Monthly Archives: September 2025

Elon Musk’s daughter Vivian says she’s ‘financially independent’ amid estrangement from billionaire dad

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At 21 years old, Wilson shared at Saturday’s Teen Vogue 2025 Summit that she is financially independent and currently making money. Addressing rumors about her career, she clarified, “Pre-Teen Vogue [cover], no. People have a lot of assumptions, and you just kinda have to deal with that.”

Wilson was featured on the March cover of Teen Vogue, where she reflected on her career options. “I haven’t made any money from being famous at all,” she told the outlet. “I have made zero dollars and zero cents. I do live in a lot of people’s heads rent-free, though.”

Initially, Wilson aspired to become a model, but she also admitted to once considering a career as a Twitch streamer. However, she revealed that her absolute dream would be to star in a reality show.

Earlier this month, Wilson opened up about her finances in an interview with The Cut. She explained that people often assume she has a lot of money, but in reality, she lives with several roommates to save costs. “I don’t have hundreds of thousands of dollars at my disposal. My mom is rich, right? But, obviously, the other one is unimaginably wealthy,” she said, referring to her father.

Wilson emphasized that she doesn’t aspire to be super-rich like Elon Musk but acknowledged that she is more fortunate than most people her age living in Los Angeles.

In May, the transgender social media personality made her runway debut at a RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 10 event in New York City. Page Six’s Virtual Reali-Tea captured footage of Wilson flipping her hair and dancing as onlookers cheered.

The following month, it was announced that she would be starring in Pattie Gonias’s drag show, *Save Her!*, in Los Angeles.

By September, Wilson made her New York Fashion Week debut at a Miss USA 1991 event hosted by designer Alexis Bittar. “I purposely cast each contestant to represent a US state where trans rights are under assault,” Bittar told Page Six as Wilson sported a Miss South Carolina sash.
https://pagesix.com/2025/09/21/celebrity-news/elon-musks-estranged-daughter-vivian-is-financially-independent-amid-estrangement-from-billionaire-dad/

Murdochs could take part in TikTok deal, Trump says

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US President Donald Trump has announced that media mogul Lachlan Murdoch and business leaders Larry Ellison and Michael Dell will be involved as US investors in a proposed deal to keep TikTok operating in the United States.

Trump stated that the US and China have made progress on an agreement requiring TikTok’s US assets to be transferred to local owners from China’s ByteDance. With 170 million users in the United States, TikTok plays a significant role in shaping public discourse on politics and culture.

In an interview with Fox News, Trump praised the group, calling them prominent figures and “American patriots.” He said, “I think they’re going to do a really good job,” crediting TikTok with helping build his support among young voters in the 2024 presidential election.

Lachlan Murdoch, CEO of Fox Corp, recently solidified long-term control of his family’s media empire—including Fox News and the Wall Street Journal—after settling a years-long legal battle with his siblings. Trump also suggested that the family patriarch, 94-year-old Rupert Murdoch, may be involved in the deal.

Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch’s news outlets generally attract conservative-leaning audiences but have occasionally drawn Trump’s ire. Trump has filed a defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal and Rupert Murdoch over a July report alleging Trump signed a 2003 birthday greeting for the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein that included a sexually suggestive drawing and a reference to shared secrets. The newspaper has defended its reporting and vowed to fight the lawsuit.

Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle and a major Republican donor, has long been linked to a potential TikTok deal. Michael Dell, CEO of Dell Technologies, is also expected to participate.

On Saturday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Oracle would be responsible for TikTok’s data and security. She added that US citizens will control six of the seven seats on a planned oversight board.

The Trump administration has declined to enforce a US law enacted during the previous administration that requires TikTok’s divestiture, citing concerns that US user data could be accessed by the Chinese government. Instead, negotiations over TikTok have been included as part of broader economic talks with China.

The Trump administration has also made several unusual interventions in US business, such as taking a 10 percent stake in Intel Corp and permitting AI chip giant Nvidia to sell its H20 chips to China in exchange for receiving 15 percent of those sales. Trump defended these moves as benefiting US interests.

However, critics—including some business leaders and Republican lawmakers—have called these interventions a stark departure from the norms of capitalism and warned that they risk undermining the competitiveness of the US economy.

(With reporting by AP)
https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/technology/murdochs-could-take-part-in-tiktok-deal-trump-says-c-20098852

490km/h! BYD Yangwang U9 Xtreme is world’s fastest production car

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**490 km/h! BYD Yangwang U9 Xtreme Sets New World Record as the Fastest Production Car**

*By Akash Pandey | September 21, 2025, 6:20 PM*

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**A New Benchmark in Speed**

Yangwang, the luxury sub-brand of Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD, has shattered records by unveiling the world’s fastest production car. At the ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg track in Germany, the U9 Xtreme hypercar reached a staggering top speed of 492.22 km/h. This milestone not only breaks the company’s previous EV speed benchmark but also surpasses the top speeds achieved by many petrol-powered supercars.

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**Design Evolution: What Makes the U9 Xtreme So Fast?**

The U9 Xtreme, initially introduced as the U9 Track/Special Edition, is an enhanced and refined version of an existing model available in China. Key upgrades include:

– A 1200V ultra-high-voltage electric powertrain, improved from the earlier 800V system.
– A lithium iron phosphate Blade Battery capable of an impressive 30C discharge rate.
– Four ultra-high-speed electric motors that reach up to 30,000 rpm.

Together, these advancements generate a mind-blowing output exceeding 3,000 horsepower, fueling the hypercar’s record-breaking performance.

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**Behind the Wheel: Expert Precision**

The record-setting run was piloted by Marc Basseng, a renowned German track specialist with extensive experience in sports-car racing and endurance motorsport. Basseng praised the vehicle’s electric powertrain, emphasizing how its quiet operation helped him focus entirely on driving.

“Technically, something like this is not possible with a combustion engine,” Basseng remarked, highlighting the advantages EV technology brings to high-speed driving.

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**Exclusivity: Limited Production for the Elite**

The BYD Yangwang U9 Xtreme is available to customers but remains an exclusive offering with production limited to just 30 units worldwide. The name ‘Xtreme’ embodies the concepts of limitation and the ultimate performance, with the letter ‘X’ symbolizing the unknown—pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering.

BYD Executive Vice-President Stella Li expressed immense pride in this achievement: “This is a proud moment for everyone involved in research and development.”

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**See It in Action**

Check out BYD Yangwang’s official announcement and witness the future of speed in electric hypercars on their [Twitter page](#).

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With the U9 Xtreme, BYD Yangwang has not only redefined what electric hypercars can achieve but has also set a new standard for the automotive world, proving that the future of speed is electrifying.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/auto/byd-s-yangwang-sets-record-for-fastest-production-car/story

How Modi government plans to boost municipal bond issuance

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**How the Modi Government Plans to Boost Municipal Bond Issuance**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 21, 2025, 06:47 PM*

The Indian government is considering increasing the interest subvention cap beyond the existing limit of ₹26 crore per Urban Local Body (ULB) to promote the issuance of municipal bonds for urban infrastructure development. This initiative is part of the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) scheme.

### Slow Progress Despite Key Initiatives

Despite flagship programs like AMRUT and the Smart Cities Mission, progress in mobilizing funds through municipal bonds—often called ‘muni bonds’—has been slower than expected. To address this, the government aims to enhance incentives and institutional support to encourage more ULBs to access the capital markets.

### Understanding the Interest Subvention

The interest subvention is a financial incentive provided under AMRUT to make municipal bonds more attractive to issuers and investors. Currently, the maximum interest subvention available to a ULB from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) is capped at ₹26 crore.

To stimulate market participation, the central government offers a 2% interest subvention on bond issuances by ULBs.

### Incentive Structure for Bond Issuance

– **First Bond Issuance:**
ULBs can receive incentives up to ₹13 crore for every ₹100 crore raised, with an overall cap of ₹26 crore under AMRUT 2.0.

– **Subsequent Issuances:**
Bonds issued must be classified as green bonds, focusing on sectors such as water, sanitation, renewable energy, or urban resilience.
In such cases, ULBs are eligible for incentives of ₹10 crore per ₹100 crore raised, subject to a cap of ₹20 crore.

### Institutional Support from NaBFID

The National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) is set to play a crucial role in supporting ULBs throughout the bond issuance process. The bank may empanel agencies including merchant bankers, brokers, and rating agencies to provide expert guidance.

As a development finance institution, NaBFID will assist municipal bodies with statutory paperwork and ensure compliance with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) listing requirements — simplifying access to capital markets for infrastructure projects.

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By expanding financial incentives and offering institutional support, the Modi government seeks to unlock the potential of municipal bonds as a vital tool for urban infrastructure development, enabling cities to better meet the growing needs of their populations.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/municipal-bonds-goi-considers-raising-interest-subvention-cap-for-ulbs/story

FIVB World: Alas coach still does his homework, supports ex-player

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MANILA, Philippines — Angiolino Frigoni shared a moment with his former player Alessandro Michieletto after Italy advanced to the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship quarterfinals on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Italian Alas Pilipinas coach headed to the mixed zone shortly after Italy’s straight-set victory over Argentina, winning 25-23, 25-20, 25-22. Michieletto was a key contributor in the match, delivering 15 points to help secure the sweep.
https://sports.inquirer.net/641092/fivb-world-alas-coach-still-does-his-homework-supports-ex-player

‘Well-deserved recognition’: Amitabh congratulates Mohanlal for Dadasaheb Phalke Award

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**“Well-deserved recognition”: Amitabh Bachchan Congratulates Mohanlal for Dadasaheb Phalke Award**

*By Isha Sharma | Sep 21, 2025, 04:34 PM*

Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Malayalam cinema icon Mohanlal for being conferred the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced the award on Saturday, honoring Mohanlal’s outstanding contribution to Indian cinema.

In a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), Bachchan wrote in Malayalam, “Mohanlal Ji, I am truly delighted that you have received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. It is such a well-deserved recognition!”

### Amitabh Bachchan’s Admiration for Mohanlal

Further expressing his admiration, Bachchan added, “Many congratulations. I am a great admirer of your work and craft. The simplicity with which you express the deepest of emotions is truly remarkable. May you continue to inspire us all with your unmatched talent and remain a guiding light. With boundless respect and pride, I extend my heartfelt wishes and look forward to witnessing many more of your incredible performances in the years ahead. Always a dedicated fan.”

### Mohanlal Receives Wishes from PM Modi and Film Industry Peers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated Mohanlal on X, stating, “Shri Mohanlal ji epitomises excellence and versatility. With a rich body of work spanning decades, he stands as a leading light of Malayalam cinema and theater and is deeply passionate about the culture of Kerala.”

Alongside the Prime Minister’s wishes, prominent celebrities including Akshay Kumar, Mammootty, and Shobana sent their best wishes to the celebrated actor.

### Award Ceremony Details

Mohanlal will be officially honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony scheduled for September 23, 2025. This award is the highest recognition in Indian cinema, celebrating lifetime achievements in the film industry.

The Malayalam superstar has acted in approximately 400 films and won five National Awards. He was previously honored with the Padma Shri in 2001 and the Padma Bhushan in 2019.

### Upcoming Projects

Mohanlal’s upcoming film, *Vrusshabha*, directed and written by Nanda Kishore, is slated for release on October 16, 2025. Fans eagerly await another stellar performance from the versatile actor.

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Stay tuned for more updates on the National Film Awards and Mohanlal’s cinematic journey.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/amitabh-bachchan-lauds-mohanlal-for-dadasaheb-phalke-honor/story

‘Well-deserved recognition’: Amitabh congratulates Mohanlal for Dadasaheb Phalke Award

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**‘Well-deserved recognition’: Amitabh Bachchan Congratulates Mohanlal for Dadasaheb Phalke Award**

*By Isha Sharma | Sep 21, 2025, 04:34 PM*

Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan has extended warm congratulations to Malayalam cinema icon Mohanlal on being conferred the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2023. The announcement was made by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Saturday.

In a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), Bachchan wrote in Malayalam, “Mohanlal Ji, I am truly delighted that you have received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. It is such a well-deserved recognition!”

**Amitabh Bachchan’s Admiration**

Bachchan further expressed his admiration by saying, “Many congratulations. I am a great admirer of your work and craft. The simplicity with which you express the deepest of emotions is truly remarkable. May you continue to inspire us all with your unmatched talent and remain a guiding light. With boundless respect and pride, I extend my heartfelt wishes and look forward to witnessing many more of your incredible performances in the years ahead. Always a dedicated fan.”

**Well Wishes from PM Modi and the Film Industry**

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated Mohanlal, praising his excellence and versatility. Modi’s message on X read, “Shri Mohanlal ji epitomises excellence and versatility. With a rich body of work spanning decades, he stands as a leading light of Malayalam cinema and theater and is deeply passionate about the culture of Kerala.”

Several other celebrated personalities from the film industry, including Akshay Kumar, Mammootty, and Shobana, joined in sending their best wishes to the superstar.

**Award Ceremony Details**

Mohanlal is set to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony scheduled for September 23, 2025. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India’s highest honor in cinema.

With an illustrious career spanning around 400 films and five National Awards to his name, Mohanlal remains one of the most revered actors in Indian cinema. He was honored with the Padma Shri in 2001 and the Padma Bhushan in 2019.

**Upcoming Projects**

Fans can look forward to seeing Mohanlal’s next film, *Vrusshabha*, written and directed by Nanda Kishore, which is slated for release on October 16, 2025.

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*Stay tuned for more updates on your favorite stars and the world of cinema.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/amitabh-bachchan-lauds-mohanlal-for-dadasaheb-phalke-honor/story

EJ Obiena wins gold in front of home fans at World Pole Vault Challenge

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Obiena Triumphs at World Pole Vault Challenge in Makati City

MANILA, Philippines—Buoyed by the support of the home crowd, EJ Obiena delivered a spectacular performance at the World Pole Vault Challenge held on Sunday at Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City.

Obiena cleared 5.80 meters in just two attempts, narrowly edging out France’s Thibault Collet for the gold medal through a countback.

Poland’s Piotr Lisek completed the podium, securing the bronze medal.

https://sports.inquirer.net/641071/ej-obiena-wins-gold-in-front-of-home-fans-at-world-pole-vault-challenge

H-1B visa fee hike: Beneficiaries like Musk, Nadella, Pichai silent

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**H-1B Visa Fee Hike: Beneficiaries Like Musk, Nadella, Pichai Remain Silent**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 21, 2025, 06:25 PM*

Silicon Valley’s tech giants, including Elon Musk, Sundar Pichai, and Satya Nadella, have remained notably silent following the Trump administration’s recent announcement of a new $100,000 fee on H-1B visa petitions. This silence is particularly surprising given Elon Musk’s previously strong opposition to changes in the H-1B visa system.

**Elon Musk’s Previous Stance on H-1B Visa Changes**

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, has been vocal about his concerns regarding modifications to the H-1B visa program. In December, Musk posted on X (formerly Twitter) highlighting that many critical employees who helped build SpaceX, Tesla, and other successful tech companies are here on H-1B visas. He even went so far as to threaten to “go to war” over changes affecting this visa category.

**Details of the New H-1B Visa Fee**

The newly signed rules by President Trump introduce a hefty $100,000 fee for H-1B visa petitions. According to the administration, this measure is intended to ensure that only “extraordinarily skilled” individuals are permitted to enter the United States, preventing companies from replacing American workers with foreign professionals. The policy is expected to heavily impact Indian tech workers, who comprise approximately 71% of all H-1B visa holders.

**Clarifications on the Fee**

The administration has clarified that the new rule applies solely to new visa petitions and does not affect existing H-1B visa holders who are re-entering the U.S. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt explained on X that the $100,000 charge “is NOT an annual fee. It’s a one-time fee that applies only to the petition.” Here, a petition refers to a company’s formal request to bring a skilled worker from another country into the United States.

As this major policy change unfolds, the silence from leading tech beneficiaries raises questions about the future landscape of skilled immigration in the U.S. and its impact on the technology sector.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/h-1b-visa-s-100-000-fee-what-are-silicon-valley-ceos-saying/story

Why Trump wants us to reclaim Afghanistan’s Bagram air base

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**Why Trump Wants Us to Reclaim Afghanistan’s Bagram Air Base**
*By Snehil Singh | Sep 21, 2025, 04:04 pm*

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**What’s the story?**

United States President Donald Trump has called for the return of the Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. “We’re talking now to Afghanistan, and we want it back, and we want it back soon,” he said. The base, once a key US military installation, fell into Taliban hands after the US withdrawal in 2021. On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump also warned Afghanistan of “bad things” if they did not relent to his demand.

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**Geopolitical Importance**

**Strategic Location of Bagram Air Base**
Bagram Air Base is situated about 60 km north of Kabul, making it a strategic hub that connects Iran, Pakistan, Central Asia, and China’s Xinjiang province. This prime location makes it an ideal launchpad for US military operations in almost any direction. The base is equipped with two major runways, including one nearly 12,000 feet (3,650 meters) long, capable of accommodating heavy bombers and cargo planes.

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**Regional Surveillance**

Monitoring China, Russia, and Iran
Trump highlighted the base’s strategic significance, stating, “It’s an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons.” Its proximity offers the US a valuable advantage in monitoring Chinese military developments. Additionally, the base would enable Washington to track Russian activities in Central Asia and Iranian movements to the west.

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**Economic Influence**

**Economic Significance**
Beyond its military value, Bagram is located near emerging trade corridors and a region rich in untapped minerals. According to the Economic Times, whoever controls Bagram can influence economic routes that China and Russia aim to secure. The presence of US troops would also strengthen regional counterterrorism efforts, enhancing the base’s overall strategic importance.

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**Symbolic Significance**

**Challenges in Returning to Bagram**
The official US withdrawal from Bagram Air Base in July 2021 marked a symbolic end to America’s 20-year military presence in Afghanistan. However, any attempt to reclaim the base would face significant hurdles, including obtaining Afghan approval and managing complex logistics. Despite these challenges, Trump’s push to regain control of Bagram underscores its critical role in America’s global security strategy.

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Bagram Air Base remains a focal point in the geopolitical chessboard, reflecting not only military interests but also economic and symbolic stakes in the region. Reclaiming it would mark a notable shift in US foreign policy and regional engagement.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/trump-warns-afghanistan-to-return-bagram-airbase/story