FIVB Men’s World: Serbia shocks Brazil to clinch last 16 spot

MANILA, Philippines — Serbia stunned former World No. 2 Brazil with a straight-sets victory of 25-22, 25-20, 25-22 to advance to the round of 16 in the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship on Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Drazen Luburic led the major upset, delivering a sizzling performance with 19 points, including 17 kills and two aces. The Serbians concluded Pool H with a strong finish, showcasing their determination and skill against a formidable opponent.

https://sports.inquirer.net/640495/fivb-mens-world-serbia-shocks-brazil-to-clinch-last-16-spot

China ends Google antitrust probe, shifts regulatory focus to NVIDIA

**China Ends Google Antitrust Probe, Shifts Regulatory Focus to NVIDIA**

*By Akash Pandey | Sep 18, 2025*

China has decided to end its antitrust investigation into tech giant Google, just six months after the probe was launched, according to the *Financial Times*. This decision comes amid escalating trade talks between Beijing and Washington, particularly concerning the popular app TikTok.

It is important to note that Google has not yet been officially informed about the termination of the investigation.

### Details of the Probe into Google’s Android OS

The investigation, initiated in February by China’s State Administration for Market Regulation, focused on Google’s market dominance through its Android operating system. The probe particularly examined how this dominance affects Chinese smartphone manufacturers such as OPPO and Xiaomi, which rely heavily on Google’s software ecosystem.

In Chinese regulatory terminology, the closure of this probe is described as “zhongzhi.”

### Strategic Shift in China’s Regulatory Focus

The decision to end the Google case is seen as a conciliatory gesture towards the United States, signaling Beijing’s willingness to negotiate. A source told the *Financial Times*, “Drop one case but seize the other. China is trying to narrow its retaliatory targets to make them more potent.”

Accordingly, China has now shifted its regulatory attention towards NVIDIA, the world’s most valuable chipmaker. This move is widely viewed as a potential bargaining chip in the ongoing US-China trade discussions.

### TikTok Ban Extended for Another Three Months

In related developments, US President Donald Trump recently announced an agreement with China regarding the sale of TikTok. This announcement followed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s confirmation of a “framework agreement” reached between the two countries over the app.

Despite this progress, President Trump has signed an executive order to extend the US ban on TikTok by three additional months. This marks the fourth extension of a law aimed at compelling the app’s sale from its Chinese parent company.

As negotiations continue, China’s regulatory maneuvers reflect a delicate balance between economic strategy and diplomatic signaling in the tense US-China relationship.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/china-ends-probe-into-google-amid-trade-talks-with-us/story

The philosophy and power of Neo in ‘The Matrix’

**The Philosophy and Power of Neo in ‘The Matrix’**
*By Vinita Jain | Sep 18, 2025, 02:12 PM*

Neo, the legendary character from *The Matrix* franchise, has changed the face of American cinema. Played by Keanu Reeves, Neo’s journey is a perfect blend of action, philosophy, and groundbreaking special effects. His story not only explores profound concepts of reality and identity but also captivates viewers with a unique and compelling narrative. Here’s a closer look at Neo’s journey and how it transformed American cinema.

### 1. The Birth of ‘The Matrix’ Phenomenon

Released in 1999, *The Matrix* introduced audiences to a dystopian future where humans unknowingly live inside a simulated reality. The film was widely praised for its revolutionary visual effects and thought-provoking storyline. Grossing over $460 million worldwide and winning four Academy Awards, *The Matrix* established Neo as an enduring pop culture icon and paved the way for two sequels that expanded its complex universe.

### 2. Evolution Through Sequels

Building on the success of the original film, two sequels followed: *The Matrix Reloaded* and *The Matrix Revolutions*. These films continued the tradition of deep philosophical exploration while delivering high-octane action sequences. Although they received more mixed reviews compared to the original, both sequels achieved significant commercial success globally and further cemented Neo’s status as a cultural icon.

### 3. Impact on Special Effects Technology

Neo’s journey did not just change storytelling—it revolutionized special effects technology. The iconic “bullet time” effect featured in *The Matrix* showcased stunning slow-motion shots that allowed viewers to experience every detail of the action sequences. This innovative technique became a staple in visual storytelling, inspiring countless films across various genres to push the boundaries of cinematic visuals.

### 4. Philosophical Themes Explored by Neo

Beyond his iconic action hero persona, Neo’s story dives deep into philosophical debates around reality versus illusion and free will versus determinism. These timeless themes resonated powerfully with audiences, offering not only an adrenaline-fueled experience but also an intellectual journey. This blend of thrilling action and philosophical inquiry played a significant role in making *The Matrix* series stand out among other sci-fi films of its era.

Neo’s influence on American cinema is undeniable—from pushing technological boundaries to inspiring philosophical thought, his character continues to captivate and inspire generations of moviegoers.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/neo-s-journey-in-the-us-cinema/story

LIVE: Alas Pilipinas vs Iran – FIVB Men’s World Championship 2025

Alas Pilipinas faces another highly favored team in World No. 15 Iran in its final pool phase assignment in the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championships.

Currently standing at 1-1 in Pool A, the Philippines is aiming to secure its place in the round of 16 of the tournament.

**SCHEDULE:**
2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship
September 18, Thursday – Mall of…
https://sports.inquirer.net/640486/live-alas-pilipinas-vs-iran-fivb-mens-world-championship-2025

Zuckerberg’s Meta glasses demo stumble recalls Jobs’ iPhone 4 fail

**Zuckerberg’s Meta Glasses Demo Stumble Recalls Jobs’ iPhone 4 Fail**
*By Mudit Dube | Sep 18, 2025, 01:16 PM*

At Meta Connect 2025, Mark Zuckerberg unveiled a new trio of Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses, aiming to showcase the future of wearable technology. However, the live demos didn’t go as smoothly as planned. During a cooking guide demo featuring Chef Jack Mancuso, incorrect instructions were repeated, and a WhatsApp video call with Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth failed. Bosworth had to abruptly join Zuckerberg live on stage due to Wi-Fi issues, disrupting the flow of the presentation.

This stumble brought to mind a famous moment in tech history: Steve Jobs’ 2010 FaceTime demo on the iPhone 4. During that event, the live video call also failed in front of a global audience. Despite the hiccup, Jobs maintained his composure and guided the audience to turn off Wi-Fi, allowing the demo to resume successfully.

The Jobs incident has become iconic, not for the failure itself but for the leadership and poise demonstrated under pressure during a live tech presentation. It stands as a lesson in handling unexpected glitches with grace.

Zuckerberg’s Meta glasses demo highlights how, even with today’s advanced technology, live presentations remain fragile. Network problems, device quirks, and unforeseen glitches can still derail the smooth delivery of innovative products. Both Jobs’ and Zuckerberg’s experiences reveal the human side of tech launches—showing that no matter how polished the technology is, real-time demos depend heavily on real-world conditions.

Ultimately, these moments serve as reminders that while innovation keeps advancing, the unpredictable nature of live presentations requires adaptability and calm under pressure.

*Watch on Twitter: How Steve Jobs handled his live demo failure and set a standard for tech presentations.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/iphone-4-to-meta-glasses-when-live-tech-demos-fail/story

The little details that made ‘Seinfeld’ unforgettable

**The Little Details That Made ‘Seinfeld’ Unforgettable**
*By Vinita Jain | Sep 18, 2025, 02:03 pm*

Seinfeld, famously known as a show about nothing, became an iconic series celebrated for its humor and relatable scenarios. While much of its charm came from memorable characters and witty plotlines, the subtle background props throughout the show played a significant role in enhancing its unique appeal.

These often unnoticed elements added depth and personality to scenes, enriching the viewing experience for fans. Let’s take a closer look at some of the small details that contributed to the show’s lasting impact.

### The Superman Figurine

In Jerry’s apartment, viewers can spot a Superman figurine on his bookshelf. This small but meaningful detail is a nod to Jerry Seinfeld’s real-life admiration for the superhero. The figurine subtly reinforces Jerry’s character as someone who values strength and justice, albeit portrayed through his own comedic lens.

Additionally, this prop serves as a fun Easter egg for fans who enjoy spotting recurring themes throughout the series.

### The Cereal Boxes

Jerry’s kitchen is famously stocked with an array of cereal boxes lined neatly atop his refrigerator. This quirk highlights Jerry’s somewhat childlike tendencies and adds a touch of realism to his bachelor lifestyle.

The presence of multiple cereal brands not only points to his indecisiveness but also suggests a playful love for variety—making this an endearing and relatable trait for many viewers.

### Kramer’s Assorted Vintage Items

Kramer’s apartment stands out with its eclectic collection of vintage items, from old radios to retro furniture. These props vividly reflect Kramer’s eccentric and unpredictable personality.

This chaotic but intriguing environment serves as a visual representation of Kramer’s character, amplifying scenes where he concocts one of his many quirky schemes.

### Elaine’s Iconic Jujyfruits Box

Elaine Benes is closely associated with her beloved box of Jujyfruits candy. This prop features in several episodes, often influencing Elaine’s impulsive decisions driven by her candy cravings.

The Jujyfruits box adds humor by highlighting her quirky priorities, offering a glimpse into Elaine’s spontaneous behavior without the need for elaborate dialogue or explanation.

These subtle props not only enriched the visual storytelling of *Seinfeld* but also deepened our connection to the characters, making the show truly unforgettable. Sometimes, it’s the little details that leave the biggest impact.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/seinfeld-s-secret-props-that-made-unforgettable-background-moments/story

Bombay HC Issues Notices To NIA & Acquitted Accused In 2008 Malegaon Blast Case

**Bombay High Court Issues Notices in 2008 Malegaon Blast Case Appeal**

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Thursday issued notices to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and those acquitted in the 2008 Malegaon blast case. This development follows an appeal filed by family members of the blast victims, challenging the special court’s verdict that acquitted seven persons, including BJP MLA Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt Col Prasad Purohit.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad has scheduled the appeal hearing after six weeks.

### About the Appeal

The appeal challenges the special court’s decision last year to acquit seven accused individuals, among whom are BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt Col Prasad Purohit. The blast in Malegaon resulted in six deaths and over 100 injuries.

### Blast Details and Investigation

On September 29, 2008, an explosive device strapped to a motorcycle detonated near a mosque in Malegaon, killing six people and injuring 101 others.

Initially, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested eleven individuals. However, after a decade, only seven were tried in court, with the others discharged. The NIA took over the investigation in 2011.

On July 31, special judge A.K. Lahoti acquitted all seven accused, stating that there was no “reliable and cogent evidence” presented against them to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt.

### Grounds of the Appeal

The families of the victims contend that the trial court acted merely as a “post office,” failing to rigorously test the prosecution’s case, especially considering missing or hostile evidence.

The appeal asserts that any procedural defects or investigation lapses should not have resulted in acquittals, particularly in a terrorism case. It further alleges that the NIA diluted the case deliberately.

Highlighting concerns about the prosecution, the petition references former special prosecutor Rohini Salian’s public statement that she was pressured to slow down proceedings against the accused. The replacement prosecutor, the petition argues, lacked experience in handling terror trials.

*For exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai and surrounding regions, visit [Budget Properties](https://budgetproperties.in/).*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-bombay-hc-issues-notices-to-nia-acquitted-accused-in-2008-malegaon-blast-case

KPI Green Energy Lists India’s First Externally Credit-Enhanced Green Bond Worth ₹670 Crore

New Delhi: Gujarat-based renewable energy developer and operator KPI Green Energy on Thursday announced the successful listing of its inaugural green bond worth Rs 670 crore on the National Stock Exchange of India.

This marks a significant advancement for sustainable finance in India’s renewable sector, a company statement said.

The five-year bond carries an annual coupon rate of 8.50 per cent with a quarterly amortisation profile. It is supported by a 65 per cent partial guarantee from GuarantCo, part of the Private Infrastructure Development Group, which is funded by the governments of the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Australia, Sweden, Netherlands, Canada, and France. GuarantCo holds a credit rating of AA- by Fitch and A1 by Moody’s.

Thanks to this external credit enhancement, the bond has received an AA+(CE) rating from both CRISIL and ICRA, broadening the investor base to include long-term domestic institutions such as infrastructure funds, mutual funds, and insurance companies.

The proceeds from the bond will be used to expand KPI Green Energy’s solar, wind, and hybrid project portfolio across India. The new projects are expected to supply clean electricity to approximately 210,000 people and businesses annually while reducing over 344,000 tonnes of carbon emissions every year.

This initiative not only accelerates India’s clean energy transition but also mobilises Rs 670 crore of domestic institutional investment beyond conventional banking sources.

KPI Green Energy has already developed 1 GW of renewable capacity and is actively working towards its target of 10 GW by 2030. With a sustained project pipeline exceeding 3 GW, the company stands among the country’s frontrunners in renewable energy expansion.

This transaction establishes a precedent for Indian corporates seeking sustainable capital through innovative credit enhancement mechanisms. It also highlights the growing appetite among domestic investors for responsible financial products.

Furthermore, it positions KPI Green Energy to access new pools of liquidity and prepares the company for future fundraising activities in both domestic and international green finance markets.

*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/business/kpi-green-energy-lists-indias-first-externally-credit-enhanced-green-bond-worth-670-crore

Baseless: Poll body junks Rahul Gandhi’s vote chori charge against Gyanesh Kumar

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has dismissed the allegations of voter deletions made by Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, during his recent press conference. The Commission called these claims “incorrect and baseless,” emphasizing that no votes can be deleted online by the public.

However, the poll body did acknowledge that certain unsuccessful attempts were made to delete electors in Karnataka’s Aland Assembly Constituency. In response, the ECI has filed an FIR to investigate the matter further.

Rahul Gandhi began his press conference by stating that someone had attempted to delete 6,018 votes from the Aland seat in Karnataka using software and phone numbers from outside the state. He also displayed the cell phone numbers that were allegedly used in the attempt to manipulate the voter list.

The Election Commission continues to monitor the situation and is taking necessary steps to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/baseless-and-incorrect-election-commission-junks-rahul-gandhis-big-vote-chori-charge-2789335-2025-09-18?utm_source=rss

How to choose your sunscreen right?

It’s well-established by now that sunscreen is a non-negotiable in skincare. But how do you know if the one you’ve picked is actually right for you? Since every skin tone and texture is different, it’s important to consider a few key factors before choosing your sunscreen.

When scanning the label, look for terms like **oil-free**, **non-comedogenic**, and **broad spectrum**—which means the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

For application, consider opting for serum or gel-based sunscreens. These formulations tend to be lightweight, fragrance-free, and non-greasy, making them suitable for a variety of skin types.

If you prefer mineral sunscreens, choose one with a creamy texture and hydrating ingredients such as ceramides, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid. These components help maintain moisture while providing effective sun protection.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can find a sunscreen that not only protects your skin but also feels comfortable and supports your skincare needs.
https://www.indiatoday.in/visualstories/lifestyle/how-to-choose-your-sunscreen-right-261101-18-09-2025?utm_source=rss