, however, argued that healthcare policy was a separate issue that should be addressed later. Ultimately, their position prevailed, though not without significant political and economic fallout. Lessons From a Shutdown As the shutdown’s end draws near, even some within the Republican Party have voiced frustration at the toll it took. “We told you 43 days ago from bitter experience that government shutdowns don’t work,” said Rep. Tom Cole, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. “They never achieve the objective that you announce. And guess what? You haven’t achieved that objective yet, and you’re not going to.”