Things everyone’s talking about lately

You’ll find everything you need to be well-informed.

Trillionaire status loading... 

Reports as per Dubai-based net worth tracking organisation Informa Connect Academy state that Tesla CEO Elon Musk is all set to become the world’s first trillionaire by 2027. The techpreneur’s wealth is skyrocketing at an average annual rate of 110 per cent, currently standing at $241 billion. Indian industrialist Gautam Adani is aiming for a close second, and will potentially reach trillionaire status by 2028—if his growth doesn’t hit a snag. Who’d have thought we’d be watching a trillionaire race in real-time? It’s like The Bachelor, only with more zeroes and fewer roses.

C’mon Barbie, let’s go Diwali party 

Barbie is about to give us all a run for our money this festive season! A collaboration between Mattel and Indian designer Anita Dongre, the Diwali doll—priced at `1,999—is dressed in a moonlight bloom set with a choli (top), koti (vest), and lehenga (skirt) and is accessorised with golden bangles, earrings, and a bindi. So if you see her at your next Diwali party, don’t be surprised if she wins Best Dressed! According to Dongre, this collaboration is in perfect alignment with the values of both the brands and it aims to inspire young girls everywhere to embrace their heritage with pride.

Money matters for all 

Some relief is in sight for LGBTQI+ couples in India as the Finance Ministry said in an advisory that they can now open joint bank accounts without a fuss. Meanwhile, the government announced a slew of “interim measures” too. These come almost a year after the Supreme Court laid down directions for the Centre to eliminate discrimination against the queer community. These interim measures include considering queer partners as part of the same household for ration cards. One can also claim their partner’s body if there is no family around. A positive step forward.

A fresh face in charge 

At 43, Aam Aadmi Party’s Atishi Marlena is the youngest woman chief minister Delhi has ever seen. She was named interim CM after Arvind Kejriwal resigned from the top post on getting bail in the liquor policy case. This is the third time Delhi has a female leader— Congress’ Sheila Dikshit, who held the office for 15 years from 1998 to 2013, was Delhi’s longest-serving chief minister while Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sushma Swaraj’s tenure lasted 52 days in 1998. The record for the youngest woman chief minister in India is held by Bahujan Samaj Party leader Mayawati, who took over the top post in Uttar Pradesh in 1995 when she was 39.

For a safe world 

Social media app Instagram just dropped major updates to make it safer for teens! All accounts for users under 18 will now automatically be set to private. Plus, no notifications after 10 pm (sleep time, y’all!). Parents also get new tools to keep tabs on their teens’ online activity—like who they’ve been messaging. With privacy and safety features in the spotlight, Instagram is stepping up in response to growing concerns about young users’ experiences on social media. Only time will tell if these changes can make a difference.

A new it-bag has entered the chat 

 

American fashion label Kate Spade New York is ensuring that philanthropy trends this season with its fall 2024 campaign. The brand’s AW ’24 collection sees the return of its signature design—the spade flower jacquard assortment. Alongside the campaign, actors Taraji P Henson, Nicola Coughlan (below), and Marsai Martin have also helped create a short film to introduce the Global Fund for Women’s Mental Health. This initiative aims to cultivate joy by investing in mental health solutions for women worldwide. Yes! Fashion is making a difference!

Port Blair can’t come to the phone right now! 

*In Taylor's voice* “Oh, She’s dead!” The capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands has been rebranded with a new name: Sri Vijaya Puram. Because why not rename an island after an empire that’s been gone for a thousand years? “While the earlier name had a colonial legacy, Sri Vijaya Puram symbolises the victory achieved in our freedom struggle and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ unique role in the same,” Home Minister Amit Shah said in a post on X. 

Lead image: Pexels

This article was originally published in Cosmopolitan India's September-October 2024 issue.

Also read: All the style news you need this October