MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Finance (DOF) has secured support for its 2026 budget proposal amounting to P38 billion from House Committee on Appropriations vice chair Bella Vanessa Suansing.
Suansing, the Sultan Kudarat Representative, recognized the DOF’s crucial role in her sponsorship speech before the House Plenary on September 23.
“The Department of Finance…
https://business.inquirer.net/548808/dof-secures-legislative-backing-for-p38-b-budget
**Two US Giants Appoint Indian-Origin CEOs as H-1B Debate Intensifies**
*By Mudit Dube | Sep 24, 2025, 02:14 PM*
In a significant development, two prominent US companies, T-Mobile and Molson Coors, have appointed Indian-origin executives as their new CEOs. Srinivas Gopalan will take over as CEO of T-Mobile on November 1, while Rahul Goyal will assume the same position at Molson Coors on October 1.
These appointments come amid an ongoing debate over President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications, a move that has generated concern among professionals and companies reliant on high-skilled migration.
**Srinivas Gopalan: From COO to CEO at T-Mobile**
Currently serving as T-Mobile’s Chief Operating Officer, Srinivas Gopalan will succeed Mike Sievert as the company’s next CEO. Sievert will transition into a newly created management role as Vice Chairman.
Gopalan is an alumnus of Delhi Public School RK Puram and the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad. He began his career at Unilever India before moving to Accenture. Over the years, he has held senior leadership positions at Vodafone, Bharti Airtel, Capital One, and Deutsche Telekom in Germany.
**Rahul Goyal: A Veteran Leader at Molson Coors**
Rahul Goyal, who has been with Molson Coors since 2001, will replace Gavin Hattersley as CEO of the multinational drinks and brewing company headquartered in Chicago.
Goyal has held several key leadership roles within the organization, including Global CIO and CFO for the India business. He graduated from the University of Mysore and the University of Denver. His expertise in global strategy and operations is expected to help Molson Coors navigate evolving consumer trends and rising trade tariffs in the US market.
**H-1B Visa Fee Proposal Sparks Concern**
The appointments of Gopalan and Goyal come at a time when the Trump administration’s controversial proposal to impose a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications has unsettled many Indian IT professionals—the majority of current H-1B recipients.
This policy has created uncertainty for skilled workers and the companies that rely on their talent. Nevertheless, the rise of leaders like Gopalan and Goyal underscores the integral role Indian-origin professionals continue to play in shaping US corporations, despite challenges posed by immigration policies.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/t-mobile-molson-coors-appoint-indian-ceos-amid-h-1b-debate/story
**Why Aneet Padda Replaced Kiara Advani in ‘Shakti Shalini’**
*By Apoorva Rastogi | Sep 24, 2025, 01:43 PM*
Aneet Padda, who impressed audiences with her debut film *Saiyaara*, has reportedly stepped in to replace Kiara Advani in the upcoming Maddock Films project *Shakti Shalini*. While Maddock Films initially denied any cast changes, recent reports have confirmed Padda’s official casting in the titular role, creating quite a buzz within the industry.
**Scheduling Conflicts Lead to Casting Change**
According to Bollywood Hungama, the primary reason for this casting switch stems from Kiara Advani’s packed schedule. A source close to the production shared, “*Shakti Shalini* is a critical film in the studio’s upcoming universe, and it’s imperative for the shoot to commence by the end of 2025. Kiara’s schedule is completely packed until mid-2026. She’s one of the most in-demand actresses at the moment.”
**Narrative Shift Influences Recasting**
Apart from scheduling issues, changes in the film’s final script also played a role in the decision. The insider explained, “The latest version of the screenplay focuses on the coming-of-age journey of a woman in her mid-20s. When Kiara was initially approached for the role, it was pitched to her as a more mature, layered individual. With the revised narrative leaning toward a younger protagonist, it no longer aligned with Kiara’s vision for the project.”
**Strong Professional Relationship Maintained**
Despite the casting change, the separation between Kiara Advani and the *Shakti Shalini* team remains amicable. The source added, “Kiara and producer Dinesh Vijan continue to share a strong professional bond. In fact, Dinesh has already committed to bringing her another script within the next month. Maddock Films has several projects in the pipeline, and there’s no doubt that Kiara will headline one of them soon.”
With Aneet Padda now at the helm, expectations are high for *Shakti Shalini* as it moves forward with its production schedule. Fans eagerly await further updates on the film’s progress and casting announcements for Maddock Films’ upcoming slate.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/aneet-padda-replaces-kiara-advani-in-shakti-shalini/story
**Petra’s Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Sites to Explore**
*By Simran Jeet | Sep 24, 2025, 02:13 PM*
Petra, the ancient city in Jordan, is world-renowned for its stunning architecture and rich history. While most tourists flock to the iconic Treasury and Monastery, there are several lesser-known sites in Petra that are equally fascinating. These hidden gems offer a unique glimpse into the city’s diverse past and architectural marvels. Exploring these sites provides deeper insight into Petra’s cultural heritage beyond the usual hotspots.
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### 1. The Royal Tombs: A Majestic Burial Site
The Royal Tombs are a group of elaborate tombs intricately carved into the rock face. Built for Petra’s elite citizens, these tombs are renowned for their grand scale and detailed facades. Visitors can admire the intricate carvings while learning about the burial customs of the ancient Nabataeans. Compared to more popular attractions, the Royal Tombs offer a quieter, more reflective experience, allowing visitors to appreciate their historical significance without the crowds.
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### 2. The Great Temple: A Monumental Complex
The Great Temple is one of Petra’s largest architectural complexes but often goes unnoticed in favor of more famous landmarks. This massive structure consists of interconnected rooms and courtyards, hinting at its important role in religious and social activities. Excavations here have revealed numerous artifacts that suggest it functioned as a pivotal center for worship and administration in ancient Petra.
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### 3. The Byzantine Church: A Glimpse into Early Christianity
Nestled within Petra’s expansive landscape, the Byzantine Church stands as a testament to early Christian influence in the region. This site is famous for its stunning mosaics depicting scenes from daily life and nature, offering a window into the artistic styles of the time. The church’s architecture differs notably from other Petra structures, highlighting the diverse religious practices that once thrived here.
—
### 4. Al-Beidha: The Little Petra Experience
Located just a few kilometers from Petra’s main site, Al-Beidha—also known as Little Petra—is a smaller settlement featuring similar rock-cut architecture on a more intimate scale. The site is characterized by narrow canyons lined with carved facades, allowing visitors to closely observe Nabataean craftsmanship without the crowds that gather at Petra’s larger counterpart.
—
### 5. The High Place of Sacrifice: A Spiritual Summit
Perched atop Jebel al-Madhbah, the High Place of Sacrifice offers breathtaking panoramic views over Petra’s landscape below. This sacred site was historically used for rituals involving offerings made by priests on behalf of community members seeking divine favor or guidance from their gods. Visiting this spiritual summit provides not only stunning vistas but also a deeper understanding of the religious practices of ancient Petra.
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Exploring these hidden gems enriches your Petra experience, unveiling the city’s rich cultural layers beyond its famed landmarks. For travelers seeking history, architecture, and tranquility off the beaten path, these sites are a must-visit.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/petra-s-hidden-gems-lesser-known-sites-to-explore/story
**Why Aneet Padda Replaced Kiara Advani in ‘Shakti Shalini’**
*By Apoorva Rastogi | Sep 24, 2025, 01:43 PM*
Aneet Padda, who garnered attention with her debut film *Saiyaara*, has reportedly replaced Kiara Advani in the upcoming Maddock Films project *Shakti Shalini*. While Maddock Films initially denied any changes in the cast, recent reports have confirmed Padda’s official casting in the titular role, sparking considerable buzz within the industry.
**Reasons Behind the Casting Change**
According to Bollywood Hungama, the primary reason for this recasting was Kiara Advani’s busy schedule. A source close to the production shared, “*Shakti Shalini* is a critical film in the studio’s upcoming universe, and it’s imperative for the shoot to commence by the end of 2025. Kiara’s schedule is completely packed until mid-2026. She’s one of the most in-demand actresses at the moment.”
**Impact of Narrative Changes**
In addition to scheduling conflicts, changes in the final script contributed to the decision. The insider explained, “The latest version of the screenplay focuses on the coming-of-age journey of a woman in her mid-20s. When Kiara was initially approached for the role, it was pitched to her as a more mature, layered individual. With the revised narrative leaning toward a younger protagonist, it no longer aligned with Kiara’s vision for the project.”
**A Positive Professional Relationship**
Despite the casting switch, the separation between Kiara Advani and the *Shakti Shalini* team remains amicable. The source added, “Kiara and producer Dinesh Vijan continue to share a strong professional bond. In fact, Dinesh has already committed to bringing her another script within the next month. Maddock Films has several projects in the pipeline, and there’s no doubt that Kiara will headline one of them soon.”
As anticipation builds around *Shakti Shalini*, audiences are eager to see Aneet Padda take on this pivotal role in Maddock Films’ exciting new universe.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/aneet-padda-replaces-kiara-advani-in-shakti-shalini/story
**Petra’s Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Sites to Explore**
*By Simran Jeet | Sep 24, 2025, 02:13 PM*
Petra, the ancient city in Jordan, is world-renowned for its stunning architecture and rich history. While most tourists flock to the iconic Treasury and Monastery, there are several lesser-known sites within Petra that are equally fascinating. These hidden gems offer a unique glimpse into the city’s diverse past and architectural marvels, providing visitors with deeper insights into Petra’s cultural heritage.
### 1. The Royal Tombs: A Majestic Burial Site
The Royal Tombs are an impressive group of elaborate tombs carved directly into the rock face of Petra. Built for the city’s elite, these tombs stand out for their intricate facades and grand scale. Visitors can admire the detailed carvings and learn about the burial practices of the ancient Nabataeans. Compared to the more frequented sites, the Royal Tombs provide a quieter experience, allowing for a more contemplative appreciation of their historical significance.
### 2. The Great Temple: A Monumental Complex
The Great Temple is one of Petra’s largest architectural complexes but often remains overshadowed by other landmarks. This massive structure consists of a series of interconnected rooms and courtyards, reflecting its importance in religious and social activities. Excavations at the site have uncovered various artifacts that suggest it served as a center for worship and administration, offering a fascinating look into the everyday life and governance of Petra.
### 3. The Byzantine Church: A Glimpse into Early Christianity
Nestled within Petra’s expansive landscape, the Byzantine Church stands as a remarkable testament to early Christian influence in the region. The site is famous for its stunning mosaics that depict scenes from daily life and nature, showcasing the artistic style of the era. Architecturally, the church differs from other Petra structures, highlighting the diverse religious practices that once thrived here.
### 4. Al-Beidha: The Little Petra Experience
Located just a few kilometers from Petra’s main site, Al-Beidha—or Little Petra—is a smaller settlement featuring similar rock-cut architecture on a more intimate scale. Visitors can explore narrow canyons lined with carved facades, offering an up-close look at Nabataean craftsmanship without the crowds typical of the larger Petra site. It’s a perfect spot for those seeking a quieter, more personal experience.
### 5. The High Place of Sacrifice: A Spiritual Summit
Perched atop Jebel al-Madhbah, the High Place of Sacrifice provides breathtaking panoramic views over Petra’s stunning landscape below. This sacred site was historically used for ritual offerings conducted by priests on behalf of the community, seeking divine favor or guidance from the gods. Its elevated position and spiritual significance make it a powerful place to reflect on the ancient religious practices of Petra.
—
Exploring these lesser-known sites adds depth and richness to any visit to Petra, unveiling fascinating stories beyond the well-trodden paths. Whether you’re intrigued by ancient burial customs, religious heritage, or art and architecture, Petra’s hidden gems promise unforgettable discoveries.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/petra-s-hidden-gems-lesser-known-sites-to-explore/story
A man was arrested for trespassing at NFL player Travis Kelce’s residence in Kansas on September 15, according to a local report.
Authorities responded promptly to the incident, ensuring the safety of the property and its occupants. Further details about the situation have not yet been released.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/man-arrested-for-trespassing-2/story
Aneet Padda, who made a splash with her debut movie *Saiyaara*, has reportedly replaced Kiara Advani in the upcoming Maddock film *Shakti Shalini*.
The news has generated considerable buzz among fans and industry insiders alike, as Aneet steps into a significant role previously associated with Kiara Advani. This move marks an important milestone in Aneet’s career, further establishing her presence in the Bollywood film industry.
*Shakti Shalini* is anticipated to be a much-awaited project, and with Aneet on board, expectations are high for a captivating performance. More details about the film and cast updates are expected to be revealed soon.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/aneet-padda-replaces-kiara-advani-in-shakti-shalini/story
Petra, the ancient city located in Jordan, is renowned for its stunning architecture and rich history.
Famous for its rock-cut buildings and intricate facades, Petra offers a unique glimpse into the past. Visitors from around the world come to explore its narrow canyons, impressive tombs, and the iconic Treasury.
As one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Petra holds a special place in archaeological and cultural heritage, attracting historians, tourists, and adventurers alike.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/petra-s-hidden-gems-lesser-known-sites-to-explore/story
New York: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday met US Ambassador to India-designate Sergio Gor on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York. Both leaders expressed their commitment to further promoting the success of the bilateral relationship between India and the United States.
In a post on X, the US Special Envoy and Ambassador-designate shared that they look forward to strengthening ties between the two countries. The official post read, “U.S. Special Envoy for South and Central Asia and Ambassador Nominee to India Sergio Gor met with India’s External Affairs Minister Jaishankar on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly. They look forward to further promoting the success of the U.S.-India relationship.”
Earlier, on September 12, Sergio Gor highlighted the “deep friendship” between US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Senate confirmation hearing. He emphasised that the personal rapport between the two leaders is a key asset in strengthening the US-India strategic partnership.
Speaking before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Gor described the bond between the two world leaders as “incredible” and “unique,” underlining India’s critical role in regional and global stability.
“Our President has a deep friendship with Prime Minister Modi, which is unique. If you’ve noticed, when he goes after other nations, he tends to go after their leaders for putting us in that position and for the United States imposing those tariffs. When the President has been critical of India, he goes out of his way to compliment PM Modi. They have an incredible relationship,” Gor stated, pointing to Trump’s consistent praise for PM Modi even during recent trade tensions.
Gor, the 38-year-old Director of Presidential Personnel in the White House, also outlined his vision for the India-US relationship if confirmed as ambassador. He emphasised India’s growing strategic importance to US interests in the Indo-Pacific and beyond, noting that the bilateral relationship would remain a top priority under his tenure, should he be confirmed.
“India is a strategic partner whose trajectory will shape the region and beyond. India’s geographic position, economic growth, and military capabilities make it a cornerstone of regional stability and a critical part of promoting prosperity and advancing the security interests that our nations share. As Secretary Rubio said, India is one of the most important relationships our nation has in the world. If confirmed, I will prioritise deepening defence and security cooperation with India,” he told the committee.
*Note: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/external-affairs-minister-s-jaishankar-meets-us-ambassador-designate-sergio-gor-to-strengthen-bilateral-ties
