Why Climate Mayors Feel Buoyed by US Elections

When Donald Trump removed the US from the Paris Agreement during his first term, many mayors stepped up with pledges to cut their cities’ emissions. This grassroots response demonstrated the powerful role local leadership can play in addressing climate change, even when federal policies fall short.

Now, a similar pattern is unfolding once again. Following the recent US elections on Tuesday, mayors around the world are expressing cautious optimism. They are preparing to take action and reinforce their commitments to reducing emissions, highlighting the ongoing importance of city-level initiatives in the global climate movement.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2025-11-06/why-climate-mayors-feel-buoyed-by-us-elections

Hailey Bieber makes a surprising Rhode announcement in lingerie set and latex

Hailey Bieber has once again proven that no one makes a beauty announcement quite like her. The cosmetics founder took to Instagram to tease a new Rhode launch ahead of her birthday on November 22, this time with a sultry twist.

In the newly released Instagram images, Hailey lounged across crisp white sheets wearing an itsy black lingerie set paired with a latex leather jacket. She clutched a black pillow makeup bag embroidered with the Rhode logo, exuding effortless glamour.

In the caption, she hinted at “birthday essentials” arriving on November 11, teasing the upcoming limited-edition collection.

As always, her beauty look was effortlessly gorgeous. Justin Bieber’s wife’s skin had a stunning glow with her signature dewy finish—likely thanks to her own Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid or Barrier Repair Cream—and her signature nude glossy lip completed the look. Her wavy, chestnut brown hair added the finishing touch to her sleek yet effortless vibe.

### The Birthday Edit 2025: What to Expect

In the official press release, Rhode announced the launch of the *Birthday Edit 2025*, a new collection of essentials celebrating founder Hailey Bieber’s birthday month.

The celebratory release will include some cult-favorite products, such as the signature scented Peptide Lip Tints and a new oversized Bubble Bag—a slouchy makeup bag designed to hold all your essentials.

The four original Peptide Lip Tints—Ribbon, Toast, Raspberry Jelly, and Espresso—will now be offered in limited edition scents. However, the nourishing lip tint formula remains the same, loved by customers worldwide.

For fans who adored the original viral Lip Case, Hailey has also introduced a fresh iteration with a new design. The *Snap-On Lip Case* is reimagined with MagSafe technology, making it a versatile accessory.

This compact, lightweight case effortlessly snaps on and off while holding your Lip Tint or Treatment. It works with all MagSafe-compatible iPhone models and cases and will be available in Black (limited edition), White (limited edition), and Gray (core collection).

### When and Where to Buy

Wondering when you can get your hands on this exciting new launch? The *Birthday Edit* will be available to purchase exclusively at rhodeskin.com starting Thursday, November 12th.

Stay tuned and be ready to shop Hailey’s birthday essentials!

### More Beauty Highlights

– **Our editor-approved luxury beauty gift guide for Christmas 2025**
From sensorial skincare sets to signature-worthy perfumes, explore the most covetable beauty gifts of the festive season.

– **The 6 cool-girl pieces our editors are shopping from Next’s AW25 collection**
Bold color palettes, mood-boosting knitwear, and much more await in Next’s latest autumn drop.

– **The H! Fashion team’s must-have autumn makeup picks from Benefit to Laneige**
Discover the go-to cosmetic products perfect for the cozy season.

– **This chic AW25 supermarket collection has an outfit for every event in your festive calendar**
Model Abbey Clancy curates a stellar edit with F&F at Tesco, with prices starting at just £10.

– **Dame Pat McGrath opens up:** “I still get butterflies before a show and I still cry when a look comes together”
The legendary makeup artist shares insights on her artistry and new role at Louis Vuitton.

– **The October Beauty Edit: 15 products that are worth a permanent spot in your routine**
From cult-loved fragrances to indulgent body oils, these are the new launches our beauty editor is raving about.

– **Suki Waterhouse drips in gold with sheer bra and bronzed makeup look**
The British model created a sultry matching glam and outfit moment, perfect for autumn.

– **Princess Kate’s favourite lipsticks for autumn 2025: every shade and brand revealed**
From chic nude tones to soft pink nudes, these royal-approved shades are everything your makeup bag needs this season.
https://www.hellomagazine.com/hfm/beauty-trends/866003/hailey-bieber-rhode-announcement-lingerie-set/

Ripple, Mastercard & Gemini Pilot RLUSD for Faster Fiat Payments

**Ripple Sets the Ball Rolling to Pilot RLUSD Stablecoin for Fiat Settlements**

At this year’s Swell conference, Ripple unveiled a groundbreaking partnership with Mastercard, WebBank, and Gemini to pilot the use of its U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin, RLUSD, for settling fiat credit card transactions on the XRP Ledger (XRPL).

Notably, this move represents a major leap toward integrating blockchain technology into mainstream financial systems, bridging the gap between digital asset innovation and traditional payment infrastructure.

### Pilot Launch and Objectives

The pilot will launch with the Gemini Credit Card, issued by WebBank, to test RLUSD’s ability to deliver faster, cheaper, and more efficient fiat settlements. By integrating the stablecoin into Mastercard’s vast payment network, the initiative aims to demonstrate how blockchain can enhance transaction speed, transparency, and liquidity across institutional payment systems.

### A Bridge Between Blockchain and Banking

Executives from the participating firms described the initiative as a unified step toward merging traditional finance’s stability with blockchain’s speed and interoperability. Fully backed by U.S. dollar reserves, Ripple’s RLUSD acts as a secure digital settlement layer, delivering instant, compliant cross-network transfers that enhance liquidity and trust across payment systems.

Jason Lloyd, President and CEO of WebBank, welcomed this development, emphasizing the potential benefits it brings to institutional payments.

### Enhancing Institutional Payments

The XRP Ledger’s architecture enables near-instant settlements, ultra-low fees, and high scalability, making it ideal for testing stablecoin-powered credit card transactions. For Mastercard and WebBank, the collaboration could revolutionize how funds move across banks, merchants, and issuers by eliminating settlement delays and easing liquidity constraints in global payment networks.

Furthermore, the integration of RLUSD transforms Gemini’s credit card into a proving ground for next-generation payments, showcasing how blockchain-backed stablecoins can power everyday finance. This advancement paves the way for real-time fiat settlement, cutting counterparty risk and reducing operational costs across the payment ecosystem.

### Setting a Blueprint for Financial Interoperability

The Ripple-Mastercard-WebBank-Gemini partnership could redefine how stablecoins integrate with global payment networks. By merging Ripple’s blockchain infrastructure, Mastercard’s worldwide reach, and Gemini’s crypto expertise, the pilot sets a blueprint for real-world financial interoperability.

At its core, RLUSD anchors Ripple’s vision to unite traditional finance and blockchain, enabling faster, more transparent, and inclusive transactions across the global economy.

### Growing Institutional Interest

Meanwhile, RLUSD is gaining strong institutional interest, recently surpassing a $1 billion market valuation and emerging as one of the fastest-growing stablecoins in the market.

### Conclusion

Ripple’s partnership with Mastercard, WebBank, and Gemini marks a milestone in digital payments. By integrating RLUSD into Mastercard’s network, the collaboration showcases how blockchain can enhance traditional finance.

The pilot could enable fiat transactions to settle in seconds, backed by secure, transparent, and compliant infrastructure. More than a technical test, it signals a new era where stablecoins like RLUSD power faster, smarter, and more connected global payments.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/tech/ripple-mastercard-gemini-pilot-rlusd-for-faster-fiat-payments/

Schwab: Majority of Retail Investors Plan to Up ETF Allocations

**Retail Investors’ Appetite for ETFs Continues to Grow, Says Charles Schwab Asset Management Report**

Retail investors are increasingly enthusiastic about exchange-traded funds (ETFs), both experienced and potential users, according to the 14th annual “ETFs and Beyond” report from Charles Schwab Asset Management.

“It’s a continuation of the momentum we have been seeing. Investors continue to indicate they anticipate more of their investment portfolios going into ETFs in the future, such that they are actually thinking about a future where, in some cases, within five years, they may have an ETF-only portfolio,” said David Botset, head of strategy, innovation and stewardship at Schwab Asset Management.

### Survey Overview

The survey gathered responses from 2,000 retail investors, evenly split between those currently holding ETFs in their portfolios and those who do not. Among respondents with ETF holdings, 66% began investing in ETFs within the past five years, while 32% started investing before 2019. The findings were announced during the Schwab Impact conference held recently in Denver.

### Key Findings on ETF Usage

An overwhelming 93% of investors with ETF holdings consider ETFs a necessary part of their portfolio, and 82% identified ETFs as their preferred investment vehicle. Looking ahead, 61% reported plans to increase their ETF allocations in 2025, while 75% said they are likely to invest in another ETF within the next two years.

Currently, ETFs make up about 27% of these investors’ portfolios. They expect this allocation to grow to 34% within the next five years. Notably, 62% said they would shift money from individual stock investments into ETFs, and 51% would pull from mutual funds for this purpose. A smaller group (38%) intends to invest new money into ETFs.

### New vs. Experienced ETF Investors

Investors who began using ETFs in the past five years tend to plan larger increases in their ETF allocations compared to those with longer experience. Approximately half of both groups expect modest increases in the next year. However, 30% of newer investors plan significant increases, versus only 12% of experienced investors.

Regarding portfolio composition, 70% of newer ETF investors are open to allocating their entire portfolio to ETFs, compared with 49% of experienced investors. Similarly, 15% of new investors and 29% of experienced investors plan to maintain their current investment levels.

### Generational Differences

Millennial investors show the strongest enthusiasm for ETFs. Thirty-two percent plan significant increases in ETF holdings over the next year, compared to 20% of Gen X investors and only 6% of baby boomers. Additionally, 66% of millennials would consider an ETF-only portfolio, whereas just 42% of Gen X and 15% of baby boomers said the same.

### Interest Among Non-ETF Investors

Among investors without current ETF holdings, nearly half (48%) indicated they are likely to invest in an ETF within the next two years.

### Preferred Investment Strategies

The majority of surveyed investors (53%) build their ETF portfolios primarily around core strategies, supplemented by some tactical or niche holdings. Another 18% allocate their entire ETF portfolio to core strategies. U.S. equities remain the most popular asset class, with 52% planning to invest in it. Bonds/fixed income and cryptocurrency follow closely, each favored by 45% of respondents.

Other popular asset classes include emerging markets equities (41%), real assets (40%), international developed markets (29%), and alternatives (26%).

David Botset noted, “The majority of ETF investors are either using ETFs to establish a core investment portfolio, or they are doing a core investment portfolio with a small portion that is a little bit more tactical. An ETF, used in that way, can really serve the needs of a large variety of investors. In the same way that for many, many years, mutual funds have been serving that exact purpose. But ETF investors are seemingly using ETFs more and more in lieu of mutual funds.”

More than half of investors (54%) planned to invest in dividend ETFs. Single-stock ETFs came in second, with 36% interest.

### Passive vs. Active ETF Preferences

Investors showed a preference for passive ETFs when tracking U.S. equities, bonds/fixed income, international developed markets, and cryptocurrency. Conversely, active management was preferred for emerging market equities (39% active vs. 35% passive) and alternative investments (35% active vs. 32% passive).

The top reason for choosing actively managed ETFs was the potential to outperform index funds, cited by 63% of respondents. Other reasons included access to alternative strategies (51%), potential downside protection (45%), and access to specific funds or asset managers (41%).

### Factors Influencing ETF Choice

Total cost emerged as the most important factor for ETF selection, with 59% of respondents citing it—an increase of 200 basis points from the 2024 survey. The reputation of the ETF provider also influenced decisions for 55%.

Other factors, such as the ETF’s brand name (40%) and approach to investment stewardship (39%), were less critical in investors’ choices.

Both current ETF investors and those without ETF holdings expressed strong interest in optimizing tax strategies using ETFs (60% and 49%, respectively). Furthermore, investing in long-term trends and macro themes was important to 55% of current ETF investors and 39% of non-ETF investors.

### About the Survey

The annual study was conducted between July 25 and August 14, 2025. Eligible participants were aged 25 to 75, held at least $25,000 in investable assets, and if they did not already invest in ETFs, were at least somewhat familiar with the products. Independent research company Logica Research conducted the survey on behalf of Charles Schwab Asset Management.

This comprehensive report highlights the growing acceptance and enthusiasm for ETFs among retail investors and underscores the evolving preferences shaping ETF investment strategies.
https://www.wealthmanagement.com/etfs/schwab-majority-of-retail-investors-plan-to-up-their-etf-allocations

Clinical Informatics Market Size to Reach USD 755.10 Billion by 2032, Driven by AI Integration, Cloud Solutions, and Interoperable Digital Health Platforms – SNS Insider

**Clinical Informatics Market Size and Growth Analysis**
*Austin, Nov. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE)* – According to a report by SNS Insider, the Clinical Informatics Market was valued at USD 230.11 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 755.10 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 16.03% during the forecast period 2025-2032.

The growth of the clinical informatics market is primarily driven by the widespread digital transformation of healthcare systems, the adoption of AI-based analytics, and the shift toward cloud and interoperable platforms. As healthcare organizations seek to optimize care coordination, enhance patient safety, and streamline workflows, clinical informatics systems have become integral to next-generation health IT infrastructure.

Additionally, the rise of remote patient monitoring, telemedicine, and personalized medicine is boosting demand for integrated informatics solutions.

### United States Clinical Informatics Market Outlook
The United States clinical informatics market was valued at USD 83.11 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 252.06 billion by 2032, registering a CAGR of 14.93% over the same period.

### Market Overview
The clinical informatics market is undergoing rapid expansion as digital health ecosystems evolve to accommodate value-based care, interoperability mandates, and patient-centric models. Healthcare providers are increasingly adopting AI-enabled clinical decision support (CDS), predictive analytics, and automated documentation tools to improve outcomes and reduce administrative burden.

In the U.S., supportive government programs such as the HITECH Act, 21st Century Cures Act, and ongoing CMS interoperability initiatives continue to accelerate electronic data sharing and healthcare digitization. The push toward data-driven healthcare delivery, coupled with the demand for decentralized clinical trials and precision medicine, is expected to create substantial growth opportunities across the sector.

### Clinical Informatics Market Report Scope

| **Report Attributes** | **Details** |
|———————-|———————————————–|
| Market Size in 2024 | USD 230.11 billion |
| Market Size by 2032 | USD 755.10 billion |
| CAGR | 16.03% (2025-2032) |
| Base Year | 2024 |
| Forecast Period | 2025-2032 |
| Historical Data | 2021-2023 |
| **Key Segments** | By Type, Component, Deployment Type, End User |
| **Regional Coverage**| North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, Latin America |

**Key Segmentation Details:**
– **By Type:** Electronic Health Records (EHR), Clinical Trial Management System (CTMS), Clinical Data Management System (CDMS), Randomization and Trial Supply Management, Electronic Trial Master File, Electronic Patient Reported Outcomes (ePRO).
– **By Component:** Software, Services
– **By Deployment Type:** Cloud-Based, On-premise
– **By End User:** Hospitals, Ambulatory Surgery Centers, Other End Users

### Clinical Informatics Market Segmentation Analysis

**By Type**
In 2024, electronic health records dominated the clinical informatics market with approximately 36.4% market share. This is due to global mandates for maintaining digital records, enhanced clinical documentation, and government efforts promoting interoperability. The fastest-growing segment is electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePRO), driven by increasing adoption of remote monitoring solutions and decentralized clinical trials.

**By Component**
Software held the largest segment share in 2024 at around 62.7%, fueled by growing adoption of AI, analytics, and integration solutions across EHRs, CDMS, and CTMS platforms. Services emerged as the fastest-growing segment, with rising demand for implementation assistance, system integration, user education, and analytics consultancy—particularly among smaller and midsize providers lacking in-house IT teams.

**By Deployment Type**
Cloud-based deployment is the fastest-growing model in 2024, attributed to scalability, lower upfront costs, and the rising need for remote data access. On-premise deployment had the largest market share of 55.2% in 2024, favored by large hospitals and research institutes seeking greater control over data security and infrastructure customization.

**By End User**
Hospitals accounted for the largest market share in 2024 with 68.9%, driven by adoption of integrated clinical informatics systems for inpatient and outpatient care, along with regulatory compliance and revenue cycle management. Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) are the fastest-growing segment, propelled by outpatient care trends, demand for real-time reporting, and compact cloud-based informatics solutions that improve procedural efficiency and reduce administrative workload.

### Regional Insights

**North America**
North America held the largest share of the global clinical informatics market in 2024, supported by high digital health penetration, excellent healthcare infrastructure, and robust policy frameworks encouraging EHR adoption and interoperability initiatives.

**Asia Pacific**
The Asia Pacific region is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period, driven by a growing patient population, increasing healthcare data management needs, and government initiatives supporting healthcare IT adoption.

### Major Players in the Clinical Informatics Market

– AdvancedMD
– Allscripts Healthcare Solutions
– Athenahealth, Inc.
– Cerner Corporation (Oracle Health)
– Dedalus
– eClinicalWorks
– Epic Systems Corporation
– GE HealthCare Technologies Inc.
– McKesson Corporation
– NextGen Healthcare, Inc.
– NVIDIA Corporation
– Optum, Inc.
– SAS Institute
– Siemens Healthineers
– Veradigm
– Wipro

### Recent Developments

– **May 2025:** Kathiravan Kalaivan, a graduate of Duke’s Master of Management in Clinical Informatics program, highlighted the importance of leading through complexity by integrating technical innovation with clinical workflow integrity.
– **February 2025:** Philips and Mass General Brigham announced a strategic collaboration to develop a unified, near-real-time data and AI insights platform.

### Exclusive Report Sections (USPs)

– **Adoption Rate of Clinical Informatics Solutions (2024):** Explore regional implementation trends, focusing on markets with strong digital health infrastructure and government initiatives.
– **Health Data Generation & Utilization Trends (2024):** Understand how different healthcare segments generate and leverage patient data for predictive analytics, operational efficiency, and improved outcomes.
– **Clinical Decision Support (CDS) System Usage (2021-2032):** Track the adoption trajectory of CDS systems across hospitals, clinics, and research settings, illustrating AI and automation’s growing role.
– **Healthcare IT Spending on Clinical Informatics (2024):** Analyze financial commitments by governments, private investors, and grants to informatics infrastructure.
– **Interoperability & Integration Index (2024):** Identify countries excelling in seamless data exchange across EHRs, labs, and health networks, highlighting unified healthcare ecosystem advancements.
– **Workforce Trends in Clinical Informatics (2024):** Investigate global employment patterns, skill shortages, training investments, and evolving roles of informatics professionals.

### Get the Complete Clinical Informatics Market Report

For more information or to request customized research on the Clinical Informatics Market, please contact us at:
**Email:** info@snsinsider.com

### About SNS Insider
SNS Insider is a leading global market research and consulting firm dedicated to providing clients with up-to-date, accurate market data, consumer insights, and expert opinions. We utilize diverse methodologies—including surveys, expert interviews, and global focus groups—to empower clients in making confident, informed decisions in a rapidly evolving market landscape.
https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/11/06/3182248/0/en/Clinical-Informatics-Market-Size-to-Reach-USD-755-10-Billion-by-2032-Driven-by-AI-Integration-Cloud-Solutions-and-Interoperable-Digital-Health-Platforms-SNS-Insider.html

iOS 18.7.2 and iPadOS 18.7.2 Are Out With Security Fixes

Apple has released iOS 18.7.2 and iPadOS 18.7.2, bringing important security fixes for users who have not yet installed the previous updates for these operating systems.

These new updates address multiple security vulnerabilities, including issues within the App Store, Find My app, and Apple Intelligence that could potentially allow apps to fingerprint users without their consent. Additionally, Apple has resolved several Safari and WebKit-related flaws where processing maliciously crafted web content might cause unexpected process crashes.

Another critical vulnerability has been patched, which previously allowed web apps to monitor keystrokes without user permission — a significant privacy concern.

For a complete list of security improvements included in these updates, you can visit Apple’s official support page. Installing these updates as soon as possible is highly recommended to ensure that your iPhones and iPads remain protected against potential threats.

In related news, on November 3, Apple also released macOS Sequoia 15.7.2 and macOS Sonoma 14.8.2, which contain various security fixes aimed at enhancing the protection of Mac devices.
https://www.thurrott.com/apple/329304/ios-18-7-2-and-ipados-18-7-2-are-out-with-security-fixes

EXPLOSIVE: Siddharth Sharma BLASTS makers of Soorya for non-payment of dues: “Producer told me, ‘Main toh pay nahin karunga. Tujhe jo karna hai, tu kar’; they are RUINING Sunny Deol sir’s name…they made me shoot an ad for Manyavar WITHOUT my consent, knowledge”

In a shocking development, actor Siddharth Sharma took to his Instagram handle to announce that he has dissociated himself from the Sunny Deol-starrer *Soorya*. In his post, he revealed that he has initiated legal proceedings against the makers of the film.

Bollywood Hungama exclusively spoke to Siddharth Sharma to understand what went wrong.

“This has happened for the first time in my career of 7-8 years. I have worked with T-Series for almost 5 years with Balaji, but I never faced something of this sort,” Siddharth began.

### Explosive Allegations: Non-Payment and Misuse of Image

Siddharth blasted the makers of *Soorya* for non-payment of dues. He shared an alarming quote from the producer:
> “Main toh pay nahin karunga. Tujhe jo karna hai, tu kar.”

He further added,
> “They are ruining Sunny Deol sir’s name. They made me shoot an ad for Manyavar without my consent or knowledge.”

### How the Project Came About

Siddharth explained, “When I was working on the reality show *Lock Upp*, the producers of *Soorya* approached Kangana Ranaut to reach out to me, as they wanted me to sign their film.”

He added that the makers obtained his contact details through Vinay Sapru and Radhika Rao, the directors of his biggest hit to date, “*Leja Re*,” which has over 1 billion views on T-Series’ YouTube channel. Both had previously worked with the film’s producer Kamal Mukut on *Sanam Teri Kasam* (2016), and the makers used their reference to contact Siddharth.

### Signing and Shooting the Film

“At first, I didn’t entertain their offers. But then, my brother called me inside the *Lock Upp* house and told me that the producers had signed Sunny Deol and were looking for a younger actor for an important role,” Siddharth shared. The film was pitched to him as a Sunny Deol-starrer.

By 2022, having already worked on Season 2 of *Punch Beat*, Siddharth signed an agreement with the producers and began shooting in Jaipur.

“The first schedule got over. It was not great, but overall fine. Our contract stated that I’d receive a signing amount plus 20% of my remaining fees after 50% of the shoot was complete,” he said.

### Delays and Payment Issues

However, the film got postponed, and despite the producers repeatedly asking for his dates, they kept canceling the shoot schedule. Siddharth noticed that the producers were facing financial difficulties at the time, so he did not press them too hard.

“But after the success of *Gadar 2* and the re-release of *Sanam Teri Kasam*, they had money. They also had the power, and I guess they felt it was okay to not adhere to my contract and not pay me,” Siddharth alleged.

He recalled,
> “They used to speak very sweetly, ‘Beta, shoot kar le. After 3 years, we are finally resuming the shoot. Sunny Deol has finally agreed to shoot.’ This is how they convinced me.”

### Contract Dispute and Refusal to Pay

Siddharth then asked for a fresh contract since the original was signed back in 2022. He also requested a raise, noting that Sunny Deol and other actors were getting fee hikes. The producers refused both requests.

“I said, ‘Fair enough. But please pay me my remaining dues.’ I had to cancel dates for another film I was committed to in order to shoot *Soorya*. I gave the film my everything,” he explained.

When Siddharth repeatedly asked for the payment, the producer kept saying, “Abhi paise nahin hai” or “we haven’t started clearing the payments.”

Eventually, Siddharth said the producer threatened him over the phone:
> “Main toh pay nahin karunga. Tujhe jo karna hai, tu kar le. Tu apne aap ko bada hero samajta hai. Toh ban le hero.”

He condemned this behavior, saying, “I was always talking to them humbly.”

### Refusal to Participate in Dubbing and Promotions

As per the contract, Siddharth is obligated to complete dubbing and promotions for the film. However, he stated,
> “I won’t be indulging in these activities until they pay me my rightful dues.”

He also accused the producers of cheating him in a theatrical ad shoot for Manyavar.

### Unauthorized Usage in Manyavar Advertisement

“They said it was a part of the film, a scene. But I had the bound script, and that scene wasn’t in it. They claimed, ‘We have added it later creatively,’” Siddharth explained.

He revealed that the Manyavar ad was shot without his consent or knowledge, which he considers cheating. It was only later that Manyavar informed him about a promotional exercise involving him because he had shot an ad for their brand.

Siddharth added,
> “The ad features me, Sunny Sir, and Virti Vaghani, who has previously worked in *Aarya* as Sushmita Sen’s daughter.”

### Legal Steps Taken

With no other option left, Siddharth sent a legal notice to the makers, but they did not respond. This prompted him to make the issue public on his Instagram handle.

### Despite the Troubles, Siddharth Appreciates the Film

Despite the ongoing issues, Siddharth praised the film:
> “The film is fantastic. The songs are very nice. They have changed the film quite a bit. It is no longer the same script that I signed for. But I am okay with it as it’s a creative call and if it benefits the film.”

He appealed to the producers, saying,
> “At least pay me my dues and stick to the legal agreement. Otherwise, what’s the point of doing an agreement?”

### Final Remarks

Siddharth expressed concern over the film’s makers misusing Sunny Deol’s name:
> “They are ruining the name of Sunny Deol sir. They pitch the film using his name, saying, ‘Woh hamare hero hai; hamare saath kaam kar rahe hai.’ They further claim that they have been in the business since the 1970s and have worked with stalwarts like Rishi Kapoor. So one expects to be in safe hands. But alas.”

Attempts to contact producer Kamal Mukut for comment were unsuccessful.

**Also Read:**
Sunny Deol announces new film *Ikka*, unveils first look motion poster.

**BOLLYWOOD NEWS LIVE UPDATES**
https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/explosive-siddharth-sharma-blasts-makers-soorya-non-payment-dues-producer-told-main-toh-pay-nahin-karunga-tujhe-jo-karna-hai-tu-kar-ruining-sunny-deol-sirs-name/

Mo Abudu’s Pan-African Digital Platform EbonyLife ON Plus Launches Globally

**EbonyLife Group Launches EbonyLife ON Plus: A Global Digital Lifestyle Platform**

EbonyLife Group has officially launched its digital platform, **EbonyLife ON Plus**, on a global scale. EbonyLife CEO, Mo Abudu, describes the service as “a complete lifestyle ecosystem” built around five key experience pillars: **Watch It, Learn It, Shop It, Win It, and Live It**.

Members of EbonyLife ON Plus will enjoy a diverse range of offerings all within one digital destination. These include watching original films and series, participating in curated masterclasses, shopping for African fashion and art, accessing exclusive rewards, and taking part in real-life events.

### Exciting Content Lineup

The platform’s film selection features Idris Elba’s Lagos-set short film **Dust to Dreams**, starring Seal, along with its companion documentary, *Dust to Dreams: Behind the Scenes*, directed by Isioma Osaje.

Also available are two projects written and directed by Mo Abudu: **Her Perfect Life** and **Iyawo Mi**. These works delve into complex themes such as identity, mental health, and the realities behind personal success.

EbonyLife TV’s limited series **Baby Farm**, which explores the dark realities of human trafficking in Lagos and premiered on Netflix earlier this year, will be available exclusively on EbonyLife ON Plus.

Further exclusive content includes Kayode Kasum’s Nollywood family drama **Ajosepo**, which premiered in cinemas last year, and **Black, Brilliant & Bold**, a series celebrating inspiring Black women leaders such as Angélique Kidjo, Ayra Starr, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, President Sahle-Work Zewde, Mayor Karen Bass, and Mellody Hobson.

### Podcasts and Masterclasses

Subscribers can also dive into Mo Abudu’s podcasts, **Moments with Mo** and **Mo & Ted**, alongside **What Women Really Think**—a podcast exploring themes of love, desire, power, career, and identity.

In addition, the platform will launch the **Mo Abudu Masterclass Series**, beginning with “Purpose, Passion and Vision,” a monthly session designed to guide members in aligning their goals with meaning and impact.

### Learning and Empowerment with ELEV8

Members gain exclusive access to **ELEV8**, an AI-driven learning tool featuring over 5,000 videos. This comprehensive resource offers opportunities to develop new skills, explore diverse cultures, and discover exciting new possibilities.

### A Platform Rooted in African Creativity

“EbonyLife ON Plus puts African stories back in African hands,” Mo Abudu emphasized. “We pride ourselves on being more than a streaming platform. This is a space that celebrates every dimension of African creativity, from the stories we tell to the way we live, learn, and connect.”

She added, “It is a platform designed to inspire, empower, and connect while ensuring that the economic and cultural benefits of storytelling remain on the continent.”

EbonyLife ON Plus is set to revolutionize digital content by offering a unique, all-encompassing experience that celebrates African culture and creativity while providing entertainment, education, and empowerment for its members worldwide.
https://deadline.com/2025/11/mo-abudus-african-digital-platform-ebonylife-on-plus-1236608524/

Imanaga becomes eligible for free agency after Cubs, pitcher turn down options, AP source says

CHICAGO (AP) — Left-hander Shota Imanaga has become eligible for free agency after the Chicago Cubs declined an option to extend his contract for the 2026-28 seasons, which would have guaranteed $57 million. Additionally, Imanaga himself turned down a $15.25 million option for 2026, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press. The source spoke on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the team had not yet announced the decisions.

Imanaga initially agreed to a contract in January 2024 that guaranteed $53 million. Over two seasons, he earned $23.25 million, which included a $250,000 escalator for 2025 after finishing fourth in the 2024 National League Cy Young Award voting.

The Cubs faced a deadline this week to decide whether to exercise their option for $20.25 million each in 2026 and 2027, and $17.25 million in 2028. These figures could have increased by $250,000 annually due to the escalator clause. Once the team declined the option, Imanaga had the choice on a separate 2026 option. If he had exercised that, it would have triggered club options worth $24.25 million in 2027 and $15.25 million in 2028.

The Cubs still have the option to extend Imanaga a qualifying offer of $22,025,000 for 2026. Should he decline this offer and sign with another team before the amateur draft, Chicago would receive a draft pick as compensation.

Imanaga, 32, was an All-Star in 2024, finishing the season with a 15-3 record and a 2.91 ERA, and placing fourth in NL Rookie of the Year voting. During the current season, he posted a 9-8 record with a 3.73 ERA in 25 starts. His season was interrupted between May 24 and June 26 by a strained left hamstring.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
https://wgntv.com/sports/ap-sports/ap-imanaga-becomes-eligible-for-free-agency-after-cubs-pitcher-turn-down-options-ap-source-says/

Tangem Launches Virtual Visa Card for Stablecoin Payments – Is Best Wallet Next?

**Tangem Launches Tangem Pay: A Self-Custodial Virtual Visa Card for Spending USDC**

Cryptocurrency wallet provider Tangem has announced the launch of **Tangem Pay**, a self-custodial virtual Visa card that allows users to spend USDC anywhere. Developed in collaboration with US payment infrastructure company Paera, Tangem Pay will be compatible with millions of merchants worldwide and will directly connect to Tangem’s hardware wallet. Additionally, it will support payments through Apple Pay and Google Pay.

The initial rollout is scheduled for late November in the US, followed by expansions into Latin America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Tangem has long been committed to delivering a fully self-custodial experience by eliminating shady third parties and cumbersome KYC procedures. However, Tangem Pay will require KYC compliance. The company has stressed that stablecoin infrastructure provider Rain will handle all compliance and settlement aspects of Tangem Pay.

“If a user is sanctioned or engaged in illegal activity, our regulatory partner — not Tangem — can disconnect the payment card from the payment network. Again, no one has access to the Tangem wallet itself, and Tangem Pay’s KYC has no effect on this,” explains Tangem Pay CEO Marcos Nunes.

This development has sparked concerns among users seeking true anonymity, leading to increased interest in alternatives like **Best Wallet**.

### Best Wallet Emerges as a Privacy-Focused Alternative

**Best Wallet** is a new mobile crypto wallet promising **no KYC**, complete self-custody, and an intuitive user experience. It is currently gaining traction thanks to its viral token presale, which invites users to share in its growth.

#### Launching a Crypto Payment Card

Best Wallet is a feature-rich, non-custodial wallet providing users full control over their private keys. Secured with Fireblocks’ MPC technology, this wallet revolutionizes how users interact with cryptocurrencies by offering more than simple storage.

Features include:
– Reduced transaction fees
– Cross-chain swaps
– Exclusive presale access

One of the most anticipated features is the **Best Card** — an everyday crypto shopping card similar to Tangem Pay. Best Card offers a seamless payment experience at merchants worldwide that accept Mastercard. Unlike Tangem Pay, Best Card will support payments in a wide range of cryptocurrencies, not just stablecoins.

Being a multi-chain, multi-wallet app, Best Wallet allows users to transfer assets across top blockchains and between several wallets. Its built-in cross-chain swaps enable smooth conversions between cryptocurrencies without relying on third-party intermediaries such as centralized exchanges.

Most importantly, Best Wallet is fully **No-KYC**, appealing to users who prioritize privacy and the original vision behind self-custody wallets.

With these standout features, Best Wallet aims to capture 40% of the crypto wallet market share by 2026 — a goal that appears well within reach. Interested users are encouraged to learn more in our complete [Best Wallet review].

### Best Wallet Token (EST) Presale Nears $17M: A Potential Crypto Breakout?

As cryptocurrency adoption grows in retail settings, platforms like Tangem Pay and Best Wallet stand to benefit the most. From an investor’s perspective, these projects unlock a broad range of opportunities.

The **EST token**, Best Wallet’s native cryptocurrency, is currently available at early-bird prices during an ongoing presale. EST fuels the Best Wallet ecosystem and unlocks benefits such as:
– Early access to vetted presales
– Reduced fees
– Higher staking rewards
– Voting rights within the ecosystem

Experts predict that EST could climb to $0.072 by the end of this year and potentially reach $0.62 by 2026, driven by organic demand from its growing user base, which already numbers in the hundreds of thousands.

Currently, you can purchase EST for just $0.025905 and earn a staking APY of 78%. For detailed instructions, check out our [How to Buy EST] guide.

**Note:** The next presale price increase is only a few hours away, and the staking APY will decrease as more investors participate. Early joiners can lock in the best deal.

As always, we remind our readers to perform their own research before investing. This is not financial advice.

Stay tuned for more updates on the evolving landscape of crypto wallets and payment solutions.
https://bitcoinist.com/tangem-launches-stablecoin-visa-card-is-best-wallet-token-next/