Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, made history in October by becoming the first person to achieve a net worth exceeding $500 billion. Despite this astronomical wealth, Musk has consistently maintained a surprisingly modest lifestyle. In 2021, he revealed that he resides in a $50,000 prefabricated home in Texas, near SpaceX’s Starbase facility. His former partner, Grimes, echoed this sentiment in a 2022 interview with Vanity Fair, stating that Musk often lives “below the poverty line” and once refused to replace a mattress with a hole in it. However, Musk’s frugality in daily life contrasts sharply with his penchant for extravagant purchases, such as his $44 billion acquisition of Twitter in 2022 and his collection of unique vehicles, including a James Bond-inspired Lotus Esprit submarine car. Musk’s real estate journey has been equally intriguing. After amassing a $100 million portfolio of seven Bel-Air properties, he announced in 2020 that he would sell nearly all his physical possessions to focus on his Mars and Earth endeavors. He retained one exception: the former home of actor Gene Wilder, which he later reclaimed in 2025 after the buyer defaulted on payments. Musk’s philanthropic efforts have also drawn attention. While he has donated billions to various causes, critics argue that his charity work is often self-serving, with significant tax benefits and donations to organizations linked to his businesses. Musk defends his ventures as inherently philanthropic, claiming that Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink are advancing humanity’s progress. Despite his immense wealth, Musk’s lifestyle remains unconventional, often rotating through friends’ spare bedrooms during his travels.
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Sanjay Khan’s wife and Sussanne-Zayed’s mother, Zarine Khan passes away
Zarine Khan, the beloved wife of veteran actor-director Sanjay Khan and mother to Bollywood personalities Zayed Khan and Sussanne Khan, has passed away. The news of her demise has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with close friends and family gathering to pay their respects. Her final rites are scheduled for Friday at 4 pm at the Juhu crematorium in Mumbai, followed by a prayer meet on Monday at JW Marriott, Mumbai.
Zarine Khan, a pillar of strength and love, leaves behind a legacy of family unity and enduring relationships. She is survived by her husband, Sanjay Khan, and their four children: Zayed Khan, Sussanne Khan, Farah Khan Ali, and Simone Arora. Earlier this year, Zarine and Sanjay celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary, a testament to their unwavering bond. Their daughter, Farah Khan Ali, shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, highlighting the love and resilience that defined their marriage and family life.
As the Khan family mourns this profound loss, details surrounding the cause of Zarine’s passing remain undisclosed. Her life, marked by love, laughter, and an unbreakable family spirit, will continue to inspire those who knew her and the countless admirers of the Khan family legacy.
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Gunshots end months-long Canadian ostrich cull saga that captivated RFK Jr
The culling of over 300 ostriches in British Columbia has ignited a heated debate, drawing attention from across Canada and beyond. The birds, owned by Universal Ostrich Farms, were ordered to be euthanized after two tested positive for avian flu (H5N1) following an outbreak that claimed 69 birds. Despite a months-long legal battle that reached the Supreme Court of Canada, the farm owners were unable to overturn the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) decision. The court dismissed the case on Thursday, allowing the cull to proceed. The decision has been met with widespread protest, with supporters including American grocery billionaire John Catsimatidis, US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr., and celebrity doctor Dr. Mehmet Oz, who even offered to adopt the birds. The farm’s co-owner, Katie Pasitney, expressed her devastation in a tearful video, stating, ‘Shame on you Canada. The world is watching.’ The ostriches had become a political symbol, with critics accusing the Canadian government of overreach. The case has also highlighted tensions in the small town of Edgewood, where the farm is located, with local businesses reporting disruptions caused by protesters. The CFIA defended its decision, emphasizing the need to protect public health and Canada’s poultry industry. Meanwhile, Kennedy and others have argued for studying the birds for potential immunity to avian flu, rather than culling them. The saga has underscored the complexities of balancing public health measures with ethical and legal concerns.
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Kim Kardashian laughs off savage reviews for her TV drama
Kim Kardashian has taken a bold stance against critics of her latest legal drama, ‘All’s Fair,’ by showcasing fan reactions on social media. The Disney+ series, in which Kardashian portrays top divorce lawyer Allura Grant, has been met with scathing reviews from major publications. The Guardian described it as ‘so awful, it feels almost contemptuous,’ while The Times labeled it ‘the worst TV drama ever.’ Despite this, Kardashian humorously promoted the show to her 354 million Instagram followers, calling it ‘the most critically acclaimed show of the year.’ The series currently holds a dismal 5% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, though it fares better with audiences at 66%. Kardashian shared fan comments, including one that joked critics’ negative reviews inadvertently drove viewership. The show boasts a star-studded cast, including Sarah Paulson, Naomi Watts, Glenn Close, Niecy Nash, and Teyana Taylor. One fan quipped, ‘Does a show need to be good? The answer is no.’ Another praised the ‘legendary actresses’ for their ‘worst performances,’ calling it ‘amazeballs.’ This marks Kardashian’s second acting role after her well-received appearance in ‘American Horror Story.’ ‘All’s Fair’ reunites her with showrunner Ryan Murphy, known for hits like ‘Glee’ and ‘Pose.’ Critics have torn the show apart, with The Huffington Post calling it a ‘boring dud’ and Variety labeling it a ‘clumsy take on girlboss feminism.’ However, Kardashian remains undeterred, sharing Disney Hulu data confirming the show as the most-watched title on Disney+ globally, ranking first in 28 countries, including the US.
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UAE: Schengen visa appointments ‘almost full’ amid plans for festive Europe holidays
As the festive season approaches, UAE residents are scrambling to secure Schengen visas to experience Europe’s enchanting Christmas villages and winter wonderlands. Travel agencies report that visa appointment slots are nearly fully booked, with high demand pushing availability well into the new year. Subair Thekepurathvalappil, senior manager at Wisefox Tourism, noted that while visas for Malta, Bulgaria, and Poland are still available this month, appointments for the Netherlands and Germany are already booked until March and January, respectively. The surge in demand reflects the growing popularity of European destinations during the holiday season. Among Schengen countries, Switzerland remains the top choice for UAE travellers, followed by Italy, Spain, and France, known for their scenic towns and festive atmospheres. Travel consultants like Pavan Poojary of Luxury Travels emphasize that many residents are planning their trips around visa availability rather than preferred travel dates. With processing times averaging 15 days, securing a visa in time for Christmas travel requires careful planning. For those unable to secure Schengen visas, lesser-known destinations such as Bulgaria and Malta remain viable options. Travel experts advise early applications to avoid disappointment, as the allure of Europe’s winter charm continues to draw crowds.
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Kendrick Lamar and Lady Gaga lead 2026 Grammy nominations
The 2026 Grammy Awards nominations have been unveiled, with Lady Gaga and Kendrick Lamar leading the pack. Lamar, the Compton rapper, secures nine nominations, including Album of the Year for his critically acclaimed GNX. This marks his second consecutive year as the most-nominated artist. Lady Gaga follows closely with seven nominations, including Album of the Year for Mayhem, a project that revisits her electro-pop roots. Notably, K-Pop has made a groundbreaking entry into the Song of the Year category, with Rosé and Bruno Mars’ APT and Hunter/x’s Golden from the Netflix animated film K-Pop Demon Hunters both earning spots. This is the first time K-Pop has been recognized in this prestigious category. Additionally, Lamar and SZA’s Luther, which dominated the US Billboard charts for 11 weeks, has garnered multiple nominations. The Album of the Year category also sees a historic moment with three rap albums—Lamar’s GNX, Tyler, The Creator’s Chromakopia, and Clipse’s Let God Sort Em Out—making the shortlist for the first time. Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny, set to headline the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show, is also nominated for his innovative Spanish-language album Debí Tirar Más Fotos. Other notable nominees include Sabrina Carpenter, Billie Eilish, and British stars Olivia Dean and Lola Young in the Best New Artist category. The awards ceremony will take place on February 1, 2026, in Los Angeles.
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Canadian University Dubai Incubator launches first innovation start-up
Canadian University Dubai (CUD) has unveiled TrustPaper, the first patented start-up to emerge from its business Incubator, marking a significant milestone in document security and authenticity. Powered by ZipTrust, a blockchain-enabled technology, TrustPaper introduces a revolutionary solution that allows for the secure and automatic verification of documents within seconds. This innovation integrates Near Field Communication (NFC) and copyright protection technology directly into academic credentials, enabling instant verification via QR codes or NFC chips using mobile devices. This eliminates the risk of forgery or tampering while ensuring seamless validation. Additionally, TrustPaper stores a digital twin of documents on the blockchain, ensuring lifelong access and security. As part of CUD’s commitment to sustainability and social impact, 25% of the venture’s royalty proceeds will be allocated to an endowment fund supporting equality in education. TrustPaper was officially launched under the brand promise ‘Authenticity You Can Hold’ at the CUD Hub in Dubai City Walk. The event featured a panel discussion with Prof. Karim Chelli, CUD’s president and vice chancellor, and a fireside chat with TrustPaper’s founders. Prof. Chelli emphasized the university’s role as a catalyst for innovation, fostering collaboration to address real-world challenges. Caeser Medel, CEO and founder of ZipTrust, highlighted the project’s alignment with Dubai’s vision for progress and innovation, underscoring the role of technology in building trust and empowerment. TrustPaper also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in advancing Quality Education, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. By bridging traditional paper-based documentation with cutting-edge technology, CUD aims to promote equitable access to secure academic credentials worldwide.
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Republican Rep Elise Stefanik announces run for New York governor
Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has officially declared her candidacy for the 2026 New York gubernatorial race, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown with incumbent Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul. Stefanik, a prominent ally of former President Donald Trump, made her announcement on X, where she launched a scathing critique of Hochul, labeling her as “the worst governor in America” and accusing her of transforming New York into “the most unaffordable state in the nation.”
Hochul swiftly countered, characterizing Stefanik as Trump’s “number one cheerleader in Congress” and his “right-hand woman in his war on New York.” Stefanik, who has represented New York’s 21st congressional district since 2014, has long been a vocal supporter of Trump, particularly during his first impeachment in 2019. Trump had initially nominated her for the role of United Nations ambassador during his second term but withdrew the nomination to preserve the Republican majority in the House of Representatives.
Stefanik also criticized Hochul for her late endorsement of New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, accusing her of aligning with “the raging Defund the Police, Tax Hiking Communist” policies that she claims have harmed New York families. A September poll by Siena College revealed that in a hypothetical matchup, Hochul would lead with 52% support compared to Stefanik’s 27%. However, the same poll indicated significant dissatisfaction with Hochul’s leadership, with only 37% of respondents willing to support her re-election in 2026, while 51% expressed a preference for a different candidate.
Hochul already faces a primary challenge from her lieutenant governor, Anthony Delgado. If Stefanik secures the Republican nomination, she would aim to become the first Republican governor of New York since George Pataki, who left office in 2007. The race is expected to be a pivotal moment in New York politics, reflecting broader national divisions and the enduring influence of Trump within the Republican Party.
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Quiz: How big is one trillion?
Tesla’s board has greenlit a staggering compensation package for CEO Elon Musk, potentially worth up to $1 trillion. This astronomical figure, however, is contingent upon Musk meeting a series of ambitious performance milestones for the electric vehicle giant. The package, which has sparked widespread debate, underscores the immense value Musk brings to Tesla and the high stakes involved in maintaining the company’s trajectory. To put this colossal sum into perspective, consider that $1 trillion is equivalent to the GDP of several small nations combined. The approval of this package not only highlights Musk’s pivotal role in Tesla’s success but also raises questions about corporate governance and executive compensation in the modern era. As Musk continues to push the boundaries of innovation, this pay package could further cement his status as one of the most influential figures in the business world.
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US federal judge orders Trump administration to fully fund SNAP food assistance by Friday
In a decisive ruling on Thursday, a US federal judge ordered the Trump administration to fully fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by Friday, amidst the ongoing government shutdown. Chief Judge John McConnell of the US District Court for the District of Rhode Island emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating, ‘People have gone without for too long; not making payments to them for even another day is simply unacceptable.’ McConnell directed the Agriculture Department to utilize a contingency fund to ensure SNAP benefits are disbursed ‘as soon as possible.’ Earlier in the week, the department had announced that $4.65 billion from the contingency fund would cover 50% of November’s SNAP benefits. However, President Donald Trump contradicted this on Truth Social, asserting that SNAP funding would not proceed until the government reopens, blaming ‘Radical Left Democrats’ for the shutdown. McConnell’s latest order criticized the administration for partial payments and condemned Trump’s intent to defy the court’s directive. The Justice Department has indicated plans to appeal both Thursday’s ruling and McConnell’s earlier order. The shutdown, now in its sixth week, has drawn sharp criticism from Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, who accused Trump of ‘weaponizing hunger’ and treating vulnerable Americans as ‘political pawns.’