Article written by Judith Faith

Indian Railways

Indian Railways issues NFT-based train tickets

1 min read

Indian Railways is set to introduce NFT-based train tickets for the MahaKumbh Mela 2025, collaborating with Chaincode Consulting. These tickets, minted on the Polygon blockchain, enhance the travel experience for millions attending this significant Hindu pilgrimage. The MahaKumbh Mela occurs every 144 years in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage of Humanity. The use of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) for ticketing combines tradition with modern

Tether is relocating its headquarters to El Salvador

Tether is relocating its headquarters to El Salvador

1 min read

Tether, a major cryptocurrency firm known for its stablecoin USDT, is moving its headquarters to El Salvador. This decision supports El Salvador’s aim to become a cryptocurrency trading center, as stated by CEO Paolo Ardoino. Along with the headquarters, Ardoino and other co-founders will relocate to the country. El Salvador gained attention three years ago when President Nayib Bukele made Bitcoin legal tender alongside the U.S. dollar. Tether is taking

XRP has experienced a significant rise of 9.89%, reaching $2.59, driven by recent adoption news. Currently, it is trading at $2.52, reflecting a 7.42% increase in the last 24 hours. This surge indicates growing interest in XRP, highlighted by increased trading volumes and emerging technical patterns. The market capitalization of XRP has climbed to $144.68 billion, also up by 7.42%. The trading volume in the past 24 hours has surged by 75.66%, reaching $8.89 billion, showing heightened trading activity. XRP's fully diluted valuation (FDV) is at $251.66 billion, with a market cap ratio of 6.1%. A significant number of short positions have been opened at $2.60, creating a critical liquidation zone. Market makers may target this level, which could lead to increased volatility. Traders are monitoring price movements closely around this threshold. XRP's chart presents mixed signals. Resistance is identified at $2.60, while immediate support is at $2.45. If XRP breaks above $2.60, it could rise towards $2.75. Conversely, if support fails, it may drop to $2.30. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is at 67.13, approaching the overbought territory.

XRP is up by over 10% with a market cap of $145B

1 min read

XRP has experienced a significant rise of 9.89%, reaching $2.59, driven by recent adoption news. Currently, it is trading at $2.52, reflecting a 7.42% increase in the last 24 hours. This surge indicates growing interest in XRP, highlighted by increased trading volumes and emerging technical patterns. The market capitalization of XRP has climbed to $144.68 billion, also up by 7.42%. The trading volume in the past 24 hours has surged

Kraken starts notifying customers about the distribution of FTX claims

Kraken starts notifying customers about the distribution of FTX claims

1 min read

Kraken has started distributing claims for creditors of the collapsed cryptocurrency exchange, FTX. This announcement comes from Sunil, an FTX creditor activist. Creditors who opted for Kraken to manage their claims are receiving emails confirming the completion of the onboarding process. This marks an important step in repaying creditors after FTX’s bankruptcy in 2022. BitGo, another company assigned to handle claims, will begin its distribution process soon, although no specific

A recent survey by Bitwise, an asset management firm, shows increasing interest in cryptocurrency among US financial advisors. The survey, conducted from November 14 to December 20, 2024, found that 56% of advisors are more likely to invest in crypto after the 2024 elections. This indicates a shift towards integrating crypto into mainstream financial portfolios. In 2024, 22% of advisors included crypto in client portfolios, a rise from 11% in 2023. Client interest is also high, with 96% of advisors receiving inquiries about cryptocurrency last year. Among those already investing in crypto, 99% plan to maintain or increase their investments in 2025. Bitwise's Chief Investment Officer, Matt Hougan, noted that 2024 marked a significant moment for crypto adoption, as advisors are recognizing its potential. However, challenges remain, as two-thirds of advisors still lack direct access to crypto for their clients. Access to crypto investments is limited, with only 35% of advisors able to directly purchase crypto for clients. Many advisors prefer crypto equity ETFs for market exposure without direct investment in cryptocurrencies. Regulatory concerns have also been a barrier, but in 2024, only 50% of advisors cited regulatory uncertainty as a major issue, down from previous years. The survey indicates a change in attitude among advisors who were once hesitant about crypto. In 2024, 8% of these advisors considered investing in crypto, which has now increased to 19%. This suggests a growing acceptance of crypto as a viable asset class. The Bitwise survey included 400 financial advisors from various sectors in the US. Looking ahead, 2025 is expected to be a crucial year for crypto in financial advisory, with rising demand, improved regulations, and new investment products likely to drive further adoption.

A Bitwise survey reveals 56% of US financial advisors plan crypto investments in 2025

1 min read

A recent survey by Bitwise, an asset management firm, shows increasing interest in cryptocurrency among US financial advisors. The survey, conducted from November 14 to December 20, 2024, found that 56% of advisors are more likely to invest in crypto after the 2024 elections. This indicates a shift towards integrating crypto into mainstream financial portfolios. In 2024, 22% of advisors included crypto in client portfolios, a rise from 11% in

Illuvium teams up with Virtuals Protocol to revolutionize NPC behavior using AI agents

Illuvium teams up with Virtuals Protocol to revolutionize NPC behavior using AI agents

1 min read

Illuvium has partnered with Virtuals Protocol to improve NPC behavior in its Overworld game through advanced AI technology. This partnership, revealed on January 7, seeks to swap out conventional, scripted NPCs for smart AI agents that can engage in real-time and create distinct personalities. The Overworld game, released in July 2024, will include NPCs that react to player actions, creating more engaging and personalized gameplay experiences. Virtuals Protocol offers a

Dogecoin drops by over 14% as Bitcoin slides $93K

Dogecoin drops by over 14% as Bitcoin slides $93K

1 min read

Dogecoin (DOGE) experienced significant losses, leading to a decline among major cryptocurrencies as Bitcoin (BTC) fell to nearly $93,000. This drop was linked to new economic data that caused U.S. Treasury yields to rise sharply. DOGE dropped by 14%, while other crypto like Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), BNB Chain (BNB), and Ethereum (ETH) also saw declines of at least 7%. Bitcoin itself fell by 5.5%. The downturn in the crypto

$75 billion asset manager ProShares files for Bitcoin ETFs

$75 billion asset manager ProShares files for Bitcoin ETFs

1 min read

ProShares, a leading asset manager with over $75 billion in assets, is seeking approval from the SEC to launch three innovative ETFs: the ProShares S&P 500 Bitcoin ETF, ProShares Nasdaq-100 Bitcoin ETF, and ProShares Gold Bitcoin ETF. These funds aim to track the performance of their respective indices and gold, but with a unique twist—they will measure returns in Bitcoin rather than US dollars. This approach is designed to appeal

Telegram now allows conversion of gifts into NFTs on The Open Network

Telegram now allows conversion of gifts into NFTs on The Open Network

1 min read

Toncoin (TON), the cryptocurrency associated with The Open Network (TON), is witnessing increased activity following Telegram’s recent update that allows users to convert digital gifts into tradable NFTs. This feature, part of Telegram’s major update for 2025, enables users to transform over 20 existing gifts—like Jelly Bunny and Santa Hat—into unique NFTs, which can be traded or auctioned within Telegram or on external marketplaces such as Getgems. To create an

Tron’s T3 Unit with Tether and TRM Labs freeze $100 million USDT tied to illicit activities

Tron’s T3 Unit with Tether and TRM Labs freeze $100 million USDT tied to illicit activities

1 min read

Tron’s T3 Financial Crime Unit, established in September, has made significant strides in combating illicit activities within the cryptocurrency space, successfully freezing $100 million in USDT linked to criminal actions. Collaborating with Tether and TRM Labs, the unit employs advanced blockchain intelligence tools to scrutinize over $3 billion in USDT transactions globally, identifying patterns of money laundering, scams, and terrorism financing. Notably, they uncovered $3 million in USDT allegedly associated

Morgan Stanley's E-Trade considers offering direct crypto trading services

Morgan Stanley’s E-Trade considers offering direct crypto trading services

1 min read

Morgan Stanley’s E-Trade division is considering introducing direct cryptocurrency trading services, a move that signals a shift in the firm’s strategy towards digital assets. This exploration comes amid expectations of pro-crypto regulatory changes anticipated under Donald Trump’s administration following his recent election victory. Currently, E-Trade provides indirect exposure to cryptocurrencies through investment products, but direct trading would represent a significant evolution in its offerings. Historically, Morgan Stanley has supported Bitcoin,

Celsius files an appeal for the $2B rejection claim against FTX

Celsius files an appeal for the $2B rejection claim against FTX

1 min read

Celsius Network has appealed Judge John Dorsey’s decision that rejected its $2 billion claim against the failed crypto exchange FTX. This legal fight is part of the ongoing chaos in the cryptocurrency industry, especially after the bankruptcy of both companies. Celsius claims that false statements from FTX leaders and partners hurt its reputation and finances, leading to its bankruptcy in July 2022. The company says that these public statements hurt

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