Actress Celina Jaitly has come forward about her “bizarre” divorce proceedings against husband Peter Haag, revealing that she faced questioning in court over the roughly ninety minutes she spends exercising every day. In an emotional social media post, she opened up about how fitness became a source of strength through some of life’s toughest moments for her.
Celina Jaitly’s workout routine framed as ‘self obsession’ in court
Sharing her thoughts on Instagram on Wednesday, August 12, Celina wrote, “Imagine having to defend weightlifting in court. Of all the things filed against me in my bizarre divorce proceedings, perhaps the most incomprehensible was having to answer for the fact that I spent one to 1 hour a day working out.” She disclosed that this very weightlifting routine was subsequently held against her in court, where it was framed as ‘self obsession.‘ Celina spoke of everything her body has withstood: two sets of twins, a twin C-section, dance injuries, the loss of a child, losing both her parents, and other family crises, alongside the trauma involving her brother and the heartbreak of separation from her children. Despite it all, she said, she never gave up her workout routine.
Celina Jaitly on the strength her workouts gave her
The actress asked whether an hour and a half of weightlifting each day was truly something to fault her for, or whether it was that very routine that gave her the strength to hold everything else together. “The weight on the barbell was never the heaviest weight I carried. It was simply the one weight I could choose to put down,” Celina wrote.
Celina Jaitly’s marriage and family with Peter Haag
Celina and Peter Haag got married in 2010, and their family grew with the arrival of twin sons, Winston Jaitly Haag and Viraaj Jaitly Haag, in March 2012. A second set of twin boys, Arthur Jaitly Haag and Shamsher Jaitly Haag, followed in 2017, but the couple tragically lost Shamsher to a hypoplastic heart condition.
For years, environmental CSR in India was largely associated with tree plantation drives, cleanliness campaigns and occasional conservation projects. While those initiatives continue, companies are increasingly directing their CSR efforts towards something far more strategic. They’re strengthening climate resilience, securing water resources, promoting circular use of materials, and helping communities adapt to a warming world.The change reflects a growing realisation that environmental sustainability is no longer just about protecting nature. It is about protecting livelihoods, businesses, and the economy itself.Climate change is already affecting water availability, agriculture, supply chains, and industrial operations. As these risks intensify, Corporate India is beginning to see environmental CSR not as philanthropy but as an investment in long-term resilience.The scale of the challenge is enormous. India’s draft Climate Finance Taxonomy estimates that the country will require around $2.5 trillion (Roughly an estimated Rs 2,50,00,000 crore or Rs 250 trillion) to meet its climate commitments by 2030, while climate adaptation alone could require investments of nearly Rs 56.7 trillion during the same period. These figures underline why resilience has become a business imperative as much as an environmental one.Increasingly, companies are aligning their CSR programmes with this new reality. Water has emerged as one of the biggest priorities.According to the Central Ground Water Board, India extracts 245.6 billion cubic metres (BCM) of groundwater annually, with 751 assessment units already categorised as over-exploited, 206 as critical and another 711 as semi-critical. Agriculture accounts for 87% of groundwater extraction, making water scarcity a concern that extends far beyond farms to industries, cities and supply chains.For CSR programmes, this has meant a shift from isolated water projects towards landscape-level interventions. Infosys, for instance, reports creating 40 lakes across its campuses with a combined rainwater storage capacity of 430 million litres, supported by 409 deep injection wells and complete recycling of wastewater.
UltraTech Cement says its operations became 4.9 times water positive during FY2024-25 through rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, watershed management and recycling initiatives. Hindustan Zinc reports achieving 3.3 times water positivity while targeting a 50% reduction in freshwater consumption by 2030. ITC, meanwhile, has expanded watershed restoration and river basin stewardship programmes alongside improvements in water-use efficiency.The common thread running through these initiatives is that they benefit both communities and businesses. Restoring watersheds improves groundwater availability for nearby villages while also reducing water-related risks for industrial operations. Wastewater recycling lowers pressure on freshwater resources while helping industries operate more sustainably.The focus is also widening beyond water. Another emerging area for CSR is the circular economy, where companies seek to minimise waste and maximise the productive use of resources. Rather than viewing waste simply as something to be disposed of, businesses are increasingly investing in recycling, reuse and resource recovery.India’s policy framework now covers plastics, batteries, e-waste, waste tyres, construction waste and several other waste streams under Extended Producer Responsibility rules. As of March 2026, registered recyclers had processed 417.6 lakh metric tonnes of waste, generating nearly 342 lakh metric tonnes of EPR certificates. The government has also introduced a Rs 1,500 crore incentive scheme to promote recycling of critical minerals such as lithium, nickel and cobalt.Corporate initiatives are increasingly reflecting this transition. Tata Steel reported recycling around 4.2 million tonnes of scrap during FY2024-25. Infosys diverted 98% of its waste away from landfills, while Hindustan Zinc is working towards achieving near-zero waste to landfill by 2030 through greater reuse and recycling. These examples demonstrate how environmental investments can reduce raw material consumption, lower disposal costs, and improve resource security.CSR is also beginning to support innovation rather than only funding conventional projects. Technology-led solutions are emerging as an important area of investment. Digital Paani, featured in NITI Aayog’s Frontier Tech Repository, uses Internet of Things-based automation to optimise wastewater treatment plants. The platform has been deployed at more than 40 facilities, treating over 90 million litres of wastewater every day.In agriculture, Kheyti’s “greenhouse-in-a-box” model has demonstrated how climate-smart farming can improve resilience. According to the study cited in the report, participating farmers recorded a 73% increase in income, 58% lower crop losses, 67% lower water consumption, and significantly lower fertiliser use. Satellite-enabled platforms such as SatSure are also helping govts, financial institutions and agribusinesses assess climate risks and improve decision-making using artificial intelligence and Earth observation data.
The evolution of environmental CSR reflects a broader shift in corporate thinking. Earlier, environmental spending was often evaluated through the number of trees planted or awareness campaigns organised.
Today, companies are increasingly asking whether their investments improve water security, strengthen ecosystems, reduce resource consumption, and help communities withstand climate shocks.The approach also aligns more closely with business priorities. Healthier watersheds mean more reliable water supplies. Circular resource use reduces dependence on virgin materials. Climate-resilient agriculture strengthens rural livelihoods while improving supply-chain stability. Investments in environmental resilience, therefore, generate benefits that extend beyond compliance or corporate reputation.
Dam removal on the Middle Fork Nooksack River, Washington (American Rivers photos)
The United States removed 100 dams across 30 states in 2025, reconnecting more than 4,893 miles of rivers, according to a report by the organisation American Rivers. The organisation said it was the largest number of upstream river miles reconnected through dam removal in a single year in the US.The removal of these dams has allowed water to flow freely again in places where rivers had been blocked for decades, and in some cases, for centuries. The work is also helping restore access to habitats used by fish and other wildlife.Pennsylvania removed the highest number of dams in the US in 2025, with 14 structures taken out. The state now has 433 documented dam removals since 1912.Other states in the Northeast also recorded significant numbers. Massachusetts removed 11 dams in 2025, while Vermont removed nine. Flooding in both states has highlighted the need to address failing dams and undersized road-stream crossings.
Why are old dams being removed?
Many dams in the US are no longer serving the purpose for which they were originally built. The country has more than 500,000 dams in its national inventory, and many are no longer generating power, supplying water or serving another practical purpose. At the same time, they can affect river ecosystems and public safety.Dams can change the way rivers naturally flow. When a dam blocks a river, it can prevent fish from reaching spawning areas upstream. Water held behind dams can also become warmer and more stagnant. Additionally, some ageing can also create safety risks and increase flooding concerns during storms.Ecology was the most commonly cited reason for dam removal in 2025. It was given as a reason for 59 of the 100 projects completed during the year. Dilapidated or failing structures were the second most common reason, with 37 projects. Safety concerns were cited in 20 projects.The effects can begin soon after a dam is removed. The report said bugs can return within days, while native fish can reach sections of rivers they had been unable to access for generations within weeks.
Lower Citico Dam removal, Citico Creek, Tennessee
Restoring wildlife habitat
Some of the projects completed in 2025 show how removing a single structure can reconnect large parts of a river system. In Iowa, the Forest City Dam was removed from the Winnebago River. The project reconnected 99 upstream miles for fish passage and opened wetland spawning habitat for northern pike. It also reduced flood risk to a local park.In Delaware, the historic DuPont Experimental Station Dam on the Brandywine River was removed as part of a wider effort involving multiple dams. A previous dam removal upstream in 2019 had already helped change the river. After that project, American shad were seen spawning in the Brandywine in Wilmington for the first time in more than 100 years.The return of the fish showed how river restoration can affect species that had been unable to reach parts of their former habitat for generations.In Virginia, the Georges Mill Dam was removed from the South Mayo River. Seven people had drowned at the site over the years. Removing the dam improved passage for the endangered orangefin madtom and also removed a site that had become a serious safety hazard.Another major project took place in Maine. The removal of Mill Pond Dam on the Sabattus River was part of a wider effort to open access to 2,429 acres of spawning habitat and 75 miles of stream for sea-run fish.The area could support an annual run of more than one million adult alewives. The fish are an important food source for wildlife, including eagles and whales.
Cultural importance
Dam removal projects are also connected to the cultural practices of Indigenous communities in some places. In California, the Jenny Creek Diversion Dam near the Klamath River was removed by Trout Unlimited and the state Department of Fish and Wildlife. The Yurok Tribe and Shasta Indian Nation also took part in the cleanup and cultural monitoring.A similar restoration effort took place in Utah’s Zion National Park, where the Temple of Sinawava Dam was removed. The project was part of an effort to restore the Virgin River, which is a Wild and Scenic River.American Rivers said the 2025 projects also showed the role of local communities, government agencies, conservation groups and Tribal Nations in restoring rivers. It now wants to build on the progress made in 2025 and its target is to remove 30,000 dams by 2050.
Global energy markets continue to be affected by the twin impact of two major geopolitical conflicts.
Russia has started importing gasoline from India for the first time as repeated Ukrainian attacks on its refineries have deepened fuel shortages in the domestic market. Global energy markets continue to be affected by the twin impact of two major geopolitical conflicts.While Ukraine has intensified its campaign targeting Russian refineries, tensions between the US and Iran have continued in the Middle East. Together, these disruptions have tightened fuel supplies, prompting Russia, traditionally an exporter of refined fuels, to prohibit exports of both gasoline and diesel in order to prioritise domestic demand.
In a first, Russia imports gasoline from India
According to Kpler data quoted in a Bloomberg report, this marks Moscow’s first import of gasoline from the South Asian nation. The long-distance shipment underscores the severity of the supply crunch that Russia is facing.Also Read | Reverse oil flow: India supplies gasoline to Russia – why it mattersKpler data shows the first cargo arrived on August 5, with additional shipments expected to follow. Nayara Energy Ltd, the Indian refiner backed by Russia’s largest oil producer Rosneft PJSC, has emerged as a supplier. The fuel is being transported through a chain of Russian-linked tankers, involving ship-to-ship transfers off the coast of Egypt, the Bloomberg report said.“The emergence of Indian barrels is particularly notable,” said Sumit Ritolia, lead analyst at Kpler. He said the shipments, alongside continued imports from Belarus and other neighbouring markets, demonstrate “the severity of the current domestic gasoline imbalance, and the extent to which lower refinery runs are reshaping Russia’s traditional product trade flows.”EA Analytics estimated that, following successive attacks, Russia’s crude processing averaged 3.6 million barrels a day in July, roughly one-third below the normal seasonal level. Since then, Ukraine has stepped up its strikes, targeting five refineries last week and at least two more this week.After being sanctioned by the European Union in July last year, Nayara Energy has increasingly depended on so-called dark-fleet tankers and ship-to-ship transfer operations to import crude and export refined products.Its 400,000-barrel-per-day refinery at Vadinar on India’s west coast has also been seeking to diversify its export markets after one of its major buyers, Hindustan Petroleum Corp., recently increased its own fuel production in the region.For the first shipment, the Russian-flagged products tanker Cyclone, loaded around 42,000 tonnes of gasoline at Vadinar on June 18, according to ship-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg.The cargo was subsequently transferred to the Oman-flagged tanker Garnet through a ship-to-ship operation at Damietta Port off Egypt’s Mediterranean coast on July 6. Garnet later arrived in Russia in early August.Also Read | 100% tariffs: Why India may ignore Trump threat and continue buying Russian crude oil
More shipments to follow
Additional shipments appear to be in the pipeline. According to Kpler, the product tanker Varg loaded nearly 40,000 tonnes of gasoline at Vadinar on July 6 and is believed to have completed a ship-to-ship transfer at Damietta toward the end of July, based on changes in the vessel’s draft. Such transfers are commonly used to reduce overall voyage times for individual ships.Kpler has not confirmed the receiving vessel for that cargo, although it identified Beast as a likely candidate. The tanker was present at Damietta and showed an increase in draft between July 30 and 31. While Beast had declared Morocco’s Tangier as its destination, tracking data showed it subsequently sailed past the port and is now heading north in the Atlantic Ocean with the cargo still onboard.Ship-tracking data also showed that another products tanker, the Cameroon-flagged Photon, departed Vadinar on July 13 before transferring its gasoline cargo to the Russia-flagged Talisman at Damietta during July 28-29.With the exception of Garnet, all of the vessels involved are classed under the Russian shipping register. Every ship has been sanctioned by the European Union, while Garnet and Talisman are also subject to US sanctions.“The final destination of Talisman and Beast remains unconfirmed but the emerging trading pattern suggests Damietta STS hub continues to facilitate the movement of Indian-origin gasoline toward Russian import channels,” Kpler said in a report.Also Read | Beijing’s billion-barrel weapon: Why India must prepare for China-driven oil prices
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have announced a 16-member squad for the opening Test of their two-match series against India, with veteran wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella making his return to the Test side.Dhananjaya de Silva will captain the team, while Kamindu Mendis has been named his deputy. Dickwella has been included as the wicketkeeper after Kusal Mendis was ruled out of the first Test with an injury.Batter Pathum Nissanka has also been left out of the squad for the opening match.Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Sonal Dinusha make up the rest of Sri Lanka’s batting options.The hosts have three specialist spinners in Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya and Keshara Nuwantha. Their pace department includes Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka.The first Test will be played at the Galle International Cricket Stadium from August 15 to 19. The two-match series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.India, led by Shubman Gill, are currently fifth in the World Test Championship standings. They have recorded four wins and four losses in nine matches, with a Points Percentage (PCT) of 48.150.Sri Lanka are sixth in the standings, having registered one win, one draw and two defeats.With home conditions expected to play a role in the series, Sri Lanka will look to their experienced players, including Chandimal and the returning Dickwella, as they prepare to take on India’s Test side.Sri Lanka squad: Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Kamindu Mendis (vc), Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Keshara Nuwantha, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.
Rhea Chakraborty opens up about life after jail, facing awkward reactions and being misunderstood: ‘People would stop laughing and joking around me’
Rhea Chakraborty recently spoke about the controversy surrounding Sushant Singh Rajput‘s case, choosing to address the difficult period with humour. The actress shared that people around her used to stop laughing and joking whenever she would enter the room. Here’s what the actress talked about regarding her tough time post SSR’s demise.
Rhea Chakraborty recalls people’s reaction
The actress appeared on a YouTube video by comedian Tanmay Bhat, where she reacted to memes alongside a panel of comedians, including Rohan Joshi, Kushagra Srivastava, Aaditya Kulshreshth and Piyush Sharma.During the conversation, Tanmay Bhat recalled his own AIB controversy and how people would speak to him with exaggerated sympathy at the time. Rhea said she faced something similar. “With me, if people were like laughing and joking in a group and if I came in there, then suddenly they would like change the tone be like, ‘Ha ha ha, oh hi Rhea, how are you?'” she said, mimicking the sudden shift in tone.Tanmay noted that while they were comfortable joking about their own controversies, others found it surprising to see them laugh about it. Rohan Joshi joined in jokingly, saying, “How can you? Like Rhea, how could you say that? Don’t you know what you’ve been through?”Rhea agreed, adding, “It’s true though, like if I would make these jokes like we’re doing today, like four years ago, the room would suddenly just get very heavy. They didn’t know whether they should laugh or they should not laugh.”
Rhea Chakraborty reacts to her ‘Imma bounce’ message
Tanmay also brought up the incident where Rhea’s personal WhatsApp message, “Imma bounce,” was misinterpreted by a news channel as “cheque bounce.” He recalled, “Dude, remember there was that crazy shit, man. Remember like Rhea saying, ‘Imma bounce,’ and everyone was like, ‘Some cheque is bouncing.'” Rohan added, “That was the dumbest thing ever. I will never forget that. After that, I thought I, like, I never want to be misunderstood. I have never said, ‘I am a head’ ever again.”Piyush joked, “No cap. Rhea refuses to wear a cap,” leaving everyone laughing. Rhea, who recently made her acting comeback, added, “Now, if I, if someone even texts me, ‘I’m on the pot,’ I’m like, ‘Please specify’,” triggering another round of laughter. She then quipped, “Good guys, good guys. You find my trauma very entertaining. I’m glad someone’s laughing.”
Rhea Chakraborty’s work front
On the work front, Rhea Chakraborty will next feature in the second instalment of ‘Traitors’. The show will be hosted by filmmaker Karan Johar.
A person uses his phone near the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Wednesday. (File Photo)
France has banned unsolicited telemarketing calls unless consumers have given prior permission, in a move described by a consumer advocacy group as a “small revolution” for consumers.The ban, which took effect on Tuesday, applies to businesses across all sectors. Companies can still contact customers about an existing contract, but they must obtain consent before making marketing calls.A 2025 parliamentary report found that 97% of people in France were annoyed by unsolicited sales calls. It also found that 72% of French people received calls on their mobile phones at least once a week, while 38% said they were contacted daily.The report described telemarketing as “one of those rare issues that unites people in France”.Businesses making marketing calls will now need prior approval from consumers and must retain evidence of that consent.Consumer advocacy group Que Choisir Ensemble welcomed the move, calling it a “small revolution” for the sales industry.“It cannot be stressed enough that peace and quiet is a right, and it is time to stop exposing consumers to unwanted solicitations,” the group said in a statement.Its president Marie-Amandine Stévenin said the issue extended beyond telephone marketing.“This observation also holds true online and on the street, which are saturated with demands to consume,” she said.Stévenin said the organisation had long campaigned “for an end to the automatic assumption that someone in their home or private life is a potential customer.”“This is a victory for consumers, the vast majority of whom do not want to receive sales calls,” she said.The new restrictions have raised concerns among businesses and in Morocco, where the call-centre industry relies heavily on the French market.A Moroccan government minister estimated that the restrictions could put up to 50,000 jobs at risk, according to a report in newspaper Le Matin.France’s direct-selling industry has also criticised the new requirements.Frédéric Billon, head of the Fédération de la Vente Directe (FVD), said companies would face additional administrative burdens.“You’ll have to obtain written consent from your customer, and you’ll also have to keep proof of that consent,” Billon said in comments reported by the New York Times.
European countries take different approaches
France’s move comes as Germany, Austria and Italy already have restrictions on unsolicited telemarketing calls.The UK has a less restrictive approach. Most cold calls remain legal as long as the recipient has not objected and the number is not on the statutory list covering people or businesses that do not wish to receive such calls.
Advait Upadhyay, an IIT alumnus with a master’s degree in cybersecurity.
BENGALURU: Search operations for 31-year-old cyber security professional Advait Upadhyay resumed on Wednesday, with nearly 100 personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Forest Department and police scouring the treacherous slopes of Shivagange Hill in Nelamangala taluk.
Drone spots ‘body’
The operation took a crucial turn after high-resolution drones spotted what appeared to be a body trapped amid dense vegetation at the base of Shantala Drop, a notoriously steep and dangerous cliff point on the hill.Police deployed specialised body-found metal detectors from the Bengaluru City Police Commissionerate along with drones to help teams navigate the difficult terrain.
Advait went missing after solo trek
Advait, an IIT graduate residing in Kadugodi with his fiancée Prapti Chauhan, went missing on Friday after setting out on a solo trek. He had informed Chauhan about his trekking plan before leaving. The couple was set to get married in January.CCTV footage from the foothills showed Advait parking his rented motorcycle and beginning his climb around 7.30am. Before ascending, he sent a selfie to Chauhan from the hilltop, but his mobile phone was switched off shortly afterwards.Technical analysis later showed that his phone’s last known location signal had pinged near Kudur on Kunigal Road, an area away from the standard trekking path.
Police examine suicide angle
During a parallel investigation at his residence, police examined Advait’s laptop and found search histories relating to the depth and topography of Shivagange Hill and Shantala Drop. He had also searched for suicide locations around Bengaluru.Police, however, said they were keeping all possibilities open and were also examining the possibility of foul play or other explanations.“Nearly 100 search personnel are braving persistent rain and slippery cliffs to reach the visual location flagged by the drone. We are keeping all possibilities open, examining both a suicide angle based on his search history and potential foul play or alternate theories,” police sources told TOI.Teams push towards Shantala DropPersistent rain and slippery cliffs have made the search operation challenging. Specialised teams are continuing to move towards the location identified by the drone at the base of Shantala Drop.Search and rescue operations remain ongoing as multiple agencies work to locate Advait.
Mirzapur The Movie cast fees revealed (Image Credits Instagram)
The trailer for ‘Mirzapur: The Movie’ has been released and fans are buzzing about the return of the original cast members who once ruled the OTT space. With big names including Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Divyendu Sharma, Ravi Kishan, and others reuniting on the big screen, viewers have been left curious about how much each star charged for the full-fledged theatrical film. Here’s a breakdown of the reported cast fees for ‘Mirzapur: The Movie.‘
Pankaj Tripathi reportedly charges Rs 15 crore, becomes the highest-paid actor
As per varied reports from Filmii Talks, NDTV and Free Press Journal, Pankaj Tripathi, who reprises his role as Kaleen Bhaiya in Mirzapur: The Movie, allegedly charged a whopping Rs 15 crore for the much-awaited film. With this reported fee, he is said to be the highest-paid actor associated with the project.
Ali Fazal and Divyenndu Sharma‘s reported fees for ‘Mirzapur: The Movie’
Ali Fazal, who returns as fan-favourite Guddu Pandit aka Guddu Bhaiya, reportedly took home Rs 4 crore for the film. Divyenndu Sharma, who reprises his popular role as Munna Tripathi, reportedly charged Rs 3 crore for his part in the project.
Jitendra Kumar and Shweta Tripathi‘s fees for ‘Mirzapur: The Movie’
Jitendra Kumar, who takes over the role of Bablu Pandit aka Yadav Ji in the film, replacing Vikrant Massey, who played the character in the original series, reportedly charged Rs 1.5 crore. Shweta Tripathi, who reprises her role as Gajgamini “Golu” Gupta, reportedly earned Rs 95 lakh for Mirzapur: The Movie.
‘Mirzapur: The Movie’s budget
As per Flickonclick and Free Press Journal, ‘Mirzapur: The Movie’ has a reported budget of around Rs 250 crore. The report notes that this figure remains an estimate and has not been officially confirmed by the makers. The reported budget reflects the massive scale of the theatrical adaptation as the popular Amazon Prime Video series, ‘Mirzapur’ franchise makes its ambitious and fan demanded big-screen debut.
About ‘Mirzapur: The Movie’
The official trailer for ‘Mirzapur: The Movie’ was released on August 11, 2026, ahead of its theatrical release scheduled for September 4, 2026. Directed by Gurmmeet Singh and written by Puneet Krishna, the film brings back franchise favourites Pankaj Tripathi as Kaleen Bhaiya, Ali Fazal as Guddu Pandit, and Divyenndu Sharma as Munna Tripathi, along with Ravi Kishan, Jitendra Kumar, Rasika Dugal, Shweta Tripathi, and others. The movie is produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar under Excel Entertainment.DISCLAIMER: Figures presented in this article are derived from various public sources and are considered approximate unless explicitly noted. We may include direct input from celebrities or their teams when available. We are open to feedback on toientertainment@timesinternet.in.
William (Bill) H. Gates, founder, technology advisor of Microsoft Corporation. Image Credit: Ken Shipp/ Wikimedia commons
Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, has shifted from a global technology leader into the most significant private owner of farmland in the United States. His portfolio now spreads to approximately 242,000 acres of agricultural land, which represents a massive investment in the nation’s soil. His name is sometimes associated with software and global health initiatives, but the shift into the agricultural sector highlights a growing trend of wealthy private interest in rural property.Much of these holdings are concentrated in the southern states, particularly in Louisiana and Arkansas, where vast stretches of productive land are now managed by his investment. This development has given rise to a widespread conversation among agricultural communities and economists about the impact of non-farming landlords.
Total amount of farmland owned by Bill Gates in the US
According to ‘Arkansas Money & Politics,’ Gates has accumulated a total of 268,984 acres of land across the country. The majority of this contains farmland, but the portfolio also includes more than 25,000 acres of transitional land and over 1,200 acres used for recreation. The distribution of these holdings is particularly dense in the Delta region. In Louisiana, the Gates family owns 69,071 acres, which represents more than a quarter of their entire land portfolio. Arkansas is close to this number, with total holdings of 47,927 acres.Despite these vast numbers, the Associated Press reports that Gates does not own the majority of American farmland. To put it in perspective, the United States Department of Agriculture reported there were roughly 895 million total acres of farmland in the country in 2021. This means that Bill Gates is indeed the largest private owner, but his holdings account for less than 1% of the total agricultural land in the US.
Image Credit: Wikipedia
Why Bill Gates is investing heavily in the American soil
Bill Gates has indicated that his investment group is focused on environmental and scientific goals. As reported by the Associated Press, he suggested that these acquisitions are connected to the development of more productive seeds and the advancement of biofuels. He believes that better seeds can help in preventing deforestation and help regions like Africa in dealing with climate difficulties. Furthermore, he noted that cheap biofuels could eventually solve emissions problems in the aviation and trucking industries.However, there is also a clear financial logic to these purchases. Research fromLouisiana State University (LSU) explains that farmland has become a highly attractive alternative investment. Historically, farmland has acted as a hedge against inflation, which means that its value sometimes rises even when the purchasing power of money falls. The thesis notes that agricultural assets are different from traditional financial assets like stocks.
Private investment as a wider trend in American agriculture
The rise of Bill Gates as a landlord is part of a larger shift in how American land is owned and managed. The National Farmers Union points out that nearly 40% of US farmland is now owned by non-farmers who rent the land out to agricultural producers. In some specific regions, this figure is as high as 80%. This ‘financialisation’ of the countryside is causing the farmland to move from local families to the portfolios of pension funds, private equity firms, and wealthy individuals.
A centre pivot irrigation system on a field. Image Credit: Laura Wilson farm , USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Concerns for the future of farmland in the United States
The National Farmers Union warns that the entry of wealthy investors like Bill Gates has pushed up the price of farmland, which makes it almost impossible for small-scale farmers to buy their own property. Since 1970, the price of an average acre of American farmland has more than tripled when adjusted for inflation. This has led to a situation where just 13% of farming operations now control 75% of the country’s cropland.There are also environmental concerns. The National Farmers Union explains that when farmers only rent land on short-term leases, they become less motivated to invest in long-term conservation practices like protecting soil and water quality. Landowners without agricultural experience may not understand the importance of these natural resources or may be unwilling to spend that rental income on the efforts for conservation. Roughly 400 million acres of land is expected to shift from one owner to the next in the coming decade, which suggests that the battle over who owns the American soil, and how they treat it, is just beginning.
