(IANS)
San Francisco, Apr 25: Despite internal disagreements, the Twitter board is reportedly inching towards finalising the hostile takeover deal worth $46.5 billion made by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and an announcement was expected as early as Monday (US time).
The Washington Post reported, citing people close to the matter, that Twitter is in discussions to "sell itself to Elon Musk" and could "finalise a deal as soon as this week".
"The two sides met Sunday to discuss Musk's proposal and were making progress, though still had issues to hash out, the people said. There is no guarantee they will reach a deal," the report said.
The New York Times also reported that Twitter's board is seriously considering Musk's offer to buy the company.
Musk's initial bid of about $43 billion was seen as undervaluing the company significantly.
The Tesla and SpaceX CEO last month further revealed his Twitter takeover plan that will see $25.5 billion in loans and $21 billion in personal equity -- taking the final bid to $46.5 billion.
In a fresh filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Musk said that the funding is provided through two debt commitment letters from Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, in which the bank commits to offering a series of loans worth $25.5 billion.
The remaining $21 billion will be managed by Musk on his own.
The filing had made it clear that Twitter has not formally responded to Musk's offer.
A Twitter spokesperson said the company has received Musk's offer and said it would conduct a "careful, comprehensive" review.
Musk, who had disclosed ownership in Twitter in a filing with the SEC earlier this month, has a 9.1 per cent ownership stake in the platform, which is worth over $3 billion currently.
The billionaire is willing to pay $54.20 per share to buy 100 per cent of the company.
(IANS)
Bhubaneswar, Sep 21: In a major political development in Odisha, the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Thursday expelled two party MLAs- Khandapada MLA Soumya Ranjan Patnaik and Remuna MLA Sudhanshu Sekhar Parida for 'anti-people activities'.
BJD president and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik informed that both the MLAs have been expelled for their alleged anti-people activities.
In an official release on the expulsion of the Remuna MLA, the BJD president said, "Sri Sudhansu Sekhar Panda, when he was Managing Partner of M/s Nigamananda Associates, Balasore, in connivance with others misappropriated government subsidy, meant for farmers, of more than Rs.3 crores during the period from 2017-18 to 2019-20. This matter is being inquired into by the State Vigilance on the orders of the Honorable Lokayukta."
Similarly, on the Khandapada MLA, the BJD president said, "On an FIR by an ex-employee of Sambad Newspaper a case under sections 506/467/468/471/420/120-B IPC has been registered against him and others by Economic Offence Wing (EOW) Odisha. Further many ex-employees of Sambad newspaper have made similar allegations with EOW Odisha. It is a serious case of organized bank fraud involving loan worth crores of Rupees taken in the name of more than 300 employees Sambad by using fraudulent means and forged documents."
Read: Odisha News
Ottawa, September 21: The Indian Mission in Canada on Thursday suspended visa services till further notice citing operational reasons, according to BLS International.
BLS International Services Limited is an Indian outsourcing service provider for government and diplomatic missions worldwide. The company manages visa, passport, consular, attestation and citizen services.
As per BLS International , interested visa applicants have been advised to keep checking the BLS website for further updates on the issue.
"Important notice from Indian Mission: Due to operational reasons, with effect from 21 September 2023, Indian visa services have been suspended till further notice. Please keep checking BLS website for further updates," the BLS website said.
This comes amid strain in India-Canada relations after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday alleged that the Indian government was behind the fatal shooting of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Read More: India Expels Canadian Diplomat In Reciprocal Move
Najjar, who was a designated terrorist in India, was gunned down outside a Gurdwara, in a parking area in Canada's Surrey, British Columbia on June 18.
Trudeau during a debate in the Canadian Parliament, claimed his country's national security officials had reasons to believe that "agents of the Indian government" carried out the killing of the Canadian citizen, who also served as the president of Surrey's Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara.
The allegations made by the Canadian Prime Minister and foreign minister were rejected by the Ministry of External Affairs in India which dubbed the statements as absurd.
"We have seen and reject the statement of the Canadian Prime Minister in their Parliament, as also the statement by their Foreign Minister. Allegations of Government of India's involvement in any act of violence in Canada are absurd and motivated" the statement said.
On Wednesday, Indian nationals, students in Canada and those planning on travelling to the country were advised to exercise caution. Indian nationals and Indian students in Canada were advised to avoid travelling to regions and potential venues in Canada that have seen growing anti-India activities, according to a release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Indian students in Canada have been particularly advised to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant.
(ANI)
Also Read: National News
Los Angeles, September 21: Talk show host Jimmy Kimmel has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
Taking to X (formerly called Twitter), Kimmel shared his health update and also informed fans about the cancellation of his "Strike Force Three" live show.
“Well, Las Vegas, I got Covid, and sadly, we need to cancel this weekend’s Strike Force Three show,” Kimmel posted
“I could never live with myself if I got my hometown friends sick. Thanks to all who purchased tickets, everyone will get full refunds and we will try to reschedule if possible," he added.
After learning about Kimmel's ill-health, fans chimed in the comment section and wished for his speedy recovery.
"Take care Kimmel," a social media user commented.
"Wish you a speedy recovery," another one wrote.
As per US-based publication Variety, “Strike Force Three” was scheduled to take place at the Dolby Live at Park MGM in Las Vegas on September 23. The event was announced by Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon and Stephen Colbert.
The event, which would have united the three late night hosts onstage for the first time ever, was born out of the “Strike Force Five” podcast that the trio launched alongside Seth Meyers and John Oliver on August 30.
(ANI)
Also Read: Entertainment News