Category: India LIVE

Google Pay, a leading digital payment platform in India, has introduced a convenience fee for users settling utility bills via credit and debit cards. This development marks a significant shift from the platform's previous policy of offering fee-free transactions for essential services such as electricity and gas.

The newly imposed charges range between 0.5% and 1% of the transaction amount, in addition to the applicable Goods and Services Tax

President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose tariffs of 25% or more on imported pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and semiconductors, aiming to reduce the U.S. trade deficit and bolster domestic manufacturing. The tariffs are slated for formal announcement on April 2, following a comprehensive review of trade policies concluding on April 1. This move signifies a significant shift in U.S. trade policy, as pharmaceutical products have traditionally been exempt

Bitcoin, the leading cryptocurrency, is confronting a potential downturn as indicators point to diminishing demand and reduced network activity. CryptoQuant, a prominent blockchain analytics firm, has highlighted concerns that Bitcoin's value could decline to $86,000 if these trends persist.

As of February 20, 2025, Bitcoin is trading at $97,187, reflecting a 1.945% increase from the previous close. The day's trading range has seen highs of $97,340 and lows of $94,997. Despite this

Nigeria is intensifying its efforts to regulate and tax cryptocurrency activities, aiming to bolster national revenue and exert greater oversight over the burgeoning digital asset market. The Securities and Exchange Commission is revising regulations to encompass cryptocurrency transactions within the tax framework, reflecting a significant policy shift from previous restrictions to a more structured approach.

In a landmark legal move, Nigeria has filed a

Casino games, while designed to offer fair entertainment, have long been targets for cheaters seeking illicit gains. Recent incidents highlight the vulnerabilities in certain games, prompting casinos to enhance security measures.

Poker has emerged as a prime target for sophisticated cheating methods. In a notable case, French police arrested two individuals at a casino in Enghien-les-Bains. The suspects employed modified smartphones equipped with miniature cameras to capture images of dealt cards. These

Alibaba Cloud, the cloud computing division of Alibaba Group Holding, has inaugurated its first data centre in Mexico, marking a significant expansion of its services into Latin America. This development aims to accelerate digital transformation and foster innovation across the region by providing secure, resilient, and scalable cloud services to businesses, startups, developers, and organizations.

The new facility, launched on February 18, 2025, in Mexico

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio concluded his Middle East tour with a visit to the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday, engaging in discussions with President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The talks focused on regional stability, the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, and the enhancement of bilateral relations between the two nations.

During the meeting in Abu Dhabi, both leaders underscored

Nintendo has announced the termination of its My Nintendo Gold Points program, effective March 24, 2025, at 9:30 p.m. PDT. This decision coincides with the company's preparations for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console.

The My Nintendo Gold Points program allowed users to earn points from digital and eligible physical purchases, which could then be redeemed for discounts on future digital content. According to Nintendo's official statement, after the

Wintermute Trading Ltd., a prominent cryptocurrency market maker, has unveiled plans to broaden its footprint into the United States. The London-based firm intends to establish an office in New York and introduce over-the-counter trading products tailored for U.S. clientele. This strategic move is bolstered by a recent funding round spearheaded by Chinese technology conglomerate Tencent Holdings Ltd.

Chief Executive Officer Evgeny Gaevoy detailed the company's expansion blueprint during

Howard Lutnick, the billionaire CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, has been confirmed by the Senate as the new U.S. Secretary of Commerce. The Senate voted 51-45 in favor of Lutnick, a prominent Wall Street figure and close ally of President Donald Trump. Lutnick is expected to play a pivotal role in implementing the administration's trade policies, which include potential tariffs on foreign automobiles, semiconductors, and

Abu Dhabi-based defence conglomerate EDGE Group has announced its financial projections for 2025, aiming to sustain its impressive growth trajectory by matching its 2024 revenue of $5 billion. This ambitious target underscores the company's commitment to expanding its global footprint and enhancing its position in the international defence sector.

In 2024, EDGE Group reported a revenue of $4.9 billion, with over 20% derived from exports. The company's products and

Aptoide, a prominent independent app store, has officially launched its service for iPhone and iPad users within the European Union. This development offers EU consumers an alternative to Apple's App Store, expanding their options for app downloads and installations.

The introduction of Aptoide's platform is facilitated by the European Union's Digital Markets Act , which mandates that major technology companies, including Apple, permit third-party app

As Bitcoin approaches its all-time high, investors are turning their attention to small-cap cryptocurrencies with the potential for substantial returns. Among these, XYZVerse has emerged as a notable contender, alongside four other promising tokens.

XYZVerse is a sports-themed meme coin operating on the Polygon blockchain. It aims to merge the excitement of sports with the viral nature of meme coins, creating a unique niche

Advancements in quantum computing may eventually enable access to dormant Bitcoin wallets, including those of Bitcoin's elusive creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, according to Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino. In a statement on February 8, Ardoino suggested that while quantum computing currently poses no immediate threat to Bitcoin's cryptographic security, future developments could compromise inactive wallets lacking quantum-resistant protections.

Ardoino emphasized that Bitcoin's existing cryptographic structures remain robust,

The cryptocurrency market is currently experiencing heightened volatility, with the Bitcoin Fear and Greed Index indicating a significant surge in fear among investors. This sentiment shift has prompted a closer examination of alternative digital assets, particularly memecoins like DOGEN, which are gaining traction as potential high-reward investments.

As of February 19, 2025, Bitcoin is trading at $95,389, reflecting a decrease of $753 from the

Several factors have contributed to this decline. Analysts point to a combination of market volatility, regulatory uncertainties, and network challenges as key drivers behind the bearish trend. The broader cryptocurrency market has also

Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission has granted a license to Bullish, a prominent virtual asset trading platform, marking a significant milestone in the city's ambition to become a leading hub for digital assets. This approval allows Bullish to operate within Hong Kong's regulated framework, offering trading services to both institutional and retail investors.

The SFC's decision to license Bullish is part of a

Blockchain security firm Blockaid has raised $50 million in a Series B funding round led by Ribbit Capital, with participation from GV , Variant, and Cyberstarts. This investment aims to bolster Blockaid's research, engineering, and product development teams to meet the growing demand for robust on-chain security solutions.

Founded in 2022 by former Israeli cyber intelligence operatives, Blockaid has rapidly positioned itself as a key

Vantage Data Centers, a prominent global provider of hyperscale data center campuses, has entered into a strategic partnership with VoltaGrid, an innovator in advanced microgrid power generation. This collaboration aims to deploy more than one gigawatt of power generation capacity across Vantage's expanding North American portfolio, addressing the escalating demand for data center energy solutions without imposing additional strain on existing grid systems.

The

The United Arab Emirates' Ministry of Finance has unveiled a new certification program in International Public Sector Accounting Standards , developed in partnership with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants . This initiative aims to enhance the financial acumen of federal government employees, aligning the nation's public sector accounting practices with globally recognized standards.

The IPSAS certification program commenced with an inaugural training session

ACWA Power has signed a power purchase agreement worth SAR 8.6 billion with the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company to develop a 2-gigawatt wind power plant in South Hurghada, Egypt. The 25-year agreement was formalized on February 18, 2025, marking a significant milestone in Egypt's renewable energy expansion.

The project encompasses the development, financing, construction, ownership, and operation of the wind energy

Solitario Lab Grown Diamonds, an emerging player in the sustainable jewellery sector, has raised USD 3.6 million in pre-IPO funding. This investment will enable the company to bolster its retail presence, expand into new markets, and enhance its manufacturing capabilities. The round was led by a mix of institutional and private investors, highlighting the growing interest in the eco-friendly diamond industry.

Founded by Vivek Oberoi, Solitario has quickly gained

Prointek, a prominent player in the interactive technology and unified communication sectors, has officially opened its latest manufacturing facility in Greater Noida, marking a significant step towards bolstering India’s self-reliance in high-tech production. This new facility, strategically located in the National Capital Region, is expected to not only increase the company’s production capacity but also enhance its contribution to the rapidly expanding sector.

The 250,000-square-foot plant, which has been

Nigeria is set to implement new regulations taxing cryptocurrency transactions and digital activities, aiming to boost fiscal revenue and integrate compliant exchanges into the formal tax system. The Securities and Exchange Commission is developing rules to ensure eligible transactions on regulated exchanges are taxed appropriately.

A bill proposing a 7.5% value-added tax on cryptocurrency service fees has been submitted to lawmakers and is expected to pass this quarter. This initiative