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Google Poised To Allow Crypto ETF Ads Amid Regulatory Shifts

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Manali Goswami
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Google Poised To Allow Crypto ETF Ads Amid Regulatory Shifts

Google is preparing to update its cryptocurrency advertising policies to allow advertisements related to cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs), reversing its 2018 ban on crypto ads.

As per reports, Google’s new policy language indicates it may permit ads for “Cryptocurrency Coin Trusts”, likely referring to Bitcoin ETFs that hold cryptocurrency assets.

This shift follows recent decisions by the US Securities regulator allowing several firms such as BlackRock and Fidelity Investments to launch spot Bitcoin ETFs. Industry experts state that Google’s relaxed advertising rules could now help these ETF issuers reach more investors.

Back in 2018, Google enforced strict prohibitions on all cryptocurrency-related advertisements, including on exchanges, wallets, trading advice, and initial coin offerings. The move intended to shield retail investors from potential risks.

However, Cryptocurrency ETFs that trade on stock exchanges offer exposure to digital assets through shares of trusts, providing a regulated investment vehicle. Their approval prompted Google to revisit its advertising policies.

By permitting ads by ETF firms, Google stands to benefit issuers like BlackRock which can attract investors at lower costs. This indicates changing sentiments around cryptocurrencies among mainstream corporations.

The anticipated policy update marks a notable departure from Google’s earlier hardline stance. Experts have termed this as a response to maturing crypto regulation that compelled the tech giant to rethink its marketing rules to adapt to the evolving ecosystem.

As the cryptocurrency industry witnesses wider adoption, observers expect more corporations to slowly embrace related products and services, as evident in Google’s upcoming advertising policy overhaul.

Namita Thapar Achieves First Shark Exit From Rare Planet At 3.5x Returns

By
Manali Goswami
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Namita Thapar Achieves First Shark Exit From Rare Planet At 3.5x Returns

Prominent investor and ‘Shark Tank India’ judge Namita Thapar has registered her maiden exit from any investment made on the startup reality show.

Thapar had invested an undisclosed sum in Rare Planet, an airport retail chain, during the first season of Shark Tank India in 2021. With its exceptional growth in under two years, she has managed a 3.5x return on investment while taking a partial exit from the company.

Founded by entrepreneurs Ranodeep Saha and Vijaya Kumar TR, Rare Planet caught the eye of several sharks through its unique business model and social impact. Since Namita Thapar backed the startup, its revenue has multiplied five times over while expanding from 5 to over 37 airports across India.

Rare Planet’s store count now stands at 50 outlets, including a luxury retail format called Rare Planet Luxe. The company will be unveiling more specialized store options at tier-2 airports going forward. Its product range has also diversified from handcrafted souvenirs to include fashion accessories and packaged F&B.

A highlight of Rare Planet is how it sources authentic regional handicrafts from over 10,000 artisans, empowering local talent. Thapar had been impressed by its commitments to uplift artisans by funding children’s education and increasing incomes by 180%.

Announcing her partial exit at 3.5x returns, Thapar underlined the startup’s achievement in such a short timeframe. Industry analysts have hailed this exit as a positive signal for India’s burgeoning startup funding ecosystem. It also highlights the meteoric growth attained by ventures gaining recognition through platforms such as Shark Tank India.

With its expansion of footprint and deepening of social impact, Rare Planet serves as a trailblazing example of how the Shark Tank India wave is positively transforming entrepreneurial aspirations into scalable ventures generating wealth and employment.

Former Pakistani PM Imran Khan Receives 10-Year Prison Sentence For Breach Of Official Secrets

By
Manali Goswami
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0
Former Pakistani PM Imran Khan Receives 10-Year Prison Sentence For Breach Of Official Secrets

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and ex-Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi were sentenced to 10 years in jail by a special court on Tuesday in the ‘cipher’ case.

The verdict comes just over a week ahead of the general elections scheduled for February 8th.

Khan and Qureshi were convicted under the Official Secrets Act for allegedly failing to return a confidential diplomatic cipher sent by the Pakistan embassy in Washington.

According to the First Information Report filed by the Federal Investigation Agency, the document contained alleged threats from the US to remove Khan from power in 2022. His party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has termed the case as a conspiracy by foreign powers.

This marks the second conviction for Khan this year. He was previously given a 3-year jail term by an anti-terrorism court in October 2022 in the Toshakhana case for illegally selling state gifts. Meanwhile, this is the first conviction for Qureshi.

Soon after Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain pronounced the 10-year sentence, Qureshi protested that his statement had not been properly recorded. However, the judge left the courtroom shortly after.

The PTI slammed the ‘sham trial’ claiming the verdict was part of the alleged ‘London Plan’ to sideline Khan from contesting the upcoming polls. The party has alleged unfair targeting by state agencies in the lead-up to the elections.

Khan currently faces several cases slammed against him since being ousted via a no-confidence vote in April 2022. While legal experts expect his sentence may be suspended on appeal, the verdict marks a major setback for Khan and his party days before the crucial polls.

AI Investments Drive New Wave Of Layoffs In Silicon Valley

By
Manali Goswami
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0
AI Investments Drive New Wave Of Layoffs In Silicon Valley

As major tech companies prepare to announce quarterly earnings, analysts foresee the impact of significant investments in artificial intelligence (AI) amidst a recent spate of layoffs across the sector.

According to industry experts, the job cuts reflect a strategic shift among Silicon Valley stalwarts like Microsoft, Meta, Google, and Amazon as they reposition themselves by betting big on AI. The layoffs, though not as severe as the levels seen in late 2022, indicate a ‘new normal’ for the tech industry.

In the past year alone, around 260,000 tech jobs were slashed globally, revealed data from layoffs tracking site layoffs. FYI. In just the first four weeks of 2023, nearly 25,000 job cuts have been announced across 93 companies.

Last week, Google CEO Sundar Pichai confirmed impending layoffs to create capacity for priorities like AI, though the scale remains undisclosed. Similar workforce reductions continue at firms like Microsoft and Amazon.

Analysts estimate nearly 20% of the recent job losses involve roles made redundant by the rise of generative AI. The rapid integration of coding tasks by AI tools is leading to transformed operations in Silicon Valley first before trickling down across other sectors globally.

As per Wedbush analysts, significant layoffs appear to have peaked, but top-tier tech firms aim to bolster strategic technologies like AI while streamlining non-core businesses, adjusting from pandemic-era overexpansion.

Roger Lee, founder of layoffs.FYI, notes a copycat effect among companies rushing to announce job cuts to impress investors. However tech consultant John Blevins views the adoption of AI as a business optimization tool impacting every industry.

This tech churn reflects how Silicon Valley, at the frontier of emerging technology, also bears the earliest brunt of disruption from innovations like AI. Tough workforce decisions pave the way for researching futuristic tech, suggesting AI-driven layoffs as a new normal.

Vicky Jain Showers Praise On Wife Ankita Lokhande After Her Bigg Boss 17 Journey

By
Manali Goswami
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0
Bigg Boss 17

Businessman Vicky Jain poured appreciation on his wife, TV actor Ankita Lokhande, following her stint on the reality show Bigg Boss Season 17. Ankita was recently evicted from the Bigg Boss house prior to the grand finale episode.

Taking to Instagram, Vicky shared multiple photos with Ankita from the finale episode where he had made an appearance to support her. In the pictures, the couple can be seen warmly embracing each other.

Vicky captioned the post, “Ankita, you did the Jains & the Lokhandes proud! Be it the way you played the game or the way you did not give up, everything about you was the best.”

He added that Ankita’s fans, friends, and family must be proud of her journey on the show.

Ankita and Vicky both entered Bigg Boss 17 as contestants but the latter was evicted earlier in a mid-week elimination. Ankita managed to make it to the top 5 before being eliminated right before the finale.

Host Salman Khan had expressed shock at Ankita’s eviction, saying he assumed she would win the season given her popularity.

The 17th season was eventually lifted by stand-up artist Munawar Faruqui while TV actor Abhishek Kumar finished as the runner-up. Other finalists included Shiv Thakare, Archana Gautam and MC Stan.

An emotional Ankita bid adieu to the show, expressing her gratitude towards fans for their overwhelming support during her stint.

Indian Markets Open Lower Amid Volatility

By
Manali Goswami
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0
Indian Markets Open Lower Amid Volatility

The Indian equity benchmarks opened lower on Tuesday amid high volatility in early trade. The BSE Sensex fell 164 points to 71,777 in opening deals while the NSE Nifty 50 Index declined 23 points to 21,715.

On the BSE Sensex pack, Bajaj Finance was the top loser in early trade, falling 3.85%. Other major losers included Reliance Industries, ITC, ICICI Bank, UltraTech Cement, and Kotak Mahindra Bank. Conversely, Hindustan Unilever, JSW Steel, Tata Motors, Wipro, Tata Steel, and Bharti Airtel bucked the weak market trend to trade higher.

The broader Indian stock markets also witnessed selling pressure in early deals. The BSE Midcap Index rose 0.6% while the BSE Smallcap Index climbed 0.8%, performing better than benchmark indexes.

All sectoral indices on the NSE traded in the positive zone barring the Nifty Energy Index. The Nifty IT Index rose 0.5% followed by gains in metal, realty, and oil & gas shares.

In stock-specific action, shares of Bajaj Finance slumped 3.85% to emerge as the top BSE Sensex loser. The company will announce its December quarter earnings later in the day which remains in focus.

On Monday, the Sensex had rallied 1,241 points to end at 71,942 while the Nifty 50 Index surged 385 points to 21,738. In the US, Wall Street indexes also ended at record highs, led by sharp gains in technology and internet stocks. Investors now await the outcome of the two-day US Federal Reserve policy meeting which gets underway later today.

Sensex Soars Over 1,200 Points; Nifty Tops 21,700 As Reliance Fuels Rally

By
Manali Goswami
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0
Sensex Soars Over 1,200 Points; Nifty Tops 21,700 As Reliance Fuels Rally

Indian equity benchmarks Sensex and Nifty posted strong gains on Monday, tracking an over 6% surge in index heavyweight Reliance Industries amid positive global cues.

The BSE Sensex zoomed 1,241 points to end at 71,942, while the NSE Nifty 50 index jumped 385 points to settle at 21,738.

Shares of Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries skyrocketed nearly 7% after the company announced plans to acquire New York-based solar energy software developer SenseHawk for $32 million.

The rally in Reliance, along with broad-based buying support across sectors, powered the domestic markets higher. Nifty PSU bank, auto, and financial services stocks climbed between 1-2.5%.

However, IT majors like Infosys, TCS, and Tech Mahindra faced selling pressure and capped gains.

The market breadth was also positive, with midcap and smallcap shares rising over 1% each. The volatility index India VIX spiked nearly 13%.

Globally, Asian indexes ended higher even as European markets traded lower. Wall Street had finished last week on a mixed note.

While foreign fund outflows of Rs 2,144 crore on Thursday may weigh on domestic investor sentiment, the ongoing momentum is likely to be sustained if global cues remain supportive, analysts said.

Going ahead, investors will keenly monitor the RBI’s policy decision on Wednesday for further direction.

Netflix To Release ‘Buried Truth’ Docuseries On Sheena Bora Murder Case, Starring Indrani Mukerjea

By
Manali Goswami
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0
Netflix To Release 'Buried Truth' Docuseries On Sheena Bora Murder Case, Starring Indrani Mukerjea

Netflix announced its upcoming true crime docuseries – ‘The Indrani Mukerjea Story: Buried Truth’ on Monday. Slated to premiere on February 23, it will see prime accused Indrani Mukerjea break her silence on the high-profile Sheena Bora murder case.

The series promises to uncover complex family dynamics and motivations behind the shocking death of Bora in 2012. Her sister Indrani Mukerjea and husband Peter Mukerjea were arrested in 2015 for her murder.

Through interviews with Mukerjea, her children Vidhie and Mikhail Bora, journalists, and lawyers, the documentary examines the sensational scandal that gripped India. It is produced by Shaana Levy and Uraaz Bahl under MakeMake Productions and is made in collaboration with India Today Group.

The poster only shows half of Indrani’s face, indicating the ‘buried truths’ to be further revealed in the series. This marks Netflix’s second Indian true crime docuseries in recent months after January’s ‘Curry and Cyanide’ on alleged serial killer Jolly Joseph.

With rare access to Indrani Mukerjea, the main accused out on bail presently, ‘Buried Truth’ promises explosive revelations on her side of the story. The bizarre twists and turns around the Bora murder case, also linked to INX media, have kept Indian audiences hooked since 2015.

Now Netflix will stream the definitive docuseries on the mysterious tragedy that exposed dark family secrets and chilled the public for its brutality. Early reports suggest Indrani may claim her innocence or make shocking confessions that challenge the current narrative. Viewers await answers when Buried Truth premieres this February 23.

UK Announces Ban On Disposable Vapes To Curb Youth Addiction

By
Manali Goswami
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0
UK Announces Ban On Disposable Vapes To Curb Youth Addiction

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is set to announce a ban on the sale of disposable e-cigarettes or vapes on Monday, as part of efforts to prevent vaping addiction among youth.

The move comes alongside plans to restrict vape flavors, mandate plain packaging, and change how vaping products are displayed in shops – making them less visible and appealing to children.

Sunak stated, “Alongside our commitment to stop those turning 15 or younger from legally buying cigarettes, these changes will leave a lasting legacy by protecting our children’s health.”

While vapes help smokers quit, their growing use among youth has raised health concerns. Currently, 9% of 11-15-year-olds in the UK use vapes. Last December, the WHO called for a global ban on all vape flavors which attract young users.

However, the vaping industry argues flavors play a key role in getting smokers to switch to the comparatively less harmful vapes. They warn the changes may deter cigarette smokers from transitioning.

Sunak contends, “I must do what I think is right for our country in the long term. That is why I am taking bold action to ban disposable vapes which have driven the rise in youth vaping.”

Apart from health impacts, the disposable vape ban also aims to reduce waste as nearly 5 million get discarded weekly in the UK.

The sale of tobacco to anyone born after January 1, 2009, is already prohibited under the previous policy. Now the disposable vape ban signals more aggressive steps against smoking, which causes 80,000 deaths annually in Britain.

Karthik Mahesh Wins Bigg Boss Kannada Season 10 And Takes Home Rs 50 Lakh Prize

By
Manali Goswami
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0
Karthik Mahesh Wins Bigg Boss Kannada Season 10 And Takes Home Rs 50 Lakh Prize

After over 100 days inside the Bigg Boss house, Karthik Mahesh emerged victorious in the grand finale of Bigg Boss Kannada Season 10 on January 28th.

Hosted by Sandalwood superstar Kiccha Sudeep, the show culminated with Mahesh beating fellow finalist Drone Prathap to bag the coveted Bigg Boss trophy.

An emotional Mahesh was handed a cheque for Rs 50 lakhs, a new car, and an electric scooter by Sudeep. “You will now be called Bigg Boss Kannada 10 winner, Karthik Mahesh,” declared the host. Prathap received Rs 10 lakhs and a scooter as first runner-up.

Mahesh gained admiration for his competitive spirit despite numerous conflicts inside the house. His perseverance to defend himself and win tasks ultimately earned him a dedicated fan base that voted him to triumph.

Even Sudeep applauded his game plan and tenacity through the ups and downs. Mahesh, Prathap, and Angeetha Sringeri competed in the finale, with Sringeri getting evicted in third place. She thanked fans for their support.

Interestingly, Mahesh’s equation with Sringeri sparked rumors during the season. But their bond eventually deteriorated as gameplay intensified towards the end.

A visibly emotional Karthik Mahesh thanked his fans and the channel for the opportunity. With his winner’s trophy, he surely overcame all hurdles on one of Kannada television’s most popular shows.

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