President Donald Trump has unveiled a major new push to accelerate America’s commercial space ambitions, with the United States targeting more than 1,000 rocket launches and spacecraft re-entries from American soil every year by 2030.

The new policy directs US government agencies to examine federal land for additional launch and re-entry sites while encouraging greater private-sector participation in space transportation.

Trump’s plans extend beyond Earth orbit. NASA has been directed to support commercial transportation to and from the Moon, robotic missions to Mars and eventually commercial human transportation to the Red Planet.

The announcement comes as the US-China space race intensifies, with both countries pursuing ambitious lunar programs. The United States is aiming to return astronauts to the lunar surface before 2030 and establish a more sustained presence on the Moon.

Trump Unveils Major US Space Push | 1,000+ Rocket Launches by 2030 | Moon & Mars Missions Accelerate

Blue Origin is preparing for one of the biggest fundraising rounds in the history of the private space industry. According to CNBC, Jeff Bezos' rocket company is looking to raise around $10 billion, valuing the company at approximately $130 billion.It will be the first time Blue Origin has accepted large-scale outside investment after years of relying mainly on funding from Bezos himself. The move is significant because it gives investors a rare opportunity to back one of the world's largest private space companies. The fundraising also comes only weeks after SpaceX completed a record-breaking IPO, adding fresh momentum to the commercial space industry.<h2>How is the funding round structured?</h2>According to people familiar with the discussions, Bezos is expected to invest $2 billion of his own money in the round. Investment firm Coatue Management is reportedly set to contribute about $4 billion, while the remaining $4 billion is expected to come from several institutional investors. CNBC reported that demand for the remaining allocation has been strong. If completed, the deal would value Blue Origin among the world's most valuable privately controlled aerospace companies.<h2>Why is Blue Origin raising money now?</h2>For years, Bezos funded Blue Origin largely through personal wealth, including proceeds from selling Amazon shares. However, developing reusable rockets, lunar landers and future space infrastructure requires enormous amounts of capital. Bringing in outside investors gives the company greater financial flexibility while reducing its dependence on Bezos alone.In an interview with CNBC in May, Bezos said it was "a good time" to consider external investment as the company enters its next phase of growth.<h2>What does it mean for the space industry?</h2>The fundraising reflects growing investor confidence in the commercial space sector. Blue Origin is developing launch vehicles such as New Glenn, while also working on lunar exploration projects, satellite launch services and long-term space infrastructure. The timing is notable. SpaceX's recent IPO demonstrated that investors are willing to place massive bets on commercial space companies. Blue Origin's fundraising suggests competition between Bezos and Elon Musk is expanding beyond rockets into financial markets. If the round closes as expected, Blue Origin will have billions of dollars to accelerate development of future launch systems and compete more aggressively in an industry expected to grow rapidly over the coming decade.

Blue Origin is reportedly raising $10 billion in its first outside funding round, valuing the company at $130 billion. Jeff Bezos is expected to invest $2 billion as the space company looks to expand after SpaceX's record-breaking IPO.

Blue Origin is preparing for one of the biggest fundraising rounds in the history of the private space industry. According to CNBC, Jeff Bezos' rocket company is looking to raise around $10 billion, valuing the company at approximately $130 billion. It will be the first time Blue Origin has accepted large-scale outside investment after years of relying mainly on funding from Bezos himself. The move is significant because it gives investors a rare opportunity to back one of the world's largest private space companies. The fundraising also comes only weeks after SpaceX completed a record-breaking IPO, adding fresh momentum to the commercial space industry. How is the funding round structured? According to people familiar with the discussions, Bezos is expected to invest $2 billion of his own money in the round. Investment firm Coatue Management is reportedly set to contribute about $4 billion, while the remaining $4 billion is expected to come from several institutional investors. CNBC reported that demand for the remaining allocation has been strong. If completed, the deal would value Blue Origin among the world's most valuable privately controlled aerospace companies. Why is Blue Origin raising money now? For years, Bezos funded Blue Origin largely through personal wealth, including proceeds from selling Amazon shares. However, developing reusable rockets, lunar landers and future space infrastructure requires enormous amounts of capital. Bringing in outside investors gives the company greater financial flexibility while reducing its dependence on Bezos alone. In an interview with CNBC in May, Bezos said it was "a good time" to consider external investment as the company enters its next phase of growth. What does it mean for the space industry? The fundraising reflects growing investor confidence in the commercial space sector. Blue Origin is developing launch vehicles such as New Glenn, while also working on lunar exploration projects, satellite launch services and long-term space infrastructure. The timing is notable. SpaceX's recent IPO demonstrated that investors are willing to place massive bets on commercial space companies. Blue Origin's fundraising suggests competition between Bezos and Elon Musk is expanding beyond rockets into financial markets. If the round closes as expected, Blue Origin will have billions of dollars to accelerate development of future launch systems and compete more aggressively in an industry expected to grow rapidly over the coming decade.

Blue Origin is reportedly raising $10 billion in its first outside funding round, valuing the company at $130 billion. Jeff Bezos is expected to invest $2 billion as the space company looks to expand after SpaceX's record-breaking IPO.

Blue Origin's first funding round signals a new chapter in the space race

Viral claims about Jeff Bezos saying that human use of water is delaying the growth of AI are circulating on the internet and social media. However, fact-checking shows that Bezos did not make the controversial statement. The fake claims are being attributed to Bezos, with reports suggesting that he said it at the annual VivaTech conference in Paris a few days ago.&nbsp;<h2>Purported statement being attributed to Bezos</h2>According to the claim, the billionaire allegedly said, "If we starve our data infrastructure of cooling resources just to sustain baseline human comfort, we're actively delaying the birth of a superintelligence." It further adds, “Sometimes you've to prioritise intelligence that will save us over biology that slows us.”<h2>Fact check: No, he did not say anything about water and human use</h2>&nbsp;He is being slammed for the purported words, but the truth is that Bezos did not say any of this. The unedited clip from the event proves that the words are wrongly being attributed to Bezos. We went through the live stream of the VivaTech event posted by Associated Press and did not come across the contentious words. Other people on the internet also wrote similar posts, saying that Bezos did not make any such statement. The billionaire talked about his space company, Blue Origin and his industrial AI startup, Prometheus. However, he did not talk about the use of water for data centres.<h2>Reddit thread deletes post</h2>&nbsp;Another check shows that the fake news originated from a Reddit thread, which has now deleted the post. Examining the statement on Gemini also revealed that it is incorrect. "This quote is entirely fake, though it recently circulated on platforms like Reddit, Hacker News, and X (formerly Twitter) wrapped in a convincing, manufactured screenshot," the AI tool responded when asked about the authenticity of the statement.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260620/image-1781968077842.png"></figure><h2>What Bezos said about AI at VivaTech conference</h2>&nbsp;At the VivaTech conference, Bezos talked about Blue Origin and its role in establishing future moon bases. He also talked about Prometheus and AI in general. Bezos said that AI will not reduce jobs, but create a shortage of labour. "AI is going to create a labour shortage because it’s going to make it possible for people to identify more problems,” Bezos said during a session moderated by former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino. Dave Limp, chief executive of Blue Origin, was also at the event. Bezos goes on to say that the only thing limiting growth will be imagination. &nbsp;

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is going viral for allegedly saying that human use of water is slowing down the growth of AI. However, it is a fake statement and completely fabricated. We heard the conference and found that Bezos did not say it.

Viral claims about Jeff Bezos saying that human use of water is delaying the growth of AI are circulating on the internet and social media. However, fact-checking shows that Bezos did not make the controversial statement. The fake claims are being attributed to Bezos, with reports suggesting that he said it at the annual VivaTech conference in Paris a few days ago. Purported statement being attributed to Bezos According to the claim, the billionaire allegedly said, "If we starve our data infrastructure of cooling resources just to sustain baseline human comfort, we're actively delaying the birth of a superintelligence." It further adds, “Sometimes you've to prioritise intelligence that will save us over biology that slows us.” Fact check: No, he did not say anything about water and human use He is being slammed for the purported words, but the truth is that Bezos did not say any of this. The unedited clip from the event proves that the words are wrongly being attributed to Bezos. We went through the live stream of the VivaTech event posted by Associated Press and did not come across the contentious words. Other people on the internet also wrote similar posts, saying that Bezos did not make any such statement. The billionaire talked about his space company, Blue Origin and his industrial AI startup, Prometheus. However, he did not talk about the use of water for data centres. Reddit thread deletes post Another check shows that the fake news originated from a Reddit thread, which has now deleted the post. Examining the statement on Gemini also revealed that it is incorrect. "This quote is entirely fake, though it recently circulated on platforms like Reddit, Hacker News, and X (formerly Twitter) wrapped in a convincing, manufactured screenshot," the AI tool responded when asked about the authenticity of the statement. What Bezos said about AI at VivaTech conference At the VivaTech conference, Bezos talked about Blue Origin and its role in establishing future moon bases. He also talked about Prometheus and AI in general. Bezos said that AI will not reduce jobs, but create a shortage of labour. "AI is going to create a labour shortage because it’s going to make it possible for people to identify more problems,” Bezos said during a session moderated by former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino. Dave Limp, chief executive of Blue Origin, was also at the event. Bezos goes on to say that the only thing limiting growth will be imagination.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is going viral for allegedly saying that human use of water is slowing down the growth of AI. However, it is a fake statement and completely fabricated. We heard the conference and found that Bezos did not say it.

Fact check: Did Jeff Bezos say human use of water is slowing down AI? Here is what we found

Jeff Bezos rued his investment in The Washington Post, reportedly calling it the worst one he made, according to a book that is yet to be released. Written by New York Times writers Jonathan Swan and Maggie Haberman, Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump reveals that Bezos expressed his unhappiness with the WaPo staff, according to the California Post. The outlet reviewed an excerpt from the book that will be released on June 23. "The people there are terrible. They don’t listen. My other companies, they listen," Bezos was heard complaining to Donald Trump at a dinner in December 2024.&nbsp;Two months later, Bezos laid off 300 people from the Washington Post, citing losses worth $100 million in 2024. However, Swan and Haberman recorded an altogether different reason for his gripe with the staff. “In Trump’s telling, Bezos told him he had lost half his friends over the investment,” the authors told the California Post. However, they said that Bezos “would tell others that wasn’t quite right: He hadn’t lost friends, but people close to him had urged him to sell the newspaper.”<h2>Jeff Bezos clashed with WaPo staff over Kamala Harris endorsement</h2>Bezos had a face-off with his staff over the matter of endorsing Kamala Harris for president. The newspaper's editorial board drafted a copy, but the paper's billionaire owner, Jeff Bezos, blocked it from being published just days before the election. The paper later announced that it was ending its tradition of endorsing presidential candidates entirely to remain neutral.&nbsp;&nbsp;The incident triggered major internal and public backlash. Several prominent names resigned from the paper, and nearly 300 staff was laid off. Bezos posted on X in February that the paper’s new opinion page would be "writing every day in support and defence of two pillars: personal liberties and free markets." The very public washing of dirty linen caused major damage and more than 300,000 readers cancelled their subscription.&nbsp;

According to a soon-to-be-released book, Jeff Bezos believed that the Washington Post was his worst investment. He complained to Donald Trump at a dinner that the staff was “terrible” and “did not listen.” Bezos laid off nearly 300 staff in 2025.

Jeff Bezos rued his investment in The Washington Post, reportedly calling it the worst one he made, according to a book that is yet to be released. Written by New York Times writers Jonathan Swan and Maggie Haberman, Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump reveals that Bezos expressed his unhappiness with the WaPo staff, according to the California Post. The outlet reviewed an excerpt from the book that will be released on June 23. "The people there are terrible. They don’t listen. My other companies, they listen," Bezos was heard complaining to Donald Trump at a dinner in December 2024. Two months later, Bezos laid off 300 people from the Washington Post, citing losses worth $100 million in 2024. However, Swan and Haberman recorded an altogether different reason for his gripe with the staff. “In Trump’s telling, Bezos told him he had lost half his friends over the investment,” the authors told the California Post. However, they said that Bezos “would tell others that wasn’t quite right: He hadn’t lost friends, but people close to him had urged him to sell the newspaper.” Jeff Bezos clashed with WaPo staff over Kamala Harris endorsement Bezos had a face-off with his staff over the matter of endorsing Kamala Harris for president. The newspaper's editorial board drafted a copy, but the paper's billionaire owner, Jeff Bezos, blocked it from being published just days before the election. The paper later announced that it was ending its tradition of endorsing presidential candidates entirely to remain neutral. The incident triggered major internal and public backlash. Several prominent names resigned from the paper, and nearly 300 staff was laid off. Bezos posted on X in February that the paper’s new opinion page would be "writing every day in support and defence of two pillars: personal liberties and free markets." The very public washing of dirty linen caused major damage and more than 300,000 readers cancelled their subscription.

According to a soon-to-be-released book, Jeff Bezos believed that the Washington Post was his worst investment. He complained to Donald Trump at a dinner that the staff was “terrible” and “did not listen.” Bezos laid off nearly 300 staff in 2025.

Jeff Bezos complained to Trump about WaPo staff 2 months before mass layoffs - 'They don’t listen'

Blue Origin is facing a major operational setback after an explosion during a pre-launch engine test severely damaged a launch pad used for its New Glenn rocket, potentially delaying missions for months and disrupting key plans for Amazon’s satellite broadband network and NASA’s lunar programme.&nbsp;The incident occurred on Thursday during a test firing ahead of a scheduled New Glenn launch next week. According to company and industry sources cited by Reuters, the booster involved was named 'o, It’s Necessary', a reference to a line from the film Interstellar. A person familiar with the matter said the launch pad was ‘practically destroyed’, with engineers expecting at least six months of disruption, if not longer. The setback comes at a critical time for Jeff Bezos’ space ambitions, as Blue Origin seeks to establish New Glenn as a credible rival to Elon Musk’s SpaceX in both the heavy-lift launch and satellite internet markets.<h2>Launch Delays Threaten Amazon’s Satellite Plans</h2>The damage could significantly affect Amazon’s satellite deployment schedule. Amazon is aiming to build a constellation of more than 3,200 low-Earth orbit satellites and must deploy half of them by July 2026 to meet regulatory requirements.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/what-is-hiding-inside-the-antennae-galaxies-scientists-uncover-evidence-of-a-possible-supermassive-black-hole-1780132935399">What is hiding inside Antennae galaxies? Scientists uncover evidence of a possible supermassive black hole</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;“An extended grounding by the FAA will severely threaten the timeline,” the report noted. According to Antoine Grenier, partner and head of space consulting at Analysys Mason, Amazon has already secured much of the near-term launch capacity available from alternative providers. “It's only been a year since the SpaceX Starship also exploded on the launch pad and Blue Origin can also recover. But it will take months to rebuild,” Grenier said, according to Reuters.<h2>SpaceX Gains Ground</h2>While Amazon has diversified its launch contracts by signing agreements with multiple providers, including SpaceX, New Glenn was expected to play a central role in the constellation rollout. Grenier noted that SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket can carry roughly half as many Kuiper satellites per mission as New Glenn, meaning a shift in launch strategy would likely require substantially more flights.&nbsp;Following the explosion, Musk posted on X: “Sorry to see this, I hope you recover quickly.” He later added, “Ad astra per aspera,” a Latin phrase commonly translated as “through hardships to the stars”.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-thought-i-was-protecting-them-war-torn-gaza-sees-surge-in-early-marriages-reports-say-1780131386993">‘I thought I was protecting them’: War-torn Gaza sees surge in early marriages, reports say</a><h2>Questions for NASA and the Wider Space Industry</h2>The damaged rocket was also due to launch Blue Origin’s first Blue Moon lunar lander later this year. Just days before the incident, NASA awarded the company a contract to deliver two lunar rovers ahead of the Artemis 4 mission in 2028.NASA said it would assess any near-term impact on its Artemis and Moon Base programmes. However, the US Space Force and National Reconnaissance Office reaffirmed their commitment to Blue Origin’s recently awarded national security launch contract despite the explosion.&nbsp;“Long term, the market still needs viable alternatives, so this strengthens SpaceX’s position at the margin, but doesn't change the broader trajectory toward a multi-provider ecosystem,” said Seraphim Space chief executive Mark Boggett.

Amazon is aiming to build a constellation of more than 3,200 low-Earth orbit satellites and must deploy half of them by July 2026 to meet regulatory requirements.

Blue Origin is facing a major operational setback after an explosion during a pre-launch engine test severely damaged a launch pad used for its New Glenn rocket, potentially delaying missions for months and disrupting key plans for Amazon’s satellite broadband network and NASA’s lunar programme. The incident occurred on Thursday during a test firing ahead of a scheduled New Glenn launch next week. According to company and industry sources cited by Reuters, the booster involved was named 'o, It’s Necessary', a reference to a line from the film Interstellar. A person familiar with the matter said the launch pad was ‘practically destroyed’, with engineers expecting at least six months of disruption, if not longer. The setback comes at a critical time for Jeff Bezos’ space ambitions, as Blue Origin seeks to establish New Glenn as a credible rival to Elon Musk’s SpaceX in both the heavy-lift launch and satellite internet markets. Launch Delays Threaten Amazon’s Satellite Plans The damage could significantly affect Amazon’s satellite deployment schedule. Amazon is aiming to build a constellation of more than 3,200 low-Earth orbit satellites and must deploy half of them by July 2026 to meet regulatory requirements. ALSO READ: What is hiding inside Antennae galaxies? Scientists uncover evidence of a possible supermassive black hole “An extended grounding by the FAA will severely threaten the timeline,” the report noted. According to Antoine Grenier, partner and head of space consulting at Analysys Mason, Amazon has already secured much of the near-term launch capacity available from alternative providers. “It's only been a year since the SpaceX Starship also exploded on the launch pad and Blue Origin can also recover. But it will take months to rebuild,” Grenier said, according to Reuters. SpaceX Gains Ground While Amazon has diversified its launch contracts by signing agreements with multiple providers, including SpaceX, New Glenn was expected to play a central role in the constellation rollout. Grenier noted that SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket can carry roughly half as many Kuiper satellites per mission as New Glenn, meaning a shift in launch strategy would likely require substantially more flights. Following the explosion, Musk posted on X: “Sorry to see this, I hope you recover quickly.” He later added, “Ad astra per aspera,” a Latin phrase commonly translated as “through hardships to the stars”. ALSO READ: ‘I thought I was protecting them’: War-torn Gaza sees surge in early marriages, reports say Questions for NASA and the Wider Space Industry The damaged rocket was also due to launch Blue Origin’s first Blue Moon lunar lander later this year. Just days before the incident, NASA awarded the company a contract to deliver two lunar rovers ahead of the Artemis 4 mission in 2028. NASA said it would assess any near-term impact on its Artemis and Moon Base programmes. However, the US Space Force and National Reconnaissance Office reaffirmed their commitment to Blue Origin’s recently awarded national security launch contract despite the explosion. “Long term, the market still needs viable alternatives, so this strengthens SpaceX’s position at the margin, but doesn't change the broader trajectory toward a multi-provider ecosystem,” said Seraphim Space chief executive Mark Boggett.

Amazon is aiming to build a constellation of more than 3,200 low-Earth orbit satellites and must deploy half of them by July 2026 to meet regulatory requirements.

Blue Origin's New Glenn programme hit by months of delays after launch pad explosion

Jeff Bezos has addressed growing concerns around a possible artificial intelligence bubble, saying that even if such a situation occurs, it should not be a cause for worry. Speaking about the rapid growth in AI investments, Bezos suggested that periods of hype and over-investment are often part of how new technologies develop and mature.<h2>What Bezos said about an AI bubble</h2>Bezos acknowledged that some experts believe the current surge in AI spending could lead to a bubble, similar to past technology cycles. However, he argued that even if investment exceeds short-term returns, it still helps build long-term infrastructure and innovation.According to him, such phases often result in:Better technology development Stronger infrastructure Wider adoption of new tools This means that even if a correction happens, the overall progress of AI will continue.<h2>Why AI investment is rising rapidly</h2>The artificial intelligence sector has seen significant growth in recent years. Companies are investing billions of dollars into:Data centres and computing power AI models and research Software and enterprise toolsIndustry reports show that global AI spending is expected to cross hundreds of billions of dollars in the coming years, reflecting strong demand from businesses and governments. This rapid growth has led to comparisons with earlier technology booms, including the dot-com era.<h2>Lessons from past tech bubbles</h2>Bezos pointed out that past bubbles, such as the internet boom in the late 1990s, eventually led to lasting innovation despite short-term market corrections. While many companies did not survive those periods, the underlying technology continued to grow and shape the modern economy.<h2>Experts say a similar pattern could occur with AI:</h2>Some companies may struggle Investments may slow down But core technology will continue to improve&nbsp;<h2>Why experts remain divided</h2> There is ongoing debate among analysts about whether AI is currently in a bubble phase.Some argue that:Valuations of AI companies are rising quickly Spending on infrastructure may be ahead of demand Others believe that:AI adoption is still in early stages Long-term use cases will justify current investments Bezos’ comments align with the view that long-term benefits outweigh short-term risks.<h2>What this means for businesses and investors</h2> For businesses, the focus remains on adopting AI tools to improve efficiency and productivity. For investors, the discussion highlights the importance of understanding both risks and opportunities in emerging technologies. Even if markets fluctuate, companies that build strong foundations in AI may benefit over time. The future of AI investment will depend on how quickly real-world applications grow and generate returns. While concerns about a bubble may continue, industry leaders like Bezos suggest that the long-term impact of AI is likely to remain strong. The debate reflects a broader question facing the tech industry: how to balance rapid innovation with sustainable growth

Jeff Bezos has addressed growing concerns around a possible artificial intelligence bubble, saying that even if such a situation occurs, it should not be a cause for worry. 

Jeff Bezos has addressed growing concerns around a possible artificial intelligence bubble, saying that even if such a situation occurs, it should not be a cause for worry. Speaking about the rapid growth in AI investments, Bezos suggested that periods of hype and over-investment are often part of how new technologies develop and mature. What Bezos said about an AI bubble Bezos acknowledged that some experts believe the current surge in AI spending could lead to a bubble, similar to past technology cycles. However, he argued that even if investment exceeds short-term returns, it still helps build long-term infrastructure and innovation. According to him, such phases often result in: Better technology development Stronger infrastructure Wider adoption of new tools This means that even if a correction happens, the overall progress of AI will continue. Why AI investment is rising rapidly The artificial intelligence sector has seen significant growth in recent years. Companies are investing billions of dollars into: Data centres and computing power AI models and research Software and enterprise tools Industry reports show that global AI spending is expected to cross hundreds of billions of dollars in the coming years, reflecting strong demand from businesses and governments. This rapid growth has led to comparisons with earlier technology booms, including the dot-com era. Lessons from past tech bubbles Bezos pointed out that past bubbles, such as the internet boom in the late 1990s, eventually led to lasting innovation despite short-term market corrections. While many companies did not survive those periods, the underlying technology continued to grow and shape the modern economy. Experts say a similar pattern could occur with AI: Some companies may struggle Investments may slow down But core technology will continue to improve Why experts remain divided There is ongoing debate among analysts about whether AI is currently in a bubble phase. Some argue that: Valuations of AI companies are rising quickly Spending on infrastructure may be ahead of demand Others believe that: AI adoption is still in early stages Long-term use cases will justify current investments Bezos’ comments align with the view that long-term benefits outweigh short-term risks. What this means for businesses and investors For businesses, the focus remains on adopting AI tools to improve efficiency and productivity. For investors, the discussion highlights the importance of understanding both risks and opportunities in emerging technologies. Even if markets fluctuate, companies that build strong foundations in AI may benefit over time. The future of AI investment will depend on how quickly real-world applications grow and generate returns. While concerns about a bubble may continue, industry leaders like Bezos suggest that the long-term impact of AI is likely to remain strong. The debate reflects a broader question facing the tech industry: how to balance rapid innovation with sustainable growth

Jeff Bezos has addressed growing concerns around a possible artificial intelligence bubble, saying that even if such a situation occurs, it should not be a cause for worry.&nbsp;

AI boom or bubble? Jeff Bezos offers a different perspective

Jeff Bezos has said that the bottom half of income earners in the United States should not pay any federal income tax, arguing that the current system places an unnecessary burden on lower-income workers. Speaking in a recent interview, Bezos said that the bottom 50 per cent of taxpayers contribute only about 3 per cent of total income tax revenue, and therefore removing their tax burden would have limited impact on government finances.&nbsp;<h2>What Bezos said about the tax system</h2>Bezos argued that the current system is not balanced for lower-income workers. He pointed out that many people earning modest salaries still pay a significant portion of their income in taxes.Using examples such as a nurse earning around $75,000 a year or a worker earning $50,000, he questioned why such individuals are taxed at all. According to him, removing taxes on this group could directly improve their financial stability.He also noted that higher-income groups contribute a much larger share of total tax revenue, suggesting that changes at the lower end would not significantly affect government funding.<h2>What the data shows</h2>According to analysis of US tax data:&nbsp;The average income tax rate was around 14.1 per cent in 2023The top 1 per cent paid an average rate of 26.3 per centThe bottom 50 per cent paid about 3.7 per cent on averageThese figures show a progressive tax system, where higher earners pay a larger share. However, Bezos argues that even the smaller tax burden on lower-income groups should be removed.&nbsp;<h2>Income gap and wage concerns</h2>The discussion comes alongside concerns about income levels and wage differences.Research cited in reports shows that delivery drivers at Amazon earn an average of around $19 per hour, compared to about $35 per hour for unionised drivers at UPS.Studies also suggest:Around 26 per cent of Amazon drivers face food insecurityAbout 33 per cent struggle to pay utility billsThese figures highlight financial pressures faced by some workers, which forms part of the wider debate around taxation and income inequality.&nbsp;<h2>Debate around tax reforms</h2>Bezos’ comments come at a time when tax policies are being widely debated in the United States. Some policymakers have proposed tax relief for lower-income groups. For example, proposals such as making the first $75,000 of income tax-free have been discussed.At the same time, there have also been calls for higher taxes on wealthy individuals, including proposals for a “billionaire tax” in states like California.<h2>Bezos’ wealth and broader context</h2>Bezos is currently among the richest individuals globally, with an estimated net worth of over $267 billion, according to reports.His views on taxation are therefore part of a broader discussion on how wealth, income and tax responsibilities should be balanced in modern economies.<h2>What this means for policy debate</h2>The proposal to eliminate income tax for the bottom half of earners adds to ongoing discussions about fairness in taxation. Supporters argue it could increase disposable income for millions of households, while critics may raise concerns about government revenue and long-term fiscal impact. As debates continue, the focus is likely to remain on how to balance economic growth, income distribution and public spending in a changing financial landscape.

Jeff Bezos has said that the bottom half of income earners in the United States should not pay any federal income tax, arguing that the current system places an unnecessary burden on lower-income workers.


Jeff Bezos has said that the bottom half of income earners in the United States should not pay any federal income tax, arguing that the current system places an unnecessary burden on lower-income workers. Speaking in a recent interview, Bezos said that the bottom 50 per cent of taxpayers contribute only about 3 per cent of total income tax revenue, and therefore removing their tax burden would have limited impact on government finances. What Bezos said about the tax system Bezos argued that the current system is not balanced for lower-income workers. He pointed out that many people earning modest salaries still pay a significant portion of their income in taxes. Using examples such as a nurse earning around $75,000 a year or a worker earning $50,000, he questioned why such individuals are taxed at all. According to him, removing taxes on this group could directly improve their financial stability. He also noted that higher-income groups contribute a much larger share of total tax revenue, suggesting that changes at the lower end would not significantly affect government funding. What the data shows According to analysis of US tax data: The average income tax rate was around 14.1 per cent in 2023 The top 1 per cent paid an average rate of 26.3 per cent The bottom 50 per cent paid about 3.7 per cent on average These figures show a progressive tax system, where higher earners pay a larger share. However, Bezos argues that even the smaller tax burden on lower-income groups should be removed. Income gap and wage concerns The discussion comes alongside concerns about income levels and wage differences. Research cited in reports shows that delivery drivers at Amazon earn an average of around $19 per hour, compared to about $35 per hour for unionised drivers at UPS. Studies also suggest: Around 26 per cent of Amazon drivers face food insecurity About 33 per cent struggle to pay utility bills These figures highlight financial pressures faced by some workers, which forms part of the wider debate around taxation and income inequality. Debate around tax reforms Bezos’ comments come at a time when tax policies are being widely debated in the United States. Some policymakers have proposed tax relief for lower-income groups. For example, proposals such as making the first $75,000 of income tax-free have been discussed. At the same time, there have also been calls for higher taxes on wealthy individuals, including proposals for a “billionaire tax” in states like California. Bezos’ wealth and broader context Bezos is currently among the richest individuals globally, with an estimated net worth of over $267 billion, according to reports. His views on taxation are therefore part of a broader discussion on how wealth, income and tax responsibilities should be balanced in modern economies. What this means for policy debate The proposal to eliminate income tax for the bottom half of earners adds to ongoing discussions about fairness in taxation. Supporters argue it could increase disposable income for millions of households, while critics may raise concerns about government revenue and long-term fiscal impact. As debates continue, the focus is likely to remain on how to balance economic growth, income distribution and public spending in a changing financial landscape.

Jeff Bezos has said that the bottom half of income earners in the United States should not pay any federal income tax, arguing that the current system places an unnecessary burden on lower-income workers.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos says bottom half of earners should not pay income tax

An activist group left over hundreds of urine bottles at the Met Gala venue while protesting against Jeff Bezos and his wife. Protesters were seen across NY with boycott calls, posters and anti-Met runways.

An activist group left over hundreds of urine bottles at the Met Gala venue while protesting against Jeff Bezos and his wife. Protesters were seen across NY with boycott calls, posters and anti-Met runways.

Met Gala protesters leave over 100 ‘urine bottle’ inside Museum to protest Jeff Bezos: What's happening

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Jeff Bezos, who stepped down as CEO of Amazon in 2021, is now leading a new AI venture backed by $6.2 billion, marking his first return to a co-chief executive position in four years. The new venture of Amazon's founder is called ‘Project Prometheus’, which is set to build AI products for engineering and manufacturing in multiple sectors, including computers, aerospace, and automobiles&nbsp;Bezos will act as co-chief executive alongside Vik Bajaj, a prominent Silicon Valley researcher who also worked with Google co-founder Sergey Brin at the tech giant's experimental X lab, who also co-founded life sciences research unit Verily.<h3>What is Project Prometheus?</h3>Based on a report published in the New York Times, the project 'Prometheus' focuses on developing advanced artificial intelligence tools to accelerate engineering and manufacturing processes in sectors like aerospace, automobiles, and computing. The company employs researchers from leading AI firms and aims to create AI models that learn from complex physical experiments rather than just text.&nbsp;The Project Prometheus aligns with the broader vision of Bezos for space exploration and technological innovation, integrating AI applications to support robotics, scientific discovery, and cost-effective off-planet labour. The startup is already working with more than 100 staff members, including AI researchers from companies like Meta, OpenAI, and Google DeepMind.&nbsp;The AI race has transformed into one of the most significant battlegrounds in tech over the past few years as soon ChatGPT’s breakout in late 2022. As a result, giant IT companies like Meta, Microsoft, and Google have also shifted their focus toward AI.&nbsp;Unlike the generative AI technology behind ChatGPT, it also focuses on developing systems that learn from real-world experimentation, rather than just digital text, to intensify scientific discovery in physics, chemistry and engineering.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-calls-jeff-bezos-a-copycat-after-amazon-founder-launched-6-2b-ai-startup-prometheus-1763445449642">Elon Musk calls Jeff Bezos a ‘copycat’ after Amazon founder launches $6.2B AI startup ‘Prometheus’</a>

Jeff Bezos will act as co-chief executive alongside Vik Bajaj, a prominent Silicon Valley researcher who also worked with Google co-founder Sergey Brin at the tech giant's experimental X lab, who also co-founded life sciences research unit Verily.

Jeff Bezos, who stepped down as CEO of Amazon in 2021, is now leading a new AI venture backed by $6.2 billion, marking his first return to a co-chief executive position in four years. The new venture of Amazon's founder is called ‘Project Prometheus’, which is set to build AI products for engineering and manufacturing in multiple sectors, including computers, aerospace, and automobiles Bezos will act as co-chief executive alongside Vik Bajaj, a prominent Silicon Valley researcher who also worked with Google co-founder Sergey Brin at the tech giant's experimental X lab, who also co-founded life sciences research unit Verily. What is Project Prometheus? Based on a report published in the New York Times, the project 'Prometheus' focuses on developing advanced artificial intelligence tools to accelerate engineering and manufacturing processes in sectors like aerospace, automobiles, and computing. The company employs researchers from leading AI firms and aims to create AI models that learn from complex physical experiments rather than just text. The Project Prometheus aligns with the broader vision of Bezos for space exploration and technological innovation, integrating AI applications to support robotics, scientific discovery, and cost-effective off-planet labour. The startup is already working with more than 100 staff members, including AI researchers from companies like Meta, OpenAI, and Google DeepMind. The AI race has transformed into one of the most significant battlegrounds in tech over the past few years as soon ChatGPT’s breakout in late 2022. As a result, giant IT companies like Meta, Microsoft, and Google have also shifted their focus toward AI. Unlike the generative AI technology behind ChatGPT, it also focuses on developing systems that learn from real-world experimentation, rather than just digital text, to intensify scientific discovery in physics, chemistry and engineering. Also read: Elon Musk calls Jeff Bezos a ‘copycat’ after Amazon founder launches $6.2B AI startup ‘Prometheus’

Jeff Bezos will act as co-chief executive alongside Vik Bajaj, a prominent Silicon Valley researcher who also worked with Google co-founder Sergey Brin at the tech giant's experimental X lab, who also co-founded life sciences research unit Verily.

What is Project 'Prometheus'? Jeff Bezos’ $6.2B AI startup to transform THESE sectors

The founder of xAI, Elon Musk, has mocked Jeff Bezos by calling him a “copycat” after reports surfaced that the founder of Amazon is coming up with his new venture called ‘Project Prometheus’, which has already raised $6.2 billion. He will act as co-chief executive of the AI startup, with a significant contribution to its founding from his end, according to The New York Times.&nbsp;After the news about Prometheus surfaced, Elon Musk didn’t hold back and wrote on X, “Haha no way … Copy 🐈” (sic), openly accusing Jeff Bezos of mimicking his AI ambitions, a charge he’s levelled before. Musk’s own venture, xAI, is already a major player in the generative AI space.&nbsp;It isn’t the first time the Tesla and SpaceX chief has used the “copycat” dig. In 2020, he hurled the same insult at Bezos after Amazon bought the self-driving startup Zoox.&nbsp;This will be the first time that Jeff Bezos will return to an executive position since stepping down as the CEO of Amazon in 2021. He will share the position of CEO of Project Prometheus with Vik Bajaj, co-founder of Verily and Foresite Labs.<h3>What is Project Prometheus?</h3>The startup is set to build AI products for engineering and manufacturing in multiple sectors, which include computers, aerospace, and automobiles, according to the NYT report. The startup is already working with more than 100 staff members, including AI researchers from companies like Meta, OpenAI, and Google DeepMind.&nbsp;The AI race has transformed into one of the most significant battlegrounds in tech over the past few years as soon ChatGPT’s breakout in late 2022. As a result, giant IT companies like Meta, Microsoft, and Google have also shifted their focus toward AI.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-day-vs-night-when-is-the-best-time-to-fill-petrol-in-your-car-1763310782901">'Day vs Night': When is the best time to fill petrol in your car?</a>

This will be the first time that Jeff Bezos will return to an executive position since stepping down as the CEO of Amazon in 2021. He will share the position of CEO of Project Prometheus with Vik Bajaj, co-founder of Verily and Foresite Labs.

The founder of xAI, Elon Musk, has mocked Jeff Bezos by calling him a “copycat” after reports surfaced that the founder of Amazon is coming up with his new venture called ‘Project Prometheus’, which has already raised $6.2 billion. He will act as co-chief executive of the AI startup, with a significant contribution to its founding from his end, according to The New York Times. After the news about Prometheus surfaced, Elon Musk didn’t hold back and wrote on X, “Haha no way … Copy 🐈” (sic), openly accusing Jeff Bezos of mimicking his AI ambitions, a charge he’s levelled before. Musk’s own venture, xAI, is already a major player in the generative AI space. It isn’t the first time the Tesla and SpaceX chief has used the “copycat” dig. In 2020, he hurled the same insult at Bezos after Amazon bought the self-driving startup Zoox. This will be the first time that Jeff Bezos will return to an executive position since stepping down as the CEO of Amazon in 2021. He will share the position of CEO of Project Prometheus with Vik Bajaj, co-founder of Verily and Foresite Labs. What is Project Prometheus? The startup is set to build AI products for engineering and manufacturing in multiple sectors, which include computers, aerospace, and automobiles, according to the NYT report. The startup is already working with more than 100 staff members, including AI researchers from companies like Meta, OpenAI, and Google DeepMind. The AI race has transformed into one of the most significant battlegrounds in tech over the past few years as soon ChatGPT’s breakout in late 2022. As a result, giant IT companies like Meta, Microsoft, and Google have also shifted their focus toward AI. Also read: 'Day vs Night': When is the best time to fill petrol in your car?

This will be the first time that Jeff Bezos will return to an executive position since stepping down as the CEO of Amazon in 2021. He will share the position of CEO of Project Prometheus with Vik Bajaj, co-founder of Verily and Foresite Labs.

Elon Musk calls Jeff Bezos a ‘copycat’ after Amazon founder launches $6.2B AI startup 'Prometheus'

Arvinder 'Arvi' Singh Bahal, an 80-year-old real estate investor originally from Agra, India, achieved another remarkable milestone on Sunday as he soared to the edge of space aboard Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin NS-34 mission. The successful launch took place from Launch Site One in West Texas at 7:30 am local time (6:00 pm IST) and marks Blue Origin’s 14th human flight and the 34th mission in its history.&nbsp;<h2>From Agra to the Edge of Space</h2>&nbsp;Bahal, now a US citizen, is no stranger to pushing boundaries. Bahal has travelled to every country on Earth, including remote destinations such as the North and South Poles. His list of extreme adventures includes skydiving over Mount Everest and the Pyramids of Giza.&nbsp;Describing Bahal, Blue Origin wrote, “Arvi is a real estate investor born in Agra, India, and now a naturalized US citizen. A lifelong traveler and adventurer, Arvi has visited every country in the world, the North and South Poles, and skydived Mount Everest and the Pyramids of Giza. He holds a private pilot’s license and also flies helicopters.”As president of Bahal Properties, a real estate firm he has led since 1975, Bahal has built a life rooted in exploration, both in business and in travel. Today’s journey aboard the New Shepard rocket extends that passion beyond the atmosphere.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🔁 NS-34 Replay: Booster Touchdown! <a href="https://t.co/WJfGY2mjNa">pic.twitter.com/WJfGY2mjNa</a>&mdash; Blue Origin (@blueorigin) <a href="https://twitter.com/blueorigin/status/1952019214023188966?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;<h2>The Crew</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>Bahal shared the six-seat capsule with fellow space tourists: Turkish businessman Gökhan Erdem; Puerto Rican meteorologist and Emmy Award–winning journalist Deborah Martorell; English philanthropist Lionel Pitchford; entrepreneur J.D. Russell, who previously flew on NS-28; and Justin Sun, Ambassador and former Permanent Representative of Grenada to the WTO. Sun is known for his $28 million bid in 2021, which supported 19 space-focused charities aiming to inspire young people in STEAM fields.&nbsp;Martorell, known for her environmental and space reporting, became one of the first meteorologists to travel beyond Earth’s atmosphere. The inclusion of such a varied crew underlines Blue Origin’s ongoing commitment to making space tourism accessible to civilians from diverse backgrounds.&nbsp;<h2>A Growing Legacy for Blue Origin</h2>&nbsp;With this flight that lasted for about 10-11 mins, Blue Origin has now flown 70 people above the Kármán line, the internationally recognised boundary of space. The NS-34 launch window opened at 7:30 am local time, with the live stream beginning 30 minutes before liftoff and watched by viewers around the globe.&nbsp;Founded by Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos, Blue Origin continues to expand its civilian spaceflight programme, with missions drawing adventurers, philanthropists, and pioneers alike.

The successful launch took place from Launch Site One in West Texas at 7:30 am local time (6:00 pm IST) and marks Blue Origin’s 14th human flight and the 34th mission in its history.

Arvinder 'Arvi' Singh Bahal, an 80-year-old real estate investor originally from Agra, India, achieved another remarkable milestone on Sunday as he soared to the edge of space aboard Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin NS-34 mission. The successful launch took place from Launch Site One in West Texas at 7:30 am local time (6:00 pm IST) and marks Blue Origin’s 14th human flight and the 34th mission in its history. From Agra to the Edge of Space Bahal, now a US citizen, is no stranger to pushing boundaries. Bahal has travelled to every country on Earth, including remote destinations such as the North and South Poles. His list of extreme adventures includes skydiving over Mount Everest and the Pyramids of Giza. Describing Bahal, Blue Origin wrote, “Arvi is a real estate investor born in Agra, India, and now a naturalized US citizen. A lifelong traveler and adventurer, Arvi has visited every country in the world, the North and South Poles, and skydived Mount Everest and the Pyramids of Giza. He holds a private pilot’s license and also flies helicopters.” As president of Bahal Properties, a real estate firm he has led since 1975, Bahal has built a life rooted in exploration, both in business and in travel. Today’s journey aboard the New Shepard rocket extends that passion beyond the atmosphere.

The successful launch took place from Launch Site One in West Texas at 7:30 am local time (6:00 pm IST) and marks Blue Origin’s 14th human flight and the 34th mission in its history.

Indian-born adventurer Arvinder Singh Bahal, 80, defies age to soar into space on Blue Origin’s NS-34

Mark Zuckerberg has overtaken Jeff Bezos to become the third-richest person in the world with a nearly 12 per cent increase of about $28.4 billion. Zuckerberg holds roughly 13 per cent of Meta's earnings, which is valued as of August 2025 at $268.4 billion, compared to Jeff Bezos, who is valued at $247.4 billion. Elon Musk remains the world’s richest person with an expected wealth of $403.5 billion.&nbsp;<h2>Forbes wealth ranking, August 1, 2025</h2><ol><li>Elon Musk - Tesla CEO, Elon Musk has held the position since May 2024</li><li>Larry Ellison - Oracle's chief, holds the second position for the second month in a row, with an expected valuation of $306 billion</li><li>Mark Zuckerberg - Meta CEO, has had good fortune following the 40 per cent jump in the share price since falling to its lowest point in April.&nbsp;</li><li>Jeff Bezos - Amazon Founder, Bezos, who was in the news for his extravagant wedding, is valued at $247.4 billion with a 7 per cent rise in Amazon shares.</li><li>Larry Page - Co-founder of Google, Larry Page is valued at $158B with a 9 per cent uptick in Alphabet shares.</li><li>Jensen Huang - NVIDIA CEO is valued $154.8 billion, and owns 3 per cent of the company.</li><li>&nbsp;Sergey Brin - &nbsp;He is also the co-founder of Google; his wealth increased by $11.3 billion, estimated at $150.8 billion.</li><li>Steve Ballmer - Former Microsoft CEO, Steve Ballmer's net worth is $148.7 billion, gained $7.5 billion over the past month due to the 7% surge in Microsoft shares.&nbsp;</li><li>Warren Buffett- The 94-year-old value decreased by 1 per cent over the last month and dropped from 6th to 9th with an estimated value of $143.4 billion</li><li>Bernard Arnault- He dropped from 9th to 10th even after adding $4.5 billion to his net worth. He is now valued at $142.9 billion.</li></ol>Notably, Mark Zuckerberg's wealth has increased by over $100 billion in 2025 alone, one of the largest jumps among the billionaires as tracked by Bloomberg and Forbes. Bloomberg had already put Zuckerberg ahead of Bezos in May, but Forbes ranked him ahead in August. These changes in the ranking of Zuckerberg and Bezos are related to the fluctuation of share prices, as both of the billionaires' net worth are heavily tied to their equity holdings.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mark Zuckerberg had surpassed Jeff Bezos to become the third richest person in the world in 2025, owing to the 11 per cent surge in Meta stock price.

Mark Zuckerberg has overtaken Jeff Bezos to become the third-richest person in the world with a nearly 12 per cent increase of about $28.4 billion. Zuckerberg holds roughly 13 per cent of Meta's earnings, which is valued as of August 2025 at $268.4 billion, compared to Jeff Bezos, who is valued at $247.4 billion. Elon Musk remains the world’s richest person with an expected wealth of $403.5 billion. Forbes wealth ranking, August 1, 2025 Elon Musk - Tesla CEO, Elon Musk has held the position since May 2024 Larry Ellison - Oracle's chief, holds the second position for the second month in a row, with an expected valuation of $306 billion Mark Zuckerberg - Meta CEO, has had good fortune following the 40 per cent jump in the share price since falling to its lowest point in April. Jeff Bezos - Amazon Founder, Bezos, who was in the news for his extravagant wedding, is valued at $247.4 billion with a 7 per cent rise in Amazon shares. Larry Page - Co-founder of Google, Larry Page is valued at $158B with a 9 per cent uptick in Alphabet shares. Jensen Huang - NVIDIA CEO is valued $154.8 billion, and owns 3 per cent of the company. Sergey Brin - He is also the co-founder of Google; his wealth increased by $11.3 billion, estimated at $150.8 billion. Steve Ballmer - Former Microsoft CEO, Steve Ballmer's net worth is $148.7 billion, gained $7.5 billion over the past month due to the 7% surge in Microsoft shares. Warren Buffett- The 94-year-old value decreased by 1 per cent over the last month and dropped from 6th to 9th with an estimated value of $143.4 billion Bernard Arnault- He dropped from 9th to 10th even after adding $4.5 billion to his net worth. He is now valued at $142.9 billion. Notably, Mark Zuckerberg's wealth has increased by over $100 billion in 2025 alone, one of the largest jumps among the billionaires as tracked by Bloomberg and Forbes. Bloomberg had already put Zuckerberg ahead of Bezos in May, but Forbes ranked him ahead in August. These changes in the ranking of Zuckerberg and Bezos are related to the fluctuation of share prices, as both of the billionaires' net worth are heavily tied to their equity holdings.

Mark Zuckerberg had surpassed Jeff Bezos to become the third richest person in the world in 2025, owing to the 11 per cent surge in Meta stock price.

Zuckerberg overtakes Bezos: Top 10 richest people in the world in 2025

Jeff Bezos, <a href="http://Amazon.com">Amazon.com</a> Inc.’s founder and executive chair, has completed a major stock divestiture totalling nearly $5.7 billion as part of a pre-scheduled 10b5-1 (a structured schedule of stock sales) trading plan. The series of transactions, initiated around his June wedding, marks the sale of 25 million Amazon shares, culminating with a final tranche of 4.2 million shares sold on July 24, according to recent filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Bezos offloaded over 5 million shares in a span of two days, with shares priced between $228 and $233. The last batch alone brought in $954 million. Despite the sizable sale, Bezos remains Amazon’s largest individual shareholder, holding approximately 884 million shares, or more than 8 per cent of the company. His total stake is currently valued at over $252 billion, according to Bloomberg Billionaires Index data.<h2>A pattern of strategic divestment</h2>The latest sales are consistent with Bezos’ long-standing approach to managing his wealth. Since 2002, he has sold more than $50 billion in Amazon shares. Last year alone, he sold 75 million shares, earning $13.6 billion. These proceeds have largely funded personal ventures, including Blue Origin, philanthropic donations, and high-profile personal expenses like his recent $50 million wedding. In 2025, Bezos has also donated shares worth approximately $1 billion to nonprofit organisations. His use of a 10b5-1 plan is meant to avoid regulatory scrutiny over insider trading and has become a common tool for top executives managing concentrated holdings.<h2>Market reactions and investor sentiment</h2>Despite the volume of insider activity, the market has responded with relative calm. Amazon’s stock has climbed 38 per cent since late April and traded mostly sideways in July, even amid Bezos’ divestitures. Analysts maintain a favourable outlook, with a median price target of $251.34, a potential 10 per cent upside, reflecting continued optimism around Amazon’s AI and cloud computing prospects.The company is set to report second-quarter earnings next week, with particular investor focus on Amazon Web Services (AWS) and its ongoing AI investments. AWS currently contributes nearly 20 per cent of Amazon’s revenue and maintains an industry-leading 39.5 per cent operating margin. Bezos’ activity has outpaced that of other major insider sellers this year, including Oracle CEO Safra Catz and Dell’s Michael Dell. While some investors remain cautious about the timing of such sales, especially ahead of earnings, analysts largely interpret them as standard wealth management rather than signals of waning confidence.For long-term investors, Bezos’ stock sale is unlikely to change the fundamental narrative. His continued stake and Amazon’s dominant position in AI, advertising, and cloud services suggest ongoing alignment with the company’s success. In an era of heightened scrutiny over executive compensation and insider activity, Bezos’ strategy highlights the balance between personal financial planning and long-term shareholder value.

Jeff Bezos offloaded over 5 million shares in a span of two days, with shares priced between $228 and $233. The last batch alone brought in $954 million. Despite the sizable sale, Bezos remains Amazon’s largest individual shareholder, holding approximately 884 million shares.

Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com Inc.’s founder and executive chair, has completed a major stock divestiture totalling nearly $5.7 billion as part of a pre-scheduled 10b5-1 (a structured schedule of stock sales) trading plan. The series of transactions, initiated around his June wedding, marks the sale of 25 million Amazon shares, culminating with a final tranche of 4.2 million shares sold on July 24, according to recent filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Bezos offloaded over 5 million shares in a span of two days, with shares priced between $228 and $233. The last batch alone brought in $954 million. Despite the sizable sale, Bezos remains Amazon’s largest individual shareholder, holding approximately 884 million shares, or more than 8 per cent of the company. His total stake is currently valued at over $252 billion, according to Bloomberg Billionaires Index data. A pattern of strategic divestment The latest sales are consistent with Bezos’ long-standing approach to managing his wealth. Since 2002, he has sold more than $50 billion in Amazon shares. Last year alone, he sold 75 million shares, earning $13.6 billion. These proceeds have largely funded personal ventures, including Blue Origin, philanthropic donations, and high-profile personal expenses like his recent $50 million wedding. In 2025, Bezos has also donated shares worth approximately $1 billion to nonprofit organisations. His use of a 10b5-1 plan is meant to avoid regulatory scrutiny over insider trading and has become a common tool for top executives managing concentrated holdings. Market reactions and investor sentiment Despite the volume of insider activity, the market has responded with relative calm. Amazon’s stock has climbed 38 per cent since late April and traded mostly sideways in July, even amid Bezos’ divestitures. Analysts maintain a favourable outlook, with a median price target of $251.34, a potential 10 per cent upside, reflecting continued optimism around Amazon’s AI and cloud computing prospects. The company is set to report second-quarter earnings next week, with particular investor focus on Amazon Web Services (AWS) and its ongoing AI investments. AWS currently contributes nearly 20 per cent of Amazon’s revenue and maintains an industry-leading 39.5 per cent operating margin. Bezos’ activity has outpaced that of other major insider sellers this year, including Oracle CEO Safra Catz and Dell’s Michael Dell. While some investors remain cautious about the timing of such sales, especially ahead of earnings, analysts largely interpret them as standard wealth management rather than signals of waning confidence. For long-term investors, Bezos’ stock sale is unlikely to change the fundamental narrative. His continued stake and Amazon’s dominant position in AI, advertising, and cloud services suggest ongoing alignment with the company’s success. In an era of heightened scrutiny over executive compensation and insider activity, Bezos’ strategy highlights the balance between personal financial planning and long-term shareholder value.

Jeff Bezos offloaded over 5 million shares in a span of two days, with shares priced between $228 and $233. The last batch alone brought in $954 million. Despite the sizable sale, Bezos remains Amazon’s largest individual shareholder, holding approximately 884 million shares.

Jeff Bezos nets $5.7 billion in Amazon stock sale amid AI investment surge

Jeff Bezos, the founder and former chief executive officer of Amazon, has sold nearly 3 million shares of the e-commerce giant, valued at approximately $665.8 million, according to a regulatory filing made public on July 8. This sale, executed over two days in July, is part of a broader, pre-planned strategy to offload up to 25 million Amazon shares by May 2026. This latest move adds to a series of stock sales that Bezos has carried out in recent months. In June, he sold another $736.7 million worth of Amazon shares. Despite offloading a significant portion of his holdings, Bezos retains more than 900 million shares, which are valued at nearly $200 billion. Bezos, who stepped down as Amazon’s CEO in 2021, continues to serve as the company’s executive chair.<h2>Funding personal ventures and philanthropy</h2>The ongoing sales are part of Bezos’s broader effort to diversify his wealth and fund various personal and philanthropic ventures. Bezos has been using the proceeds from these stock sales to support initiatives such as his space venture, Blue Origin, and his philanthropic endeavours, including the Bezos Day One Fund and the Bezos Earth Fund. The timing of these transactions coincides with significant personal milestones, including his $50 million wedding to Lauren Sanchez in Venice, Italy, which brought together an A-list guest list, including Bill Gates, Ivanka Trump, and Leonardo DiCaprio.While the timing of these sales is drawing attention, it is not out of character for Bezos, who has been reducing his stake in Amazon over the years. These sales are part of a larger financial strategy and are unlikely to affect his influence over Amazon, where he remains the largest individual shareholder.<h2>Amazon’s stock showing strong momentum</h2>Amazon’s stock is currently trading near its all-time high, which has boosted confidence in the company’s long-term prospects. In fact, Amazon’s stock recently crossed a technical threshold known as a ‘golden cross,’ signalling bullish momentum among investors. Despite the heavy selling by Bezos, analysts remain optimistic about Amazon’s growth, especially as the company heads into the summer’s Prime Day event. Bezos’s divestment plan continues, but even with these large sales, he retains significant control of Amazon, underscoring his long-standing influence over the company he founded.

This sale, executed over two days in July, is part of a broader, Jeff Bezos' pre-planned strategy to offload up to 25 million Amazon shares by May 2026.

Jeff Bezos, the founder and former chief executive officer of Amazon, has sold nearly 3 million shares of the e-commerce giant, valued at approximately $665.8 million, according to a regulatory filing made public on July 8. This sale, executed over two days in July, is part of a broader, pre-planned strategy to offload up to 25 million Amazon shares by May 2026. This latest move adds to a series of stock sales that Bezos has carried out in recent months. In June, he sold another $736.7 million worth of Amazon shares. Despite offloading a significant portion of his holdings, Bezos retains more than 900 million shares, which are valued at nearly $200 billion. Bezos, who stepped down as Amazon’s CEO in 2021, continues to serve as the company’s executive chair. Funding personal ventures and philanthropy The ongoing sales are part of Bezos’s broader effort to diversify his wealth and fund various personal and philanthropic ventures. Bezos has been using the proceeds from these stock sales to support initiatives such as his space venture, Blue Origin, and his philanthropic endeavours, including the Bezos Day One Fund and the Bezos Earth Fund. The timing of these transactions coincides with significant personal milestones, including his $50 million wedding to Lauren Sanchez in Venice, Italy, which brought together an A-list guest list, including Bill Gates, Ivanka Trump, and Leonardo DiCaprio. While the timing of these sales is drawing attention, it is not out of character for Bezos, who has been reducing his stake in Amazon over the years. These sales are part of a larger financial strategy and are unlikely to affect his influence over Amazon, where he remains the largest individual shareholder. Amazon’s stock showing strong momentum Amazon’s stock is currently trading near its all-time high, which has boosted confidence in the company’s long-term prospects. In fact, Amazon’s stock recently crossed a technical threshold known as a ‘golden cross,’ signalling bullish momentum among investors. Despite the heavy selling by Bezos, analysts remain optimistic about Amazon’s growth, especially as the company heads into the summer’s Prime Day event. Bezos’s divestment plan continues, but even with these large sales, he retains significant control of Amazon, underscoring his long-standing influence over the company he founded.

This sale, executed over two days in July, is part of a broader, Jeff Bezos' pre-planned strategy to offload up to 25 million Amazon shares by May 2026.

Jeff Bezos sells $665 million in Amazon stock as part of ongoing divestment plan

Blue Origin&rsquo;s New Shepard 31 carrying six women has successfully completed its flight with pop icon Katy Perry on board. The all-women crew of the NS-31 have returned to Earth after deploying their parachutes following the historic flight to space.
The flight to space included pilot Lauren Sanchez, film producer Kerianne Flynn, journalist Gayle King, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, and former NASA engineer Aisha Bowe.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/katy-perry-blue-origin-space-craft-jeff-bezos-all-women-crew-gayle-king-lauren-sanchez-8961944">Katy Perry sings 'What a wonderful world' on board Blue Origin, kisses the ground on her arrival back to Earth</a>
In an X post, Blue Origin confirmed the successful landing of the flight.
&lsquo;Capsule touchdown. Welcome back, NS-31 crew!&rsquo; the company wrote.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m9h5elqi-ikjtbanc-sgyfgu11">
Capsule touchdown. Welcome back, NS-31 crew!
&mdash; Blue Origin (@blueorigin) <a href="https://twitter.com/blueorigin/status/1911776819038306595?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2025</a></blockquote>
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/katy-perry-set-to-roar-into-space-on-all-female-flight-8959978">Katy Perry set to roar into space on all-female flight</a>
Minutes earlier, Blue Origin also confirmed the successful landing of the New Shepard booster. About two minutes after liftoff, the booster was set to separate from the crew capsule.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m9h5h5hy-dh9okig0-4ahdiayu">
The New Shepard booster has landed!
&mdash; Blue Origin (@blueorigin) <a href="https://twitter.com/blueorigin/status/1911776029099925868?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2025</a></blockquote>
The flight marked the first all-women crewed flight since Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova's solo flight in 1963.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blue-origins-all-female-glam-crew-is-set-to-launch-today-heres-what-you-need-to-know-8958823">Blue Origin&rsquo;s all-female glam crew is set to launch tomorrow. Here&rsquo;s what you need to know</a>
New Shepard carrying the NS-31 was launched from the company base, 30 miles north of Van Horn, Texas. The spacecraft reached the K&aacute;rm&aacute;n line, the internationally recognised boundary of space at an altitude of 62 miles.
The flight successfully landed after 10 minutes and 21 seconds in a controlled touchdown at the Blue Origin pad, which is about 2 miles north of the launch site.
Watch | Blue Origin all-female crew to launch into space; Katy Perry, Lauren Sanchez ready to get, set, go
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/1404_WION_Blue_Origin_ORG_GK_WEB/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1404_WION_Blue_Origin_ORG_GK_WEB.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=174&amp;tags=Katy Perry, Blue Origin, Women Empowerment, World News, WION" title="Blue Origin all-female crew to launch into space; Katy Perry, Lauren Sanchez ready to get, set, go" id="PL_iframe_block-m9h8zyjz-1fjiu16u-d5np1qny"></iframe>
<h2>Who were aboard the New Shepard 31 flight?</h2>
The crew of six women on board Blue Origin&rsquo;s tourism flight included Bezos&rsquo;s fianc&eacute;e, Lauren S&aacute;nchez, a journalist and philanthropist. The first Vietnamese woman to fly to space and a civil rights activist, Amanda Nguyen, was also part of the crew.&nbsp;The CBS Mornings co-host Gayle King, pop star Katy Perry, and film producer Kerianne Flynn were also aboard the space flight, along with entrepreneur and former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe.
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

The all-women crew of the NS-31 have returned to Earth after deploying their parachutes following the historic flight to space. SCIENCE & TECH | World

Blue Origin’s New Shepard 31 carrying six women has successfully completed its flight with pop icon Katy Perry on board. The all-women crew of the NS-31 have returned to Earth after deploying their parachutes following the historic flight to space. The flight to space included pilot Lauren Sanchez, film producer Kerianne Flynn, journalist Gayle King, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, and former NASA engineer Aisha Bowe. Also read | Katy Perry sings 'What a wonderful world' on board Blue Origin, kisses the ground on her arrival back to Earth In an X post, Blue Origin confirmed the successful landing of the flight. ‘Capsule touchdown. Welcome back, NS-31 crew!’ the company wrote. Capsule touchdown. Welcome back, NS-31 crew! — Blue Origin (@blueorigin) April 14, 2025 Also read | Katy Perry set to roar into space on all-female flight Minutes earlier, Blue Origin also confirmed the successful landing of the New Shepard booster. About two minutes after liftoff, the booster was set to separate from the crew capsule. The New Shepard booster has landed! — Blue Origin (@blueorigin) April 14, 2025 The flight marked the first all-women crewed flight since Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova's solo flight in 1963. Also read | Blue Origin’s all-female glam crew is set to launch tomorrow. Here’s what you need to know New Shepard carrying the NS-31 was launched from the company base, 30 miles north of Van Horn, Texas. The spacecraft reached the Kármán line, the internationally recognised boundary of space at an altitude of 62 miles. The flight successfully landed after 10 minutes and 21 seconds in a controlled touchdown at the Blue Origin pad, which is about 2 miles north of the launch site. Watch | Blue Origin all-female crew to launch into space; Katy Perry, Lauren Sanchez ready to get, set, go Who were aboard the New Shepard 31 flight? The crew of six women on board Blue Origin’s tourism flight included Bezos’s fiancée, Lauren Sánchez, a journalist and philanthropist. The first Vietnamese woman to fly to space and a civil rights activist, Amanda Nguyen, was also part of the crew. The CBS Mornings co-host Gayle King, pop star Katy Perry, and film producer Kerianne Flynn were also aboard the space flight, along with entrepreneur and former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Welcome back, NS-31 crew!’: Blue Origin all-women flight returns to earth after historic achievement

The historic all-female space flight is set to launch on Monday morning (Apr 14) with pop-star Katy Perry and Gayle King on board Blue Origin&rsquo;s New Shepard 31. The space company&rsquo;s founder and ex-Amazon boss, Jeff Bezos, is also sending his fianc&eacute;e, Lauren S&aacute;nchez, to space along with three other crew members.&nbsp;
The launch is scheduled at 9:30 am from the company base, 30 miles north of Van Horn, Texas. The spacecraft will fly to reach the K&aacute;rm&aacute;n line, the internationally recognised boundary of space at an altitude of 62 miles. The women will be back after 11 minutes of flight, marking the first all-female space journey since the solo flight of Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova in 1963.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/indian-origin-tushar-mehta-joins-jeff-bezoss-blue-origin-on-historic-10th-space-tourism-mission-8757725">Indian-origin Tushar Mehta joins Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin crew on historic 10th space tourism mission</a>
<h2>Who will be on board?</h2>
The crew of six women on board Blue Origin&rsquo;s tourism flight includes Bezos&rsquo;s fianc&eacute;e, Lauren S&aacute;nchez, a journalist and philanthropist. The first Vietnamese woman to fly to space and a civil rights activist, Amanda Nguyen, will also be part of the crew. The CBS Mornings co-host Gayle King, pop star Katy Perry, and film producer Kerianne Flynn will also be aboard the space flight. Entrepreneur and former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe will also join the women.
<h2>New Shepard 31 flight</h2>
About two minutes after liftoff, the New Shepard booster is set to separate from the crew capsule. It will then return in a controlled touchdown at the Blue Origin pad, which is about 2 miles north of the launch site.
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/spacex-ceo-elon-musk-reacts-to-rival-jeff-bezos-blue-origins-launch-8627106">SpaceX CEO Elon Musk reacts to rival Jeff Bezos&rsquo; Blue Origin&rsquo;s launch</a>
The women will return after 10 to 11 minutes of flight in a parachute landing in the Texas desert. To prepare for the mission, all six crewmates arrived at the base on Saturday (Apr 12). The women also took part in a photo-op in form-fitting Blue Origin&rsquo;s jumpsuits at the rocket bridge site.
<h2>Special space suits</h2>
Blue Origin designed a special crest on women&rsquo;s space suits featuring their names, works, and ambitions.
Perry&rsquo;s suit features an image of a firework next to her name, referencing her hit 2001 song. Sanchez&rsquo;s includes a fly near her name as a nod to her children&rsquo;s book &ldquo;The Fly Who Flew to Space.&rdquo;
King has a microphone icon to symbolise her work on CBS News, while Nguyen has a symbol of scales of justice for her civil rights advocacy. Flynn has a film reel for her career, and Bowe has a target star as a reference to her passion for STEM.
Apart from enjoying the view, the women have also partnered with various universities and science groups to carry out experiments during their journey to space.
(With inputs from agencies)

About two minutes after liftoff, the New Shepard booster is set to separate from the crew capsule. It will then return in a controlled touchdown at the Blue Origin pad, which is about 2 miles north of the launch site. World | Science & tech | Trending

The historic all-female space flight is set to launch on Monday morning (Apr 14) with pop-star Katy Perry and Gayle King on board Blue Origin’s New Shepard 31. The space company’s founder and ex-Amazon boss, Jeff Bezos, is also sending his fiancée, Lauren Sánchez, to space along with three other crew members. The launch is scheduled at 9:30 am from the company base, 30 miles north of Van Horn, Texas. The spacecraft will fly to reach the Kármán line, the internationally recognised boundary of space at an altitude of 62 miles. The women will be back after 11 minutes of flight, marking the first all-female space journey since the solo flight of Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova in 1963. Also read | Indian-origin Tushar Mehta joins Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin crew on historic 10th space tourism mission Who will be on board? The crew of six women on board Blue Origin’s tourism flight includes Bezos’s fiancée, Lauren Sánchez, a journalist and philanthropist. The first Vietnamese woman to fly to space and a civil rights activist, Amanda Nguyen, will also be part of the crew. The CBS Mornings co-host Gayle King, pop star Katy Perry, and film producer Kerianne Flynn will also be aboard the space flight. Entrepreneur and former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe will also join the women. New Shepard 31 flight About two minutes after liftoff, the New Shepard booster is set to separate from the crew capsule. It will then return in a controlled touchdown at the Blue Origin pad, which is about 2 miles north of the launch site. Also read | SpaceX CEO Elon Musk reacts to rival Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin’s launch The women will return after 10 to 11 minutes of flight in a parachute landing in the Texas desert. To prepare for the mission, all six crewmates arrived at the base on Saturday (Apr 12). The women also took part in a photo-op in form-fitting Blue Origin’s jumpsuits at the rocket bridge site. Special space suits Blue Origin designed a special crest on women’s space suits featuring their names, works, and ambitions. Perry’s suit features an image of a firework next to her name, referencing her hit 2001 song. Sanchez’s includes a fly near her name as a nod to her children’s book “The Fly Who Flew to Space.” King has a microphone icon to symbolise her work on CBS News, while Nguyen has a symbol of scales of justice for her civil rights advocacy. Flynn has a film reel for her career, and Bowe has a target star as a reference to her passion for STEM. Apart from enjoying the view, the women have also partnered with various universities and science groups to carry out experiments during their journey to space. (With inputs from agencies)

Blue Origin’s all-female glam crew is set to launch tomorrow. Here’s what you need to know

After US President Donald Trump imposed "reciprocal tariffs" on several countries, the world's 500 richest people saw a decline in their combined wealth, losing USD 208 billion in 24 hours after the announcement.
It is indeed one of the largest fall in fortunes in over a decade.&nbsp;
The new tariffs have impacted multiple billionaires, Sputnik reported citing data from the Bloomberg Billionaire Index (BBI) compiled by Bloomberg on Friday.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-hits-back-at-us-with-34-tariffs-on-american-goods-from-april-10-donald-trump-xi-jinping-beijing-reciprocal-tariffs-8925713">'Typical unilateral bullying practice': China hits back at US with 34% tariffs on American goods from April 10</a>
The plunge in the combined wealth of the world's top 500 billionaires is the fourth-largest one-day decline since the BBI was launched 13 years ago and the largest since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The effect of tariffs did not even spare Trump's closest aide Elon Musk.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/penguin-memes-flood-internet-after-trump-tariffs-hit-uninhabited-antarctic-islands-8926344">Penguin memes flood internet after Trump tariffs hit uninhabited Antarctic islands</a>
<h2>Who are the billionaires?</h2>
The billionaires in the US have been hit majorly, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, before American stock markets opened.&nbsp;
Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg was the biggest loser in dollar terms, with the social media company's nine per cent slide, with costing his chief executive officer $17.9 billion, or around nine per cent of his wealth.
Up next is Jeff Bezos, the next biggest loser in the list. Bezos lost $15.9 billion in wealth after Amazon shares plunged nine per cent on Thursday marking their biggest decline since 2022.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-fires-nsc-officials-who-are-they-impact-on-us-national-security-8924331">Donald Trump fires NSC officials, who are they? What is its impact on US national security</a>
While, Trump's buddy Tesla CEO and DOGE leader Elon Musk lost $11 billion on Thursday, as his care company's shares fell 5.5 per cent following Trump's tariff announcement on Liberation Day.&nbsp;
<h2>See the full list:&nbsp;</h2>
<figure class="image"><img alt="Who are the billionaires?" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/04/04/xwMTJciz23f6DDQbYc6n.png" style="width: 1280px;">
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Moreover, the only billionaire living outside the US, who suffered the impact of Trump's tariffs, was France's Bernard Arnault. Arnault's LVMH, a conglomerate which owns brands including Christian Dior, Bulgari and Loro Piana, saw its shares fall in Paris, wiping $6 billion off the net worth of Europe's richest person.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hes-too-hot-bill-oreilly-asks-trump-to-move-on-from-his-buddy-elon-musk-says-hes-a-short-timer-8926006">'He's too hot': Bill O'Reilly warns Trump to move on from his 'buddy' Elon Musk, says he's a 'short timer'</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World: The new tariffs have impacted multiple billionaires, Sputnik reported citing data from the Bloomberg Billionaire Index (BBI) compiled by Bloomberg on Friday.

After US President Donald Trump imposed "reciprocal tariffs" on several countries, the world's 500 richest people saw a decline in their combined wealth, losing USD 208 billion in 24 hours after the announcement. It is indeed one of the largest fall in fortunes in over a decade. The new tariffs have impacted multiple billionaires, Sputnik reported citing data from the Bloomberg Billionaire Index (BBI) compiled by Bloomberg on Friday. Also read: 'Typical unilateral bullying practice': China hits back at US with 34% tariffs on American goods from April 10 The plunge in the combined wealth of the world's top 500 billionaires is the fourth-largest one-day decline since the BBI was launched 13 years ago and the largest since the COVID-19 pandemic. The effect of tariffs did not even spare Trump's closest aide Elon Musk. Also read: Penguin memes flood internet after Trump tariffs hit uninhabited Antarctic islands Who are the billionaires? The billionaires in the US have been hit majorly, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, before American stock markets opened. Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg was the biggest loser in dollar terms, with the social media company's nine per cent slide, with costing his chief executive officer $17.9 billion, or around nine per cent of his wealth. Up next is Jeff Bezos, the next biggest loser in the list. Bezos lost $15.9 billion in wealth after Amazon shares plunged nine per cent on Thursday marking their biggest decline since 2022. Also read: Donald Trump fires NSC officials, who are they? What is its impact on US national security While, Trump's buddy Tesla CEO and DOGE leader Elon Musk lost $11 billion on Thursday, as his care company's shares fell 5.5 per cent following Trump's tariff announcement on Liberation Day. See the full list: Moreover, the only billionaire living outside the US, who suffered the impact of Trump's tariffs, was France's Bernard Arnault. Arnault's LVMH, a conglomerate which owns brands including Christian Dior, Bulgari and Loro Piana, saw its shares fall in Paris, wiping $6 billion off the net worth of Europe's richest person. Also read: 'He's too hot': Bill O'Reilly warns Trump to move on from his 'buddy' Elon Musk, says he's a 'short timer' (With inputs from agencies)

Trump tariffs after-effect: Billionaires lost combined $208 billion; Musk, Zuckerberg biggest losers. FULL LIST HERE

Elon Musk's Neuralink has been developing brain chips that can be implanted to let people with paralysis control objects using their minds. Noland Arbaugh was the company's first human patient, a quadriplegic who received a brain implant a year ago. He recently informed the world that he has "had no negative side effects, neither physically nor psychologically."
Neuralink is now developing a brain chip that will help blind people see again. Musk recently announced that it is known as Blindsight and will be implanted into a human for the first time this year. The billionaire said that the animal trials were successful and the monkeys on which it was tested were healthy.&nbsp;
Also Read: <a title="Post View" href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/musk-announces-first-implant-of-neuralinks-blindsight-vision-chip-in-human-by-end-of-2025-8910737" target="_blank" rel="dofollow noopener">Musk announces first implant of Neuralink&rsquo;s Blindsight vision chip in human by end of 2025</a>
However, a collaboration between a Chinese research institute and a tech company might beat Musk at this game. The tie-up has announced that it is working towards implanting its brain chip into 13 people by the end of this year.&nbsp;
<h2>Chinese initiative racing ahead with brain implants</h2>
Beijing-based Chinese Institute for Brain Research (CIBR) and NeuCyber NeuroTech have already inserted Beinao No.1, a semi-invasive wireless brain chip, into three patients in the past month. Ten other patients are lined up for the brain implants this year, Luo Minmin, director of CIBR and NeuCyber's chief scientist, said.
Also Read: <a title="Post View" href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/did-elon-musk-just-pull-off-a-coup-with-xai-deal-8912723" target="_blank" rel="dofollow noopener">Did Elon Musk just pull off a coup with xAI deal?</a>
The tie-up has grand plans for 2026. "Next year, after getting regulatory approval,l we will do formal clinical trials that will include around 50 patients," Luo told reporters on the sidelines of the tech-focussed Zhongguancun Forum in Beijing.&nbsp;
State media released videos this month showing paralytic patients using the Beinao No. 1 brain chip to control a robotic arm to pour a cup of water. They could also transmit their thoughts onto a computer screen.
<h2>What is Neuralink doing?</h2>
Meanwhile, Neuralink has filed trademarks for the term "Blindsight," along with "telepathy" and "telekinesis," with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The company installed brain chips in three patients in January 2024, which helped them control their body movements with just their thoughts.
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/3103_SUMIT_CHIP_9PM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/3103_SUMIT_CHIP_9PM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=145&amp;tags=neuralink, elon musk, chip, eyesight, brain" title="Musk's Neuralink to cure blindness with new brain chip in 2025" id="PL_iframe_block-m8y8k8e3-nj2gmvfx-6s4d0ic6"></iframe>
Now, Neuralink is working to help blind people see with the Blindsight chip. However, it does not have a timeline and requires further testing. However, it is not the only American company in the field.
<h2>Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates invest in another brain chip company</h2>
BCI company Synchron is currently the leader in brain chip human trials, with 10 patients, six in the United States and four in Australia. Billionaires Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates are among the investors in the company. This puts Musk's Neuralink way behind the other companies working on brain chip implants.
<h2>How is Neuralink different?</h2>
However, there is a major difference between what Neuralink is doing and what the Chinese tie-up and Synchron do. Musk's company creates wireless brain chips that are inserted inside the brain to maximise signal quality. Meanwhile, the other companies make semi-invasive chips or brain-computer interface (BCI) systems, which are placed on the brain's surface. The latter has a major advantage since they pose less risk of brain tissue damage and other post-surgery complications. The signal quality is compromised in the process.

Neuralink makes brain chips to help people control objects with their minds. However, it faces tough competition from a Chinese and an American company. World Trending

Elon Musk's Neuralink has been developing brain chips that can be implanted to let people with paralysis control objects using their minds. Noland Arbaugh was the company's first human patient, a quadriplegic who received a brain implant a year ago. He recently informed the world that he has "had no negative side effects, neither physically nor psychologically." Neuralink is now developing a brain chip that will help blind people see again. Musk recently announced that it is known as Blindsight and will be implanted into a human for the first time this year. The billionaire said that the animal trials were successful and the monkeys on which it was tested were healthy. Also Read: Musk announces first implant of Neuralink’s Blindsight vision chip in human by end of 2025 However, a collaboration between a Chinese research institute and a tech company might beat Musk at this game. The tie-up has announced that it is working towards implanting its brain chip into 13 people by the end of this year. Chinese initiative racing ahead with brain implants Beijing-based Chinese Institute for Brain Research (CIBR) and NeuCyber NeuroTech have already inserted Beinao No.1, a semi-invasive wireless brain chip, into three patients in the past month. Ten other patients are lined up for the brain implants this year, Luo Minmin, director of CIBR and NeuCyber's chief scientist, said. Also Read: Did Elon Musk just pull off a coup with xAI deal? The tie-up has grand plans for 2026. "Next year, after getting regulatory approval,l we will do formal clinical trials that will include around 50 patients," Luo told reporters on the sidelines of the tech-focussed Zhongguancun Forum in Beijing. State media released videos this month showing paralytic patients using the Beinao No. 1 brain chip to control a robotic arm to pour a cup of water. They could also transmit their thoughts onto a computer screen. What is Neuralink doing? Meanwhile, Neuralink has filed trademarks for the term "Blindsight," along with "telepathy" and "telekinesis," with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The company installed brain chips in three patients in January 2024, which helped them control their body movements with just their thoughts. Now, Neuralink is working to help blind people see with the Blindsight chip. However, it does not have a timeline and requires further testing. However, it is not the only American company in the field. Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates invest in another brain chip company BCI company Synchron is currently the leader in brain chip human trials, with 10 patients, six in the United States and four in Australia. Billionaires Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates are among the investors in the company. This puts Musk's Neuralink way behind the other companies working on brain chip implants. How is Neuralink different? However, there is a major difference between what Neuralink is doing and what the Chinese tie-up and Synchron do. Musk's company creates wireless brain chips that are inserted inside the brain to maximise signal quality. Meanwhile, the other companies make semi-invasive chips or brain-computer interface (BCI) systems, which are placed on the brain's surface. The latter has a major advantage since they pose less risk of brain tissue damage and other post-surgery complications. The signal quality is compromised in the process.

Who is winning the brain chip war? Not Musk, but a company backed by Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is reportedly getting ready to marry his longtime fianc&eacute;e Lauren Sanchez this summer. As per a report in the Daily Mail, the couple will tie the knot this year. Bezos and Sanchez got engaged in May 2023 and their wedding has been a topic of discussion since then.
Earlier reports suggested that the two will get married in Aspen on December 28 last year. However, it didn't happen. The publication quoted a source as saying that the wedding is still "on" and will take place this summer.&nbsp;
Bezos and Sanchez's nuptials are surely not going to be low key and they are likely to have a destination wedding. The source further said that it will be so "big" that "you won't miss this one when it happens".
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/radio-burst-travels-to-earth-from-other-side-of-the-universe-8829758" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'200 million light years': Radio burst reaches Earth from other side of the universe</a>
The report states that the grand affair is likely to happen somewhere in Europe. Sanchez is rumoured to have bought an Oscar de la Renta wedding gown.
Bezos and Sanchez's engagement was also not subtle. The tycoon gave his girlfriend a $2.5 million pink diamond ring. Sanchez later admitted that she was surprised to see such a huge rock and she "nearly blacked out". An engagement party followed on his superyacht, Koru. High-profile names, such as Bill Gates and actor Leonardo DiCaprio were in attendance.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/millions-of-alien-invaders-from-alpha-centauri-lurking-in-solar-system-8826962" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">38 trillion kilometres: Millions of alien intruders from Alpha Centauri lurking in solar system</a>
Sanchez had talked about her wedding after the engagement. She told Vogue in 2023 that she would be taking Bezos' last name after getting married.&nbsp;
Bezos was previously married to MacKenzie Scott for 26 years before the two called it quits in 2019. Soon reports started circulating that Bezos had a new partner in tow, 55-year-old Sanchez.
<h2>Lauren Sanchez is going to space</h2>
Lauren Sanchez has something else to look forward to besides the wedding this summer. She will be blasting off to space aboard a Blue Origin rocket. Sanchez will be accompanied by five other crew members, all female. The 11-minute sub-orbital flight will also have TV anchor Gayle King and pop star Katy Perry next to Sanchez.

World Trending - Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez are reportedly set to tie the knot in the summer of 2025. Reports suggest the long-time couple will have a destination wedding.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is reportedly getting ready to marry his longtime fiancée Lauren Sanchez this summer. As per a report in the Daily Mail, the couple will tie the knot this year. Bezos and Sanchez got engaged in May 2023 and their wedding has been a topic of discussion since then. Earlier reports suggested that the two will get married in Aspen on December 28 last year. However, it didn't happen. The publication quoted a source as saying that the wedding is still "on" and will take place this summer. Bezos and Sanchez's nuptials are surely not going to be low key and they are likely to have a destination wedding. The source further said that it will be so "big" that "you won't miss this one when it happens". Also Read: '200 million light years': Radio burst reaches Earth from other side of the universe The report states that the grand affair is likely to happen somewhere in Europe. Sanchez is rumoured to have bought an Oscar de la Renta wedding gown. Bezos and Sanchez's engagement was also not subtle. The tycoon gave his girlfriend a $2.5 million pink diamond ring. Sanchez later admitted that she was surprised to see such a huge rock and she "nearly blacked out". An engagement party followed on his superyacht, Koru. High-profile names, such as Bill Gates and actor Leonardo DiCaprio were in attendance. Also Read: 38 trillion kilometres: Millions of alien intruders from Alpha Centauri lurking in solar system Sanchez had talked about her wedding after the engagement. She told Vogue in 2023 that she would be taking Bezos' last name after getting married. Bezos was previously married to MacKenzie Scott for 26 years before the two called it quits in 2019. Soon reports started circulating that Bezos had a new partner in tow, 55-year-old Sanchez. Lauren Sanchez is going to space Lauren Sanchez has something else to look forward to besides the wedding this summer. She will be blasting off to space aboard a Blue Origin rocket. Sanchez will be accompanied by five other crew members, all female. The 11-minute sub-orbital flight will also have TV anchor Gayle King and pop star Katy Perry next to Sanchez.

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez planning a summer destination wedding: Report

At Donald Trump's Inauguration event, Sanchez was seen wearing a white blazer and trousers. However, a lacy corset she wore underneath the blazer became a talking point.

Jeff Bezos' Fiancee faces wrath of netizens over her choice of outfit

Jeff Bezos and fianc&eacute;e Lauren S&aacute;nchez were among the high-profile invitees for Donald Trump&rsquo;s inauguration ceremony as he was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on Monday (Jan 20). Lauren kept it warm and chic in winter whites as she wore a fuzzy snow-coloured coat for the especially cold day.&nbsp;
While the ensemble was right on point and looked classy, what caught everyone&rsquo;s attention was the risky display inside the coat.
<h2>Jeff Bezos' fianc&eacute;e Lauren S&aacute;nchez turns heads at Donald Trump's inauguration ceremony</h2>
Once inside the Capitol, where the inauguration ceremony was moved because of extreme cold, she removed the coat to reveal a striking white pantsuit. She wore the two-piece look over a coordinating lace bustier.
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/580x0/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/1c184ba1-7db.jpg" alt="Lauren" style="width: 580px;">
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The &ldquo;Fly Who Flew To Space&rdquo; author wore the same Alexander McQueen white suit she first chose for a New York event last month. The attire featured a bold-shouldered blazer and wide-leg trousers which she wore with the same lace bustier she wore in December.
Lauren looked stunning as she complemented the whole look with diamond studs and her show-stopping 20-carat engagement ring that Jeff Bezos gave her.&nbsp;
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<h2>Pre-inauguration and inauguration ceremony were ultra-fashionable</h2>
For the pre-inauguration candlelight dinner at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC where only some of the world&rsquo;s elites were called, Lauren truly shined in a Dolce &amp; Gabbana dress. She called the event a &ldquo;magical evening.&rdquo;
For the dinner, Lauren S&aacute;nchez was styled by Kelly Johnson.
Other guests at the pre-inauguration celebration included Melania Trump, Ivanka Trump and Elon Musk. Trump&rsquo;s oldest daughter, Ivanka, was dressed to the nine in a custom crystal and pearl-adorned Oscar de la Renta dress.

Donald Trump inauguration: It was a high-profile event with the whos who of the business, political and entertainment world gathered for Trump's swearing-in ceremony.

Jeff Bezos and fiancée Lauren Sánchez were among the high-profile invitees for Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony as he was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on Monday (Jan 20). Lauren kept it warm and chic in winter whites as she wore a fuzzy snow-coloured coat for the especially cold day. While the ensemble was right on point and looked classy, what caught everyone’s attention was the risky display inside the coat. Jeff Bezos' fiancée Lauren Sánchez turns heads at Donald Trump's inauguration ceremony Once inside the Capitol, where the inauguration ceremony was moved because of extreme cold, she removed the coat to reveal a striking white pantsuit. She wore the two-piece look over a coordinating lace bustier. Donald Trump’s inauguration: Carrie Underwood faces technical glitch during her performance The “Fly Who Flew To Space” author wore the same Alexander McQueen white suit she first chose for a New York event last month. The attire featured a bold-shouldered blazer and wide-leg trousers which she wore with the same lace bustier she wore in December. Lauren looked stunning as she complemented the whole look with diamond studs and her show-stopping 20-carat engagement ring that Jeff Bezos gave her. Donald Trump inauguration: Melania Trump looks graceful in blue classic coat dress | See pics Pre-inauguration and inauguration ceremony were ultra-fashionable For the pre-inauguration candlelight dinner at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC where only some of the world’s elites were called, Lauren truly shined in a Dolce & Gabbana dress. She called the event a “magical evening.” For the dinner, Lauren Sánchez was styled by Kelly Johnson. Other guests at the pre-inauguration celebration included Melania Trump, Ivanka Trump and Elon Musk. Trump’s oldest daughter, Ivanka, was dressed to the nine in a custom crystal and pearl-adorned Oscar de la Renta dress.

Donald Trump inauguration: Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sánchez turns heads in white

SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk has reacted to the debut launch of a rocket by Blue Origin, the rival space company owned by Jeff Bezos, on Thursday (Jan 16).
Musk congratulated Bezos for his new milestone after Blue Origin launched its New Glenn into orbit for the first time.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/jeff-bezos-blue-origin-makes-its-debut-launch-of-new-glenn-rocket-8626251" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Watch: Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin makes debut launch of New Glenn rocket</a>
&ldquo;Congratulations on reaching orbit on the first attempt! @JeffBezos,&rdquo; Musk wrote on his X platform shortly after Bezos confirmed the successful launch on Thursday (Jan 16).
<h2>SpaceX vs Blue Origin</h2>
The New Glenn launch was crucial for Blue Origin to compete with its rival SpaceX, the private space company owned by Musk, which dominates the industry.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/elon-musks-spacex-launches-two-private-lunar-landers-aboard-falcon-9-8623630" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Elon Musk&rsquo;s SpaceX launches two private lunar landers aboard Falcon 9</a>
A day earlier, on January 15, Musk&rsquo;s SpaceX launched two private lunar landers. The landers built by US and Japanese companies left the Earth aboard a Falcon 9 rocket as a part of a rideshare to the Moon.
The SpaceX rocket was launched from NASA&rsquo;s Kennedy Space Center in Florida around 01:00 local time on Wednesday (Jan 15), carrying two landers, one from America's Firefly Aerospace and the other from Japan's iSpace.
The Moon exploration mission is backed by NASA and will be its biggest commercial delivery to the Earth&rsquo;s natural satellite so far.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/why-jeff-bezos-blue-origin-called-off-new-glenn-rocket-launch-8618749" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'Few anomalies': Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin calls off rocket launch</a>
Meanwhile, Blue Origin has also secured a NASA contract for the launch of two Mars probes aboard New Glenn. The rocket will also deploy Project Kuiper, a satellite internet constellation that will compete with SpaceX&rsquo;s Starlink.
<h2>New Glenn launch</h2>
The debut mission, which was previously delayed by several years, blasted off at 2:03 am (07:03 GMT) from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Base in the US state of Florida.
The initial test launch, which was originally scheduled for Monday (Jan 13), was postponed until today after facing repeated pauses during the countdown. The company later cited an icing issue on a purge line for the delay and said that they would attempt the launch on Tuesday (Jan 14). However, the weather conditions were unfavourable on the day, which led to further delay.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/isro-accomplishes-space-docking-india-fifth-nation-to-do-so-globally-8625833" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">ISRO's SpaDeX Mission successful: India becomes 4th nation to accomplish space docking</a>
Blue Origin will also attempt to land New Glenn's first-stage booster on a drone ship, which is stationed about 620 miles (1,000 kilometres) away from the launch site in the Atlantic Ocean.
While these types of landings are a usual routine for SpaceX, Blue Origin will be making its first attempt at it.
(With inputs from agencies)

Science & Tech | The New Glenn launch was crucial for Blue Origin to compete with its rival SpaceX, the private space company owned by Musk, which dominates the industry.

SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk has reacted to the debut launch of a rocket by Blue Origin, the rival space company owned by Jeff Bezos, on Thursday (Jan 16). Musk congratulated Bezos for his new milestone after Blue Origin launched its New Glenn into orbit for the first time. Also read | Watch: Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin makes debut launch of New Glenn rocket “Congratulations on reaching orbit on the first attempt! @JeffBezos,” Musk wrote on his X platform shortly after Bezos confirmed the successful launch on Thursday (Jan 16). SpaceX vs Blue Origin The New Glenn launch was crucial for Blue Origin to compete with its rival SpaceX, the private space company owned by Musk, which dominates the industry. Also read | Elon Musk’s SpaceX launches two private lunar landers aboard Falcon 9 A day earlier, on January 15, Musk’s SpaceX launched two private lunar landers. The landers built by US and Japanese companies left the Earth aboard a Falcon 9 rocket as a part of a rideshare to the Moon. The SpaceX rocket was launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida around 01:00 local time on Wednesday (Jan 15), carrying two landers, one from America's Firefly Aerospace and the other from Japan's iSpace. The Moon exploration mission is backed by NASA and will be its biggest commercial delivery to the Earth’s natural satellite so far. Also read | 'Few anomalies': Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin calls off rocket launch Meanwhile, Blue Origin has also secured a NASA contract for the launch of two Mars probes aboard New Glenn. The rocket will also deploy Project Kuiper, a satellite internet constellation that will compete with SpaceX’s Starlink. New Glenn launch The debut mission, which was previously delayed by several years, blasted off at 2:03 am (07:03 GMT) from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Base in the US state of Florida. The initial test launch, which was originally scheduled for Monday (Jan 13), was postponed until today after facing repeated pauses during the countdown. The company later cited an icing issue on a purge line for the delay and said that they would attempt the launch on Tuesday (Jan 14). However, the weather conditions were unfavourable on the day, which led to further delay. Also read | ISRO's SpaDeX Mission successful: India becomes 4th nation to accomplish space docking Blue Origin will also attempt to land New Glenn's first-stage booster on a drone ship, which is stationed about 620 miles (1,000 kilometres) away from the launch site in the Atlantic Ocean. While these types of landings are a usual routine for SpaceX, Blue Origin will be making its first attempt at it. (With inputs from agencies)

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk reacts to rival Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin’s launch

Blue Origin, the space company founded by Jeff Bezos, postponed the much-anticipated maiden launch of its New Glenn rocket on Monday (Jan 13) due to last-minute technical problems. The launch, scheduled for 08:15 GMT, was called off just six minutes before the liftoff.
<h2>Timeline of what happened?</h2>
The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/blue-origin-poised-for-first-orbital-launch-on-january-8">New Glenn rocket</a>, which has been developing for a decade, was set to launch from Florida during a three-hour window that opened at 06:00 GMT (01:00 local time). Earlier attempts had already been delayed due to unfavourable sea conditions.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreas-yoon-gets-pay-rise-despite-facing-impeachment-trial-8618647">South Korea's Yoon gets pay rise despite facing impeachment trial</a>
This mission was a significant milestone for Blue Origin, as the rocket was expected to reach orbit for the first time. Additionally, its reusable booster was designed to detach and land on a platform in the Atlantic Ocean.
Blue Origin describes New Glenn as a "giant, reusable rocket" designed for human space travel. However, at approximately 07:20 GMT, a spokesperson reported "a few anomalies" the team was working to resolve. 
Following several countdown resets, the decision was made to cancel the launch for the day. 
A Blue Origin spokesperson cited a "vehicle subsystem issue" as the reason for the delay, explaining that additional time was needed to troubleshoot the problem. A new date for the launch has not yet been announced.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/on-possible-trump-putin-meeting-kremlin-says-theres-political-will-for-dialogue-8618400">On possible Trump-Putin meeting, Kremlin says there's 'political will' for dialogue</a>
<h2>Why was the launch called off?</h2>
Blue Origin posted a statement on X (formerly Twitter), saying, &ldquo;We&rsquo;re standing down on today&rsquo;s launch attempt to troubleshoot a vehicle subsystem issue that will take us beyond our launch window. We&rsquo;re reviewing opportunities for our next launch attempt.&rdquo;
During a live stream, a Blue Origin spokeswoman said that the postponement was necessary to give the team more time to address the technical issues. She added, &ldquo;When we know when the next opportunity is, of course, we will let everybody know.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-denies-receiving-ceasefire-proposal-despite-qatar-says-it-shared-final-hostage-deal-draft-8618427">Israel denies receiving Gaza ceasefire proposal despite Qatar saying it shared 'final' hostage&nbsp;deal&nbsp;draft</a>
Earlier in the scheduled launch period, she explained that engineers were &ldquo;working through a few anomalies&rdquo; and controllers were exploring possible solutions. 
She said, &ldquo;What people may not realise is that much of what we do in pre-launch procedures is scripted and planned. However, when unexpected issues arise, our team manually operates the systems to resolve them.&rdquo;
(With inputs from agencies)

Science & Tech, World Blue Origin posted a statement on X , saying, “We’re standing down on today’s launch attempt to troubleshoot a vehicle subsystem issue that will take us beyond our launch window.”

Blue Origin, the space company founded by Jeff Bezos, postponed the much-anticipated maiden launch of its New Glenn rocket on Monday (Jan 13) due to last-minute technical problems. The launch, scheduled for 08:15 GMT, was called off just six minutes before the liftoff. Timeline of what happened? The New Glenn rocket, which has been developing for a decade, was set to launch from Florida during a three-hour window that opened at 06:00 GMT (01:00 local time). Earlier attempts had already been delayed due to unfavourable sea conditions. Also read: South Korea's Yoon gets pay rise despite facing impeachment trial This mission was a significant milestone for Blue Origin, as the rocket was expected to reach orbit for the first time. Additionally, its reusable booster was designed to detach and land on a platform in the Atlantic Ocean. Blue Origin describes New Glenn as a "giant, reusable rocket" designed for human space travel. However, at approximately 07:20 GMT, a spokesperson reported "a few anomalies" the team was working to resolve. Following several countdown resets, the decision was made to cancel the launch for the day. A Blue Origin spokesperson cited a "vehicle subsystem issue" as the reason for the delay, explaining that additional time was needed to troubleshoot the problem. A new date for the launch has not yet been announced. Also read: On possible Trump-Putin meeting, Kremlin says there's 'political will' for dialogue Why was the launch called off? Blue Origin posted a statement on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “We’re standing down on today’s launch attempt to troubleshoot a vehicle subsystem issue that will take us beyond our launch window. We’re reviewing opportunities for our next launch attempt.” During a live stream, a Blue Origin spokeswoman said that the postponement was necessary to give the team more time to address the technical issues. She added, “When we know when the next opportunity is, of course, we will let everybody know.” Also read: Israel denies receiving Gaza ceasefire proposal despite Qatar saying it shared 'final' hostage deal draft Earlier in the scheduled launch period, she explained that engineers were “working through a few anomalies” and controllers were exploring possible solutions. She said, “What people may not realise is that much of what we do in pre-launch procedures is scripted and planned. However, when unexpected issues arise, our team manually operates the systems to resolve them.” (With inputs from agencies)

'Few anomalies': Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin calls off rocket launch

Jeff Bezos, one of the world’s most influential business leaders, believes that humanity is at a pivotal crossroads. While the global economy has seen remarkable strides over the past 50 years—with improved literacy rates, reduced poverty, and advances in health—one critical area has suffered: the natural environment. This degradation poses a significant challenge to sustained growth and prosperity.

Bezos' 2025 Plan: Growth with sustainability

An award-winning political cartoonist for The Washington Post has announced her resignation after a cartoon depicting the newspaper's billionaire owner grovelling before&nbsp;Donald Trump was rejected.
Ann Telnaes posted on Substack late Friday that this was the first time she "had a cartoon killed because of who or what I chose to aim my pen at."
The cartoon -- which she included in her post -- depicts Amazon founder and Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos, as well as Facebook and Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg and other media and tech moguls, kneeling and holding up bags of money before a massive Trump.
Also read |&nbsp;<a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/willing-to-surrender-in-gaza-trumps-alleged-shooter-routh-wishes-to-become-hamas-hostage-in-shocking-letter-8591955" aria-label="'Willing to surrender in Gaza,' Trump's alleged shooter Routh wishes to become Hamas hostage in shocking letter">'Willing to surrender in Gaza,' Trump's alleged shooter Routh wishes to become Hamas hostage in shocking letter</a>
Also shown is a prostrated Mickey Mouse, the symbol of the Disney Company, which owns ABC News. The television network recently reached a $15 million settlement with Trump after he sued for defamation over reporting on his sexual abuse trial in New York.
Telnaes wrote that while previous sketches of hers had been rejected, this was the first time that had happened because of her "point of view."
"That's a game changer... and dangerous for a free press," she said.
The Washington Post, whose slogan is "Democracy dies in darkness," did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
US media quoted the opinions editor, David Shipley, saying that Telnaes's work had been rejected only because of "repetition."
"We had just published a column on the same topic as the cartoon and had already scheduled another column -- this one a satire -- for publication," he said.
The US media aggressively covered Trump's chaotic first term, which included two impeachments and ended with his refusal to recognize defeat in the 2020 election -- culminating with a mob of his supporters storming Congress.
As Trump prepares for his January 20 inauguration, after having defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in November, there are signs that top CEOs, including in the media, are eager to build good relations.
Also read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/idf-releases-footage-claiming-to-show-troops-inside-area-used-as-hideout-by-hamas-8591638" aria-label="IDF releases footage claiming to show troops inside area used as 'hideout' by Hamas">IDF releases footage claiming to show troops inside area used as 'hideout' by Hamas</a>
A stream of senior moguls, from Apple CEO Tim Cook to Bezos Zuckerberg, have travelled to meet Trump at his Florida estate.
Elon Musk, owner of influential social media platform X and the world's richest person, is one of the president-elect's closest advisors.
Amazon and Meta have both announced $1 million donations to Trump's inauguration fund, as reportedly has Apple's Cook in a personal capacity.
Bezos caused a stir just ahead of the presidential election when he broke with years of tradition and ruled against the Post endorsing a candidate.
Telnaes, who has won the Pulitzer Prize and other awards for her work, has worked for the Post since 2008.
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Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed&nbsp;to better reflect the content of the story&nbsp;or to make it more suitable for&nbsp;WION&nbsp;audience.
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Ann Telnaes posted on Substack late Friday that this was the first time she "had a cartoon killed because of who or what I chose to aim my pen at."

An award-winning political cartoonist for The Washington Post has announced her resignation after a cartoon depicting the newspaper's billionaire owner grovelling before Donald Trump was rejected. Ann Telnaes posted on Substack late Friday that this was the first time she "had a cartoon killed because of who or what I chose to aim my pen at." The cartoon -- which she included in her post -- depicts Amazon founder and Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos, as well as Facebook and Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg and other media and tech moguls, kneeling and holding up bags of money before a massive Trump. Also read | 'Willing to surrender in Gaza,' Trump's alleged shooter Routh wishes to become Hamas hostage in shocking letter Also shown is a prostrated Mickey Mouse, the symbol of the Disney Company, which owns ABC News. The television network recently reached a $15 million settlement with Trump after he sued for defamation over reporting on his sexual abuse trial in New York. Telnaes wrote that while previous sketches of hers had been rejected, this was the first time that had happened because of her "point of view." "That's a game changer... and dangerous for a free press," she said. The Washington Post, whose slogan is "Democracy dies in darkness," did not immediately respond to a request for comment. US media quoted the opinions editor, David Shipley, saying that Telnaes's work had been rejected only because of "repetition." "We had just published a column on the same topic as the cartoon and had already scheduled another column -- this one a satire -- for publication," he said. The US media aggressively covered Trump's chaotic first term, which included two impeachments and ended with his refusal to recognize defeat in the 2020 election -- culminating with a mob of his supporters storming Congress. As Trump prepares for his January 20 inauguration, after having defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in November, there are signs that top CEOs, including in the media, are eager to build good relations. Also read | IDF releases footage claiming to show troops inside area used as 'hideout' by Hamas A stream of senior moguls, from Apple CEO Tim Cook to Bezos Zuckerberg, have travelled to meet Trump at his Florida estate. Elon Musk, owner of influential social media platform X and the world's richest person, is one of the president-elect's closest advisors. Amazon and Meta have both announced $1 million donations to Trump's inauguration fund, as reportedly has Apple's Cook in a personal capacity. Bezos caused a stir just ahead of the presidential election when he broke with years of tradition and ruled against the Post endorsing a candidate. Telnaes, who has won the Pulitzer Prize and other awards for her work, has worked for the Post since 2008. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Cartoonist quits Washington Post after it rejected sketch mocking Jeff Bezos and Trump

Renowned CEO of Amazon, Jeff Bezos has dismissed and repudiated reports of him and his fiancée, Lauren Sánchez, planning for a lavish, fancy $600 million wedding in Aspen, Colorado, this coming weekend.

Renowned CEO of Amazon, Jeff Bezos has dismissed and repudiated reports of him and his fiancée, Lauren Sánchez, planning for a lavish, fancy $600 million wedding in Aspen, Colorado, this coming weekend. Earlier Jeff rebutted the claims made on the platform X, saying, "This whole thing is completely false—none of this is happening." He had even advised his followers to not believe in everything they read and further warned them about the pace at which lies lather. “Be careful out there” and “don’t be gullible.” Elon Musk’s response Technoking of Tesla, Elon Musk, reacted to the post sharing his hopes for Jeff’s sumptuous wedding to happen. "It’s nice to know that epic events are happening somewhere in the world, even if one is not present." Also Read: Bezos prepares for new administration amid Kuiper delays Reports and rumors Some reports claimed that the couple had rented a sushi restaurant and private mansions in the area for their guests. Reports further suggest that Bezos and Sánchez were planning to marry in a Christmas wedding with celebrations at a 160-acre ranch in Aspen, Colorado, owned by Kevin Costner. Although in response to the reports, Bezos had rejected the reports, according to the New York Post. Jeff, who is 60, and Sánchez (55) fell in love and began dating in 2018, with the news of their relationship revelation in 2019 after Bezos’s divorces had been finalized with MacKenzie Scott. They had gotten engaged in May 2023, with Jeff showing love towards Sanchez, proposing to her with a 20-carat diamond ring with an estimated However, Bezos firmly rejected these reports, according to the New York Post.Bezos, 60, and Sánchez, 55, began dating in 2018, with news of their relationship becoming public in 2019 after Bezos' divorce from MacKenzie Scott was finalized. They got engaged in May 2023, with Bezos presenting Sánchez with a 20-carat diamond ring worth an estimated $2.5 million. (With inputs from agencies)

Jeff Bezos rejects reports of $600 million 'lavish' wedding: Elon Musk reacts

Jeff Bezos is expected to meet with the president-elect next week. For Bezos, the new administration will be necessary. This is for the&nbsp;space race against fellow billionaire Elon Musk.

Bezos was the object of Trump's criticisms though his first term had everything worked out as planned, Amazon's project Kuiper would have begun providing beta services to clients by now. 
 
Kuiper aims to compete with Musk's dominating Starlink satellite internet service. On the contrary, Kuiper is now behind schedule. 
 
Amazon is confronted with the possibility of a new White House administration beset by individuals with ties to Musk's SpaceX.

The first operational satellite launches from Kuiper have already been delayed twice in 2024. 
 
Rocket producer United Launch Alliance's latest delay was due to the necessity of prioritising two missions for the US Space Force. The schedule is uncertain. 
 
ULA — a joint venture of Boeing and Lockheed Martin — will not be able to complete those space force launches this year. This is because ULA is investigating a mishap on a flight in October.

In response to Trump's attacks on the Bezos-owned Washington Post during his first term in office, Amazon filed a lawsuit claiming that Trump had told the Pentagon to "screw Amazon" by excluding it from a bidding process. 
 
Bezos lately has adopted a more accommodating stance. The Amazon founder made an unusual appearance on X after Trump's election to offer his&nbsp;congratulations&nbsp;to the newly elected president. 
 
A representative for Amazon announced Thursday that the firm will be paying 1 million dollars to Trump's inaugural fund. 
 
This is in addition to efforts of meta platforms and other digital companies that are hoping to foster favourable relationships with the new government by contributing to the festivities.

(With inputs from the agencies)

Jeff Bezos is expected to meet with the president-elect next week. For Bezos, the new administration will be necessary. This is for the space race against fellow billionaire Elon Musk.

Jeff Bezos is expected to meet with the president-elect next week. For Bezos, the new administration will be necessary. This is for the space race against fellow billionaire Elon Musk. Bezos was the object of Trump's criticisms though his first term had everything worked out as planned, Amazon's project Kuiper would have begun providing beta services to clients by now. Kuiper aims to compete with Musk's dominating Starlink satellite internet service. On the contrary, Kuiper is now behind schedule. Amazon is confronted with the possibility of a new White House administration beset by individuals with ties to Musk's SpaceX. The first operational satellite launches from Kuiper have already been delayed twice in 2024. Rocket producer United Launch Alliance's latest delay was due to the necessity of prioritising two missions for the US Space Force. The schedule is uncertain. ULA — a joint venture of Boeing and Lockheed Martin — will not be able to complete those space force launches this year. This is because ULA is investigating a mishap on a flight in October. In response to Trump's attacks on the Bezos-owned Washington Post during his first term in office, Amazon filed a lawsuit claiming that Trump had told the Pentagon to "screw Amazon" by excluding it from a bidding process. Bezos lately has adopted a more accommodating stance. The Amazon founder made an unusual appearance on X after Trump's election to offer his congratulations to the newly elected president. A representative for Amazon announced Thursday that the firm will be paying 1 million dollars to Trump's inaugural fund. This is in addition to efforts of meta platforms and other digital companies that are hoping to foster favourable relationships with the new government by contributing to the festivities. (With inputs from the agencies)

Bezos prepares for new administration amid Kuiper delays

E-commerce giant Amazon is donating $1 million to United States President-elect Donald Trump's inaugural fund. The company will also air the event on Prime Video, an Amazon spokesperson said on Thursday (Dec 12). The Wall Street Journal reported that Prime Video will be an in-kind donation worth another $1 million.&nbsp;

Amazon's founder Jeff Bezos is expected to meet the Republican leader next week, Trump said in his interview with CNBC on Thursday (Dec 12).&nbsp;

Trump has criticised the Washington Post (Owned by Bezos) for its coverage during his first term in the White House.

Watch |&nbsp;Allu Arjun Arrested By Hyderabad Police In Sandhya Theatre Woman Death Case

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/allu-arjun-arrested-by-hyderabad-police-in-sandhya-theatre-woman-death-case-india-news-783703/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In the November 2024 US presidential election, the Post blocked the endorsement of the Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, which led to the resignation of several editors from the media outlet.&nbsp;

But Bezos defended the move, saying, "Most people believe the media is biased," and the WaPo&nbsp;and other newspapers needed to boost their credibility.&nbsp;

<h2>Meta's donation</h2>

Amazon's reported donation comes just after Mark Zuckerberg's Meta announced a $1 million donation to Trump's inaugural fund for the inauguration on&nbsp;January 20.&nbsp;

Zuckerberg's donation was made after Trump openly threatened repercussions for any perceived meddling by technology leaders in his election campaigns. The Republican had threatened Zuckerberg that he would “spend the rest of his life in prison” if he tried to interfere in the 2024 US presidential election.&nbsp;

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Zuckerberg or Meta did not contribute to Trump's or incumbent President Joe Biden's inaugural fund in 2017 and 2021 respectively.&nbsp; 
 
But in recent years, the Meta CEO has worked to bridge the gaps between him and Republicans as he hosted dinners and meetings with important personalities. This also includes a meeting with the incoming president at his Mar-a-Lago residence. At one such event, Zuckerberg gifted Trump a pair of Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses.&nbsp; 
​​​​​​​ 
The donation worth $1 million is reportedly an effort by Zuckerberg to report Meta as neutral in political matters.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

E-commerce giant Amazon is donating $1 million to United States President-elect Donald Trump's inaugural fund. The company will also air the event on Prime Video, an Amazon spokesperson said on Thursday (Dec 12).

E-commerce giant Amazon is donating $1 million to United States President-elect Donald Trump's inaugural fund. The company will also air the event on Prime Video, an Amazon spokesperson said on Thursday (Dec 12). The Wall Street Journal reported that Prime Video will be an in-kind donation worth another $1 million. Amazon's founder Jeff Bezos is expected to meet the Republican leader next week, Trump said in his interview with CNBC on Thursday (Dec 12). Trump has criticised the Washington Post (Owned by Bezos) for its coverage during his first term in the White House. Watch | Allu Arjun Arrested By Hyderabad Police In Sandhya Theatre Woman Death Case In the November 2024 US presidential election, the Post blocked the endorsement of the Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, which led to the resignation of several editors from the media outlet. But Bezos defended the move, saying, "Most people believe the media is biased," and the WaPo and other newspapers needed to boost their credibility. Meta's donation Amazon's reported donation comes just after Mark Zuckerberg's Meta announced a $1 million donation to Trump's inaugural fund for the inauguration on January 20. Zuckerberg's donation was made after Trump openly threatened repercussions for any perceived meddling by technology leaders in his election campaigns. The Republican had threatened Zuckerberg that he would “spend the rest of his life in prison” if he tried to interfere in the 2024 US presidential election. Also read | Nvidia expands workforce in China amid growth plans Zuckerberg or Meta did not contribute to Trump's or incumbent President Joe Biden's inaugural fund in 2017 and 2021 respectively. But in recent years, the Meta CEO has worked to bridge the gaps between him and Republicans as he hosted dinners and meetings with important personalities. This also includes a meeting with the incoming president at his Mar-a-Lago residence. At one such event, Zuckerberg gifted Trump a pair of Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses. The donation worth $1 million is reportedly an effort by Zuckerberg to report Meta as neutral in political matters. (With inputs from agencies)

After Meta, Amazon to donate $1 million to Trump's inaugural fund

Tesla CEO and US President-elect Donald Trump's pick for leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Elon Musk tweeted on Thursday (Nov&nbsp;21) that Amazon founder Jeff Bezos urged people to sell their Tesla and Space X stocks because Trump would lose the election.&nbsp;

Reacting in the rare tweet, Bezos denied the statement.&nbsp;

In his post on X, Musk wrote, "Just learned tonight at Mar-a-Lago that Jeff Bezos was telling everyone that @realDonaldTrump would lose for sure, so they should sell all their Tesla and SpaceX stock."

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Nope. 100% not true.
— Jeff Bezos (@JeffBezos) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffBezos/status/1859615862984167549?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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"Nope. 100% not true," Bezos replied to the tweet.

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<h2>The long-run rivalry</h2>

Both Musk and Bezos are part of the current list of the top 5 richest men in the world.&nbsp;

Musk ranks at 1 with a net worth of $331 billion and Bezos is the second richest man in the Bloomberg Billionaires Index with $226 billion.&nbsp;

This is not the first time the duo has engaged in public rivalry.&nbsp;

In March 2024, Elon Musk said Bezos's ex-wife MacKenzie Scott was the reason behind the death of Western civilisation.

Musk had also previously accused Scott of donating to Democrats.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-pam-bondi-trumps-next-attorney-general-778179">Who is Pam Bondi, Trump's next attorney general?</a>

Bezos feared Musk?&nbsp;

In October this year, the Washington Post (Owned by Bezos), refused to endorse the Democratic nominee Kamala Harris in the US election.&nbsp;

Bezos reacted to the decision calling it "principled."&nbsp;

But Bezos received extreme criticism and people called the approach "cowardice" and said Bezos did it to avoid any consequences by angry Musk if he won.&nbsp;

<h2>'Extraordinary comeback'&nbsp;</h2>

When Trump was announced the winner of the 2024 US presidential election, Bezos congratulated him.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-calls-icc-arrest-warrant-antisemitic-warns-of-severe-consequences-778160">Netanyahu calls ICC arrest warrant 'antisemitic,' warns of 'severe consequences'</a>

He took to X and wrote, "Big congratulations to our 45th and now 47th President on an extraordinary political comeback and decisive victory."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Tesla CEO and US President-elect Donald Trump's pick for leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Elon Musk tweeted on Thursday (Nov 21) that Amazon founder Jeff Bezos urged people to sell their Tesla and Space X stocks because Trump would lose the election.

Tesla CEO and US President-elect Donald Trump's pick for leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Elon Musk tweeted on Thursday (Nov 21) that Amazon founder Jeff Bezos urged people to sell their Tesla and Space X stocks because Trump would lose the election. Reacting in the rare tweet, Bezos denied the statement. In his post on X, Musk wrote, "Just learned tonight at Mar-a-Lago that Jeff Bezos was telling everyone that @realDonaldTrump would lose for sure, so they should sell all their Tesla and SpaceX stock." Nope. 100% not true. — Jeff Bezos (@JeffBezos) November 21, 2024 × "Nope. 100% not true," Bezos replied to the tweet. Also read | Elon Musk slams Australia's proposed social media ban for children The long-run rivalry Both Musk and Bezos are part of the current list of the top 5 richest men in the world. Musk ranks at 1 with a net worth of $331 billion and Bezos is the second richest man in the Bloomberg Billionaires Index with $226 billion. This is not the first time the duo has engaged in public rivalry. In March 2024, Elon Musk said Bezos's ex-wife MacKenzie Scott was the reason behind the death of Western civilisation. Musk had also previously accused Scott of donating to Democrats. Also read | Who is Pam Bondi, Trump's next attorney general? Bezos feared Musk? In October this year, the Washington Post (Owned by Bezos), refused to endorse the Democratic nominee Kamala Harris in the US election. Bezos reacted to the decision calling it "principled." But Bezos received extreme criticism and people called the approach "cowardice" and said Bezos did it to avoid any consequences by angry Musk if he won. 'Extraordinary comeback' When Trump was announced the winner of the 2024 US presidential election, Bezos congratulated him. Also read | Netanyahu calls ICC arrest warrant 'antisemitic,' warns of 'severe consequences' He took to X and wrote, "Big congratulations to our 45th and now 47th President on an extraordinary political comeback and decisive victory." (With inputs from agencies)

Jeff Bezos predicted Trump would lose, urged people to sell Tesla stocks: Elon Musk

San Francisco-based robotics startup Physical Intelligence has secured $400 million in funding, reaching a post-money valuation of $2.4 billion, the company confirmed on November 4 according to a detailed report by CNBC.

The round was led by a prominent group of investors, including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, OpenAI, Thrive Capital, Lux Capital, and Bond Capital. Khosla Ventures and Sequoia Capital also participated, marking a significant boost for the startup's ambitious vision the CNBC report detailed further.

This new funding round is a dramatic leap from Physical Intelligence's previous seed round in March, when the company raised $70 million at a valuation of $400 million. The startup’s impressive growth and increasing valuation reflect the growing interest in developing robotics powered by advanced AI, particularly in the realm of general-purpose, task-oriented robots.

Objective of Physical Intelligence<o:p></o:p>

Physical Intelligence aims to bring "general-purpose AI into the physical world" by developing AI models and algorithms capable of powering versatile robots. The company's team includes experts with backgrounds from top tech firms such as Tesla, Google DeepMind, and X (formerly Twitter), adding significant credibility to its mission.

Further, over the past eight months, Physical Intelligence has focused on creating a "general-purpose" AI model that can enable robots to perform a variety of tasks. The company sees this as a crucial step toward its long-term goal of achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI), AI that can match or exceed human cognitive abilities across a wide range of activities.

The company's vision is that, in the future, users will be able to ask robots to perform any task in much the same way they currently interact with large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT. Physical Intelligence has already demonstrated how its technology could enable robots to perform everyday tasks such as doing laundry, clearing tables, or assembling boxes, tasks that typically require human ability, decision-making, and adaptability.

The investment news arrives shortly after OpenAI's recent updates to its ChatGPT platform, which introduced a search feature aimed at better competing with major search engines like Google and Microsoft's Bing. The move signals a continued push by OpenAI to expand its reach beyond chatbots and into broader AI applications. Last month, OpenAI closed another funding round, which valued the company at a staggering $157 billion.

Physical Intelligence's growth mirrors this trend, positioning the startup as a potential key player in the robotics and AI sectors. The company’s focus on developing scalable AI solutions for robots aligns with the growing interest in automation and AI-driven technologies across industries, from manufacturing to personal assistants.

The fresh capital and high-profile backing suggest that Physical Intelligence could be on track to revolutionize how robots integrate into everyday life, bringing us closer to a future where robots perform complex tasks seamlessly alongside humans. As the field of AI-driven robotics evolves, the company's advancements could play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of intelligent machines.

San Francisco-based robotics startup Physical Intelligence has secured $400 million in funding, reaching a post-money valuation of $2.4 billion, the company confirmed on November 4 according to a detailed report by CNBC.

San Francisco-based robotics startup Physical Intelligence has secured $400 million in funding, reaching a post-money valuation of $2.4 billion, the company confirmed on November 4 according to a detailed report by CNBC. The round was led by a prominent group of investors, including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, OpenAI, Thrive Capital, Lux Capital, and Bond Capital. Khosla Ventures and Sequoia Capital also participated, marking a significant boost for the startup's ambitious vision the CNBC report detailed further. This new funding round is a dramatic leap from Physical Intelligence's previous seed round in March, when the company raised $70 million at a valuation of $400 million. The startup’s impressive growth and increasing valuation reflect the growing interest in developing robotics powered by advanced AI, particularly in the realm of general-purpose, task-oriented robots. Objective of Physical Intelligence Physical Intelligence aims to bring "general-purpose AI into the physical world" by developing AI models and algorithms capable of powering versatile robots. The company's team includes experts with backgrounds from top tech firms such as Tesla, Google DeepMind, and X (formerly Twitter), adding significant credibility to its mission. Further, over the past eight months, Physical Intelligence has focused on creating a "general-purpose" AI model that can enable robots to perform a variety of tasks. The company sees this as a crucial step toward its long-term goal of achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI), AI that can match or exceed human cognitive abilities across a wide range of activities. The company's vision is that, in the future, users will be able to ask robots to perform any task in much the same way they currently interact with large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT. Physical Intelligence has already demonstrated how its technology could enable robots to perform everyday tasks such as doing laundry, clearing tables, or assembling boxes, tasks that typically require human ability, decision-making, and adaptability. The investment news arrives shortly after OpenAI's recent updates to its ChatGPT platform, which introduced a search feature aimed at better competing with major search engines like Google and Microsoft's Bing. The move signals a continued push by OpenAI to expand its reach beyond chatbots and into broader AI applications. Last month, OpenAI closed another funding round, which valued the company at a staggering $157 billion. Physical Intelligence's growth mirrors this trend, positioning the startup as a potential key player in the robotics and AI sectors. The company’s focus on developing scalable AI solutions for robots aligns with the growing interest in automation and AI-driven technologies across industries, from manufacturing to personal assistants. The fresh capital and high-profile backing suggest that Physical Intelligence could be on track to revolutionize how robots integrate into everyday life, bringing us closer to a future where robots perform complex tasks seamlessly alongside humans. As the field of AI-driven robotics evolves, the company's advancements could play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of intelligent machines.

Jeff Bezos, OpenAI back robot startup physical intelligence at $2.4 billion valuation

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