China to launch state-backed, crypto-less NFT platform
China’s state-backed Blockchain Services Network (BSN) plans to roll out infrastructure at the end of this month to support the deployment of non-fungible tokens (NFTs). They aim to create a Chinese NFT industry that is not linked to cryptocurrencies. The infrastructure will offer application programming interfaces for businesses or individuals so they can build their own user portals or apps to manage NFTs.
Jack Dorsey’s Block Inc to build open bitcoin mining system
Jack Dorsey’s fintech firm, Block Inc, is building an open bitcoin mining system, as the newly re-branded company looks to expand beyond its payment business and into new technologies like blockchain. In a tweet thread, Block’s general manager for hardware, Thomas Templeton, has laid out the company’s plans about building the mining system.
Crypto prices today: Bitcoin, Ethereum Falls ~2%
Bitcoin is currently lower trading at $42,728, down nearly 2.1% over the previous day. Ethereum fell 1.9% over the last 24 hours to $3,379. Solana declined by 2.2% to $147.5, while Cardano is up 0.5% to $1.30. Dogecoin has surged 16% to $0.196. The global crypto market cap stands at $2.05 trillion, a 1.25% decline over the previous day.
North Korean hackers stole $400 million in crypto in 2021
According to blockchain analysis firm Chainalysis’s new report, North Korean hackers launched at least seven attacks on crypto platforms that extracted nearly $400 million worth of digital assets in 2021. “From 2020 to 2021, the number of North Korean-linked hacks jumped from four to seven, and the value extracted from these hacks grew by 40%,” as per the report.
Bitcoin and Ethereum Futures ETFs coming to India: Report
As per an ET report, financial management firm Kling Trading and Cosmea Financial Holdings have teamed up to apply for Bitcoin and Ethereum futures exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on India INX. India INX is an international exchange and subsidiary of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). These would be the first crypto-backed ETFs to be launched in India.
Tesla merch can be bought using Dogecoin: Elon Musk
Tesla Inc merchandise can be bought using the digital currency Dogecoin, the company’s CEO Elon Musk said in a tweet on Friday. Products such as the “Cyberwhistle” and “Cyberquad for Kids” could be bought using the meme coin. Dogecoin surged nearly 20% at $0.202 after Musk’s tweet.
