Latest news with #RIF
Mint
09-08-2025
- Business
- Mint
The divine hustler: How Osho monetized mysticism
In the chiaroscuro world of spirituality and commerce, Chandra Mohan Jain (more popularly known as Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and later as Osho) stands as a true prototype of the guru who used multi‑million‑dollar messaging to build a global business in meditation and mysticism. Long before mindfulness went mainstream and gurus trended on Instagram, Osho was branding spirituality with the flair of a luxury startup, leveraging charisma, psychology, and sharp marketing instincts to set up a highly profitable and equally controversial business. Born in 1931 in Kuchwada, a small village in Madhya Pradesh, Osho started his career as a philosophy lecturer in Jabalpur. His public talks, initially free, then paid, resonated with the educated elite and a growing cadre of wealthy patrons started funding his retreats and lectures. The Osho enterprise By the early 1970s, he had initiated thousands of sannyasins into his cause. Clad in ochre robes and sporting new spiritual names, they were the harbingers of a global movement led by a bearded oracle. Shrewdly, the new-age guru didn't just gather followers; he transformed them into customers. The meditation camps, therapy sessions, and one-on-one darshans were duly monetized as the rich and famous flocked to his Pune ashram in search of enlightenment—though they also found 'free love", a call to open sexuality that was unique to the place. While the eager disciples sought peace, Osho's staff were busy tallying their growing riches. The movement accelerated with Osho's relocation to Oregon in 1981. Here, in a place called Wasco County, he and his followers purchased a 64,000‑acre ranch to build Rajneeshpuram, a self‑contained city with its own airstrip, bank, police, and university. For variety, it also boasted a disco and malls. This was the heart of the Osho enterprise, with followers paying thousands for therapy courses that ranged from the exotic to the more exotic. The enterprise was on a roll, such that a week-long World Festival in 1984 attracted 15,000 participants who spent over $10 million in admissions, accommodations, souvenirs, and sessions. The whole operation was predictably opaque with a corporate labyrinth of entities, including Rajneesh International Foundation (RIF), Rajneesh Investment Corporation (RIC), Rajneesh Services International Ltd (Switzerland), and niche verticals like The Rajneesh Modern Car Collection Trust used to channel funds, hold assets, and mask financial flows. The Rolls-Royce—nearly 90 of them—besides fueling Osho's lifestyle, added to his mystique. Along with the diamond-studded Rolex watches, these were symbolic tools in a carefully crafted display of wealth and freedom. The dark underbelly But hidden away from the public eye was the movement's dark underbelly. By the mid‑1980s, legal and financial allegations started surfacing. The commune was implicated in immigration fraud and misusing tax exemptions to smuggle foreign donations. A former disciple, Helen Byron, filed a lawsuit against Rajneesh Foundation International, leading to a federal trial in Portland in 1985 and an adverse judgment for the guru. Bigger scandals lay in store, none more infamous than the 1984 case where followers led by his closest ally, Ma Anand Sheela, carried out a salmonella-biological attack in The Dalles, Oregon, in a bizarre plot to influence local elections. The lady was convicted and sent to prison, and shortly after that, Osho was arrested too. He pleaded guilty to immigration violations and was deported in 1985. Osho returned to Pune, where he died in January 1990. At the time of his death, his net worth was believed to be over $100 million, mostly in intellectual property, real estate, brand licensing, and the residual value of a global spiritual enterprise. While the commune had collapsed, its material hangover continued unabated. In 2000, nearly 10 years after his death, the Osho brand in the US was said to be generating over $25 million a year through seminars, licensing and corporate stress-management programmes. A 2018 Netflix series, Wild Wild Country, reignited interest in the criminality of the cult. But it was another documentary, Children of the Cult, which threw light on the worst aspect of the movement—child sexual abuse. It spotlighted the shocking treatment of children who were included in the orgies, all in the name of free sex. It should have served as a warning to the world that the mosaic of spirituality and business often masks evil. Clearly, it didn't. Osho, the spiritual libertine turned spiritual capitalist, continues to inspire many of today's godmen and spiritual influencers who have adopted facets of his model, including charisma‑based global branding and retreats that double as resorts. Who knows what horrors lie beneath these business-savvy management apparatuses? For more such stories, read The Enterprising Indian: Stories From India Inc News.
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
EPA shutters its scientific research arm, with hundreds expected to be impacted
The Environmental Protection Agency announced Friday afternoon that it is eliminating its scientific division, known as the Office of Research and Development. The move to shutter the ORD comes one day after the agency said it was undergoing a reorganization involving several other EPA divisions. ORD conducts critical research to "safeguard human health and ecosystems from environmental pollutants," according to its website. More than 1,500 employees, including scientists and researchers, are dispersed across the country at 11 different locations, but the bulk are based at the EPA's headquarters in Washington, D.C., and at a large scientific facility in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. Eliminating the office will bring $748.8 million in savings, according to a news release from the agency. The EPA had 16,155 employees back in January 2025, but following voluntary retirements, dismissals, and other reduction in force (RIF) actions, it is now down to 12,488 employees, the agency said in its release Friday, a reduction of about 22% of its staff. The staffing cuts include 3,201 employees who took the Trump administration's so-called "Fork in the Road" deferred resignation program, as well as those who took early retirement. "Under President Trump's leadership, EPA has taken a close look at our operations to ensure the agency is better equipped than ever to deliver on our core mission of protecting human health and the environment while Powering the Great American Comeback," EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said in a statement Friday. "This reduction in force will ensure we can better fulfill that mission while being responsible stewards of your hard-earned tax dollars." It was anticipated that ORD would be impacted, according to earlier documents that outlined the agency's RIF plans. Back in March, the documents indicated that somewhere between 50% to 75% of ORD employees would not be retained, the majority of them leading scientists in their field of research. A source inside ORD told CBS News Friday that employees found out about the reduction in force via the press release that was sent out to the public, and has not received any formal communication from the agency about what will happen next. "A friend texted me the press release," the source told CBS News, "that is how I found out." According to the source, most employees are anxiously checking their email, waiting to see if they'll be reassigned to another program office, or impacted by the reduction. Some ORD employees have already received notification that they have been reassigned, while most wait to learn their fate. In May, ORD employees were told they would be contacted by other programs inside the agency to discuss potential, lateral moves. But according to the source, it now appears that impacted individuals won't get much of a choice: either take the reassignment if one is offered, or leave the agency. "I don't think I can stay in the U.S.," one source told CBS News, "there are no jobs here." Because of cuts to the federal workforce and cuts to scientific research, there are very few scientific positions available in the U.S., and some are now contemplating work abroad. "Today's cuts dismantle one of the world's most respected environmental health research organizations," said Jennifer Orme-Zavaleta, former EPA principal deputy assistant administrator for science, in a statement. "EPA's science office has long been recognized internationally for advancing public health protections through rigorous science. Reducing its workforce under the guise of cost savings is both misleading and dangerous. This does not save taxpayers money; it simply shifts costs to hospitals, families and communities left to bear the health and economic consequences of increased pollution and weakened oversight. The people of this country are not well served by these actions. They are left more vulnerable." The ORD's research touches on a range of issues from PFAS, often referred to as "forever chemicals," to water-bourne diseases, soot in the air, and environmental factors that contribute to childhood asthma, Orme-Zavaleta said. It is made up of six major research program offices, per its website, that include Air, Climate, and Energy, Chemical Safety for Sustainability, Health and Environmental Risk Assessment, Homeland Security, Safe and Sustainable Water Resources and Sustainable and Healthy Communities. It also includes four major research labs including the Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure (CCTE), the Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling (CEMM), the Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response (CESER) and the Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment (CPHEA). Wall Street Journal reports Trump sent "bawdy" birthday letter to Epstein, Trump threatens to sue Medical expert on Trump's chronic venous insufficiency diagnosis Americans on whether the U.S. should return to the moon, travel to Mars Solve the daily Crossword
The Star
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Indonesian superstars Tulus and Juicy Luicy to headline the much-anticipated inaugural Ruang Inspirasi Festival in KL
Set the date August 17 on your calendar. This is when the inaugural Ruang Inspirasi Festival (RIF) led by Indonesian superstar acts Tulus and Juicy Luicy makes its debut at the Mega Star Arena in Kuala Lumpur. The much-anticipated music festival, organised by IndoExpo in collaboration with ticketing partner BBO Events, promises a different and fresh experience for festival-goers in the country and also the South-East Asian region on the whole. RIF KL 2025 will spotlight the two major Indonesian acts in back-to-back showcases on the same day — chart-topping jazz-pop singer-songwriter Tulus and alternative pop-rock band Juicy Luicy. The festival is split into two sessions: Tulus takes the stage in the afternoon slot at 1.30pm, while Juicy Luicy headlines the evening session at 7.30pm. In a media statement to the Malaysian media, IndoExpo has promised fans, especially the younger generation, will be treated to a happening, inspiring, and emotional festival experience through the RIF. According to IndoExpo, the unusual two-act format is also a special step to offer fans something different. The organisers added that the RIF is a music show featuring the most awaited musicians by fans in Kuala Lumpur, and hence the decision to bring in Juicy Luicy and Tulus. "Both Juicy Luicy are Tulus have a big following here and many of their fans have been clamouring for these acts to have concerts here. It was just an easy decision to bring down both the acts said to be the tops in their line in the Nusantara region," said IndoExpo. Confident of a good turnout at the arena, the organisers also said that they have plans to expand RIF beyond Kuala Lumpur, with hopes to stage multiple showcases annually across various Malaysian cities and also in countries like Indonesia and Singapore. "This will come in the future. We have big plans for this festival in the near future," said IndoExpo. "RIF brings a fresh concept that combines musical performances with elements of inspiration and sharing the stories behind the popular works of the artists involved. "This festival is not just an ordinary concert, but rather a platform to instill positive spirit and inspiration through music." As for the bands, both Juicy Luicy and Tules are very well known in the local scene and Malaysian fans. Juicy Luicy is famous for their hit songs such as 'Lantas', 'Lampu Kuning', 'Sialan', and many more. They have also been mentioned by many top music writers to currently be the foremost R&B group in the Nusantara region. The alternative band is led by Uan (vocals), Denis (guitar), Bina (bass), and Zamzam (saxophone) and is well-known for blending jazzy textures with infectious melodies. The band last performed in Malaysia in November 2023 and that time the concert was sold out when they performed at Zepp KL during Malam Galau Kuala Lumpur. As for Muhammad Tulus, better known by his mononym Tulus, is an Indonesian singer and songwriter of Minangkabau descent. His debut album "Tulus", was released in 2011. Rolling Stone Indonesia put this album on the top chart of Indonesia's Best Album and awarded Tulus Rookie of the Year in 2013. His second album, "Gajah", was released in 2013. Since then, 88,000 copies have been produced and distributed, making it one of the largest CD productions in Indonesia (2014 - 2015). It was the only music album in the Indonesian language that was listed in The Top 10 Best Selling Music Albums in iTunes Asia, two months in a row after it was released. In 2016, his third studio album Monokrom was officially released on August 3, by his own label Tulus Co. It was also released under CD to 100 Indonesian music stores and also released digitally in Malaysia. He then released his recent album "Manusia" in 2022. As for the tickets for RIF, tickets are available via Bundle packages (both sessions) are priced between RM268 and RM1,028. Individual session tickets are also available: Tulus (afternoon Session): at RM198 to RM758 and Juicy Luicy (evening session): RM128 to RM528 For the festival updates and latest news, fans can 'like' dan 'follow' the development at Instagram dan TikTok @
Bloomberg
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Bloomberg
The State Department Upheaval Makes China Great Again
She had not seen the axe coming for her specifically, one Foreign Service Officer told me. (She wishes to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals.) Thinking she would be safe from cuts that largely targeted other teams, she worked late into the night on a Thursday this month, helping colleagues around the world as usual. But the following morning she found a termination email in her inbox, signed by Lew Olowski, a MAGA firebrand who runs personnel at the State Department. And so she became one of roughly 1,350 people at the department, including about 250 FSOs, who got 'RIFed,' as they call it (after the euphemism 'reduction in force'). Having served in the Middle East and Asia for many years, she had stellar performance reviews throughout and had been picked by several top diplomats for specific assignments. If she had stayed overseas, she would have been safe from this round of RIFs, which hit only US-based staff. But she happened to be transitioning from a posting in Asia to one in Europe and was technically classified as 'domestic.'
Politico
17-07-2025
- Business
- Politico
State Department cyber, tech cuts deeper than previously known
Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's subcommittee on cybersecurity, said he was aware of a number of cuts of staff with specific and hard-to-replace skills. 'They have lost people with genuine expertise … in cyber, in 5G, in quantum, a whole group of people who had really exquisite skills,' Coons said. Asked to quantify the extent of cuts to the cybersecurity workforce, Coons said: 'My impression is: significant.' The cuts to cyber and tech roles at State have gone beyond the CDP. Also laid off have been staff involved in ensuring the use of secure telecommunications infrastructure by allies; and those that worked to fix problems Cyber Command identifies in the networks of U.S. allies, said Annie Fixler, director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies' Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation, who has been in contact with a number those laid off. The congressional aide said that 'around half a dozen' of the staff from the Office of the Special Envoy for Critical and Emerging Technologies — which works on topics including AI and quantum computing — were given RIF notices, representing a 'sizeable proportion' of the small office. This aide said this office is now being merged into the CDP. It has become increasingly clear over the past few days that the reorganized State Department will have very few cybersecurity positions. The Washington Post first reported earlier this week that CDP personnel had been among those laid off, in particular those on teams that focus on global data policy. The former official confirmed that Liesyl Franz, the CDP's deputy assistant secretary for International Cyberspace Security was among those laid off. Her departure was previously reported by NextGov. Franz did not respond to a request for comment. The entire Office of Science and Technology Cooperation has also been shut down, according to a laid-off employee. Felicia Fullilove-Cashwell, a foreign affairs officer at the State Department, wrote on LinkedIn that her reduction in force letter included the words 'office abolished.' Fullilove-Cashwell said in an interview that 'it has been suggested that regional offices may take over a lot of the functions of eliminated offices,' though she argued that eliminating OSTC still hurts the relationships between civil servants and foreign officials. The elimination of OSTC was previously reported by FedScoop.
