Vitalik Buterin said there are ways Ethereum can function as a financial fallback in times of instability through hardware solutions. As Sweden reconsiders its push toward a cashless society, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin highlighted the fragility of centralized digital payments and the opportunity presented by decentralized payment alternatives. In recent years, Sweden has led the charge toward a cashless future, with digital payment platforms becoming widespread. However, as concerns over cyber-threats, civil defense and instability have emerged, Swedish authorities are now actively encouraging citizens to keep some cash. Buterin noted the reversal illustrates that while centralized solutions may be efficient, they may not be reliable during times of crisis. Read more
India’s coastguard raced on Monday to contain an oil spill from a container ship with hazardous cargo that sank off the southern coast a day earlier, Kerala’s state government said. The Liberian-flagged MSC ELSA 3, listed as a 184 meter freight ship, went down off the coast of Kerala on Sunday, with all 24 crew members rescued. It was carrying 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous cargo and 12 containing calcium carbide, a chemical used for fertiliser production and steelmaking. The vessel also contained some 370 tonnes of fuel and oil. “The Coast Guard is taking action to prevent the spread of oil using two ships,” Kerala’s government said in a statement. “The work of spraying dust to destroy the oil is in progress using a Dornier aircraft”. Crew members of a Liberian-flagged container vessel MSC ELSA 3 sit after they were rescued off Kerala Coast, India on May 24, 2025. — Reuters India’s defence ministry said the ship sank “due to flooding” some 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi, raising concerns f...
Bitcoin rebounded above $109,000, eyeing new all-time highs in reaction to President Donald Trump’s decision to extend EU tariffs to July 9. Key points: US President Donald Trump has extended the deadline of a proposed 50% tariff on EU goods to July 9. A temporary easing in trade tensions could help fuel Bitcoin’s rally to new all-time highs. Read more
Bitcoin could surpass $1.5 million by 2030 as macro fears, fiat inflation and institutional demand drive bullish long-term forecasts. Some prominent financial commentators and investment analysts are predicting a long-term Bitcoin rally that may send the asset’s price above $1 million before the end of the decade, driven by rising inflation and mounting global debt. ARK Invest CEO Cathie Wood said Bitcoin (BTC) could reach $1.5 million by 2030 in her firm’s “Bull Case” forecast. In a Feb. 11 video, Wood said the price would require BTC to grow at a compound annual rate of 58% over the next five years, largely fueled by increased institutional adoption. Related: Bitcoin hits new all-time high of $109K as trade war tensions ease Read more