Latest news with #TOI-Online
Economic Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Bill Gates Net Worth Fall: How did Microsoft co-founder lost 51 billion dollars? Here's his new global billionaire ranking and unique pledge
TOI-Online Bill Gates Net Worth Fall: Microsoft co-founder loses 51 billion dollars. See his new global billionaire ranking. Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, has seen his net worth fall by $51 billion in a few days. This change is due to his ongoing philanthropic activities. Gates has pledged to give away nearly all his fortune by Gates' net worth dropped from $175 billion to $124 billion between July 3 and Thursday, according to Bloomberg Billionaire Index. The decline was recorded over just a few days. Bloomberg also updated Gates' appreciation rates to reflect his recent charitable giving. As of Saturday, Gates' estimated fortune had dropped again to $123 billion. This new figure placed him 12th on the global billionaire rankings. Also Read: Bachelor in Paradise Season 10: ABC and Hulu release schedule, how to watch for free Gates is now ranked lower than his former Microsoft colleague, Steve Ballmer. Ballmer owns the Los Angeles Clippers and is currently worth $173 billion. He holds the fifth spot in the global list. Elon Musk remains at the top of the billionaire index. The Tesla and SpaceX founder has a net worth of $360 billion, according to has committed to giving away 99% of his wealth within 20 years. He plans to close the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation by December 31, 2045. In a blog post dated May 8, Gates stated that he does not want to be remembered as someone, who died wrote that there are too many urgent problems in the world. He believes that resources should be used to help people, not hoarded. Also Read: Big Brother Season 27: Release date, time, schedule, prize money, new houseguests, theme and where to watch Gates was inspired by the effects of his foundation's efforts in distributing vaccines in developing countries. The vaccines target diseases like diarrhea and pneumonia, which still cause many he also acknowledged that global progress in humanitarian aid has slowed. Gates noted reduced foreign aid from the US and Europe, especially due to conflicts in Ukraine and Gates Foundation was established in 2000 by Bill Gates and his former wife, Melinda. Since its creation, the foundation has donated over $100 billion. It is one of the largest philanthropic organizations in the world. The foundation aims to continue its work long after the deaths of its founders. Gates has not changed his position on his donations, even with his falling net worth. Why did Bill Gates lose 51 billion dollars? Bill Gates lost 51 billion dollars because he increased his charitable giving as part of his plan to donate 99% of his wealth by 2045. What is the Gates Foundation's donation total so far? The Gates Foundation has donated over 100 billion dollars since it was founded in the year 2000 by Bill and Melinda Gates.
Economic Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Vanessa Hudgens confirms second pregnancy with Cole Tucker while preparing for new film role
TOI-Online Vanessa Hudgens and Cole Tucker announce second pregnancy on Instagram, one year after welcoming their first child, as the High School Musical actress prepares for her upcoming film Quiet Storm (Image via Getty) Vanessa Hudgens shares baby announcement on Instagram Vanessa Hudgens confirmed her second pregnancy on July 12, 2025, posting Instagram photos in a cream maternity outfit with the caption 'Round two!!!!' The photos featured husband Cole Tucker, 29, playfully pointing at her baby bump. The announcement drew comments from celebrities including Ashley Benson and Jenna Dewan, who shared their support. Hudgens, 36, first rose to prominence for her role as Gabriella Montez in Disney's High School Musical franchise. A native of California, she won Star Search at age 15 and later appeared in major films such as Spring Breakers and Bad Boys: Ride or Die . Also read: Only Selena Gomez? Another celebrity joins the billionaire club as 28-year-old Hailey Bieber strikes $1 bi Following a nine-year relationship with actor Austin Butler, Hudgens met professional baseball player Cole Tucker through a 2020 Zoom meditation group. After seeing him online, she contacted him via Instagram direct message. The couple married in December 2023 during a jungle wedding ceremony in Tulum, Mexico. Hudgens later stated that seeing Tucker at the altar made her 'nearly collapse with joy.' Hudgens revealed her first pregnancy in March 2024 at the Academy Awards, where she co-hosted the red carpet pre-show. She gave birth to their first child in July 2024, though the child's sex has not been publicly disclosed. She later criticized media outlets and paparazzi for photographing her leaving the hospital, describing it as a 'disrespect' of their latest Instagram announcement marks exactly one year since the birth of her first child. The image, captioned 'Round two!!!!,' features Hudgens wearing a coordinated maternity outfit with a visible belly ring and receiving affectionate gestures from her husband. Public figures including Jenna Dewan responded in the comments with emojis and congratulatory read: Celebrity Bear Hunt: See release date, where to watch and contestants list Acting career resumes with upcoming lead role in Quiet Storm Despite new family responsibilities, Vanessa Hudgens continues to pursue acting projects. She recently launched a baby product brand titled A Star Is Born , offering musical toys and nursery items inspired by her experience as a mother. Hudgens is set to begin filming Quiet Storm next month, her first major lead role since becoming a parent. The upcoming film is set in 1969 and follows a young activist navigating racial and gender challenges during Hurricane Camille. The production will mark Hudgens' return to the screen as a leading actress, balancing both her film work and expanding family life.
Economic Times
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Economic Times
Experts warn Israel-Iran war outcome uncertain despite US involvement and Fordow claims
TOI-Online Former US, NATO rank holders and intelligence heads claim that even with US involvement in Israel's war with Iran, Iran stands on firm ground and has more stability amid predictions asserting a destabilized Iran Experts warn Israel-Iran war outcome uncertain despite US involvement and Fordow claims Amid recent statements from US President Donald Trump on June 22, claiming the successful destruction of Iran's Fordow nuclear facility, experts are expressing doubts that American involvement will secure Israel's broader strategic objectives in its ongoing conflict with Iran. Israel's campaign against Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs has escalated in recent weeks, with growing speculation that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu aimed to draw in the United States. However, military analysts, security experts, and former diplomats caution that even with US military assistance, Israel's objectives, reportedly including regime change in Tehran, may not be achievable and could lead to regional destabilization. Also read: US forces bomb Iranian nuclear sites; 'Fordow is gone' says Trump Strategic goals in doubt despite targeted strikes While Israel may have achieved operational success in striking specific Iranian targets, experts argue that these actions are unlikely to result in long-term strategic outcomes. Concerns persist about Israel's capacity to maintain a prolonged aerial campaign, particularly in the face of potential Iranian retaliation. 'There is a dominant trend in Israel going back to the formation of the state that has suggested to politicians that violence will deliver a solution to what are political problems,' said Toby Dodge, professor of international relations at the London School of Economics. 'My gut feeling is Iranian regime is more stable than has been suggested.' Analysts also point to Iran's decentralized defense system, which mirrors Hezbollah's network and complicates efforts to degrade its capabilities through conventional airpower. Fordow strike claim raises risk of escalation Trump's assertion that the Fordow facility, buried beneath nearly 90 meters of rock, has been destroyed remains unverified. Military specialists question whether US bunker-busting bombs could successfully penetrate the site and warn that such action could trigger retaliation against American assets. Also read: Steve Bannon's backroom role? Secret talks with Trump raise questions about U.S Iran strike strategy 'Subcontracting the Fordow job would put the United States in Iran's sights,' wrote former US Ambassador Daniel C. Kurtzer and former National Security Council official Steven N. Simon in Foreign Affairs . 'Iran would almost certainly retaliate by killing American civilians.' Experts note that escalation following such retaliation could draw the US into regime-change operations, a strategy unpopular among the American public. Operational momentum risks undermining strategy Questions have been raised about the coherence of Israel's approach, which appears heavily reliant on airpower with limited capacity for sustained conflict. Resource constraints, including fatigue among air crews, missile interceptor shortages, and aircraft maintenance cycles, may inhibit Israel's ability to continue high-tempo Krieg, associate professor at King's College London's Department of Defence Studies, said, 'We'd learned the lesson that air power alone doesn't work. And then we learned in Iraq and Afghanistan that even massive numbers of boots on ground doesn't work.'Krieg also emphasized that Iran's command structure is designed to withstand decapitation efforts. 'You can take out key nodes, but the best [Israel] can hope for in killing Khamenei would be to trigger the succession crisis which in any case had been anticipated,' he said. Also read: Trick or TACO? Why has Trump set a 2-week deadline for Iran? Netanyahu's assumption that Trump would commit US forces to the campaign may also be politically flawed, particularly given low public support for intervention and growing divisions within Trump's the absence of deeper US involvement, and with indirect talks between Iran and European countries underway in Geneva, analysts believe diplomatic avenues may still hold. Former NATO commander Wesley Clark has described successful air campaigns, such as Kosovo in 1999, as tools to bring adversaries to the negotiating table, not to achieve regime change.'If Khamenei has the sense to step back, if America doesn't come in,' said Dodge, 'then Israel has stuck its finger in a hornets' nest.'
Economic Times
07-06-2025
- Sport
- Economic Times
UFC 316: Preview, betting odds and predictions; Merab and Patchy Mix, top picks
TOI-Online Merab Dvalishvili, Dana White and Sean O'Malley. Photo via UFC/YouTube (screengrab) Every big UFC event comes with a swirl of questions, but UFC 316 feels especially charged. At the heart of it is whether Sean O'Malley has done enough — changed enough — to handle the relentless pressure of bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili in their highly anticipated rematch. The first fight wasn't close. Dvalishvili came forward like a storm and never let O'Malley breathe, let alone strike cleanly. Since then, O'Malley's made some noticeable changes behind the scenes. Different training partners, a shift in personal habits, a clear focus. But even the most polished version of O'Malley still has to deal with the same problem: Dvalishvili doesn't slow down. He breaks fighters with volume, cardio, and suffocating control. If you're betting this one, the value's in Merab by decision at -160. He's not a finisher, and O'Malley's durable enough to survive. But surviving isn't winning, and this matchup still tilts Merab's way. The co-main has its own kind of gravity. Kayla Harrison is a two-time Olympic gold medalist stepping into the UFC title picture — not in theory, not 'one day,' but right now. She's fighting Julianna Peña, a veteran who's already pulled off one of the biggest upsets in UFC history when she beat Amanda Nunes in 2021. Peña thrives as the underdog, and she's tough, but toughness alone doesn't neutralize judo throws and top pressure. Harrison will likely get her to the ground, and once she does, the finish is coming — either with strikes or a submission. You can bet Harrison by sub at +130 or by TKO at +275, but the smarter route might just be to take the double chance (submission or TKO/DQ) at -175 and cover both lanes. The only concern? Harrison didn't look great on the scales. If Peña can drag it into the fourth or fifth, things might get interesting. Further down the card, there are a few spots worth watching. Vicente Luque vs. Kevin Holland is the kind of fight that screams chaos on paper, but there's reason to believe it lasts a bit. Luque's a grinder with sneaky grappling, and Holland's no slouch off his back. They've both had quick finishes in the past, but this matchup looks like it could stretch into the second half. Over 1.5 rounds at -175 feels like the right call. Then there's Mario Bautista taking on Patchy Mix. Bautista's a hard-nosed, versatile fighter who knows how to win ugly. But Mix, a former Bellator champ, is stepping into the UFC while still in his athletic prime — and it shows. His past mistake, gassing out against Juan Archuleta in 2020, seems to have reshaped his entire approach. If he stays off the fence and sticks to the game plan, he should get it done. Mix at -180 on the moneyline is the play — not flashy, just solid. The most unpredictable of the bunch might be Kelvin Gastelum vs. Joe Pyfer. Pyfer's bigger, more powerful, and on the way up. Gastelum, though, has been through the fire and doesn't go away easily. Pyfer might win, but Gastelum's toughness makes a decision more likely than a finish. If you're leaning toward safety, bet the fight to go the distance at nearly even money (-105) and walk away without trying to predict which version of each guy shows up. Altogether, it's a card with more questions than answers — which is often when value appears for bettors. The matchups at the top have drama. The ones beneath are full of risk-reward. And by Sunday morning, we'll know whether the talk of change, redemption, and fresh starts were just fight-week noise — or something more.
Economic Times
10-05-2025
- Science
- Economic Times
Can Kosmos 482 survive the fall to Earth and the legacy of Soviet engineering
TOI-Online A titanium-clad descent module from Kosmos 482, built to survive Venus' harsh atmosphere, continues orbiting Earth after over 50 years—its Soviet-era engineering defying time as scientists monitor its rare reentry trajectory Image credits: X/@nexta_tv Kosmos 482, launched in 1972 as part of the now-defunct Soviet Union's ambitious space exploration program, is a spacecraft that has stirred considerable interest due to its imminent reentry into Earth's atmosphere. This spacecraft, designed for a mission to explore Venus, carries with it a rich history of Soviet engineering, blending durability with the high-stakes nature of space its reentry window set between May 9 and May 13, 2025, the question arises: how likely is it that Kosmos 482 will crash on Earth, and what are the factors that could determine whether this happens or not? Kosmos 482 is part of the Soviet Union's Venera program, which was dedicated to planetary exploration, particularly to Venus. This spacecraft is a testament to Soviet-made technology, particularly when considering the durability and design precision involved in its descent module, weighing around 495 kilograms and encased in a titanium shell, was designed to withstand Venus's extreme atmospheric conditions. This robust design suggests that, even after over 50 years in space, the spacecraft may have a higher chance of surviving reentry and potentially landing legacy of Soviet engineering, especially in the realm of spacecraft, is marked by a relentless pursuit of functionality and reliability. Soviet-made spacecraft like Kosmos 482 were designed with longevity in over-engineering has contributed to the spacecraft's ability to endure for decades, ensuring that Kosmos 482 remains a contender in the space race even now, despite its age. The careful attention to materials and structural integrity may help the spacecraft survive reentry. As of May 2025, Kosmos 482's reentry is expected to occur within a window between May 9 and May 13. The spacecraft's elliptical orbit, influenced by solar and terrestrial weather conditions, has made its descent path unpredictable. Given the spacecraft's age and the unpredictability of its trajectory, scientists have identified several potential impact zones: parts of the western hemisphere, including regions such as the Gulf of Oman, northeast Africa, and despite the potential risks, the probability of Kosmos 482 striking a populated area is extremely low. With Earth's surface covered mostly by oceans and uninhabited areas, experts believe that the chances of a direct hit on a specific person or populated region are minimal. In fact, some estimates put the odds of a spacecraft striking a person at 1 in several thousand to 1 in a trillion. The spacecraft's trajectory and controlled reentry strategies further reduce the likelihood of a crash on land. Beyond the question of reentry, Kosmos 482 continues to contribute valuable insights to the scientific community. Its decades-long orbital path has played a crucial role in improving models of atmospheric drag and space weather effects. This data has proven invaluable in refining satellite collision-avoidance systems and better understanding the behavior of space debris in low-Earth orbit. Kosmos 482's descent represents an important opportunity to examine how long-lived spacecraft continue to behave during reentry and how Earth's atmosphere interacts with objects in orbit. The space agencies responsible for monitoring the reentry of Kosmos 482—such as the Russian space agency Roscosmos and global space tracking organizations—have provided regular updates on the spacecraft's agencies consistently reaffirm that, while the risk of the spacecraft impacting a populated area is low, careful monitoring remains essential. Efforts to track space debris and monitor reentering objects have been significantly improved in recent years, allowing experts to predict reentry windows and identify potential impact 482 is a remarkable piece of Soviet engineering, and its longevity in space is a testament to the durability of Soviet-made spacecraft. While the possibility of a crash exists, the scientific community remains confident that the risk to populated areas is extremely spacecraft's reentry is being carefully monitored, and the data gathered from this event will continue to contribute to the field of space exploration and debris management. Despite its age, Kosmos 482 stands as a symbol of Soviet engineering prowess, and its controlled reentry presents a unique opportunity for scientific study.
