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Taking India’s E-Rupee CBDC to the Next Level: Offline Testing in progress

By
Edmund Hurtt
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0

India has begun making offline testing of the E-Rupee banking card’s accessibility to Indian users of government services after finding that the platform’s online accessibility isn’t ultimately satisfactory.

As India’s economy continues to grow, the country is exploring ways to improve its digital payment infrastructure. One of the newest initiatives is a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) called E-Rupee. This CBDC has been developed to provide Indians with an easier way to make payments and store money electronically. To maximize accessibility, the Indian government has been testing offline functionality for E-Rupee which would allow users to access their funds without an internet connection.

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India’s Reserve Bank is making strides with its digital currency, the e-rupi, which was launched in August 2022. The currency has been in the testing phase and has so far been utilized in over 800,000 transactions, totaling approximately $134 million in value. The currency is now being tested for its offline functionality, according to Ajay Kumar Choudhary, the Executive Director at the Reserve Bank of India.

Choudhary revealed in an interview with CNBC-TV18 that the Reserve Bank of India is gauging the potential of the CBDC for cross-border transactions and the potential for linkage with other countries’ legacy systems. He also stated that the Reserve Bank of India is looking forward to the private sector and fintechs’ contribution to the CBDC, particularly in the areas of offline and cross-border transactions.

The RBI’s motivation for launching CBDC was to improve financial inclusion in the region and spearhead the digital economy. Speaking on behalf of the RBI, Choudhary noted that the CBDC will eventually act as a replacement for cryptocurrencies. He also mentioned that the CBDC will have all the features of physical currency, including anonymity.

On Feb. 21, India’s national payment network, the unified payments interface (UPI), expanded its services to Singapore, allowing citizens from India and Singapore to send money across borders quickly. Four major Indian banks, including the State Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank, Indian Bank and ICICI Bank, will facilitate outgoing remittances, while Axis Bank and DBS Bank India will facilitate incoming remittances. Singapore’s DBS Bank and Liquid Group will provide the service to users in the region.

The e-rupi’s potential for offline functionality will be a significant development, particularly in rural areas where internet connectivity may be limited. The ability to use CBDCs offline would allow individuals to complete transactions even when internet connectivity is not available. The CBDC’s potential for cross-border transactions could also be a game-changer, allowing people to send and receive money across borders quickly and securely.

The Reserve Bank of India’s progress with the e-rupi shows promise, and it will be interesting to see how the currency develops over the coming months. If the e-rupi proves to be successful, it could provide a blueprint for other countries looking to launch their own digital currencies.

Manchester United Players Deserve Recognition: Erik ten Hag’s Praise

By
Lillian Hocker
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0
Erik ten Hag's Praise Manchester United Players in recent interview

Erik ten Hag’s Praise Manchester United Players

Recalling Manchester United’s dark days isn’t necessary for their supporters, who can appreciate the team’s significant progress under Erik ten Hag’s leadership as they prepare for a match against Anfield this weekend. Despite eight players from the dismal 4-0 defeat against Liverpool last April remaining with the club, prominent squad members such as David de Gea, Bruno Fernandes, and Marcus Rashford still hold key roles, unlike Anthony Elanga and Harry Maguire, who are unlikely to start on Sunday. Roy Keane publicly exposed the squad’s shortcomings after that defeat and singled out the aforementioned players.

“I think it was anger at the start of the season, now I just think it is sadness,” Keane told Sky Sports. “You look at the team today, there was no heart, no soul, no leaders.

“They lacked quality, they were so far off. You look at the Manchester United fans, they don’t look surprised by the scoreline.”

Less than a year later, the tables have turned for Manchester United, with their incredible comeback being nothing short of remarkable. Although defeats to Brighton and Hove Albion and Brentford early in the season left them in a tough spot, their victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford in August turned the tide. Since then, the team has only lost four times across all competitions. While Erik ten Hag has been commended for his role in the club’s turnaround, his comments prior to the clash with Jurgen Klopp’s side emphasized the importance of recognizing the players’ efforts, rather than solely praising the Reds’ boss.

Ten Hag looked to do this when he said: “I think our team, our mentality in general is very good. I think we also have many leaders who set the mentality, who set the standards, who control the standards, who correct if necessary.

“I think we are happy with this process but it can always be better. That has to be the approach.”

Keane would have been the first to admit in April that United’s mentality was severely lacking but just less than a year on, the former captain has no choice but to admit that these players have done what was needed to turn their reputations around. On Sunday, no matter the result, United supporters heading to Anfield will know that this team is heading in the right direction and is unlikely to slip into the bad habits they saw 11 months ago.

Olivia Wilde gave us a masterclass in travel style at Paris Fashion Week

By
John Collins
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0

Olivia Wilde gave us a masterclass in travel style as she flew from Los Angeles to Paris for Fashion Week yesterday.

The actress was seen leaving her hotel in the romantic city shortly after she arrived in a cool casual look. It comprises a black velvet blazer worn over a crisp white shirt, gray wide-leg jeans, and black leather platform shoes. She topped her look off with cat-eye sunglasses and the new It Holdall Saint Laurent: a black quilted leather piece with gold detailing that’s easy to take from plane to road.

Later that day, Wilde sat in the front row at the Saint Laurent Fall/Winter 2023-24 event. For the occasion, she opted for an elegant all-black look consisting of a side-cut mini dress with a sheer skirt, sheer Calzedonia tights, a floor-length double-breasted coat, black silk pointed-toe shoes, and the same cat. The sunglasses he was wearing earlier.

For glam, she opted for natural pink make-up, glossy nude lips, and a relaxed wavy hairstyle.

Wilde joined a number of other stylish VIPs at the event, including Zoe Kravitz, who wore a one-shoulder mini dress; Salma Hayek, who was a vision in a forest green maxi dress; and Dua Lipa, who looked effortlessly cool in a hooded jumpsuit and floor-length fur coat.

Foxconn Apple supplier is seeking semiconductor and electric car deals in India

By
John Collins
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Apple supplier Foxconn said it sought Indian cooperation partners in areas such as chips and electric vehicles after its chief executive concluded his visit to the country.

Taiwanese company Foxconn intends to expand its operations with the South Asian giant after severe supply disruptions in China last year. The company has been recovering from a crash earlier this year.

“India is a country with a large population,” said Young Liu, the company’s chairman and chief executive, in a statement on Saturday. “My trip this week supports Foxconn’s efforts to deepen partnerships… and seek cooperation in new areas such as semiconductor and electric vehicle development.”

He added that Foxconn would continue to communicate with local authorities to find the most profitable development opportunities for the company and all stakeholders.

The company best known for making Apple’s iPhone (AAPL) is one of the largest electronics manufacturers in the world. Now expanding into other areas, including electric vehicles.

Liu did not disclose any investment spending in India during his trip, including meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The company already has factories in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

On Friday, the investment promotion office in the southern Indian state of Karnataka said Foxconn had announced a significant deal there, and 300 hectares of land had been allocated for a facility. He said the investment would create 100,000 jobs in the state over 10 years.

According to a Bloomberg report citing unnamed sources, the company plans to invest around $700 million in a new factory in Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka, to manufacture iPhone components.

India is emerging as an attractive alternative to China for companies like Apple. One of India’s top ministers, Piyush Goyal, said in January that Apple plans to increase production in the South Asian country to a quarter of its total from the current 5% to 7%.

For years, Apple has relied on its extensive manufacturing network in China to mass-produce iPhones, iPads, and other popular products. But its reliance on the state was tested last year by Beijing’s strict zero-Covid strategy, which it swiftly dismantled last December.

Apple devices are manufactured in India by Taiwanese companies Foxconn, Wistron, and Pegatron.

Twitter Revenue Adjusted Profit Drops About 40 Percent in December

By
John Collins
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Twitter Inc reported a decline in earnings and adjusted earnings of about 40 percent year-over-year for December, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, citing a source familiar with the matter.

The report comes as some advertisers cut spending on social media platforms after Elon Musk acquired the company on Oct. 27, resulting in a 71% drop in ad spend on Twitter in December, according to advertising research firm Standard The Media Index.

Twitter did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters.

Musk, who warned of Twitter’s potential bankruptcy in November, said in December that the company was on track to become “cashless” by 2023.

Twitter made its first interest payment in January on a loan the bank provided to fund billionaire Musk’s purchase of the social media company last year.

Actor Tom Sizemore Died at 61 after being taken off life support

By
Lillian Hocker
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0

Tom Sizemore, known for his roles in films such as “Saving Private Ryan” and “Black Hawk Down,” has passed away at the age of 61. The news was confirmed by Sizemore’s manager Charles Lago, who stated that the actor died after being taken off life support. Lago added that Sizemore passed away peacefully in his sleep at St Joseph’s Hospital Burbank, with his brother Paul and twin boys Jayden and Jagger at his side.

On February 27, 2023, Lago had revealed that doctors informed Sizemore’s family that there was no further hope and recommended end-of-life decision. The actor had suffered from a brain aneurysm on February 18, 2023, which led to his collapse at his Los Angeles home. He was then taken to the hospital by paramedics and had remained in critical condition in a coma under intensive care.

In a statement, Sizemore’s brother Paul expressed his deep sadness at the loss of his “big brother Tom.” Sizemore’s passing marks a loss for the entertainment industry, as well as for his family, friends, and fans who admired his work over the years.

Official Statement of his Brother

“He was larger than life. He has influenced my life more than anyone I know. He was talented, loving, giving and could keep you entertained endlessly with his wit and storytelling ability. I am devastated he is gone and will miss him always.”

5 fun reasons to play Spire Blast in 2023

By
John Collins
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0

Spire Blast is one of the best casual games on Apple Arcade. It is a physics-based match game that offers tons of crushing fun.

With more than 200 titles on Apple’s gaming service, finding the best is hard. Here are five reasons why Spire Blast is worth trying today

1. Smashy, smashy
Spire Blast gives you a tower with different colored blocks and gives you blocks of the same color to throw at the building. Hit a block on the lookout with a thrown block of the same color, and they both fall. Hit a group of blocks of that color, and they will all fall.

This, of course, makes the building unstable. Remove enough blocks, and it will collapse. It was so satisfying. Toppling a tower satisfies a deep inner need to destroy things.

The challenge comes from the number of stones you have to throw. You must be strategic or you will escape without destroying the tower.

The game is similar to Jenga, except you don’t have to clean up the messy blocks after each round. Your Apple device takes care of this hassle.

To be clear, this is not realistic violence at all. The buildings are so cartoonish that even the animated characters can’t live in them. They are just targets to be knocked down.

2. So many different game options

Knocking down towers by throwing bricks is the simplest version of Spire Blast. The developer, Orbital Knight, added a lot of complications to keep the game interesting.

These include moving shields, locked blocks that need to be hit multiple times, blocks that change color, and blocks that don’t have color, so you can’t destroy them directly. One of my favorites is the block fed dragon. You do this by bringing down towers on him – something he likes.

As well as colored bricks to throw at your tower, you’ll find rockets, potions that remove blocks of a certain color, and other tools of destruction.

Orbital Knight adds special events throughout the year that allow players to play additional game variations.

3. Spire Blast remains attractive as it becomes more and more challenging
When you play a traditional game like solitaire, your last game is just as tricky as the first. This does not apply to Spire Blast. It’s constantly changing and getting more challenging.

It starts easy, but it’s just to teach you how to play. (Or maybe it makes you cocky.) It’s going to get a lot more complicated soon.

I have already mentioned various possibilities. The demons in Orbital Knight not only mixed it up, but the game kept piling it up. As you progress through the game, you must take down towers with five or six different types of complications using a limited number of throwing blocks.

It keeps the game interesting. You’ll get better and better at the game over time, so the towers have to get harder and harder to get boring.

Don’t expect to complete each level successfully the first time. This is especially true as you enter the higher and more challenging levels.

However, Spire Blast also allows you to always fall back on simpler towers if you just want to take down a few buildings without getting into epic fights. The blocks are set up differently each time, so there’s a lot of replayability.

4. Played fast

That’s what you want in a casual game. Play five minutes or five hours – it’s up to you.

I love playing during commercial breaks on TV shows. A game round lasts roughly as long as a few adverts, whether you win or lose.

Note that when I say “quick play,” I mean just each level. There are hundreds of challenging levels to complete. And Orbital Knight regularly adds new levels for you to enjoy. You won’t finish the whole game quickly.

5. No annoying in-app purchases
Many other color-matching puzzles are available “free,” but in-app purchases are required to make this game fun. Not this one.

Spire Blast is part of Apple Arcade, and the service prohibits such tricks. You don’t need to buy gems or other BS to have fun. This should reassure parents whose children play games. No hidden fees.

If you like candy and explosions, this game includes how to dress up the dragon, but you don’t use real money to buy clothes. You earn credits by playing games.

US President Joe Biden successfully undergoes surgery to remove skin lesion

By
Lillian Hocker
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0

US President Joe Biden, who is 80 years old, had a cancerous skin lesion successfully removed from his chest in February, according to a report made public by the White House on Friday. The lesion was detected during a routine medical examination and was identified as a basal cell carcinoma, which is generally considered less serious than other types of skin cancers.

Biden’s physician, Kevin O’Connor, stated that basal cell carcinomas “do not tend to ‘spread’ or metastasize,” and confirmed that “no further treatment is required.” The lesion was removed during Biden’s annual medical checkup on February 16, after which he was declared “fit for duty.”

O’Connor added that the site of the biopsy has healed nicely, and that the President will continue dermatologic surveillance as part of his ongoing comprehensive healthcare. He noted that basal cell carcinomas were generally more innocuous than “more serious skin cancers such as melanoma or squamous cell carcinoma.”

In February, following Biden’s medical examination, O’Connor declared that the President remained a healthy and vigorous 80-year-old male who was fit to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency, including those of Chief Executive, Head of State, and Commander in Chief.

Biden’s checkup was the final one before an expected announcement by the President to declare that he is running for reelection in 2024. At the February appointment, he completed a series of tests that he had begun the previous year at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, a complex in the Washington suburbs with a presidential facility.

O’Connor noted that the President had spent “a good deal of time in the sun in his youth,” and that he had already been treated regularly for removal of localized, non-melanoma skin cancers. However, the successful removal of the recent basal cell carcinoma has put any concerns to rest and ensured that Biden remains in good health to carry out his duties as President of the United States.

Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath Review: One Of The Best Action Movies Of 2020 And A Pretty Good Fighting Game

By
John Collins
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0

When we last left Mortal Kombat 11, Liu Kang saved the world. After receiving godlike powers from Raiden, Liu Kang defeats the time-turning god Kronika, preventing him from recreating the Mortal Kombat universe in his image. Instead, Liu Kang will reshape the timeline, ushering in a world that is kinder and (perhaps) less aggressive. revolving credit.

Or don’t. As Liu Kang prepares to reset the timeline, a warning echoes in Kronika’s room. A portal appears and outcomes Nightwolf, Fujin, and Mortal Kombat’s eternal antagonist, Shang Tsung.

Marty, we have to go back!

There’s no real need for Aftermath. Mortal Kombat 11 tells a brilliant story from start to finish. It balances the fan service of the Mortal Kombat 9 reboot with the development of Mortal Kombat X. It performs well with dozens of storylines and characters while telling one of the most ambitious and entertaining stories in the series.

The original ending to Mortal Kombat 11 gave NetherRealm a clean slate. Erasing the universe. Restart or not. While we’re sure to get more Mortal Kombats in the future, the ending of Mortal Kombat 11 might as well be the end of the entire series. It’s clean, satisfying, and just a few games to match.

When NetherRealm announced Aftermath – well, I was stunned at first. Nobody makes story-based DLC for a fighting game. Hero, of course. Cosmetics, of course. But a campaign extension? Who wants to buy it? And if it were any other fighting game, the answer would be “None.”

Even so, Aftermath seems unjustifiable. Needless to say. Mortal Kombat 11 ends on a high note. The sky is vast; all possibilities are open. Shang Tsung, who appeared right after that and stopped Liu Kang and Raiden in their moment of victory, seemed far-fetched.

On the other hand, Mortal Kombat loves fiction. He likes the tropics. What I love most about Mortal Kombat is that it has the dynamic of a blockbuster thriller, a beach full of superheroes battling each other. If Shang Tsung wants to annoy you, let him.

And it pays off. The episodes are short. That’s five chapters and about three hours, about half the length of Mortal Kombat 11. I don’t usually spend much time breaking down the cost of video games because everyone’s value proposition is different. However, $40 for Aftermath is…a lot. Half a campaign and three new characters – Fujin, Shieva, and guest star Robocop. The math isn’t very reasonable, and that’s if you compare it to Mortal Kombat 11, with its entire campaign and 25 fighters. Or you can get the full base game of Mortal Kombat 11 plus its first bonus character set and Aftermath for only $60. First-year buyers are burning here.

However, if I’m disappointed by the price, it’s only because Aftermath is a fantastic extension. It’s hard to justify buying for those interested only in Mortal Kombat 11’s story, but it’s still one of the funniest campaigns I’ve played this year and the most satisfying.

MacGuffin is the crown of Kronika this time. When Liu Kang defeats Kronika at the end of Mortal Kombat 11, he freezes him, then Roundhouse kicks his ice head, crushing his skull into a million tiny pieces – and his crown. Unfortunately, Shang Tsung appears seconds later and tells Liu Kang that no one can safely reset the timeline without the crown. You must go back and claim the crown, then defeat Kronika again. Otherwise, everything is free.

Like I said last year, stupid on the surface. Aftermath is like its predecessor, packed with enough time-travel banter to make Doc Brown blush. This time, the stakes are higher as Shang Tsung is the perfect cover for Liu Kang and Raiden. He’s betrayed them countless times, but he is an enemy of my enemies. If he offers to help you fight Kronika, can you refuse?

Aftermath’s story includes all of the additional characters from last year – or at least from the original Mortal Kombat. No, RoboCop didn’t suddenly become canon in Mortal Kombat. However, Shang Tsung, Nightwolf, and Sindel were cast, as were newcomers Aftermath, Fujin, and Sheeva. Five classic characters, and with Aftermath, it looks like they’ve been a part of Mortal Kombat 11 all along. Adding them to the campaign somehow legitimizes them.

This also allowed NetherRealm to give a more prosperous final result by smoothing out some of the holes in the original frame. Jax, whose arc felt rushed in Mortal Kombat 11, had a great moment with Fujin in Aftermath. Scorpion and Sub-Zero got one last scene, and so did Johnny Cage. It’s not a big moment. You can stop with the original Mortal Kombat 11 and be very satisfied. Aftermath only thrives.

And most importantly, this reboot trilogy comes full circle. It starts with Shang Tsung. Ended with Shang Tsung. Since Mortal Kombat’s debut in 1992, players have had to wonder about Shang Tsung’s motivations. This is useful, but for what? That’s for you and Raiden to find out.

Like last year, I hate to divulge details. Turns aren’t even “turns,” but Aftermath is fun to watch. NetherRealm has perfected that style, a three-hour cinematic interspersed here and there with moments where you’re playing a fighting game. One of the best action movies I watched in 2020, Aftermath is also a solid fighting game.

I haven’t said much about this aspect yet, because if you read a review of the Mortal Kombat 11 expansion, you’ll know if you’re ready for this type of fighting game. I enjoy Fujin if you’re interested. I’m also looking forward to playing more with RoboCop.

Bottom row
I’m only here to talk about the history of Aftermath. The entry price is high, but damn, I think NetherRealm deserves every penny. This does not apply to everyone, and you must make these calls yourself. $40 for three hours is a lot, especially if you’re not interested in towers, dungeons, or any other peripheral modes in Mortal Kombat 11.

However, there are no layers. No tire spin. Maybe I like it. Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath has story-saving, a sense of pace that you almost never get from video games because they worry too much about wasting 100 hours of your busy time. Aftermath begins with the pedal on the floor and ends with the pedal across the floor. It’s been an incredible journey.

Friday Night SmackDown Results: Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns, Sami Zayn vs. Solo Sikoa & More

By
Lillian Hocker
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0

The latest edition of Friday Night SmackDown featured an anticipated encounter between Cody Rhodes and WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, along with an intense showdown between Sami Zayn and Solo Sikoa. Rhodes and Reigns came face-to-face for the first time since Rhodes emerged victorious in the 30-men Royal Rumble match. Meanwhile, Rhea Ripley faced off against the women’s match runner-up, Liv Morgan. Along with these storylines, the episode showcased an exciting one-on-one battle between Zayn and Sikoa. Check out the complete results column of the weekly show here.

The upcoming Friday Night SmackDown is set to feature several notable superstars such as Drew McIntyre, Ronda Rousey, and Dominik, among others. As the show is expected to impact the WrestleMania 39 storylines, it promises to be an exciting event. To keep you up-to-date with all the action, here’s a comprehensive results column of the weekly show.

WWE SmackDown 4/3/23: Match Card

  • Liv Morgan vs. Rhea Ripley
  • Santos Escobar vs. Dominik Mysterio
  • Tegan Nox vs. Shayna Baszler
  • Sami Zayn vs. Solo Sikoa

WWE SmackDown 4/3/23: Results

  • Liv Morgan vs. Rhea Ripley

Result: Ripley defeated Morgan via submission

Grade: A

  • Santos Escobar vs. Dominik Mysterio

Result: Dominik defeated Escobar

Grade: B

  • Tegan Nox vs. Shayna Baszler

Result: Baszler defeated Nox

Grade: D

  • Sami Zayn vs. Solo Sikoa

Result: Sikoa defeated Zayn

Grade: D

  • During the eventful night, Drew McIntyre issued a challenge to Gunther for a match for the Intercontinental title at WrestleMania 39. However, the challenge was interrupted by Shaemus, LA Knight, New Day, and Karrion Kross, leading to a chaotic brawl. Eventually, Kross emerged victorious with Scarlett, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the championship picture before WrestleMania.
  • In another exciting segment, Bobby Lashley made a rare appearance on Friday Night SmackDown and challenged Bray Wyatt. However, things took a spooky turn when Wyatt’s Uncle Howdy entered the fray, and after a brief scuffle, disappeared into the darkness, leaving Lashley bewildered.
  • Moreover, Cody Rhodes finally came face-to-face with the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, Roman Reigns. Reigns used Rhodes’ love for his father, Dusty, to get into his head and suggested that Dusty never spoke about him. Reigns seemingly gained the psychological advantage over his WrestleMania opponent in this segment.
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