The escalating conflict in the Middle East began after US-Israeli forces carried out preemptive military strikes on Tehran on Saturday, February 28, over Iran's nuclear programme. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was confirmed dead in the strike.

X said the new rule specifically targets AI-generated content about armed conflicts that could mislead users if it is not properly labelled.

“During times of war, people must have access to authentic information on the ground,” X’s head of product Nikita Bier said, adding that current AI technologies make it “trivial to create content that can mislead people.”

The Elon Musk-owned platform said it will continue updating its policies and product features to address the issue.

X said on Monday it would “continue to refine” its policies and product to ensure the platform “can be trusted during these critical moments".

The change marks a shift in the platform’s approach to content moderation since Musk completed his $44 billion acquisition of Twitter in October 2022 and later rebranded it as X.

Since Musk’s takeover, the company has removed several policies aimed at tackling misinformation, arguing that such rules amount to censorship.

Under the new policy , creators who repeatedly violate the disclosure rule could face permanent removal from the Creator Revenue Sharing programme, which allows eligible users to earn a portion of advertising revenue generated from their posts.

X said violations will be identified through Community Notes, the platform’s crowd-sourced fact-checking system, as well as through metadata and other technical signals embedded in AI-generated content.

According to estimates from Forbes and Bloomberg, the world’s richest individuals now control unprecedented levels of capital, driven by AI , cloud computing, electric vehicles, and digital platforms that shape everyday life.

At the top of the ranking sits Elon Musk, whose net worth has climbed to an estimated $716.2 billion. The Tesla and SpaceX founder has benefited from soaring valuations tied to artificial intelligence through xAI, renewed growth in Tesla’s energy and autonomy businesses, and SpaceX’s expanding dominance in satellite launches and defence contracts.

Close behind is Larry Page, Google’s co-founder, with a fortune of around $266.5 billion from Google and Alphabet.

Jeff Bezos is in third position with $256.1 billion. Amazon’s continued expansion into cloud services, logistics automation, and AI-powered retail tools has helped Bezos maintain his position near the top, even after stepping back from day-to-day leadership.

Sergey Brin, Page’s fellow Google co-founder, ranks fourth with $245.9 billion, reflecting Alphabet’s sustained strength in search, advertising, and artificial intelligence infrastructure.

Larry Ellison, Oracle’s co-founder and long-time chairman, follows with $237.6 billion, buoyed by the company’s aggressive push into cloud computing and enterprise AI services.

Social media and chipmaking also feature prominently. Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, sits sixth with $221.5 billion, as Meta’s AI investments and virtual reality platforms regain investor confidence.

Bernard Arnault, the only non-tech figure in the upper tier, ranks seventh with $194.9 billion, underscoring the enduring global appeal of luxury brands under the LVMH umbrella.

Rounding out the top ten are Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, whose $160.6 billion fortune reflects the company’s central role in AI hardware; legendary investor Warren Buffett, with $148 billion from Berkshire Hathaway’s long-term holdings; and former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, worth $145.8 billion, largely driven by Microsoft’s continued dominance in cloud computing and enterprise software.

What this ranking reveals is that the global wealth is now linked to a handful of transformative technologies and Artificial Intelligence, data infrastructure, and digital platforms are no longer niche sectors.

In the wake of the U.S. operation to seize Maduro, parts of Venezuela lost power. Starlink coverage will allow Venezuelans to contact loved ones, even if future conflict causes more outages. It will also allow citizens to bypass government blackouts, as it has in places like Iran , where Starlink use is criminalised.

Starlink isn't currently available in Venezuela — the company has previously listed connectivity in Venezuela as 'coming soon'—and blanket coverage is useless if users don't have the hardware needed.

As Starlink moves to rapidly roll out its coverage across the country, some worry that Starlink's adoption in Venezuela will give the US and Musk too much power, allowing them to spy on Venezuelan citizens or cut their internet off on a whim.

On Friday, January 2, a day before the U.S. operation in Venezuela, Chinese diplomats told the UN at a Security Council event that the rapid expansion of Musk's Starlink network poses "pronounced safety and security" concerns globally.

“With the rapid expansion of commercial space activities, the unchecked proliferation of commercial satellite constellations by a certain country, in the absence of effective regulation, has given rise to pronounced safety and security challenges,” a Beijing representative said, calling on the UN to better enforce regulations. 

The UN Security Council is meeting today (January 6th) to discuss the legality of the U.S. operation to seize President Maduro. It is currently unclear whether Starlink's offer of free broadband will also be a topic of discussion.

The downturn reflects a challenging year for Tesla, shaped by a lukewarm response to new models, growing unease among some consumers and investors over Elon Musk’s political involvement, and intensifying competition from lower-priced Chinese rivals. Tesla’s sales fell sharply toward the end of the year, dropping 16% in the final quarter of 2025.

Part of that decline followed the repeal of a US government subsidy that had reduced the cost of certain electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles by up to $7,500, weakening demand. In response to softer sales, Tesla launched lower-priced versions of its two best-selling models in the US in October in an effort to regain momentum.

Chinese manufacturers, including BYD, Geely and MG, have steadily gained ground by offering electric vehicles at prices below those of many established Western brands.

Despite losing its top spot in sales volume, Tesla has remained more profitable than BYD in recent quarters. Still, investors are closely watching how Musk steers the company through the next phase of its growth.

Under a pay deal approved by shareholders in November, Musk stands to receive a record-breaking compensation package that could be worth up to $1 trillion over the next decade, provided Tesla meets ambitious targets for sales growth and market value. The agreement also requires Tesla to sell one million humanoid robots over the next ten years, tied to heavy investment in its “Optimus” robot and self-driving “robotaxi” technology .

Analysts say Tesla’s planned rollout of self-driving services and robotaxis in 2026 will be critical to its future performance. While questions remain over the feasibility and regulation of full autonomy, some remain bullish.

Meanwhile, BYD’s rapid rise has not been without challenges. Its sales growth slowed in 2025 to the weakest pace in five years, partly due to fierce competition within China. Yet the Shenzhen-based company continues to expand aggressively overseas, particularly in Latin America , Southeast Asia and Europe, even as several countries impose steep tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.

In October, BYD said the UK had become its largest market outside China, with sales in Britain jumping 880% in the year to the end of September. The surge was driven largely by strong demand for the plug-in hybrid version of its Seal U sports utility vehicle.

A recent global ranking identifies the world’s ten most valuable private companies, collectively accounting for several hundred billion dollars in private market value.

At the pinnacle sits SpaceX, the ambitious aerospace firm led by the world's richest man, Elon Musk, currently estimated at an astonishing $800 billion according to recent secondary share sale data.

This surge, driven by Starlink’s expanding satellite broadband network and broader investor enthusiasm for space technology, positions SpaceX ahead of other heavyweight startups and has triggered speculation about a potential IPO in 2026.

Hot on its heels is OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT and a dominant force in artificial intelligence. OpenAI’s valuation hovers around $500 billion following a record secondary share sale arranged with major institutional investors, including SoftBank, Thrive Capital, and Dragoneer Investment Group.

This marked a breakthrough in private market confidence in generative AI and briefly positioned OpenAI as the world’s most valuable private company earlier this year.

Chinese tech titan ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok and a leading global social app platform, also ranks near the top with a valuation of $480 billion, illustrating the global geographic spread of privately held giants.

The rapid ascent of AI startups like Anthropic and xAI underscores the ongoing investor race into machine intelligence. Anthropic has drawn significant backing for its safety-oriented AI models, while xAI secured multibillion-dollar funding to expand its infrastructure and talent base.

These firms, alongside Databricks, whose valuation recently climbed to $134 billion, reflect an appetite among venture and private equity investors for firms poised to commercialise next-generation technology.

Moreover, established fintech firms such as Stripe and Revolut maintain robust valuations, driven by global digital payments and banking innovation, while financial infrastructure provider Binance continues as one of the largest private entities in the crypto ecosystem.

This ranking comes at a moment when the private technology market is attracting unprecedented capital. Investment in AI startups alone accounted for nearly half of private funding in 2025 , spotlighting the sector’s outsized influence on private valuations.

“They’re doing a lot of things. We want to keep Europe – Europe. Europe is going in some bad directions. It’s very bad. Very bad for the people . We don’t want Europe to change so much,” he said.

The remarks come as the White House on Friday released an updated National Security Strategy warning that Europe faced “civilisational erasure” amid rising migration, and accusing the EU of engaging in “censorship.”

EU regulators said X’s paid blue verification ticks were “deceptive,” alleging that the platform failed to properly verify users, lacked transparency on advertising practices, and refused to provide researchers access to key data.

The dispute escalated over the weekend when Musk likened the EU to a “Fourth Reich,” suggesting the bloc should be dismantled and sovereignty returned to member states. X has since blocked EU institutions from purchasing ads on the platform.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the EU’s actions, calling the fine “an attack on all American tech platforms and the American people by foreign governments.”

“X deceives users,” Regnier said. “Anyone can pay to obtain verified status, and X does not meaningfully verify who is behind it.”

The investigation began nearly two years ago, shortly after the DSA took effect in 2023. The law obliges large online platforms to avoid misleading design features, clearly label advertising, and ensure researchers can access public data for safety and transparency monitoring.

According to the Commission, the fine is divided into three parts: approximately €45 million for misleading verification practices, €35 million for unclear advertising transparency, and €40 million for improper access to researcher data. The total is far below the maximum allowed penalty, up to six percent of a company’s global annual revenue.

Elon Musk, owner of X, reacted sharply on the platform, replying “Bullshit” under the EU’s announcement and sharing posts accusing the Commission of targeting free speech and American tech firms.

White House officials say Trump had initially refrained from retaliating, hoping to maintain Musk’s support ahead of the midterm congressional elections next year. But by Thursday, June 5, following a tirade from Musk on X, Trump responded publicly, expressing disappointment and threatening to cut Musk’s government subsidies. Musk fired back by endorsing impeachment calls and suggesting a new political party.

What they said

On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump wrote, “The easiest way to save money in our budget, billions and billions of dollars, is to terminate Elon’s government subsidies and contracts.” After Trump withdrew Jared Isaacman’s nomination, Isaacman said, “I am incredibly grateful to President Trump, the Senate and all those who supported me.” A White House official commented, “We’re very confident. No one has changed their minds.” Another described the reversal as one that “caught the president and the entire West Wing off guard.” At the same time, a later statement from the administration called it “an unfortunate episode from Elon, who is unhappy with the One Big Beautiful Bill because it does not include the policies he wanted.”

Between 15 and 20 people—including former mayors and military officers—were arrested over the weekend in northern Nicaragua in what opposition groups call politically motivated raids. Among the detained are ex-mayors from the banned Citizens for Liberty party and a former military intelligence chief. The arrests follow a pattern of repression by President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo since the 2018 protests, which left over 300 dead. Opposition media and exile outlets linked the raids to the recent detention of retired General Álvaro Baltodano, a former Ortega ally.

Legislature votes to end dual citizenship

Nicaragua’s National Assembly approved a constitutional amendment Friday to ban dual citizenship, potentially affecting thousands, including government critics. The reform, which must pass again in 2026 to take effect, was unanimously backed by the Sandinista-controlled legislature. Under the proposal, Nicaraguans who acquire another nationality would lose their citizenship, while most foreigners seeking Nicaraguan citizenship must renounce theirs, except Central Americans. The move follows the Ortega regime’s revocation of citizenship for over 400 people, including 222 deported to the U.S. in 2023.

$50b Panama Canal replacement

Elon Musk is reportedly backing a $50 billion canal project in Nicaragua aimed at creating a high-tech alternative to the Panama Canal. The proposed waterway, supported by a global investor consortium, reflects Musk’s push for futuristic infrastructure to ease global trade. Why rethink the Panama Canal? Despite its historic role since 1914, the canal struggles with congestion and can't accommodate the largest modern ships, even after expansions. Musk's vision: a more efficient, scalable route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Nicaragua shines at 2nd BRICS Women Entrepreneurs Forum

Nicaragua actively participated in the second day of the BRICS Women Entrepreneurs Forum held at Russia’s National Centre. Representatives from China, Malaysia, India, Brazil, Iran, Indonesia, and South Africa shared insights on creative industries, financing, and strategic alliances. Nicaragua highlighted its Creative Economy Model as a key strategy for fostering global cooperation in innovation and production. The forum also explored co-production models, infrastructure, and technological advancements, reinforcing the role of creative industries in economic growth.

Nicaragua welcomes Cameroon’s historic referendum

On May 19, 2025, the Government of Nicaragua extended warm greetings to President Paul Biya and the people of Cameroon in honour of the anniversary of the historic May 20, 1972, Constitutional Referendum. The message praised the Cameroonian people's democratic decision to establish a unified state and reaffirmed Nicaragua’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties based on solidarity, cooperation, and mutual respect.

Historically, Tesla has sought to sell automobiles in India's thriving market; however, the exceptionally high tariffs have hindered these plans. Elon Musk has remarked that these tariffs are among the most prohibitive globally. Despite these obstacles, Tesla is progressing; it has finalized showroom locations and is actively recruiting in India, suggesting imminent market entry.

In March, Tesla imported a Model Y from Germany valued at $46,000, illuminating the tariff's impact, as it doubles the cost of the vehicle to consumers. Mr. Taneja highlighted the price anxiety, stating, "The same car which we're sending is 100% more expensive than what it is." He emphasized the company’s cautious approach to timing its entry into India, designating the market as "very hot."

The recent financial performance of Tesla revealed a 71% decline in net profit for the first quarter, further complicating its entry strategy. The company is engaged in discussions with Indian officials to potentially lower tariffs, with Prime Minister Modi's administration negotiating with the U.S. to address the 100% levies in a bilateral trade agreement.

While the United States advocates for the removal of these tariffs, it appears that India is hesitant to reduce the duties drastically, particularly given strong opposition from local automakers such as Tata Motors and Mahindra and Mahindra. Furthermore, Musk announced intentions to visit India this year, following a conversation with Prime Minister Modi regarding technology collaboration.

Previously, Musk had planned a visit to India to unveil a substantial investment of $2 billion to $3 billion, which included establishing a manufacturing facility for electric vehicles. Unfortunately, he canceled this trip at the last moment.

10 poor countries paying the price for Donald Trump's tariff hikes

President Trump has extended his trade war to poorer nations like Lesotho, a southern African country known for textiles. Once dubbed the “denim capital of Africa,” it exported $235 million to the U.S. in 2024, supporting 30,000 jobs. Now, its denim exports face a steep 50% tariff. Read more here .

Money, lies, and power: How South Africans see Elon Musk

New research by Global South World reveals many South Africans view Elon Musk negatively. Analysing 82,300 online mentions and 572,000 likes, the study found common keywords like “money, disinformation, lies,” highlighting widespread criticism across media platforms. Read more here .

15-year-old Nigerian boy with autism breaks world record for largest canvas painting

Fifteen-year-old Nigerian artist Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke has entered the Guinness World Records for the largest solo canvas painting, spanning 12,303 square meters. It was unveiled on April 2 at Abuja’s Eagle Square, coinciding with World Autism Awareness Day. Read more here .

Asia

Taiwan eyes zero tariffs with US, pledges more investment

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has offered zero tariffs in talks with the U.S., pledging to remove trade barriers and boost U.S. investments. This comes after President Trump imposed broad import tariffs, including a 32% duty on Taiwanese goods—though semiconductors, a key export, are exempt. Read more here .

Philippines alarmed over China arrest of alleged Filipino spies

The Philippines has voiced concern over China’s arrest of three Filipinos for alleged spying, calling them ordinary citizens and possible retaliation for Manila’s anti-espionage efforts. Officials say the trio were former scholars with no military ties. Read more here .

Indonesia will not retaliate against Trump tariff, official says

Indonesia will not retaliate against President Trump’s 32% tariff, its top economic minister said Sunday, April 6. Instead, the country will seek diplomatic and negotiated solutions to the sweeping U.S. trade measures. Read more here .

Colombian rebel group steps towards peace, hands over war material

Colombian armed group Comuneros del Sur, a breakaway faction of the ELN, handed over weapons and signed two peace agreements with President Gustavo Petro on Saturday, April 5. At an event in Pasto, the group said the move showed its commitment to peace. Read more here .

Amazon shipping route for Brazilian soy disrupted by protests, poor roads

Indigenous protests and poor roads have disrupted Brazil’s soybean shipments via the Miritituba port, affecting major firms like Cargill and Bunge. Grain handler group Abiove said blockades have delayed about 70,000 tons daily, worth nearly $30 million. Read more here .

US official discusses Panama Canal-related audit with Panamanian minister

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Panama’s Foreign Minister Javier Martinez-Acha discussed the ongoing audit of Hutchison’s management of two key ports by the Panama Canal. While Panama runs the canal, the ports are operated by Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison, alongside others run by U.S., Singaporean, and Taiwanese firms. Read more here .

Elon Musk's involvement in Starlink, the satellite internet company, was a major point of debate. Some South Africans criticised Musk for saying Starlink was not allowed in the country because of race-based policies.

They saw this as an attempt to mislead people and stir controversy. Others felt he was simply trying to expand his business interests.

A total of 82.3 thousand online mentions were observed throughout the monitoring period whereas total engagement measured in likes amounted to 572 thousand.

With words like “money, disinformation, lies”, the report which analysed online discussions indicated the negative perception of South Africans about the global billionaire.

 While some questioned Elon Musk’s influence, with debates over his wealth, ownership of major platforms, and role in spreading misinformation, others accused him of using his power to shape global narratives, spread lies and only serve the rich.

Critics point to his control over X, formerly Twitter, as an example of how billionaires can influence what people see online. Some believe his platform allows misinformation to spread unchecked, while others argue that it gives people more freedom to speak.

Musk’s past has also come under scrutiny. Born in Pretoria South Africa, his family is said to have benefited from racial hierarchy during the apartheid.  He was raised in a wealthy family. His father was involved in the Pretoria City Council and the Progressive Federal Party, and his mother's family was linked to promoting technocracy and South African apartheid.

His family’s wealth during apartheid, his ties to powerful governments, and his statements on race and politics have sparked fresh debates.

The study also found words like "government" and "ownership" in both positive and negative discussions. Some view Musk’s business success as inspiring, while others question how much control billionaires should have over important industries like technology and space exploration .

Words like “lucky winners, giveaway, help and brilliant coverage” were among the top positive keywords used by South Africans to describe the billionaire.

One analyst said, "Elon Musk is either a genius shaping the future or a billionaire playing by his own rules—depending on who you ask."

Many South Africans still see him as a success story, but others say he has little real connection to the country today.

Here is a compilation of the top negative words used to describe Elon Musk in South Africa. The data was compiled by Majoritas.

Here's some of what they said.

You can share your opinions on our Facebook , Instagram , TikTok , YouTube or X posts.

Bangkok, Thailand

Ayush: "Elon Musk is both a visionary and a threat. He actually is really smart, really capable and could take us to really cool places, but instead, he wants to lobby. He's only serving his best interests at the end of the day. He knows that if he does what Trump says, he can have control and then make himself way more money. So right now, he's a threat to our democracy, and we should all get off X.”

Ethan: "I don’t know, but I like Tesla."

Grace: "Interesting question. Interesting person. Great ideas when it comes to technology. But you know what? There are some good things and bad things with everyone, or things you agree or disagree on."

Mahmoud: "He's both. We can't deny the guy is a freaking genius. But also, his character might be perceived as unsavoury. We have to keep the checks and balances. So while we can support certain things he invests in, we can also criticise. We have every right to. He can seem problematic, but you can't deny the good things he may have contributed to society."

Aiden: "I think Elon Musk likes to frame himself as a visionary. I don't think he is anywhere near as smart as most people think he is. People don’t realise that, for example, he was not the inventor of Tesla. He was not the founder. He just bought the company. So, with the amount of power and money he has that he's not using to better the world, I think he's very actively a threat."

Azman: "I think looking at Elon Musk as a threat would be very incorrect. If you look at how we got to this point, it was through brilliant minds who thought differently. His visions and the things he wants to achieve are a step forward. He’s just doing what he believes humans can achieve. I think he’s definitely more of a visionary than a threat."

Aiya: "I have no opinion on him."

Yuta: "He's a visionary. He's one of those elevated beings. Society kind of turns him into a laughingstock because he sees things differently than a normal person does. Society wants us to be normal. People hate him because they don’t see his vision."

Fam: "He's a visionary. He's a God, to be honest."

Kim: "He's obviously worried about the future of other people’s kids."

Larry: "He's a visionary."

Vince: "Elon Musk is a visionary."

Accra, Ghana

Nancy: "I see him as a visionary person."

Shadrach: "He’s a visionary. He’s not a threat. He’s an entrepreneur, and his innovations have helped human life."

Joyceline: "Elon Musk is a visionary. He's not a threat because his wealth has created a lot of jobs for people."

Ernest: "I don't think he's a threat. He's a visionary. Since Donald Trump won the election, they are going to be collaborating and working together, so I don’t think he is a threat."

Felix: "He's a visionary person. He's an entrepreneur, and with Donald Trump, he can easily bridge the gap between China and the US in terms of business."

Ansah: "He is a visionary. His initiatives are making life easier for people."

Evans: "He’s a visionary leader. The world is moving towards technology, and he is driving that."

Godwin: "Musk is really a visionary. If Musk had been the one to invent the computer, people might have said he was a threat, but now we see its benefits. We will see the impact of his work in the future."

Ruth: "I seriously don’t see him as a threat. He’s ahead in technology and doing his best to help us. But X, and other social media platforms, should pay more attention to African countries when it comes to elections and misinformation."

Samuel: "Elon is not a threat. Only people who don’t want to see what the future holds would think that. He’s a forward thinker. I see him as somebody that the future will need. Our children, grandchildren, will need Elon.”

Ebenezer: "Elon Musk is a futuristic person, and that makes him a visionary. He sees things others don’t and takes risks. You can look at what he's been able to do with Space X, with X, if I should say, promoting free speech and all that. I think Elon is maybe two years ahead of the whole world.”

John: "He’s a threat. Anything that comes and goes contrary to God's ordination should be a threat.”

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Erleyvaldo: "He is a threat. Social media influences people, and I don’t think he is the best person to control it."

Tarcio: "Visionary, very visionary. If he wasn’t, he wouldn’t be who he is today."

Victoria: "He's a threat. He's just a billionaire with people at his service, and he’s not using his money to do what would be ideal for humanity.”

Brenno: "He’s super visionary. We’re scared because something bad could happen, but so far, he’s done positive things."

Filipe: "Maximum respect, Elon Musk." 

Maria Clara: "Threat. There are limits to everything, and when you cross them, it becomes dangerous."

Silvia: "Us, humans, have both positive and negative potential. It depends on where we place our focus."

Artur: "Very visionary. He’s a billionaire, a trillionaire… He deserves respect."

Mayara: "Who is he?"

Anderson: "Visionary. He creates a lot of jobs. I like people who take risks."

Maria: "Who is he?"

Tokyo, Japan

Interviewee 1: "I don't like him. Right now, he’s a f*cking idiot, but in the past, I thought he was cool."

Interviewee 2: "He’s a visionary."

Interviewee 3: "I’m not sure [laughs]."

Interviewee 4: "He seems like a bit of a tosser."

Interviewee 5 "He's just a bit of a fraud, really, in everything he does. One of the richest people in the world getting state power as well is not something that I'm especially looking forward to."

Interviewee 6: "Elon Musk is definitely a threat. I used to think he was just an idiot. Now I'm more worried. He kind of owns one of the biggest news platforms in the world these days. He has the ability to show what he wants and claim he's doing the ‘right’ thing. He's a dangerous man these days."

Interviewee 7: "Sadly, he can kind of be both… Maybe much less of a visionary, much more of a threat. He's clearly doing something right to be the richest man in the world, but that's almost the problem, the fact that he now has so many resources."

Interviewee 8: "I consider him a fraud. He's just a guy who, for some reason, has built this persona, and some people have fallen for it. But I think now these people are seeing that he's just a petulant child with a lot of money, who has made investments in a lot of good things rather than actually inventing anything in particular."

Interviewee 9: "I don't really know anything about Elon Musk, and I don't care."

Interviewee 10: "He's a threat. He's not a good guy."

A Global South World video series

This video is part of Global South World’s series exploring global opinions on pressing issues.

You can share your thoughts on our Facebook , Instagram , TikTok , YouTube or X posts.

In previous videos, we asked:

Is the US a friendly power?

Are you scared of AI?

Is capitalism working?

Should smoking be banned?

Stay tuned for more perspectives.

In a national address, Ramaphosa urged unity, cautioning against foreign influences that could divide the country. He directly challenged accusations that his government is deliberately targeting the white community through policies such as land reform and allegations of orchestrated farm attacks.

"In particular, we should challenge the completely false narrative that our country is a place in which people of a certain race or culture are being targeted for persecution," Ramaphosa said .

Musk recently amplified concerns over white farmers' safety, claiming that political figures in South Africa were promoting "white genocide." He referenced a rally by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, where members sang a controversial anti-apartheid song often associated with anti-Boer sentiments. Musk suggested that many people underestimate the party’s influence in shaping radical narratives.

The EFF, which holds 9.5% of seats in South Africa's parliament, has faced criticism for inciting racial tensions. While a previous court ruling classified the song as hate speech, recent legal decisions have upheld it as protected under freedom of expression laws.

The South African government has sought to clarify that while farm attacks and violent crimes do occur, they are part of the broader crime trends affecting all racial groups. Experts and crime analysts emphasize that there is no evidence of targeted violence against white individuals, stressing that South Africa’s high crime rates impact communities across racial lines.

Musk also owns 42% of SpaceX, which was at $350 billion in December 2024, SpaceX's reusable rockets and NASA contracts have played a big role in growing Musk's fortune. His other ventures include X, formerly known as Twitter, XAI, which is his artificial intelligence company, The Boring Company, a tunnel building company worth $3.3 billion and he made about $180 million from the sale of paper. Which helped start his other ventures.

Tesla benefits from electric vehicle incentives, while SpaceX gets big contracts from NASA and other companies. These have helped Musk's companies grow. Musk's wealth is tied to his companies, meaning it can rise and fall based on their performances. Despite the fluctuations, he continues to expand his business empire, taking on new challenges in space, AI, and infrastructure.

At the helm is Elon Musk, whose ambitious leadership of Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI has revolutionized electric vehicles and space exploration and expanded into the realm of artificial intelligence, all while amassing a staggering $400 billion fortune.

According to Fortune , Jensen Huang of NVIDIA has reshaped the tech landscape with groundbreaking advancements in computing and AI. Under his leadership, NVIDIA’s meteoric rise has propelled his net worth to $124 billion, solidifying his role as a game-changer in the industry.

Satya Nadella has positioned Microsoft as a powerhouse in cloud computing and AI, steering the company toward unprecedented innovation. Meanwhile, Warren Buffett demonstrates his legendary investment acumen, guiding Berkshire Hathaway through economic complexities with his timeless strategies.

In the tech-driven Metaverse era, Mark Zuckerberg is charting new territory for Meta. Sam Altman’s OpenAI is setting the stage for transformative change across industries with its cutting-edge AI models. Mary Barra is accelerating General Motors’ push toward a sustainable future with electric vehicles, and Sundar Pichai of Alphabet is shaping the next chapter of digital infrastructure and privacy.

These leaders are paving the way for a future defined by innovation and resilience. But who will lead the next big wave of change? Share your thoughts on the trailblazers set to redefine our world.

Fires in Brazil's Amazon rainforest surged in September 2023, reaching the highest number of hotspots for that month since 2010, with 41,463 detected. This increase is attributed to prolonged drought conditions linked to climate change. The first nine months of 2023 saw the worst fire activity since 2007. In the state of Para, which recorded its highest number of hotspots since 2007, smoke covered vast areas, and low water levels in the Amazon basin were evident. Fires, typically set for land clearance, are exploited by criminals aiming to profit from the land. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva condemned the fires as criminal, while federal police are intensifying efforts against environmental crimes. Channelnewsasia reports that fires in the Amazon typically peak in August and September, correlating with the region's dry season.

Repatriation from Lebanon

Brazil's Foreign Affairs Ministry has announced plans to repatriate Brazilian nationals from Lebanon following Israeli airstrikes in Beirut. Coordination will take place with the Defense Ministry and the Brazilian embassy, with a repatriation date to be determined based on safety conditions, according to the Brazilian Report . The urgency of the operation has increased as Israeli ground operations began in southern Lebanon. Approximately 22,000 Brazilians reside in Lebanon and Israel, highlighting the importance of this action.

Sports betting

A recent study by DataSenado reveals that over 22 million Brazilians (13% of adults aged 16+) placed sports bets in the past 30 days. The majority of bettors (56%) are aged 16 to 29. The findings highlight a male-dominated demographic, with 62% identifying as male and 38% as female. Betters also tend to be educated, with 40% having completed secondary education, and 68% employed. Sports betting regulations will take effect in Brazil on January 1 next year, prompting discussions on advertising policies.

Emergency plane landing

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's plane experienced a technical issue, forcing it to circle Mexico City for hours before landing safely after his official visit for President Claudia Sheinbaum's inauguration. The aircraft, a 20-year-old Airbus A319, burned off fuel to make a safe landing. TBS News reports that Lula was expected to change planes in Mexico City before returning to Brasilia.

Unblocking of X in Brazil

A Brazilian judge has ordered the unblocking of Elon Musk's X (formerly Twitter) bank accounts, allowing the platform to settle over $5 million in fines and possibly resume operations in Brazil after being suspended since August 31 due to a dispute over disinformation. Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes had previously shut down X after Musk failed to comply with court orders, including the removal of certain accounts and appointing a legal representative. X has begun to meet the court's conditions in hopes of reinstatement, while Musk has publicly criticized de Moraes, local reports say. Before the ban, X had over 22 million users in Brazil.

Musk has reacted strongly to the ruling, labelling Moraes an “evil dictator cosplaying as a judge” and claiming that the suspension is an attack on democracy.

The court’s order mandates that X be suspended immediately, with the national communications agency instructed to enforce the measure within 24 hours. The ruling also requires Google, Apple, and internet providers to block access to the X app and website. Those using VPNs to bypass the block face fines of 50,000 reais (about $8,900).

This suspension impacts X's more than 22 million Brazilian users.

His 23 per cent stake heavily influences Musk’s fortune in Tesla, the electric car company where he serves as CEO. Tesla's market value dramatically increased in 2020 and 2021, helping Musk reach a peak net worth of $320 billion in November 2021. Today, a substantial portion of his wealth remains linked to Tesla’s success.

Beyond Tesla, Musk is also the CEO of SpaceX, which NASA contracts for resupply missions to the International Space Station.

He also made headlines in October 2022 with his $44 billion purchase of Twitter, now known as X.

The Bloomberg Billionaires Index tracks the wealth of the world's richest people.

Khelif, who won gold in the women's 66-kilogramme boxing competition, faced a barrage of online abuse and accusations regarding her gender eligibility.

Despite being born female and not identifying as transgender or intersex, Khelif's participation in the Olympics was met with widespread controversy, particularly on social media platforms after Italian boxer Angela Carini abandoned her Olympic bout against her after 46 seconds.

The lawsuit, filed with French authorities, accuses Rowling and Musk of contributing to the cyberbullying through their public comments and social media posts.

Rowling allegedly posted a picture from Khelif's fight, accusing her of being a man and "enjoying the distress of a woman he's just punched in the head." Musk, on the other hand, shared a post from swimmer Riley Gaines, asserting that "men don't belong in women's sports," which he endorsed with his comment.

Khelif's lawyer, Nabil Boudi, confirmed that the lawsuit names both Rowling and Musk, along with other high-profile figures, including former U.S. President Donald Trump. The Paris Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into the allegations, focusing on cyber harassment, public insult, and incitement to discrimination.

The case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by athletes, particularly women, in the digital age. Khelif's victory, which should have been a moment of triumph, has instead been overshadowed by a contentious debate over gender and sports.

The outcome of this lawsuit could set a significant precedent for how online harassment is addressed in the future.

Hot on the Frenchman's heels is Tesla's Elon Musk, with a net worth of $199.6 billion. Musk briefly fell to third place in April 2024 when Amazon founder Jeff Bezos overtook him. However, according to Forbes, a 15% surge in Tesla's stock on April 29, 2024, boosted Musk's wealth by $14.5 billion, securing his second-place position.

Bezos now sits in third place with a net worth of $193.3 billion while Mark Zuckerberg of Meta holds fourth place with a net worth of $151.2 billion.

Among the top 10 wealthiest individuals, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, once the world's richest person for nearly three decades, now ranks ninth with a net worth of $128 billion. Steve Ballmer, another Microsoft veteran, rounds out the list with a net worth of $117.1 billion.

The wealthiest woman on the list is Francoise Bettencourt Meyers of France, ranked 15th globally with a net worth of $95.4 billion. Meyers’ wealth stems from her ownership stake in cosmetics giant L'Oréal, a family inheritance.

Here are the top ten richest people in the world as of May 1, 2024:

1. Bernard Arnault

Net worth: $209.4 billion

Source: LVMH/ luxury goods

Age: 75

Nationality: French

2. Elon Musk

Net worth: $199.6 billion

Source: Tesla, SpaceX, X (formerly Twitter)

Age: 52

Nationality: American

3. Jeff Bezos

Net worth: $193.3 billion

Source: Amazon

Age: 60

Nationality: American

4. Mark Zuckerberg

Net worth: $151.2 billion

Source: Meta (Facebook)

Age: 39

Nationality: American

5. Larry Ellison

Net worth: $142.8 billion

Source: Oracle

Age: 79

Nationality: American

6. Larry Page

Net worth: $135.4 billion

Source: Google

Age: 51

Nationality: American

7. Warren Buffett

Net worth: $131 billion

Source: Berkshire Hathaway

Age: 93

Nationality: American

8. Sergey Brin

Net worth: $129.9 billion

Source: Google

Age: 50

Nationality: American

9. Bill Gates

Net worth: $127 billion

Source: Microsoft

Age: 68

Nationality: American

10. Steve Ballmer

Net worth: $117.1 billion

Source: Microsoft, Clippers (NBA)

Age: 68

Nationality: American

"Agency Seven Seven has successfully led negotiations on behalf of former staff members of Twitter Ghana Ltd in their quest to get a fair settlement and repatriation expenses for foreign staff," said the firm in a statement.

“Congratulations on this important win! It is essential that all multinationals, big and small, know that they must respect our laws when they operate in Ghana,” they added.

Elon Musk, who acquired Twitter in October 2022 for $44 billion, fired nearly all of the African team as part of a global sweeping cuts of its employees in November 2022. He has since rebranded it, X.

The sacked staff members reported that X's treatment negatively impacted their mental health and finances. They said that after being informed of the termination, they were told they would be paid for one more month of work however, they were locked out of their emails with no further salary payments made after their contracts were terminated, the BBC reported.

"It's difficult when it's the world's richest man owing you money and closure," one member of the group told the BBC.

Musk in an interview in April 2023 told the BBC that X employed 1,500 people, compared to the little under 8,000 when he acquired the company.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hosted Musk in a special ceremony, where Musk also met with local leaders and representatives of the Israel Defense Forces. Musk expressed support for Israel's actions against Hamas, acknowledging civilian casualties as "inevitable" during the war.

During a live show on the X channel with Netanyahu, Musk endorsed the destruction of Hamas and emphasized Israel's efforts to avoid harming civilians. Isaac Herzog, the president of Israel, discussed concerns about anti-Semitism on the "X" social network with Musk, urging him to play a role in addressing the issue.

Musk had faced criticism for reposting content perceived as anti-Semitic, leading to major companies withdrawing ads from X. 

The White House condemned Musk, prompting him to vow a "thermonuclear lawsuit." Musk clarified his stance against anti-Semitism and anything promoting hatred and conflict.

In the midst of the Israel-Hamas conflict, Musk proposed offering Starlink access in Gaza for international relief organizations. 

Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karehi criticized the proposal, expressing concerns about potential misuse by Hamas. 

 Musk stated that Starlink activation in the region would depend on security coordination with Israel and the United States. 

The Minister of Communications of Israel hopes Musk's visit will foster future efforts and improve relations with the Jewish community.

In Africa, despite infrastructural challenges, the continent is witnessing a surge in internet usage, driven by the proliferation of mobile technology and affordable data with around 570 million internet users in 2022, a number more than doubled compared to 2015, Statista reports.

36% of Africa’s population had access to broadband internet access as of 2022, a 10% increase in 3 years, the World Bank in 2023 reported.

40% of Africa’s population is online, with 13 per cent year-on-year growth in internet penetration, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in 2022 reported.

However, this growth underscores the ongoing challenge of the digital divide. Africa remains the least connected among the International Telecommunication Union's six world regions.

Space X's Starlink, a satellite network headed by American multibillionaire Elon Musk, aims to provide low-cost, high-speed internet in remote locations and looks like another means for Africans to bridge the digital divide and increase internet access in the region.

The satellite network is available in over 60 countries across the world including some African countries.

Benin is the most recent of the African nations to authorise the satellite network in their country. Joining Nigeria, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, Malawi and Zambia as the African nations with coverage.

The network is expected to extend its coverage to more African countries in the years to come. 

“Online harm does not just cease to exist when there are fewer than eight million users,” Fahmi said , adding that the Grok incident showed gaps in the current framework. 

Malaysia’s communications regulator said licensed platforms must comply with local laws and take responsibility for user safety. TikTok, Facebook and Instagram are among platforms already licensed.

Authorities temporarily restricted Grok after it generated sexual content, and Fahmi said Malaysia could lift the restrictions once regulators confirm that X has addressed safety concerns. He added that X representatives told the government they had implemented preventive measures and committed to stopping the spread of harmful content. 

Malaysia has previously warned it could take legal action against X for failing to protect users. The review signals a broader effort by the government to tighten oversight of social media and AI tools, regardless of platform size.