Monthly Archives: September 2025

business, cryptocurrency, finance, investment, technology

Tether (USDT) Fundraising Interest Reportedly From Softbank, Ark Invest

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Tech-focused investment firms SoftBank and Ark Invest are reportedly in early-stage talks to invest in Tether, the issuer of the world’s largest stablecoin, USDT, Bloomberg reported on Friday.

This news follows earlier reports this week revealing Tether’s plans to raise up to $20 billion in a fundraising round, which would value the company at around $500 billion. Such a valuation would make Tether one of the world’s most valuable private companies, highlighting the explosive growth and investor interest in the stablecoin space.

Stablecoins are a class of cryptocurrencies with prices pegged to fiat currencies like the U.S. dollar. Proponents say stablecoins could offer a cheaper, faster alternative for cross-border transactions by leveraging blockchain technology. The sector has expanded rapidly, growing 40% year-to-date to reach $287 billion, according to data from RWA.xyz. Additionally, analysts at global bank Citi project that stablecoins could reach a market value of $4 trillion in a bull market scenario.

Tether’s USDT leads the market with a $173 billion market capitalization. It is predominantly backed by U.S. Treasuries, which have generated substantial profits from bond yields in recent years. The company reported $4.9 billion in profits in the second quarter of this year alone.

Another major player, Circle (CRCL), issuer of the second-largest stablecoin USDC with a market value exceeding $70 billion, went public in June. Since its debut, Circle’s stock price surged from around $30 to $300, underscoring strong investor appetite for exposure to the stablecoin theme.

Tether has also focused on serving emerging markets with limited access to U.S. dollars. Earlier this month, the company announced its intention to formally enter the U.S. market with a new dollar token dubbed USAT. This token is designed to comply with the GENIUS Act, the nation’s first federal crypto law that sets regulatory standards for stablecoins.

To lead its U.S. division, Tether has hired Bo Hines, the former director of the White House Crypto Council who advised President Donald Trump on cryptocurrency policies.

With substantial backing and strategic moves, Tether is positioning itself to remain a dominant force in the fast-growing stablecoin sector, which has the potential to disrupt global payment systems.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/tech/tether-usdt-fundraising-interest-reportedly-from-softbank-ark-invest/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tether-usdt-fundraising-interest-reportedly-from-softbank-ark-invest

crime, education, justice, society, technology

Teacher Arrested For Sharing Voyeur Video With Colleagues

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A 41-year-old teacher, identified as Keisuke Tsuguno, has been taken into custody on suspicion of violating laws prohibiting the production of sexually explicit images. Authorities allege that Tsuguno filmed the video in question and distributed it to a private online group composed of teachers.

Although Tsuguno had no personal connection to the four teachers arrested earlier, the video he shared was found stored on one of their smartphones. This discovery ultimately led police to uncover his involvement.

Investigators believe that approximately 10 teachers from elementary and junior high schools were participating in the online group where such explicit material was exchanged.

The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to determine the full extent of the sharing and whether additional arrests will follow.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/147038.php

human rights, lgbtq, pakistan, protest, violence

Bodies of three transgender women left on roadside in Pakistan spark demands for justice

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Bodies of Three Transgender Women Found on Roadside in Pakistan Spark Demands for Justice

The discovery of the bodies of three transgender women on a roadside in Pakistan has ignited calls for justice from the community and human rights advocates. This tragic incident occurred just two days after another transgender woman was wounded in a knife attack, highlighting ongoing violence against transgender individuals in the region.

Members of the transgender community gathered to mourn the loss of their three fellow members, who, according to eyewitnesses, were killed by unidentified gunmen. In a peaceful protest held in Karachi on September 24, 2025, they comforted each other while condemning the attacks and demanding justice.

Photo credit: Akhtar Soomro/Reuters

By DANIELLE GREYMAN-KENNARD

https://www.jpost.com/international/article-868698

cruise, health, insurance, personal finance, travel

Her $13,000 infirmary bill was higher than the cruise itself: Why one cruiser regrets not buying travel insurance

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**First-Time Cruiser Faces $13,000 Medical Bill After Onboard Emergency**

One woman’s first cruise quickly turned into a nightmare when she was hit with a staggering $13,000 medical bill after experiencing a severe health emergency at sea.

Khiali Baxter was just two days into her first-ever Royal Caribbean cruise with her boyfriend when she began feeling unwell. “So, I woke up. I started throwing up blood, unfortunately, and I had passed out on the ground,” Baxter told KHOU 11. “I could feel myself kind of going in and out of consciousness. I was very cold and terrified.”

Baxter was taken to the ship’s medical facility but had to wait four hours onboard before being transported to a hospital located four hours away from the cruise port in Costa Maya. During that time, she accumulated a $4,000 medical bill.

However, before medical staff at the hospital would treat her, Baxter’s family was asked to provide payment upfront. Her father, Craig Baxter, recalled the tense moment in an interview with KHOU 11, saying the hospital staff informed them that treatment would proceed “as far as $2,500 would take them.” He added, “I’ve never heard this in my life.”

Despite the high cost, the family arranged last-minute flights and accommodations to be by her side—they were not about to leave their daughter in a foreign hospital. “It was a very, very scary experience, and my main thing that I do want to say is that I really wish I would’ve gotten travel insurance,” Khiali reflected.

### The Importance of Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is often seen as an optional or unnecessary expense, but stories like Baxter’s highlight its critical importance. While no one wants to imagine emergencies during travel, having insurance can be a lifesaver — financially and emotionally — when the unexpected happens.

In Baxter’s case, travel insurance would have helped cover the cost of extensive emergency treatments, including an endoscopy, colonoscopy, and blood transfusion.

Since she did not have insurance, a family friend set up a GoFundMe page to help cover her medical expenses. Thanks to the generosity of over 160 donors, they have raised $14,108—about 88% of their $16,000 goal.

The Baxter family hopes sharing their story will encourage others to prepare for the unexpected, especially when traveling far from home. Travel insurance also provides coverage for lost luggage, travel delays, medical evacuations, and more, making the relatively small upfront cost well worth the peace of mind.

“It was an eye-opening experience that I hope prepares other young people,” Craig Baxter said.

### Another Cruiser’s Medical Emergency Results in High Charges

Unfortunately, Khiali Baxter is not the only Royal Caribbean cruiser to face exorbitant medical bills after onboard emergencies.

Vincent Wasney and his fiancée, Sarah Eberlein, were aboard Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas when Wasney began experiencing a series of seizures. According to reports from KFF Health News and NPR, Eberlein heard Wasney make a pained noise shortly before his first seizure. During it, he accidentally bit his tongue, causing bleeding.

Wasney’s condition rapidly worsened. His second seizure caused him to stop breathing, and the third, a grand mal seizure, was even more severe. Before they were allowed to disembark, the couple had to pay over $2,500 in medical bills.

The charges included $2,285.78 for general ward admission and observation, $97.99 for an i-STAT blood test, $104.55 for out-of-facility services, and $11.90 for medication.

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These unsettling cases highlight the critical need for travelers to consider comprehensive travel insurance when planning cruises or other international trips. The unexpected can happen anytime, and being prepared can save you from devastating financial and emotional stress.
https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2025/09/26/what-to-know-about-cruise-travel-insurance

aviation, business, local news, transportation, travel

Second Nashik-Delhi Flight Service to Start Within Two Months, Announcement Soon

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The Nashik-Delhi air service, which resumed operations a month ago, has successfully “taken off,” bringing good news for Nashik residents eager to travel to Delhi. In addition to this, another Nashik-Delhi air service is set to be launched within the next two months, with a formal announcement expected soon.

After experiencing disruptions in recent days, air services from Nashik have now returned to normal. Currently, IndiGo is the airline operating flights from Nashik’s Ozar Airport. Additionally, there are reports that the Nashik-Jaipur air service, which has been suspended for the last six months via Indore, is also likely to restart soon.

The Nashik-Indore route sees a significant number of passengers, and travelers from Nashik stand to benefit greatly from connecting flights available via Indore. According to sources, the new Nashik-Delhi night service will depart from Ozar Airport, reaching Delhi within a few hours. This schedule will be convenient for passengers who wish to complete their work in Delhi during the day and return to Nashik the same night.

Manish Rawal, Vice President of the NIMA Aviation Committee, Nashik, stated, “It has been decided that an additional service for Nashik-Delhi air travel will start soon. Its formal announcement will be made shortly. Nashik has recently gained importance in many respects, especially with the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela. The Aviation Committee of NIMA is making continuous efforts to ensure Nashik remains well connected with all major cities across the country.”

Currently, flights operate from Ozar Airport to Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Goa. The Indore-Jaipur route is expected to start soon. Furthermore, efforts are underway to establish air connectivity between Nashik and other major cities such as Kolkata, Chennai, Varanasi, Lucknow, Punjab, and Rajasthan, added Rawal.

With these developments, Nashik’s air connectivity is poised to expand significantly, benefiting residents and visitors alike.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/second-nashik-delhi-flight-service-to-start-within-two-months-announcement-soon

football, liverpool, sports

Liverpool star makes ‘massive’ Alexander Isak claim as classy Giovanni Leoni gesture revealed

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Cody Gakpo has reacted to Alexander Isak scoring his first Liverpool goal and Giovanni Leoni suffering an ACL injury ahead of the Reds’ trip to Crystal Palace this weekend.

The Liverpool forward sent a heartfelt message to team-mate Giovanni Leoni after the teenager was struck down by a serious ACL injury. The Italian defender impressed on his Reds debut against Southampton in midweek, only to be injured after landing awkwardly late in the second half.

Leoni was stretchered off the pitch, and it has since been confirmed that he has suffered an ACL injury. Liverpool manager Arne Slot admitted at his pre-match press conference on Friday that the young defender faces up to a year on the sidelines.

Leoni took to social media on Thursday to thank the Liverpool fanbase for their support following his injury. Several of his team-mates also offered their own messages of encouragement to the promising defender.

The Reds return to action on Saturday evening as they travel to face Crystal Palace. Ahead of the match, Gakpo shared how the Liverpool squad plan to support Leoni through his lengthy injury lay-off.

“It’s always sad to see that something like that happens,” Gakpo said. “We will try to be there for him as much as we can and to help him through this difficult period.”

Leoni was one of ten new signings at Liverpool this summer as the club embarked on a £450 million spending spree. Breaking the British transfer record twice to sign Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, the latter opened his account for Liverpool last time out against Southampton.

Having seen Isak regularly torment Liverpool in the past while playing for Newcastle United, Gakpo is delighted to now call the striker a team-mate. He also made a positive prediction for the impact of Liverpool’s record signing following his first goal for the club.

“That’s obviously massive for him, as well as for us,” Gakpo told the club website. “I think everybody knows how good he can be. We saw him in the Newcastle team scoring a lot of goals and hopefully he can do that for us as well. A very good player on the ball, off the ball. I’m very happy that he’s here.”
https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-star-makes-massive-alexander-32562196

construction, local news, public safety, urban development

Major city centre road to close for a day

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A section of a busy road in Douglas city centre will be closed for one day next month to allow building work on an office.

Athol Street will be shut between Prospect Hill and Church Street. The closure will begin at 6am and the road is expected to reopen at 6pm on Sunday, October 19.

Motorists are advised to plan alternative routes during this time.

https://www.three.fm/news/isle-of-man-news/major-city-centre-road-to-close-for-a-day/

celebrity, entertainment, events, music, uk

Lewis Cap-Aldi surprises shoppers with gig on supermarket roof

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Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi surprised shoppers with an impromptu gig on the roof of an Aldi supermarket in Nottingham. Performing his new single, *Something In The Heavens*, Capaldi entertained customers from the rooftop while the store temporarily rebranded itself as “Cap-Aldi” with a makeshift cardboard sign.

The 28-year-old singer joked during the performance, saying: “This is Capaldi on the roof of an Aldi. Sorry to get in the way of anyone’s shopping. I was back there earlier—some excellent produce, brioche buns, carrots, the lot.”

The rooftop set on Friday, which took place just days after the release of his new single, also included renditions of his hits *Survive* and *Someone You Loved*.

Capaldi is scheduled to perform later that night at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham, before heading to Dublin’s 3Arena for shows on Monday and Tuesday, September 29th and 30th.

The singer recently returned to the spotlight after a two-year break from touring, which he took to manage the symptoms of Tourette syndrome. His challenges became public during his performance at Glastonbury in 2023. However, Capaldi made a triumphant comeback earlier this summer with a surprise 35-minute set on the Pyramid Stage at the Somerset festival.

Since then, he has embarked on a UK and Ireland tour, describing the experience as “the most incredible, surreal feeling” after all shows sold out.

Looking ahead, it was announced earlier this month that Capaldi will headline both BST Hyde Park and the Roundhay Festival next summer. Additionally, he is set to perform at Dublin’s Marlay Park on June 23rd and 24th, 2026.

Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK, expressed excitement about the event, saying: “It doesn’t get more heavenly than Lewis Capaldi on the roof of an Aldi. It feels like this moment was written in the stars. Our customers were treated to something truly unforgettable, and Lewis turned an ordinary day into supermarket history.”

Lewis Capaldi has achieved six UK number one singles, including *Before You Go*, *Pointless*, and *Wish You The Best*. Both of his studio albums have also reached number one on the UK Albums Chart.
https://www.breakingnews.ie/entertainment/lewis-cap-aldi-surprises-shoppers-with-gig-on-supermarket-roof-1811491.html

business, crime, cybersecurity, entertainment, law

ED Files Supplementary Prosecution Complaint Against Raj Kundra In ₹6,606 Crore Bitcoin Scam

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**Mumbai:** The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has submitted a supplementary prosecution complaint against Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty’s husband and businessman Raj Kundra in connection with the money laundering probe related to a Rs 6,606 crore bitcoin scam involving the Delhi-based company Variabletech Pvt Ltd (VTPL).

### ED’s Allegations

The agency alleges that Kundra received 285 bitcoins worth Rs 150.47 crore in April 2024 from Amit Bharadwaj, director of VTPL, who passed away while the case was pending. The bitcoins were reportedly intended for setting up a Bitcoin mining farm in 2017. However, as the deal could not materialise, the ED claims Kundra still possesses the bitcoins, which allegedly constitute proceeds of crime.

Furthermore, the ED states that Kundra has refused to share any details regarding these transactions.

### Property Transactions Linked

In addition to the bitcoin allegations, the ED claims Kundra purchased immovable properties in Juhu and Pune using the proceeds of crime. It is also alleged that Kundra transferred these properties into the name of his wife, Shilpa Shetty, at half their market value.

The agency has filed a second supplementary prosecution complaint not only against Kundra but also against a Delhi-based businessman, Rajesh Satija, as part of its ongoing probe.

### Conflicting Versions and Investigation Details

The ED uncovered several inconsistencies in Kundra’s explanation about the receipt of bitcoins from Amit Bharadwaj. According to the prosecution complaint, Amit had transferred 285 bitcoins to Kundra for investment in a joint venture aimed at setting up a new Bitcoin mining farm in Ukraine.

In statements recorded in April and June 2018, Amit claimed that he was approached by Kundra and Shetty for this joint venture, for which they sought $2.25 million in bitcoin. Amit said he had transferred $1 million (approximately 300 bitcoins) by the end of July 2017, with the remaining amount expected after the agreement was finalized.

While Kundra admitted to receiving the funds, he claimed he was merely a mediator between his Israeli friend Shlomi Amouyal (alias Tom) and Amit. Kundra said that Amit transferred the bitcoins to Tom’s wallets, and the deal was later cancelled when Amit failed to send the remaining amount.

Amit, however, stated that he spoke to Tom, who identified himself as a tech contact for Kundra. The ED also noted that Kundra refused to provide wallet details, citing loss of information due to phone issues in 2018, during the ongoing investigation.

### ED’s Findings and Actions

The ED pointed out glaring mismatches in the versions presented by Amit and Kundra. It revealed that Kundra had sent a term sheet to Amit, which acted as an agreement but did not mention Tom. The agency rejected Kundra’s claim of being only a mediator.

According to the ED, “It is clear that the deal to establish Bitcoin mining farms was made between Kundra and Amit (through his father Mahendra Bharadwaj). Since the deal did not materialise, Kundra is still in possession and enjoyment of 285 Bitcoins valued at Rs 150.47 crore.”

The agency further alleged that Kundra deliberately withheld wallet addresses and failed to surrender the 285 bitcoins.

The ED is actively investigating money laundering allegations against VTPL and its directors, Ajay Bhardwaj and his late brother Amit Bhardwaj. They are accused of luring investors by promising high returns in bitcoins and cryptocurrency developed by them, reportedly amassing 80,000 bitcoins (worth Rs 6,606 crore in November 2017) through the Bhardwaj family and other MLM agents.

### Case Background

In April last year, ED had attached several properties linked to Kundra, including five flats in the Ocean View Society on Juhu Tara Road worth Rs 82 crore, and a bungalow in Pune valued at Rs 11 crore. These properties were transferred in Shilpa Shetty’s name.

—

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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/ed-files-supplementary-prosecution-complaint-against-raj-kundra-in-6606-crore-bitcoin-scam

government, politics, security

Ministry Of Home Affairs Extends AFSPA For 6 Months In Parts Of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh & Nagaland

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New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) for another six months in certain parts of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland, officials said.

According to three separate notifications issued by the MHA, the further extension of the special law will be effective from October 1.

The AFSPA, which grants armed forces operating in disturbed areas sweeping powers to search, arrest, and open fire if deemed necessary for the “maintenance of public order,” was extended for six more months in the entire state of Manipur, excluding areas under the jurisdiction of 13 police stations across five districts — Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching.

Manipur, which has 16 districts, has been ravaged by ethnic violence between the majority Meitei community and the minority Kuki-Zo-Hmar tribals since May 3, 2023. This prolonged conflict has claimed over 260 lives.

Following the unrest, Manipur has been under President’s rule since February 13, just four days after Chief Minister N Biren Singh, who led the second BJP government, resigned on February 9.

The MHA notification stated that after reviewing the law and order situation in Manipur, the central government, in exercise of powers conferred by Section 3 of the AFSPA, 1958, extended the Act for another six months effective October 1.

In Nagaland, the AFSPA has been extended in eight districts — Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, and Peren — along with 21 police stations in five other districts: Kohima, Mokokchung, Longleng, Wokha, and Zunheboto. These areas have been declared ‘disturbed areas’ for six months from April 1.

Similarly, in Arunachal Pradesh, the AFSPA has been extended in Tirap, Changlang, and Longding districts, including areas under the jurisdiction of Namsai, Mahadevpur, and Chowkham police stations in Namsai district bordering Assam. These have also been declared ‘disturbed areas’ for six months effective October 1.

The government reviewed the law and order situations in Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh before deciding to extend the Act in these regions.

Meanwhile, various organizations in Manipur, including the Manipuri Students’ Federation (MSF), Nupi Khunai-Yairipok, and Meira Paibis, continue to agitate, demanding the withdrawal of AFSPA from the state.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma earlier noted that the MHA has lifted AFSPA from many parts of his state. “At one time, the entire state was under AFSPA. The Centre has steadily reduced the areas where the Act applies,” Sarma said.

Originally imposed across Assam in 1990 due to insurgent activities led by the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), AFSPA has been renewed every six months since, with periodic reviews gradually excluding certain areas based on improvements in security.

With significant improvements, AFSPA was lifted from Tripura in 2015, Meghalaya in 2018, and Mizoram in the 1980s.

*Note: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/ministry-of-home-affairs-extends-afspa-for-6-months-in-parts-of-manipur-arunachal-pradesh-nagaland