Monthly Archives: October 2025

Alyssa Thomas vs A’ja Wilson: Closer look at battles between MVP rivals ahead of 2025 WNBA Finals duel

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The 2025 WNBA Finals between the Phoenix Mercury and Las Vegas Aces showcases a thrilling duel between two of the league’s best players — Alyssa Thomas and MVP A’ja Wilson.

Thomas, who placed third in MVP voting, delivered arguably the finest season of her career, averaging 15.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 8.8 rebounds per game. She guided Phoenix to a 27-17 record and the No. 4 seed, then led the Mercury past the defending champion New York Liberty and top-seeded Minnesota Lynx in the postseason.

Wilson, meanwhile, closed the season on a tear, powering the Aces to a 16-game win streak that pushed them into second place. She put up 23.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game, along with 1.6 steals and 2.3 blocks per contest. Las Vegas finished with a 30-14 record and defeated the Seattle Storm and Indiana Fever to book their ticket to the Finals.

Here’s a breakdown of how the two stars have fared against each other.

### Alyssa Thomas vs. A’ja Wilson: Head-to-Head

In regular-season matchups, Wilson holds an 11-6 career edge over Thomas. This season, the Mercury won their first meeting 76-70, with Thomas tallying 14 points and 13 assists, while Wilson sat out.

In the second clash, Wilson erupted for 26 points, 18 rebounds, and seven assists to lift the Aces to an 84-81 win. Thomas posted 16 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds in that game.

The next two contests went to Las Vegas as part of their season-ending streak. In an 86-83 victory on August 15, Wilson dropped 30 points and 16 rebounds, while Thomas logged 15 points, nine assists, and six rebounds.

Their final regular-season matchup ended in an 83-61 blowout for the Aces, with Wilson contributing 18 points and 13 rebounds, while Thomas countered with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists.

For the season, Thomas averaged 16.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.7 assists in three games against Wilson. Wilson, on the other hand, put up 25.0 points, 15.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in those matchups.

### Alyssa Thomas vs. A’ja Wilson: Playoff History

Their rivalry stretches back to Thomas’ Connecticut Sun days. In the 2020 playoffs, Wilson’s Aces edged Thomas’ Sun 3-2 before falling to the Seattle Storm in the Finals.

In 2022, the two met again on the Finals stage, with Las Vegas winning the championship in four games.

Across nine playoff games head-to-head, Wilson has averaged 21.0 points per game, 10.1 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks, while Thomas has posted 15.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists.

As these two stars face off once more in the 2025 WNBA Finals, fans can expect an intense and memorable showdown between Alyssa Thomas and A’ja Wilson.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/wnba/alyssa-thomas-vs-a-ja-wilson-closer-look-battles-mvp-rivals-ahead-2025-wnba-finals-duel

UP News: ‘Don’t Search Shivlings Under Every Mosque,’ Says Sambhal MP Ziaur Rahman Barq

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**Sambhal MP Ziaur Rahman Barq Criticizes RSS, Calls for Unity and Self-Reflection During Dussehra**

Sambhal: Samajwadi Party MP from Sambhal, Ziaur Rahman Barq, launched a sharp attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Wednesday, accusing the organization of ignoring its own chief’s advice.

Speaking to the media at his residence, Barq stated, “RSS chief asks people not to search for Shivlings beneath every mosque, but their followers continue to make it an issue. This shows a clear gap between what RSS says and what it does.”

**Message on Self-Reflection**

On the occasion of Dussehra, Barq emphasized the importance of self-reflection. “Just as Ravana’s effigy is burnt every year, we must also burn Ravana within our hearts. That would be the real victory,” he remarked.

**Warning Against Divisive Forces**

Barq also warned against those who use hateful language to divide society in the name of religion. “Anyone trying to break the nation should be boycotted. We must all work together for the country’s progress,” he added, stressing that such individuals cannot be called patriots.

**Emphasis on Religious Values and Social Care**

Highlighting religious values, Barq said, “If a neighbour, regardless of faith, goes hungry while we live in comfort, then we are not true Muslims. Our religion teaches care for all.”

**Interaction with Locals**

In addition to his media interaction, the MP met with locals in Sambhal, listened to their grievances, and urged unity for national development.

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*Stay tuned for more updates on local and national issues.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/uttar-pradesh/up-news-dont-search-shivlings-under-every-mosque-says-sambhal-mp-ziaur-rahman-barq

Notebook Prices Rise Despite Zero GST; Insurance Policyholders Not Getting Full GST Benefit

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**GST Removal on Notebooks and Stationery Items Leads to Price Hikes**

New Delhi: Under the GST 2.0 reforms, the government has removed GST on notebooks, exercise books, and stationery items. Previously, these items attracted a 12 percent GST and are now tax-free, providing relief to consumers.

However, the raw material for notebooks—paper—has seen its GST rate increase from 12 percent to 18 percent. As a result, notebook prices have risen. Shopkeepers are paying higher GST when purchasing paper but cannot charge any GST while selling notebooks due to the tax exemption. This loss of input tax credit is being added to the final price, causing an increase despite the GST removal on finished products.

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**Insurance Companies Not Fully Passing On GST Benefits to Policyholders**

The GST Council reduced GST on life and health insurance premiums from 18 percent to 0 percent, effective from 22 September. While this move was expected to lower insurance premiums, many policyholders report that insurance companies are not passing on the full benefit.

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**Health Insurance Premiums Rise Despite GST Relief**

Numerous complaints concern health insurance companies. For instance, one policyholder who paid Rs 63,000 last year found their premium increased despite the GST removal. The company attributed the hike to the policyholder moving into a higher age group, highlighting how factors other than GST also affect premium costs.

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**New Add-Ons Used to Justify Premium Rates**

Some insurance companies have added new coverage options or riders to policies, claiming these are additional benefits. Customers, however, argue that such benefits were part of older plans. This strategy has resulted in premiums either remaining unchanged or increasing, negating the intended GST relief.

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**Government and IRDA May Intervene**

Amid mounting complaints on social media, the government is considering asking the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) to investigate the issue and take necessary action to ensure policyholders receive the rightful GST benefits.

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**Life Insurance Premiums See Only Slight Reductions**

While some life insurance policyholders have experienced premium reductions, these decreases are relatively small. For example, one customer reported a mere 2.5 percent premium drop despite the GST rate being cut by 18 percent. This clearly indicates that the full benefit is not reaching customers.

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**Few Companies Passing On GST Benefits**

A limited number of insurance companies have taken steps to reduce policy commissions and lower their costs, thereby passing on GST benefits to customers. However, such cases remain rare.

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**Conclusion**

Although the government has removed GST on notebooks and certain insurance premiums, the benefits are not fully reflected in final prices. Consumers are advised to remain vigilant and report discrepancies to authorities as necessary. The ongoing scrutiny by the government and IRDA is expected to ensure greater transparency and fair pricing in the near future.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/notebook-prices-rise-despite-zero-gst-insurance-policyholders-not-getting-full-gst-benefit

CNN Hosts Dumbfounded by Trump Admin’s Embrace of Sombrero Meme and Mariachi Music: ‘They’re Leaning Into It’ (VIDEO)

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CNN Does Not Get the Joke: Trump White House Embraces the Sombrero Meme

The Trump White House continues to troll House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and the Democrats with the sombrero meme. In a move that many find hilarious, Mariachi music has even been piped into the White House press briefing room to accompany the meme. However, CNN’s Kaitlan Collins doesn’t seem to share the humor.

What we’re actually witnessing here is frustration. Collins and other CNN journalists appear upset that former President Trump doesn’t care about their opinions — not one bit. This sentiment was clearly visible on Collins’ face during a recent segment.

The Daily Wire reported that CNN anchors John Berman and Kaitlan Collins struggled to grasp the Trump administration’s willingness to defend and even embrace what they described as a “racist” meme, without any apparent concern for the fallout.

During a conversation on Wednesday, Berman brought up the topic, referencing an AI-doctored video showing Minority Leader Jeffries (D-NY) with a fake mustache and sombrero, which had been prominently displayed in the White House briefing room.

“We played sound from Vice President Vance not just defending that AI racist video of Minority Leader Jeffries wearing a sombrero, but also, like, celebrating that video. It was playing on a loop in the briefing room today,” Berman explained, turning to Collins and asking, “What are you hearing from the inside about that?”

Collins responded by highlighting a key moment: despite heavy criticism from Democrats about these posts by President Trump, the administration is not backing down or apologizing. Instead, they are leaning into the controversy, playing the Mariachi music on loudspeakers repeatedly inside the briefing room, signaling that they simply don’t care about the criticism.

The sombrero meme is being embraced by many, including Trump-impersonating comedian Shawn Farash, who joked that “everyone is getting the sombrero treatment.”

It’s notable that Democrats have called Trump “Hitler” for years, yet now they are acting offended over what many view as a harmless sombrero joke. The meme and the music continue to be a source of amusement for Trump supporters and a point of frustration for his critics.
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/10/cnn-hosts-dumbfounded-trump-admins-embrace-sombrero-meme/

OpenAI Now Worth $500 Billion

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OpenAI Could Now Be the World’s Most Valuable Startup, Surpassing SpaceX and ByteDance

OpenAI has potentially become the world’s most valuable startup, outpacing Elon Musk’s SpaceX and TikTok’s parent company ByteDance, following a secondary stock sale aimed at retaining employees at the ChatGPT maker.

Current and former OpenAI employees sold $6.6 billion in shares to a group of investors, pushing the privately held artificial intelligence company’s valuation to $500 billion, according to a source familiar with the deal who was not authorized to speak publicly.

### Investors and Valuation

The investors purchasing the shares included Thrive Capital, Dragoneer Investment Group, T. Rowe Price, Japanese tech giant SoftBank, and the United Arab Emirates’ MGX, the source revealed on Thursday. This valuation reflects high expectations for the future of AI technology and continues OpenAI’s remarkable trajectory from its beginnings as a nonprofit research lab in 2015.

### Profitability and Market Concerns

However, with the San Francisco-based company not yet turning a profit, concerns about an AI bubble may intensify. Skeptics worry that if the generative AI products from OpenAI and its competitors fail to meet investor expectations, the billions poured into research and development could be at risk.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has recently sought to ease such concerns. During a tour last week of a massive data center complex being built in Abilene, Texas, to run the company’s AI systems, Altman said:

> “Between the ten years we’ve already been operating and the many decades ahead of us, there will be booms and busts. People will overinvest and lose money, and underinvest and lose a lot of revenue.”

He added, “We’ll make some dumb capital allocations and see short-term ups and downs, but over the arc that we have to plan over, we are confident that this technology will drive a new wave of unprecedented economic growth, along with scientific breakthroughs, improvements to quality of life, and new ways to express creativity.”

### New Business Ventures

Just this week, OpenAI launched two new business ventures: a partnership with Etsy and Shopify to enable online shopping through ChatGPT and a social media app called Sora for generating and sharing AI videos.

### Competition and Compensation Challenges

The stock sale marks a first for OpenAI, which has struggled to offer investors and staff the same perks and compensation as other companies. In particular, Facebook parent Meta Platforms has been aggressively hiring top AI engineers and, in June, made a $14.3 billion investment in AI company Scale, which recruited its CEO Alexandr Wang.

### Corporate Structure and Regulatory Scrutiny

OpenAI’s for-profit subsidiary, currently valued at $500 billion, is technically controlled by the board of OpenAI’s nonprofit, with both entities still bound to pursue the nonprofit’s charitable purpose.

The company’s partnerships with major corporations and plans to alter its corporate structure have attracted scrutiny from regulators, including the attorneys general of California and Delaware, who oversee charities operating or incorporated in their states.

### Recent Partnerships and Strategic Moves

In recent weeks, OpenAI has made significant deals with Oracle and SoftBank for a data center venture called Stargate, as well as with chipmaker Nvidia, which supplies the specialized AI chips necessary for these data centers.

At the same time, OpenAI has reduced its reliance on longtime backer Microsoft. In September, the company announced it had reached a tentative agreement with Microsoft regarding the future stake of its nonprofit in its for-profit corporation, though few details were shared.

### Grants to Support AI Understanding and Economic Opportunity

OpenAI also opened applications for nonprofits to apply for $50 million in funding, an initiative launched following recommendations from an advisory board. The grants aim to support projects that increase public understanding of AI, promote the design of AI based on community needs, and boost economic opportunity.

The deadline to apply for these grants closes on October 8.

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OpenAI’s rapid growth and ambitious plans highlight the company’s potential to reshape the AI industry and broader economy, even as questions about profitability and market sustainability remain.
https://www.deccanchronicle.com/technology/openai-now-worth-500-billion-possibly-making-it-the-worlds-most-valuable-startup-1907655

Two Edelweiss Entities Settle Alternative Investment Fund Rules Violation Case With SEBI After Paying ₹61.4 Lakh Settlement Charge

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**Edelweiss Entities Settle Sebi Case Over Alleged AIF Rule Violations**

*New Delhi:* Two Edelweiss entities have reached a settlement with market regulator Sebi in a case involving alleged violations of alternative investment fund (AIF) rules. Collectively, they paid Rs 61.4 lakh towards settlement charges.

The entities involved – Edelweiss Stressed and Troubled Assets Revival Fund Trust and Edelweiss Alternative Asset Advisors Ltd – were also directed by Sebi that their officers-in-default will be barred from engaging with the company for 12 months.

“The instant adjudication proceedings initiated against the noticees, Edelweiss Stressed and Troubled Assets Revival Fund Trust and Edelweiss Alternative Asset Advisors Ltd, vide show cause notice dated July 12, 2024, are hereby disposed of,” said Sebi’s adjudicating officer Sudeep Mishra in the order dated Tuesday.

The order followed the filing of two settlement applications by the entities, proposing to settle proceedings initiated against them through the show-cause notice issued on July 12, 2024, without “admission or denial of the findings of fact and conclusions of law.”

### Background of the Case

The case originated from complaints lodged on SCORES, Sebi’s online grievance platform, alleging lapses in governance and conflict management against the Edelweiss-managed AIF.

According to the regulator, Edelweiss Stressed and Troubled Assets Revival Fund Trust failed to act in the interest of investors and did not exercise independent professional judgment, thereby violating Sebi’s norms.

Furthermore, Edelweiss Alternative Asset Advisors Ltd was found to have failed to carry out AIF activities in accordance with the Private Placement Memorandum (PPM) and submitted inaccurate information to the trustee in the compliance test report for the financial year 2016-17, constituting further violations of AIF regulations.

Following these findings, Sebi issued a show-cause notice to the entities on July 12, 2024.

### Settlement and Corrective Actions

After receiving the show-cause notice, the entities submitted revised settlement terms. These were approved by Sebi’s high-powered advisory committee, and the settlement amount was duly paid and confirmed by the regulator.

Edelweiss also informed Sebi of corrective measures undertaken, including:

– Formation of a fund board comprising independent members
– Establishment of a governance committee to monitor conflict situations
– Imposition of a one-year ban on officers-in-default from associating with the company

Sebi emphasized that the settlement is without prejudice to its right to reopen the matter should any disclosures be found false or incomplete.

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*Disclaimer: This story is from a syndicated feed. No changes have been made except to the headline.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/two-edelweiss-entities-settle-alternative-investment-fund-rules-violation-case-with-sebi-after-paying-614-lakh-settlement-charge

Chery Australia’s first ute will put work before play – and could offer diesel PHEV power

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Chery’s local ute plan is beginning to take shape as the Chinese brand sets its sights on the commercial sector. In a market currently dominated by Ford and Toyota, Chery aims to make a significant impact with its upcoming offerings.

By focusing on commercial vehicles, the brand hopes to carve out a niche and provide competitive alternatives for businesses and tradespeople. This strategic move highlights Chery’s commitment to expanding its presence and meeting the specific needs of the local market.
https://thewest.com.au/lifestyle/motoring/chery-australias-first-ute-will-put-work-before-play-and-could-offer-diesel-phev-power-c-20223760

Rupees negative drift demands central bank firepower

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By Nimesh Vora

**MUMBAI (Reuters)** – The Indian rupee is anticipated to face a difficult session on Friday, with most traders predicting that the central bank will likely intervene to prevent the currency from hitting a new all-time low.

The 1-month non-deliverable forward indicated the rupee will open flat to slightly weaker versus the U.S. dollar compared to Wednesday’s close of 88.69. India’s financial markets were closed on Thursday.

The rupee has been pressured in recent weeks by relentless dollar demand from importers, with sentiment remaining firmly skewed against the currency amid equity outflows and U.S.-India trade frictions. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been stepping in to ensure the rupee’s decline remains orderly.

Central bank Governor Sanjay Malhotra reiterated earlier this week that the RBI is not defending any particular level of the currency and is instead focused on containing volatility and keeping moves measured.

The RBI support is “keeping things calm” for now, a currency trader at a bank said. However, overall sentiment remains weak, and the market wants to test the downside, he added.

Currency traders are closely watching the 88.80 level — the lifetime low for the rupee hit on Monday. With broad dollar demand keeping the pressure on, this level is seen as a key marker for potential intervention or a pause in the currency’s slide.

### Asian Cues

Asian cues did not lend any particular direction to the rupee on Friday, with peers mixed and the dollar index marginally higher.

A U.S. government shutdown has paused the release of key economic data, including Friday’s closely watched September jobs report, depriving markets of an important gauge for the Federal Reserve’s rate outlook.

With the official jobs report on hold, Wednesday’s private payrolls data drew heightened attention. The weak reading has increased expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut this month.

“We could see a longer tail effect from the private jobs data, given the uncertainty around the payrolls release,” ING Bank said in a note.

### Key Indicators:

– One-month non-deliverable rupee forward at 88.86; onshore one-month forward premium at 14 paise
– Dollar index up at 97.86
– Brent crude futures up 0.3% at $64.3 per barrel
– Ten-year U.S. note yield at 4.1%
– As per NSDL data, foreign investors sold a net $453.4 million worth of Indian shares on September 30
– NSDL data shows foreign investors sold a net $12.1 million worth of Indian bonds on September 30
https://www.livemint.com/market/stock-market-news/rupees-negative-drift-demands-central-bank-firepower-11759460300977.html

Stablecoins to hit $1.9T as trust surpasses fees in exchanges

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A Citi (NASDAQ: C) report has predicted that the stablecoin market will achieve a $1.9 trillion valuation by the end of the decade in its base case scenario, while leaving room for an additional growth spurt. Citi analysts described stablecoins as the “ChatGPT moment” for the institutional adoption of blockchain technology.

Akin to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, the report anticipates stablecoins will experience significant growth in valuation over the coming years. While Citi forecasts a $1.9 trillion base case valuation for the asset class, the report also suggests stablecoins could climb to $4 trillion by the end of 2030 in its bull case scenario.

Currently, the global stablecoin market capitalization sits at $307 billion, up from $200 billion at the start of 2025. Citi bases its prediction on the 58% growth stablecoins achieved in 2025 alone, with analysts forecasting that this upward trend will continue through the decade.

### Growing Momentum in Stablecoin Projects

Aside from the strong performance in 2025, Citi analysts have highlighted an influx of stablecoin project announcements within the ecosystem. Early in the year, Trump-backed World Liberty Financial (WLF) entered the stablecoin race with the launch of USD1. Additionally, a number of U.S.-based financial institutions are planning their own stablecoin rollouts.

Citi attributes this surge in stablecoin initiatives to fresh regulatory support in the U.S., notably marked by the signing of the GENIUS Act by U.S. President Donald Trump.

### Use Cases and Industry Impact

While use cases for stablecoins have expanded to include domestic and cross-border payments, Citi notes that the stablecoin boom will not completely overhaul the existing financial system. Instead, analysts view this innovation as continued progress toward smarter, more efficient finance.

“We don’t believe crypto will burn down the existing system,” the Citi report reads. “Rather, it is helping us reimagine it.”

The report points out that domestic payments systems are already capable of processing payments in real-time and at low costs, providing stiff competition for stablecoins. However, cross-border payments remain the primary use case for stablecoins, with fintech firms and traditional financial institutions making significant progress to reduce settlement times and fees.

### Challenges Facing Stablecoins

Despite the positive outlook, Citi’s forecast also acknowledges several challenges within the stablecoin sector.

– **Regulatory Uncertainty:** Outside the U.S., regulatory frameworks remain unclear, hindering global adoption.
– **Reserve Transparency:** Questions about the reserves backing stablecoins continue to be a concern for issuers.
– **Market Manipulation Allegations:** Some stablecoins have faced accusations related to market manipulation.
– **High-Profile Collapses:** Failures such as TerraUSD (UST) have raised fears over collateral transparency, prompting tighter regulatory measures.

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### Digital Asset Exchange Users Prioritize Trust Over Low Fees: Kraken Survey

Mark Greenberg, global head of consumer at Kraken, revealed that U.S. digital asset users are not blindly chasing low fees but instead are weighing several factors when choosing an exchange.

The survey found:

– Only 16% of respondents cited fees as the primary consideration when selecting an exchange.
– 26% identified trustworthiness as the most important factor.
– 14% prioritized security features.

“As the market matures, investors value long-term confidence over short-term savings,” said Greenberg. “People want to know their assets are safe, that the platform is reliable, and that they can access the tools they need without unnecessary complexity.”

Interestingly, regulatory compliance was not a major concern for many users; only 6% said it influenced their exchange choice. Customer support was a significant factor for just 7% of respondents.

Given the variety of considerations, 44% of survey participants maintain accounts with at least two digital exchanges, while nearly 26% use over three platforms. This diversification allows users to manage platform risk and access a broader range of listings.

Kraken’s report also noted that trading volumes on decentralized exchanges have surged by 259% since 2024, driven by the increasing popularity of platforms like Hyperliquid and Astar.

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### Stiff Competition Among U.S. Exchanges

While Coinbase (NASDAQ: COIN) holds the largest market share among digital asset exchanges, several competitors are eager to expand their presence.

Kraken is considering going public, with plans to raise funds ahead of a tentative IPO in 2025, following the footsteps of Gemini and Coinbase.

However, amid this flurry of IPO activity, a race for regulatory compliance is intensifying among U.S.-based exchanges. This competitive atmosphere is compounded by recent security concerns, including customer data leaks at Coinbase and critical bugs at Kraken. These issues have led users to approach exchange selection with increased caution.

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### Watch | MiCA and the Future of Stablecoins: What Comes Next for Tether?

[Embedded YouTube video player]

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The stablecoin market stands at a pivotal point, poised for significant growth amid supportive regulation, rising adoption, and evolving use cases. However, challenges related to regulatory clarity and security remain critical areas to watch as the industry matures.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/tech/stablecoins-to-hit-1-9t-as-trust-surpasses-fees-in-exchanges/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=stablecoins-to-hit-1-9t-as-trust-surpasses-fees-in-exchanges

Saskatchewan Health Authority responds to Royal University Hospital overcrowding

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After Global News shared photos and videos submitted by concerned visitors to the Royal University Hospital (RUH), the Saskatchewan Health Authority held a press conference to address and clarify the sudden spike in patients.

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Watch the video above to hear more from 2025 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
https://globalnews.ca/news/11462206/saskatchewan-health-authority-responds-ruh-overcrowding/