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Technology

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TikTok now wants to be the place you book the trip you just saw on TikTok

Although TikTok is widely described as a social media giant, it’s been gradually moving beyond that category. Over time, the video app added TikTok Shop, a map for local discovery, robust search, games, and so much more. Recently, it’s added hotel booking capabilities and is pursuing a fintech license. It appears that TikTok is taking steps to evolve into a “super app,” a single platform where users can do much more than just watch and share videos and that can actually handle a wide range of needs in one destination. The super app model is big in China with apps like WeChat, which is kind of like Facebook, WhatsApp, Apple Pay, and an app store all rolled into a single platform. Of course, there’s the question of whether a super app model would work outside of China, but that doesn’t mean TikTok won’t try. Instead of switching between apps, TikTok is working to become the app that people use for most of their digital activities. After taking its biggest leap with TikTok Shop, the company — which, notably, transitioned to new, primarily U.S. ownership back in January — has applied the same playbook to recent developments. Sports Image Credits:TechCrunch/Screenshot Over the years, TikTok has steadily been looking to become a place where users can come to for sports highlights and content. In early June, the company launched a dedicated hub for the FIFA World Cup where users can see scores, match schedules, standings, trending videos, highlights, videos from players, and more. If people are already watching videos on TikTok but want to keep up with the score, they can do so without leaving the app or opening a dedicated sports news app or Google. The World Cup hub was made possible through TikTok’s Sports-focused product called “TikTok GamePlan,” which is designed to allow sports teams, leagues, and broadcasters to drive discovery and engagement on the platform. The social media giant also has partnerships with Major League Soccer (MLS) and Major League Baseball (MLB) for behind-the-scenes and exclusive content. Hotel and attraction booking Image Credits:TikTok In May, TikTok launched TikTok GO, a way for users to discover and book hotels, attractions, and experiences directly within its app in the United States. TikTok GO surfaces lodging and things to do through videos, search, and location pages. When users find something they’re interested in, they can view details, check availability, and complete a booking. Instead of directing users to third-party websites after they find a destination or recommendation in a video, TikTok has started positioning itself as a one-stop platform where viral travel content can drive bookings and revenue. While people have already been using TikTok as a search engine and replacement for Google, this latest step puts TikTok in more direct competition with Google’s core businesses, Search and Google Maps, because it’s working to not only be the app where you discover places, but also the platform where you purchase that trip. Payments Image Credits:Just_Super / Getty Images In March, Reuters reported that TikTok had applied to Brazil’s central bank for approval to operate as a financial technology company offering lending and payment services. The company is seeking two licenses. The first would allow it to provide prepaid accounts so users can store funds, receive money, and make payments. The second license would authorize it to operate as a direct credit provider, allowing it to lend its own capital or function as a platform that connects borrowers and lenders. The move marks a significant way that TikTok is branching out beyond a social media platform and into a digital ecosystem. By aiming to bring financial services into its app, TikTok is looking to increase user engagement, open new revenue streams, and position itself to compete with fintech startups and e-commerce platforms. TikTok Shop Image Credits:TikTok It’s widely known that one of TikTok’s biggest leaps beyond

TechCrunchJun 26

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general

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Book Box: The Fathers We Forgive

Book Box: The Fathers We Forgive Hindustan Times

Hindustan TimesJun 21

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World

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In his book, self-described USAID 'whistleblower' talks about the agency and Ebola

Nicholas Enrich worked for the United States Agency for International Development under four administrations and was dismissed after leaking memos detailing plans to shut it down. He writes about the end of USAID — and his role in the response to a 2025 Ebola outbreak — in his new book, Into the Woodchipper: A Whistleblower's Account of How the Trump Administration Shredded USAID. Simon & Schuster hide caption toggle caption Simon & Schuster In March 2025, Nicholas Enrich was the top U.S. official for global health when two major events were happening at the same time: The Trump administration was dismantling USAID, and an Ebola outbreak was spreading in Uganda. It was Enrich's job to manage the U.S. response. He says he was stymied at every turn. "I was told by one of the political appointees, who was the head of the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, that Ebola is a scam," Enrich says. A year later, as the worst Ebola outbreak in more than a decade spreads in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Enrich has published a timely book with a title drawn from Elon Musk's plans for the premier U.S. foreign aid agency: Into the Woodchipper: A Whistleblower's Account of How the Trump Administration Shredded USAID. Simon & Schuster It's written from the perspective of a civil servant who served at the premier U.S. foreign aid agency under four administrations –- until he was put on leave and then dismissed after leaking memos about plans to dismantle the agency. In an interview with NPR , Enrich talked about his view of the agency and his perspective on the current Ebola outbreak in a world where USAID no longer exists. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Let's start with a controversial question. The administration gave various rationales to justify the sunsetting of USAID –- accusations of political bias, waste, fraud and abuse. Did you agree with any of their points? Okay, I'm gonna say yes, but before I talk about them, it's important to recognize that the agency was not destroyed because it was wasteful or because it didn't work or because they wanted to realign aid with the American First priorities. It was destroyed by a bunch of people who did not understand what the agency did, who were completely uninformed and unqualified about our programs, and who were there tearing down the agency that they didn't get for the sole purpose of soothing the ego of a billionaire. That's a very stark explanation. One of the reasons I wrote this book was to make sure that it's very, very clear why the agency was destroyed and why it wasn't. That said, I think that there are ways that aid could have been more efficient and could have been less likely to foster dependency in ways that it had. But you know, I also want to make the point that USAID actually was considered one of the most efficient agencies within the government [operating] on less than 1% of the federal budget. We, among many other things, saved the lives of 92 million people over the last 20 years alone, which is a staggering impact for a relatively shoestring budget. So it's not that we weren't efficient, it's just that, of course, there were ways that we could have become more so. You were put on leave immediately after leaking the memos. Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently in your final months there? I do feel like I was quite naive. I was a civil servant for my whole career, and I was no activist or advocate. So it did not come naturally to me to stop and say: "Wait a minute. This is not an opportunity for me to figure out how to administer the policies of this administration. This is completely off the rails and is a violation of laws, of court orders, of congressional intent and it is unethical and causing destruction and harm to public safety." And I wish that I had been able to say earlier, "This is not okay and I cannot continue to work within the bounds of these walls that are collapsing around me to tr

NPR NewsJun 8

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Politics

6updates

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Three missing Indians in Iran rescued by police: embassy

In a tragic incident, three boys drowned in a village tank in Dharwad taluk on Saturday.The incident occurred at Kariyammana Kere (Tank) in Singanahalli village of Dharwad taluk when the three boys along with others had gone for a swim.The deceased have been identified as Mehaboob Subani Dadapeer Vatnal, 15, Anwar Ibrahim Vatnal, 13, and Subani Isaq Bagojikoppa, 11, all from Singanahalli.On being alerted, the police rushed to the spot, and the bodies were fished out with the help expert swimmers.Superintendent of Police of Dharwad district Gunjan Arya, Deputy Superintendent of Police Vinod Muktedar and others visited the spot. Published - May 30, 2026 11:26 pm IST

The HinduMay 30

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Politics

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V.D. Satheesan’s book Adam Nee Evide Aakunnu? to hit stands on Saturday

Congress leader V.D. Satheesan Adam Nee Evide Aakunnu? (Adam, Where are You?), a compilation of speeches delivered by Congress leader V.D. Satheesan on the Bible and its influence on him, will be released on Saturday.Published by DC Books, the book is being released at a time when the Congress in the State is caught in a whirlwind over who will be its next Chief Minister after the party’s emphatic win in the Assembly elections.According to the official website of the publishers, the book is a collection of 32 speeches delivered by Mr. Satheesan to various Christian communities. It focusses on biblical reflections and insights and observations of a “politician in search of God”. Cyriac Thomas, noted scholar, has written the foreword for the 200-page book.An avid reader, Mr. Satheesan has often recalled in his speeches at Christian conventions that he reads at least one page of the Bible daily. He had said that the reading of the scripture had provided him with a deeper understanding of life and that it offered guidance on how to overcome difficult times and situations. He had also earned praise from Church leaders for his ability to interpret the scripture. Published - May 08, 2026 07:54 pm IST

The HinduMay 8

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Politics

3updates

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Sanskrit varsity V-C seeks report on book release row

The Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit (SSUS) authorities have initiated action following the controversy over the last-minute cancellation of the release of Sri Tirthapada Puranam, a biography of Chattampi Swamikal, published by the varsity.The release of the book was cancelled after the authorities reportedly found that only four volumes were printed, while the other bound volumes kept in a box were blank. Published - April 28, 2026 10:13 pm IST

The HinduApr 28

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