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Leaders

Elon Musk’s SpaceX buys xAI in $1.25 trillion merger

Elon Musk has brought his two biggest futuristic bets closer together. His space exploration company SpaceX has acquired his artificial intelligence firm xAI in a deal that values the combined private entity at around $1.25 trillion, according to reports.

The merger brings xAI, the company behind the AI chatbot Grok, fully under SpaceX, creating a single organisation that blends space technology, satellite networks and advanced artificial intelligence. While SpaceX is estimated to be worth about $1 trillion, xAI’s valuation is pegged at roughly $250 billion.

Musk said the deal is aimed at solving one of the biggest challenges facing AI today: infrastructure. Modern AI systems rely on massive data centres that consume huge amounts of electricity and water for cooling. Musk has argued that this model is unsustainable in the long run.

His solution is ambitious, move AI data centres into space.

By placing large-scale computing infrastructure in orbit, Musk believes AI systems could run on near-constant solar energy, reduce strain on Earth’s power grids and avoid many land-based environmental constraints. Space-based data centres could also operate at scale without competing with cities and industries for electricity and water.

As part of this broader vision, SpaceX has reportedly applied to US regulators for permission to launch up to one million additional satellites in the coming years. These satellites could form a vast network capable of supporting AI processing, data transfer and global connectivity from space.

The merger also strengthens the link between xAI and Musk’s social media platform X, which already uses AI tools such as Grok for content analysis and real-time information. Integrating these systems with SpaceX’s satellite and launch capabilities could give Musk an edge in building a global AI-powered communications ecosystem.

The deal comes at a time when SpaceX is preparing for a potential initial public offering (IPO), expected later in 2026. Analysts say combining AI and space infrastructure under one roof could significantly boost investor interest, while also positioning the company as a competitor to major cloud and AI firms.

Also Read: Snowflake, OpenAI seal $200 million AI deal

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Corporate

SpaceX eyes June 2026 IPO at trillion-dollar valuation

Elon Musk’s aerospace venture SpaceX is reportedly planning to go public in June 2026, with a potential valuation of $1.5 trillion. The company could raise up to $50 billion, making it one of the largest initial public offerings in history. If realized, the listing would surpass nearly all previous market debuts, including Saudi Aramco’s $29 billion IPO in 2019.

The proposed timeline coincides with Musk’s 55th birthday on June 28 and a rare alignment of planets, adding a symbolic touch to the potential market debut. While SpaceX has traditionally stayed private, recent growth in its Starlink satellite broadband network and other space-based technologies has fueled investor interest. Secondary market transactions have valued the company at roughly $800 billion, reflecting robust demand from private investors.

Industry observers note that the IPO could highlight the financial potential of the commercial space sector. SpaceX’s Starlink service has rapidly expanded, providing internet connectivity across remote regions, while broader commercial and government interest in satellite and space services continues to grow.

To support the IPO, reports suggest that four major Wall Street banks, Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley, may be engaged as lead underwriters. Preparations appear to be well underway, although the final timing will depend on market conditions and regulatory approvals.

A successful listing would not only be a landmark event for SpaceX but also for the global financial markets, demonstrating strong investor appetite for the rapidly expanding space industry. Although the company has not officially confirmed the IPO, speculation alone has stirred excitement among analysts, investors, and media, highlighting the growing intersection of space exploration and investment opportunities.

With Starlink subscribers climbing and commercial interest rising, SpaceX’s public offering could set a new precedent for tech-driven space ventures, while solidifying Musk’s vision of turning space innovation into a mainstream economic force.

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1 Minute-Read

Elon Musk hits back at Vinod Khosla over racism claims

Elon Musk and venture capitalist Vinod Khosla clashed publicly over accusations of racism.

Khosla criticized Musk for past comments about the shrinking global white population, suggesting it reflected a “White America Great Again” ideology, and urged non-white employees at Musk’s companies to leave. Musk rejected the claims, pointing out that his partner, Shivon Zilis, is of Indian descent and his son’s middle name honors Indian physicist Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar.

The spat, filled with sharp personal barbs, highlights ongoing debates in tech over race, leadership, and the responsibilities of high-profile CEOs in addressing sensitive social issues.

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Technology

ChatGPT cites Elon Musk’s Grokipedia in responses

OpenAI’s latest AI language model, GPT‑5.2, has begun sourcing information from Grokipedia, the AI-generated encyclopedia developed by Elon Musk’s xAI, according to industry reports. Grokipedia, unlike traditional Wikipedia, relies entirely on AI for content creation and updates. While the platform aims to offer a fast, alternative knowledge base, experts caution that it may introduce factual inaccuracies and bias into AI outputs.

The move highlights how AI models are increasingly integrating proprietary or niche sources into their knowledge base. Tests have shown GPT‑5.2 referencing Grokipedia when responding to less widely known topics, including technical subjects and certain geopolitical histories. This reliance on a single, AI-authored source has drawn attention from analysts concerned about reliability, particularly in corporate and professional settings where data accuracy is critical.

Interestingly, GPT‑5.2 appears to avoid citing Grokipedia for high-profile or widely debated subjects, suggesting the model prioritizes perceived source credibility on mainstream topics. This selective integration indicates a strategic approach to information sourcing but underscores risks for business users relying on AI-generated insights for decision-making.

Industry observers note that while integrating multiple sources can enhance AI capabilities, including content from unverified AI platforms may impact trust and brand perception. OpenAI maintains that GPT‑5.2 draws from a broad range of publicly available sources and includes safety filters to mitigate misinformation. However, analysts say this development could influence competitive dynamics in AI knowledge services, particularly as other companies explore proprietary encyclopedias or curated datasets.

For enterprises and professionals leveraging AI, this development serves as a reminder to assess both the breadth and credibility of AI-sourced information. As AI increasingly shapes business research, communication, and decision-making, source transparency and verification will be crucial for maintaining reliability and trust.

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Technology

UK may ban Elon Musk’s X over AI Deepfakes

The UK government is considering banning Elon Musk’s social media platform X (formerly Twitter) after its AI chatbot, Grok, was reported to produce sexualised and non-consensual images, including of minors. The issue has raised serious concerns under the UK’s Online Safety Act, which regulates illegal and harmful online content.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the deepfake images, calling them “wrong” and “unlawful,” and urged X to take stronger action to remove harmful material. Reports suggest Grok has been used to digitally undress women and children or place them in sexualised poses, some of which could be illegal child sexual abuse material.

Under the Online Safety Act, regulators like Ofcom can impose fines, demand content removal, or even block access to platforms that fail to comply. The government has instructed Ofcom to explore “all options,” including a possible ban on X if urgent corrective measures are not taken.

The controversy has also drawn attention from the Internet Watch Foundation, which highlighted that some illegal content generated by Grok appeared on dark web forums. Officials are now discussing stricter rules for AI tools that create non-consensual intimate images, with potential criminal penalties for those who produce or share them.

X has responded that users who request illegal content from Grok will face the same consequences as those who directly upload such material, including suspensions or account bans. However, critics argue that this may not be enough, given the scale of AI-generated deepfakes circulating online.

Also Read: OpenAI launches ChatGPT Health linking medical data

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Leaders

Elon Musk rewrites Tesla mission for more joy

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has once again drawn attention to the power of words by announcing a change in how the company describes its long-term mission. The phrase “Sustainable Abundance” is being replaced with “Amazing Abundance,” a move Musk says is intended to bring more joy and emotional warmth to Tesla’s vision of the future.

The update was shared in a short post on Musk’s platform X, where he explained that while sustainability remains central to Tesla’s philosophy, the word amazing better reflects the excitement and possibility he associates with technological progress. The message was simple, but it quickly sparked discussion about how companies communicate purpose in an era shaped as much by emotion as by innovation.

The revised wording ties into Tesla’s Master Plan Part IV, its latest long-term roadmap that looks far beyond cars. The plan outlines ambitions spanning clean energy, artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation, all aimed at improving quality of life while reducing environmental harm. In that context, “Amazing Abundance” suggests not just efficiency or responsibility, but a future that feels aspirational and rewarding.

Importantly, Tesla’s official mission statement remains unchanged: accelerating the world’s transition to sustainable energy. There are no new targets, products, or policy shifts attached to the wording change. Instead, it appears to be a reframing exercise, one that places emphasis on how the destination feels, not just how it is achieved.

Some analysts view the move as a reflection of broader trends in corporate leadership, where purpose-driven storytelling plays a growing role in motivating employees and connecting with the public. Others see it as Musk responding to a challenging moment for the global EV industry, marked by rising competition, cautious consumers, and tighter scrutiny of big tech leaders.

The shift also highlights a subtle tension in modern innovation narratives. While sustainability speaks to responsibility and restraint, abundance suggests growth, access, and opportunity. By choosing “amazing,” Musk may be trying to bridge that gap—presenting a future that is not only cleaner, but also exciting and emotionally compelling.

This change may not alter Tesla’s strategy, but it reshapes the story it tells. And in a company built as much on vision as on engineering, that story can be nearly as influential as the technology itself.

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Leaders

Elon Musk becomes first person worth $600 billion

Elon Musk has become the first person in history to reach a net worth of $600 billion, according to Forbes. The sharp rise in his wealth is mainly due to growing expectations that SpaceX, his private space company, is preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) in the coming years.

SpaceX’s valuation has surged sharply as investor interest in the space industry grows. Reports suggest the company could be valued at around $800 billion when it goes public, possibly by 2026. Musk owns about 42 percent of SpaceX, making it the single largest contributor to his personal wealth. If the IPO goes ahead at the expected valuation, his net worth could rise even further.

Apart from SpaceX, Musk’s fortune is also supported by his stake in Tesla, the electric vehicle maker. He owns roughly 12 percent of Tesla, whose shares have performed strongly in recent months. Tesla remains one of the most valuable carmakers in the world and continues to play a key role in Musk’s financial standing.

Musk’s other ventures also add to his growing wealth. These include his artificial intelligence company xAI and his social media platform X. While these businesses are still evolving, investors see long-term value in Musk’s technology-driven approach and ambitious projects.

Earlier this year, Musk had already crossed the $500 billion mark, another first for any individual. The latest milestone places him far ahead of other global billionaires and sets a new benchmark for personal wealth. Market watchers say no individual in modern history has accumulated wealth at this scale.

Experts note that Musk’s fortune is closely tied to market valuations rather than cash holdings. Most of his wealth is invested in company shares, which can rise or fall with market conditions. Still, with SpaceX’s IPO on the horizon and strong investor interest in his companies, Musk’s financial influence continues to grow.

While Musk has not officially commented on the Forbes estimates or IPO plans, the numbers highlight the massive global impact of his businesses.

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Corporate

SpaceX hits $800 billion valuation ahead of 2026 IPO

SpaceX, the private aerospace company founded and led by Elon Musk, has taken a significant step toward becoming a publicly traded company. A recent insider share sale has valued SpaceX at around $800 billion, highlighting strong investor confidence as the company prepares for an initial public offering (IPO) expected in 2026.

The share sale allows existing and new investors to purchase SpaceX stock at $421 per share, a price that reflects the company’s rapid growth and ambitious plans. Analysts suggest that the IPO could raise more than $25 billion, potentially pushing SpaceX’s valuation even higher, depending on market conditions. If the company executes its plans successfully, it could become one of the largest IPOs in history.

SpaceX’s soaring valuation is largely supported by its Starlink satellite internet business, which has been expanding quickly. Starlink currently provides internet services in multiple countries and is now planning direct-to-mobile connectivity, which could open a major new revenue stream. In addition, the company continues to make progress on its Starship rocket program, designed for ambitious missions to the moon, Mars, and potentially beyond. These innovations are key drivers behind the company’s strong market interest.

Despite the excitement, SpaceX executives have emphasized that the timing and final valuation of the IPO remain uncertain. Factors such as global market conditions, regulatory approvals, and the company’s operational milestones could influence the final launch. The insider sale, however, demonstrates a clear commitment to preparing the company for public investment.

Elon Musk’s leadership and vision have been central to SpaceX’s growth, from reusable rockets to global satellite internet. Going public would not only provide a new capital influx but also mark a historic moment in financial markets. For investors, the IPO represents a rare chance to participate in a company that is shaping the future of space travel and connectivity.

With its record valuation, technological innovations, and ambitious expansion plans, SpaceX is positioning itself to become a dominant force in both aerospace and the broader tech sector, attracting attention from investors and industry watchers worldwide.

Also Read: Elon Musk confirms SpaceX IPO in 2026

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Technology

Elon Musk confirms SpaceX IPO in 2026

Elon Musk has confirmed that reports about SpaceX planning an initial public offering (IPO) in 2026 are accurate, signaling a major step for one of the world’s most valuable private companies. The billionaire entrepreneur’s statement has intensified investor interest, as SpaceX could become one of the largest IPOs in history.

Media reports suggest that SpaceX could be valued at $1 trillion or more, reflecting the rapid growth of its commercial and space ventures. The IPO is expected to raise tens of billions of dollars, which would provide capital for ambitious projects, including SpaceX’s ongoing Mars exploration plans and expansion of its Starlink satellite broadband network.

SpaceX has been at the forefront of commercial spaceflight for years, launching satellites, servicing the International Space Station, and pioneering reusable rockets. Its Starship program, designed for deep space missions, including potential trips to Mars, represents both an opportunity and a financial risk. Analysts note that while the company has strong revenue streams from satellite services and government contracts, space exploration remains a high-cost venture, and investors will need to weigh these risks before the IPO.

Industry experts say that a public listing could provide SpaceX with more financial flexibility to scale its operations while also offering early investors and employees a way to realize gains from their equity. However, some caution that the IPO could be affected by market conditions, government regulations, and the inherent uncertainties of large-scale space missions.

Musk’s confirmation has fueled speculation about the timing and structure of the IPO, with some reports suggesting that shares could be offered in phases, starting with SpaceX’s Starlink division, followed by the broader company. If successful, the IPO would not only be historic in size but also highlight the growing commercialization of space and investor appetite for high-growth technology ventures.

For now, the market is closely watching, as SpaceX prepares to take its next major step from a private aerospace pioneer to a publicly listed company with global attention.

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Technology

Starlink India pricing leak sparks debate

SpaceX-owned Starlink has briefly displayed pricing details for its residential satellite internet service in India, giving users their first official-looking glimpse of what the service could cost once launched. The prices appeared on Starlink’s website before being taken down, with the company later clarifying that these were not final and were shown due to a technical configuration issue.

According to the website listing, the residential plan was shown at a monthly subscription fee of around ₹8,600, along with a one-time hardware cost of about ₹34,000 for the Starlink kit, which includes the satellite dish, router and mounting equipment. The plan was shown as offering unlimited data and high-speed internet access, targeted especially at remote and rural areas where traditional broadband infrastructure is weak or unavailable .

The service promises low-latency, high-speed internet delivered via a network of low-earth orbit satellites, which can provide connectivity in difficult terrains such as hills, forests and isolated villages. The setup process is designed to be simple, with a “plug-and-play” installation that allows users to go online quickly after setting up the device at home.

However, Starlink clarified that the pricing shown on the website was not an official announcement. The company said the numbers appeared due to a configuration glitch and that the service is yet to receive full regulatory approvals in India. This means customers in India cannot yet place orders or subscribe to the service, and the final pricing could change when the commercial launch actually takes place .

Industry experts say that if these prices are close to the final rates, Starlink may primarily attract users in remote and underserved regions, government projects, emergency connectivity services, and businesses operating in difficult-to-reach locations. For urban users, the service may remain a premium alternative to fibre broadband and 5G.

For now, the pricing leak has sparked wide interest and debate about the future of satellite broadband in India, but customers will have to wait for official government clearances and a formal launch announcement before the service becomes available.

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