Latest news with #Forbes30Under30
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Wall Street turned into a dance floor for this unbelievable Indian wedding. Who are the bride and groom?
Varun Navani, CEO of AI platform Rolai and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, married Amanda Soll, a legal compliance director at Mastercard, in a lavish multi-day wedding in New York City. Their celebration included a traditional Indian baraat that temporarily shut down Wall Street, drawing crowds and going viral online. The Boston-based couple hosted events across several venues, including Cipriani Wall Street and The Glasshouse, blending Indian and Jewish wedding traditions. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Meet the Couple: Accomplished Professionals from Boston Luxury and Tradition Combine Across Multiple Events Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Major Permits and Costs for a Major Celebration A grand Indian wedding took over Manhattan's Financial District last weekend, as the traditional baraat—a jubilant wedding procession—brought a full stop to the usually fast-paced Wall Street. The couple behind the widely circulated social media spectacle was identified as Varun Navani and Amanda Soll, both accomplished professionals based in gathered in the hundreds, dressed in glittering traditional attire, while music from a live DJ set the tone for an unforgettable celebration. The groom's arrival was marked by dancing, music, and vibrant decor, with videos showing onlookers visibly stunned by the transformation of Wall Street into a scene of celebration and Navani, originally from Gujarat, India, is the founder and CEO of Rolai, an enterprise artificial intelligence platform designed to help users master data analytics and machine learning. According to his professional background, Navani was recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30 Boston list in 2023 for his work in education and AI bride, Amanda Soll, works as the director of legal compliance and risk management at Mastercard. According to their LinkedIn profiles and confirmed through their wedding page on The Knot, the couple resides in Boston and chose New York City to host their multi-day wedding wedding kicked off on May 23 and stretched over four days, beginning with breakfast and afternoon tea at the Conrad Hotel. That evening, a sangeet—a music and dance celebration—was held at The headline event took place Saturday, when the baraat commenced at 3:30 p.m., followed by a grand reception at Cipriani Wall Street. For this traditional Indian wedding procession, Navani wore an ivory sherwani adorned with layered pearl necklaces. He arrived in a vintage white car, surrounded by friends and family dancing along the historic street. Soll wore a ruby red lehenga by famed Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee, paired with gold jewelry and soft glam Wall Street, the reception venue, hosted guests from 5:30 p.m. until 2 a.m., continuing the celebratory mood into the early hours. The party resumed on Sunday with a Jewish wedding ceremony at the same location and an after-party at Slate, which lasted until 4 a.m. The events concluded Monday with a farewell brunch and wedding did more than just draw attention; it also demanded substantial planning and resources. The couple filed a total of 28 permits with the city, with each area closure in the Financial District estimated to cost between $25,000 and $66,000. According to city classifications, the baraat was labeled as an 'extra-large' event due to its size and logistical requirements, which included full block closures and NYPD speculation online about their wealth, the couple are not celebrities or billionaires—but their credentials and professional standing reflect the success that allowed for such a and Soll's wedding served as both a celebration of love and a cultural display that captivated locals and social media alike. With their blend of Indian and Jewish traditions, high-end fashion, and a major metropolitan backdrop, the couple created an unforgettable moment that briefly turned Wall Street into a place of joy, color, and cultural pride.
The Print
3 days ago
- Business
- The Print
Why is Pakistan going all out on crypto? There's a Donald Trump angle
Crypto is already widely popular in Pakistan, with around 20 million users —far more than the 420,000 people who invest in the capital market—placing the country among the global top 10 for crypto trading. In a surprising move, in late April, Pakistan partnered with World Liberty Financial (WLF), a company linked to the US President Donald Trump's family. WLF has promised to help Pakistan develop blockchain tools, tokenise assets, and provide crypto industry guidance. However, details of the deal remain vague. New Delhi: As its economy remains in shambles and ever dependent on IMF bailouts, a desperate Pakistan is trying hard to find a new window of growth. And this new life line is coming in the form of cryptocurrency and a company that has links to US President Donald Trump. In February 2025, the government formed a Crypto Council, and on Tuesday, it upgraded this into a full regulatory body called the Pakistan Digital Asset Authority. This new authority will oversee and regulate digital assets like crypto and blockchain-based technologies. The government now aims to regulate and tax the sector, attract foreign investment, and legitimise the ecosystem through the newly formed Pakistan Digital Asset Authority (PDAA), led by Bilal Bin Saqib—a Forbes 30 Under 30 and MBE awardee. Pakistani-British entrepreneur Saqib's appointment signals Pakistan's push to align with global trends. With global crypto exchange platforms like Binance and Stacks showing interest, Pakistan is also allocating power for data centres to support crypto mining and AI. Saqib is tasked with creating a FATF-compliant crypto framework, launching Bitcoin mining, regulating it, and integrating blockchain into governance and finance. However, questions are being raised about policymaking and governmental control. Hussain Nadeem, a policy strategist and Pakistani AI expert, posed a few questions to Bilal Bin Saqib, who earlier headed the Pakistan Crypto Council and will now lead the PDAA. In a long post on X, he asked if there was a white paper on crypto advancement in Pakistan, how much of governmental/army control there would be and whether there were public discussions on policymaking in crypto post the tie-up with Trump's company. Nadeem's questions point toward larger policy hiccups. Industry experts, however, are confident of the prospects of crypto in Pakistan. 'The founders of WLFI recently visited Pakistan and expressed strong interest in supporting our crypto ecosystem. With their stablecoin valued at over $2 billion, WLFI is a significant global player. While the details of our collaboration will be announced soon, possibly at the upcoming Bitcoin Vegas Conference, their visit alone signals growing international confidence in Pakistan's crypto ambitions,' Ali Farid Khwaja, chairman at KTrade Securities and a domain expert, told ThePrint. Geopolitical concerns There are also geopolitical implications. An article from The Economist's May edition pointed out that many in India interpreted the US-Pakistan crypto deal as Pakistan's way to win Trump's favour, which perhaps even led to Trump declaring the ceasefire. In late April, Texas-based logistics firm Fr8Tech made headlines by pledging up to $20 million to buy $TRUMP, a cryptocurrency launched by Donald Trump. The firm, linked to World Liberty Finance, also promised to help Pakistan develop blockchain products and provide crypto industry advice—raising eyebrows globally. Meanwhile, the Trump family's deep ties to crypto via promotion, regulation, and investor perks like exclusive dinners are drawing the industry into US politics. While this gives crypto unprecedented visibility, critics in The Economist article, warn that its association with a partisan figure could ultimately harm its broader legitimacy. Nadeem too, in his criticism, compared the new crypto push to the Pakistan Army's involvement in Special Investment Facilitation Council, which is a federal body under the Pakistan government but one that is effectively run by the Pakistan military, including 36 active military officers. Established in 2023, under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, SIFC aims to increase foreign investment and ease business but heavy military presence in the council has sparked concerns over civilian-military power balance. Calling it a 'great disservice to the country', Nadeem said 'Crypto is the new SIFC' 'The way this regime is approaching Crypto, it has unfortunately become a new con that has politics, not public good, as an end goal…. The regime has only ONE interest in Crypto: Access to the Trump White House, and sadly this hype is all about that, nothing more,' he wrote on X. Even Indian analysts are issuing words of caution. Pakistan's growing crypto adoption highlights a significant shift in the region's digital strategy—one India should closely monitor given the potential geopolitical and economic impacts, distinguished fellow at the Council on Strategic and Defence Research, C Raja Mohan, wrote in a recent column for The Indian Express. Khwaja, however, is hopeful for crypto's prospects in Pakistan and is not worried about governmental control overriding the positive impacts. Since the Crypto Council was announced just three months ago, Pakistan has attracted significant attention from some of the top names in the crypto industry. Binance, World Liberty Finance, crypto billionaire Justin Sun, and Stacks, a New York-based token with a $2 billion market cap, have all publicly announced engagements with Pakistan, he said. 'This surge of inbound interest from major global players is driving investment and prompting the government to actively facilitate regulations, aiming to position Pakistan as both a regional and global leader in crypto,' Khwaja said. He also added that, unlike before, when interest was often met with scepticism, the government is embracing these opportunities. 'It's not about trying to force development; companies are coming forward saying, 'We want to invest,' and Pakistan is responding. Similarly, in the US, President Trump has expressed a strong desire for the country to lead globally in this space, reflecting how quickly things are evolving worldwide,' he added. (Edited by Theres Sudeep)
News18
3 days ago
- Business
- News18
Pakistan's New Crypto Czar Is A Social Star With Global Resume, But Can He Deliver Policy?
Last Updated: Bilal Bin Saqib, Pakistan's new crypto czar, brings an LSE degree, an MBE, and a Forbes 30 Under 30 tag. But the fanfare around his appointment feels more like PR than policy At a glitzy Las Vegas crypto summit, Bitcoin 2025, held from 27 to 29 May at the Venetian and attended by US Vice President JD Vance and a host of blockchain evangelists, a Pakistani delegate unveiled a novel idea: a government-backed Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. The announcement made headlines, as did the man behind it. Bilal Bin Saqib, recently appointed as the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Blockchain and Cryptocurrency, with the status of Minister of State., is not a bureaucrat or a financial expert. He is a London-bred social entrepreneur with a polished demeanour – and now, the face of Pakistan's most high-profile crypto push to date. Who Is Bilal Bin Saqib? An alumnus of the London School of Economics, Bilal first gained prominence during the Covid-19 pandemic for co-founding the 'One Million Meals' initiative, which provided over 100,000 meals to NHS workers and vulnerable communities in the UK. His efforts earned him an MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire). He was also featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 in the Europe Social Impact category. Honoured to be appointed as the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Blockchain and Cryptocurrency, with the status of Minister of is a responsibility I carry with sincerity, for our youth, our builders, and the future we want to shape. Pakistan… — Bilal bin Saqib MBE (@Bilalbinsaqib) May 28, 2025 In Pakistan, he co-founded Tayaba, a non-profit initiative to distribute 'H2O Wheels' in water-scarce rural areas, garnering attention for blending social innovation with grassroots action. More recently, he launched the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), a platform that advocates for crypto awareness. However, the PCC's work has largely been confined to media outreach and events. There is no public evidence of Bilal contributing to technical development, policy drafting, or institutional crypto governance. Until now, he has been more of a campaigner and public advocate than a policymaker. Why This Appointment Matters And Why It's Unusual Bilal's appointment to a Cabinet-rank advisory position comes as Pakistan attempts to signal its digital ambition to global investors. As Special Assistant on Blockchain and Cryptocurrency, Bilal now holds ministerial status – a rare elevation for someone without a background in regulation, finance, or statecraft. Superficially, the appointment suggests an attempt to modernise governance with younger, internationally recognised voices. Yet, beneath the surface, it has raised concerns about whether such gestures translate into meaningful institutional change. The centrepiece of Bilal's early tenure is the announcement of Pakistan's Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, made on Wednesday during the Bitcoin 2025 conference. The reserve is pitched as a sovereign digital asset storehouse – a national crypto wallet to hold digital currencies already in state custody. The move is intended to signal Pakistan's long-term commitment to decentralised finance. Just days before the Vegas summit, Pakistan's finance ministry announced the allocation of 2,000 megawatts of surplus electricity for Bitcoin mining and AI data centres. The initiative, led by the Pakistan Crypto Council, aims to monetise unused energy capacity and position Pakistan as a future hub for digital infrastructure. Trumpworld And The American Tie-In The timing of Pakistan's crypto initiative closely followed US President Donald Trump's March 2025 executive order establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a US Digital Asset Stockpile, seeded with Bitcoin seized in federal forfeitures. US Vice President JD Vance, who addressed the Las Vegas summit, has also positioned the administration as crypto-friendly. Pakistan's deal with World Liberty Financial (WLF) – a US-based crypto firm with reported ties to Trump allies – further suggests Islamabad's crypto pivot is taking cues from Washington's current rhetoric. According to Reuters, members of the Trump family – including Eric Trump, Donald Trump Jr., and Jared Kushner – reportedly hold a 60 per cent stake in WLF through an affiliated entity. However, whether this alignment results in meaningful outcomes remains unclear. Style Over Substance? Pakistan's crypto ambitions are expanding, but its institutional groundwork remains underdeveloped. The country lacks a comprehensive regulatory framework for virtual assets. Past policy reversals, FATF pressure, and legal ambiguities have made it a volatile environment for both investors and developers. Bilal's appointment, in this context, appears more focused on public image than practical reform. While his global profile may attract attention, it is uncertain whether he possesses the institutional authority, or policy experience, to drive structural change. Without robust regulatory architecture, initiatives like the Bitcoin Reserve risk being reduced to proof-of-concept exercises. The crucial tasks of compliance, legal coherence, and cross-border credibility remain largely unaddressed. top videos View all Conclusion Bilal Bin Saqib's rise is emblematic of a political culture that prioritises global image over substantive action. With his credentials, charisma, and communication skills, he is well-placed to narrate a story of digital transformation. But whether that narrative translates into institutional capacity, or remains confined to conference stages and social media threads, remains to be seen. First Published:
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Woman Shares Theory on Why Being Single Is a 'Luxury'—Internet Has Thoughts
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Being single is not a cause for tears and concern, but something to enjoy and celebrate—that is the message resonating with millions of viewers online after a TikTok creator's declaration about the "luxury" of single life went viral. Relationship expert Tam Kaur (@tamkaur) told Newsweek that the creator's words count for more than just a fleeting sentiment. "Being single is not a problem to be fixed," Kaur, who wrote Buy Yourself the Damn Flowers, said. "It is an opportunity to reconnect with yourself on the deepest level. "So often, we place relationships on a pedestal because we are taught they will complete us, but the truth is, no one can complete you but you." The short clip had been shared to TikTok by @onlinekeeks on March 3, and has since been viewed more than 1.1 million times. Viewers were able to see the creator look straight into the camera lens and make a bold case: "I just want to remind people that being single is a luxury, and you need to start treating it as literally don't know when's the last day you're going to be just need to enjoy this moment." The message landed differently for different people. Some viewers agreed wholeheartedly, praising the sentiment as empowering. Others pushed back, pointing to the economic and emotional challenges often faced by those who live and move through the world alone. Several highlighted the fact that being coupled up in 2025 is rarely a prison sentence. "[You are] not trapped though, you can leave a relationship whenever you want," one viewer said, while another added: "I love being single so much, I love doing my own things at my own pace." From left: Tam Kaur poses for a headshot; and an abstract illustration of a woman walking along a cliff towards a sign with directions. From left: Tam Kaur poses for a headshot; and an abstract illustration of a woman walking along a cliff towards a sign with directions. @tamkaur / Getty Images "Being single is a luxury," a third viewer shared. "Being in a relationship with someone who adds joy and uplifts is also a luxury. "You should be whole in a relationship as well, it shouldn't feel like a burden, don't settle." "Bro acting like it's not a choice to be in a relationship I'm so dead is this [for real] how [you all] look at it," a different viewer commented. Another added: "I'm gonna be 25 and still never even held a man's hand romantically so I'm totally over these discussions, especially hearing it from people in okay be single with me if it's so great." Kaur, a self-transformation coach and a 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, believes that such discomfort often arises from how society teaches people to view love. "If you are feeling unfulfilled or lonely, it is not necessarily love you are craving, it is connection," Kaur, 24, said. "That might be intellectual stimulation, which you can find in a great book or an online group full of people who share your interests. Person preparing bouquet of flowers Person preparing bouquet of flowers"It might be affection, which you can nurture in deep friendships and intentional community, or maybe it is adventure, and there is so much joy in learning to explore the world on your own terms—without a partner." The TikTok post ignited widespread commentary on the meaning of independence and fulfillment, with viewers debating what exactly makes singlehood a "luxury." Some shared that it is the freedom to shape your days without compromise or negotiation. For others, it is the absence of societal obligations that often accompany coupledom—like caregiving or financial entanglement. But the notion is not universally accessible. In many communities and cultures, single life—particularly for women—is neither embraced nor allowed. Living alone can be frowned upon, even shunned. In some countries, women who live alone, either by choice or by circumstance, face strict restrictions. Even in the U.S. the experience of being single is not without difficulties. Housing costs are higher for single people, and many benefits—such as health insurance, tax credits, and social status—are tied to marriage. From paying full rent alone to navigating social gatherings that prize romantic partnerships, single individuals often face a "singles tax," both financially and emotionally. These dynamics have fueled both praise and criticism under @onlinekeeks' video. In comments beneath the post, some supporters celebrated the call to embrace singleness as a valid, joyful life stage. Others described the realities that make it challenging. For some, the pressure to couple up remains intense. But Kaur, who is based in London, England, urges a different perspective—one rooted in self-trust and intentional living. "Book that solo holiday, take yourself out to dinner, and become the love of your own life," she said. "I always say, the person you can trust most in this world is you, you are your own best friend, and your own soulmate. "When we stop searching for someone else to rescue us and instead start building a life we genuinely love, that is when everything shifts." Newsweek reached out to @onlinekeeks for more information via TikTok. Have you noticed any red flags that made you end a relationship? Let us know via life@ We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
News18
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Ananya Panday Is ‘Obsessed' With Benito Skinner's Overcompensating
Last Updated: Benito Skinner wrote the series as well as served as executive producer. Benito Skinner's semi-autobiographical comedy series Overcompensating has created waves since its release on Prime Video. Benito Skinner wrote the series as well as served as executive producer. While the show has been receiving praise from the audience, Ananya Panday seems to be enthralled with the series. Ananya shared the poster of the show on her Instagram story and exclaimed that she is 'Obsessed" with it. Apart from Benito Skinner, the cast members of Overcompensating include Wally Baram, Mary Beth Barone, Adam DiMarco and Rish Shah. Connie Britton, Kyle MacLachlan, Kaia Gerber, Julia Shiplett, Tommy Do, Alexandra Beaton and others appear in key roles. Overcompensating is set in a college background and revolves around Benny, a former football player and homecoming king, who makes good friends with Carmen, a high school outsider on a mission to fit in at any cost. Benny and Carmen navigate bad hookups, fake IDs and other issues with the help of Benny's older sister and her boyfriend. The show delves into the extent to which people go in our quest to discover who they truly are. The show started streaming earlier this month. Ananya Panday was named in Forbes' 30 Under 30 Asia list for 2025. Forbes 30 Under 30 is an annual list produced by Forbes magazine since 2011, which recognises notable young achievers under the age of 30 from various fields. On the work front, she is receiving praise for her performance in the courtroom drama Kesari Chapter 2, starring Akshay Kumar and R. Madhavan. The poignant drama centered on the aftermath of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, showcased a more serious and layered side to her acting. The film garnered excellent reviews and did well in the box office. Ananya will soon be featured in the love drama Chand Mera Dil, alongside Lakshya. She gained popularity last year with her back-to-back singles Call Me Bae and CTRL.
