Jeff Bezos often points out that long-term success comes from staying committed to an idea while remaining open to changing the approach.

It’s almost official that Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin have cut ties with California. The two Google Guys have reportedly said Bye to California; joining the billionaires who have left the state, shifting businesses and houses. Page is worth around $270 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. According to a report in Wall Street Journal, Larry Page has bought two massive Miami estates for a combined $173.4 million. The report quotes people familiar with the situation Google co-founder Sergey Brin is also said to be in discussions to purchase a Miami home, according to people familiar with the situation.Some analysts have termed Google founders’ move to leave California strikingly similar to Jeff Bezos’ relocation playbook. According to them, the timing, structure, and destination of Page’s escape from Silicon Valley make his Florida pivot look quite like Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. But the big difference here is that Jeff Bezos did not leave California. Amazon founder left Seattle, the city where he started the online bookseller that grew into the global tech giant, Amazon.

When Jeff Bezos left Seattle

In 2024, Bezos announced on Instagram that he was leaving Seattle after nearly 30 years to move to Miami. He said that the move was to be closer to his parents and his rocket launches at Blue Origin. In his Instagram post, Bezos called Seattle his home since 1994. However, the timing, as some analysts pointed out, also suggested another reason: Taxes. In 2022 Washington state imposed a new, 7% capital gains tax on sales of stocks or bonds of more than $250,000. As Washington state does not have a personal income tax, so the new levy marked the first time that Bezos would face state taxes on his stock sales. As reported by CNBC, in 2022, when the Washington state’s Capital gains tax took effect, Bezos stopped selling. He didn’t sell any Amazon stock in 2022 or 2023, gifting only $200 million of shares at the end of that year.After his move to Miami, Bezos reportedly made up for lost time. Quoting an SEC filing, the report says that Bezos launched a pre-scheduled stock-selling plan to unload 50 million shares before January 31, 2025. And since Florida has no state income tax or a tax on capital gains, so on the $2 billion sale that Bezos made, he saved $140 million that he would have paid to Washington state. On the entire sale of 50 million shares over the next year, he saved more than at least 600 million.

What is California’s Billionaire’s tax

California’s proposed ballot initiative has been proposed by the Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West to offset federal budget cuts that will affect California’s health care system. It would impose a one-time, 5% tax on the assets of billionaires. The tax would retroactively apply to those who were California residents as of January 1, 2026. In December 2025, venture capitalist Peter Thiel announced that he opened an office for his family investment company in Miami. Donald Trump’s AI czar David Sacks unveiled a new office for his venture capital firm, Craft Ventures, in Austin, Texas.

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday pronounced a split verdict on the constitutional validity of Section 17A of Prevention of Corruption Act that barred the agencies from probing corruption charges against government officials without the Centre’s permission.A bench of Justices KV Vishwanathan and BVNagarathna differed on the decision with the former judge observing that the said provision is constitutionally valid and the latter holding it as unconstitutional and should be struck down. Justice Nagarathna said that no prior sanction should be needed from competent authority to prosecute a public official, claiming that the requirement of prior sanction is contrary to the object of the Act“Section 17A is unconstitutional and it ought to be struck down. No prior approval is required to be taken. This provision is an attempt to resurrect what has been earlier struck down in Vineet Narain and Subramanian Swamy judgments. The requirement of prior sanction is contrary to the object of the Act, and it forecloses inquiry and protects the corrupt rather than seeking to protect the honest and those with integrity who really do not require any protection,” Justice Nagarathna observed as quoted by Live Law.She added that corruption in the country is rampant and pervasive and there is a need to have strong anti-corruption law, claiming that section 17A of Prevention of Corruption Act protects a corrupt official.Meanwhile, Justice K V Viswanathan said that the provision is valid but Lokpal/Lokayuta should decide whether a govt official should be prosecuted or not. he added that striking down Section 17A would amount to “throwing the baby out with the bathwater”.“Section 17A is constitutionally valid subject to the condition that the sanction must be decided by the Lok Pal or the Lok Ayukta of the State,” Justice Viswanathan observed.He added that unless honest and public servants are shielded from frivolous investigations, a “policy paralysis” will set in.He also emphasised that a fine balance has to be maintained between the need to protect a public servant from mala fide cases and the importance of upholding probity in public offices.He in his opinion reasoned that object of Section 17A was not to condone illegal acts but to have a screening mechanism. “Bhagvad Geeta says for a self-respecting man even death is more preferable than disrepute. In this age of technology and social media the act of parading in court etc. is irreversible even if proven innocent later”, the judge said. The bench thus, ordered referring the matter to the Chief Justice of India. We direct the Registry to refer the matter to the Chief Justice of India to constitute an appropriate bench to hear the matter afreshThis comes after ‘Centre for Public Interest Litigation’ filed a plea in the apex court, claiming that introduction of Section 17A in PC Act was nothing but resurrection of the earlier Section 6A of Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, infamously known as ‘single directive’ which mandated the CBI to take the Centre’s sanction before probing joint secretary and above level officers.Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing CPIL, had contended that Section 17A had become a tool to shield corrupt officials and obstruct legitimate inquiries.What the law saysAccording to the Section 17A of the act, no police officer shall conduct any enquiry or inquiry or investigation into any offence alleged to have been committed by a public servant under this Act, where the alleged offence is relatable to any recommendation made or decision taken by such public servant in discharge of his official functions or duties, without the previous approval“Provided further that the concerned authority shall convey its decision under this section within a period of three months, which may, for reasons to be recorded in writing by such authority, be extended by a further period of one month,” it adds.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20 International series against Afghanistan, scheduled to be played in the United Arab Emirates from January 19 to 22, 2026. With several senior players unavailable due to franchise commitments or workload management, opening batter Brandon King has been named captain for the tour. The series serves as a critical final preparation stage ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which begins in February.

Brandon King takes charge amidst senior absences

King steps into the leadership role in the absence of regular white-ball captain Shai Hope. King, who has previously captained the side during the home series against South Africa in 2024, will lead a squad that blends experienced internationals with emerging talent.

The squad selection has been heavily influenced by the ongoing SA20 league in South Africa. Key players like Hope, Roston Chase, Akeal Hosein, and Sherfane Rutherford were all unavailable for selection due to their commitments with their respective franchises.

Additionally, the selection panel has opted to rest senior figures Jason Holder, Rovman Powell, and Romario Shepherd to manage their workloads ahead of the grueling World Cup campaign.

Also READ: Here’s why Rashid Khan travels in a bulletproof car in Afghanistan

Injury returns and maiden call-ups

The series marks the return of fast bowler Shamar Joseph and aggressive opener Evin Lewis, both of whom have successfully completed their return-to-play protocols following injuries. Their inclusion provides a significant boost to the squad’s depth.

However, pace spearhead Alzarri Joseph remains sidelined. CWI confirmed that while his rehabilitation is progressing well, he has been left out as a precautionary measure to ensure his fitness for the World Cup.

In a move looking toward the future, all-rounder Quentin Sampson has received his maiden international call-up. Sampson earned his spot following a breakout season in the 2025 Caribbean Premier League (CPL), where his explosive performances caught the eye of the selectors.

West Indies squad for Afghanistan T20Is: Brandon King (c), Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Johnson Charles, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, shamar Joseph, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Khary Pierre, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Ramon Simmonds, Shamar springer and Shimron Hetmyer.

Also READ: Afghanistan announce squad for T20 World Cup 2026; Gulbadin Naib, Naveen-ul-Haq return

NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli continued his rich vein of form, anchoring India’s chase with a polished knock of 93 off 91 deliveries as the hosts overhauled a 301-run target to secure a four-wicket victory and go 1-0 up in the three-match ODI series. Batting with trademark composure, Kohli once again controlled the tempo and ensured India stayed on course throughout the chase.The innings marked Kohli’s seventh successive fifty-plus score in ODI cricket since making his return in October last year, underlining his remarkable consistency in the format.

Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was full of praise for Kohli’s approach, highlighting the mental clarity that has defined the star batter’s recent performances. According to Ashwin, Kohli appears liberated at the crease, batting with a blend of youthful freedom and seasoned experience.“It looks like nothing is going on in his mind. You asked me what he has changed-he hasn’t changed anything; he is just not thinking about anything. He made a decision that he just wants to enjoy his cricket. It seems like he is playing with the attitude of batting in his childhood, combined with the experience of so many years,” said Ashwin on his YouTube channel.Ashwin also reserved special mention for Shreyas Iyer, who marked his return to international cricket after a lengthy injury layoff with a vital contribution. Iyer had been sidelined for months due to a spleen laceration but showed no signs of rust, scoring 49 off 47 balls and forging an important partnership with Kohli.Reflecting on Iyer’s body of work in the 50-over format, Ashwin described him as one of India’s most reliable performers in ODIs, even while acknowledging the unusual nature of his dismissal.“We know that Shreyas has been Mr. Consistent for India in ODI cricket. His dismissal was very unlike Shreyas; he never leaves the game like this-he generally finishes it. But it is very understandable; he is making a comeback, and that was a good ball by Jamieson,” he added.The second ODI of the series will be played on Wednesday at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot.

High Commissioner of India to Kenya Adarsh Swaika met Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia W Mudavadi on Monday, with both sides agreeing to convene the Kenya-India Joint Commission for Cooperation in New Delhi as part of efforts to further strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations.According to a post by the High Commission of India in Nairobi, the meeting focused on recent and upcoming high-level exchanges between India and Kenya, reflecting what it described as the depth and dynamism of the bilateral partnership.The two leaders also exchanged views on expanding cooperation in key areas, including digital public infrastructure, trade and investment, development partnerships, and people-to-people ties, rooted in the historic and enduring relationship between the two countries.“HC Adarsh Swaika called on Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign & Diaspora Affairs Musalia W Mudavadi. Discussions focused on recent and forthcoming high-level exchanges between India and Kenya, reflecting the depth and dynamism of the bilateral partnership. They also exchanged views on expanding cooperation in key areas including digital public infrastructure, trade and investment, development partnership, and people-to-people ties, anchored in the historic and enduring relationship between India-Kenya,” the post read.Mudavadi, in a post on X, said Kenya and India share a century-long bond anchored in brotherhood, shared values, and mutual interests.He noted that his discussions with High Commissioner Swaika aimed to advance the long-term partnership between the two nations, particularly in trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.He also said the two sides aligned on India’s upcoming AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, to which Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto. In addition, they discussed the Raisina Dialogue, India’s flagship forum shaping global conversations on geopolitics and geoeconomics.Highlighting the decision to convene the Kenya-India Joint Commission for Cooperation in Delhi, Mudavadi said the meeting would set a clear, results-driven agenda to deliver tangible outcomes for both countries.“Kenya and India share a century-long bond anchored in brotherhood, shared values, and mutual interests. I met with H.E. Dr. Adarsh Swaika, High Commissioner of India to Kenya, to drive forward our long-term partnership in trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. We aligned on India’s upcoming AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited President William Samoei Ruto, as well as the Raisina Dialogue, India’s flagship platform shaping global conversations on geopolitics and geoeconomics,” the Prime Cabinet Secretary said.“We also agreed to convene the Kenya-India Joint Commission for Cooperation in Delhi, setting a clear, results-driven agenda focused on delivering tangible outcomes for both countries,” he added.According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India and Kenya are maritime neighbours, and their modern relationship has developed into a strong and wide-ranging partnership, characterised by frequent high-level engagements, growing trade and investment, and deepening people-to-people connections.

KALYAN: Dombivli witnessed a violent clash between Shiv Sena and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers late Monday night in the Tukaram Nagar area, escalating political tensions ahead of the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation elections. During the incident, a life-threatening attack was allegedly carried out on Omnath Natekar, the husband of BJP’s Panel No. 29 candidate Arya Natekar. He sustained serious injuries and has been admitted to a private AIMS Hospital in Dombivli, where he is currently undergoing treatment.Apart from Omnath Natekar, two other BJP workers and one Shiv Sena office-bearer sustained minor injuries in the altercation.According to BJP leaders, the incident occurred when Omnath Natekar arrived at a housing society in the Tukaram Nagar area along with three to four supporters to attend a meeting related to election campaigning.During the meeting, Shiv Sena candidate Nitin Patil and his supporters allegedly confronted the BJP workers. BJP leaders claim that Nitin Patil and his supporters were seen threatening BJP office-bearers asking to not go inside building for meeting, following which the situation turned violent.BJP has alleged that Nitin Patil, his brother Ravi Patil, along with their family members and several supporters, attacked Omnath Natekar after accusing him of distributing money. When Natekar denied the allegation and asked them to provide proof or money, the argument escalated into a physical assault, leaving him severely injured and bleeding.Following the incident, BJP office-bearers gathered outside the Dombivli police station and staged a protest, demanding strict action against the accused. Based on the complaint, the Dombivli police registered a case of attempted murder under BNS Act Section 109 against Shiv Sena candidates Nitin Patil and Ravi Patil both contesting election from same panel, along with Roshan Ravi Patil, Yash Nitin Patil, and three other individuals.Meanwhile, Shiv Sena candidate Nitin Patil has denied the allegations of assault and claimed that BJP office-bearers had come to the area to distribute money as part of election inducements. He alleged that he and his supporters were only trying to stop the BJP workers, which led to the confrontation.It is noteworthy that although Shiv Sena and BJP are contesting the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation elections as allies, both parties are contesting separately in Panel No. 29. This has resulted in frequent confrontations between workers of the two parties. Just a day earlier, Shiv Sena had accused BJP office-bearers in the same panel of distributing money to voters.The incident has further intensified political tensions in the area, prompting increased police vigilance ahead of the civic polls.