The Top 8 Foods to Gain Muscle

 The Top 8 Foods to Gain Muscle

Because amino acids make up a large amount of our muscle and organ tissues, protein is an essential nutrition for promoting muscle growth.

HEALTHY FOODS 

bare-chested dude with an orange bar in his black shorts

In addition to being crucial for bodybuilders, muscle growth also helps us stay healthy and happy as we age. Our food is a key factor in both gaining and maintaining muscle mass, in addition to a well-rounded exercise program and strength training.

Because amino acids make up a large amount of our muscle and organ tissues, protein is an essential nutrition for promoting muscle growth. Shakes and other protein supplements have their uses, but they are not required. Including whole foods in your diet is another good strategy to make sure you’re getting enough protein.

Thankfully, adding a range of high-protein foods and other nutrients that help build muscle to your

 meals is simple. These eight

How Nutrition Aids in Building Muscle

While protein is important for muscle building, it is not the only essential component for this process. The National Academy of Sports Medicine suggests that a muscle-building diet should also provide sufficient carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. A well-balanced diet containing these nutrients provides the necessary building blocks for muscle repair and growth.

According to the NASM, most individuals should consume around 0.7 to 0.8 grams of protein and 1.8 to 3.2 grams of carbohydrates per pound of body weight each day. Calorie intake is also crucial when it comes to muscle building, as a calorie deficit can impede muscle growth.

However, diet alone is not sufficient to stimulate muscle growth. Regular exercise, especially resistance training, is necessary to kick-start the muscle-building process. When you engage in activities that cause micro-tears in your muscles, your body utilizes the nutrients from food to repair and strengthen the muscle tissue. Other factors such as meal timing, rest periods between workouts, and individual genetic and hormonal factors can also influence the effectiveness of this process.

Eight Ideal Foods to Gain Muscle

1. Eggs

For good reason, eggs have been known for a long time as a strength meal. These are very nutrient-dense, full of protein, fat, and important vitamins like thiamin, B12, and B6. Because eggs contain a high amount of leucine, which is known to have muscle-building qualities, they are unique when it comes to muscle building.

2. Fish

If you want to up your protein consumption without going overboard with fat in your diet, fish is a great option. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids and is a lean source of protein. In addition to their many health advantages, omega-3s increase muscular function and stop the loss of muscle mass. Fish that are particularly good for growing muscle are salmon and tuna.

3. Almonds

When ingested in moderation, nuts are a wonderful option for muscle building. They offer a healthy supply of fiber, lipids, and protein. But keep in mind that they contain a lot of calories. Walnuts and almonds are two of the nut varieties highest in nutrients.

4. Vegetables

For muscle building, soybeans should be your go-to food if you eat a plant-based diet. They are very healthy legumes that include all nine of the essential amino acids as well as a wealth of protein. One of the best sources of plant-based protein available is said to be soybeans.

5. Yogurt

Dairy products, like Greek yogurt, provide a special blend of casein protein, which digests slowly, and whey protein, which digests quickly. Combining these proteins improves and extends the process of muscle protein synthesis, contributing to the growth of lean body mass. Greek yogurt offers extra probiotic advantages and has double the protein level of normal yogurt.

6. Cheddar

Cottage cheese is a great substitute for dairy-based protein even though it doesn’t have the same probiotic benefits as yogurt. It has both slow- and fast-digesting proteins, including casein, and provides more protein than Greek yogurt. If necessary, cottage cheese also offers a substantial calorie boost.

7. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Extra virgin olive oil isn’t usually connected to bodybuilding, although it’s become more well-known for its benefits to muscle. Olive oil is good for muscle-building programs since it not only contains healthy monounsaturated fats but also lowers inflammation and slows down the breakdown of muscle.

8. Quinoa

There’s a reason quinoa is frequently referred to as a superfood. This adaptable seed is rich in protein, fiber, carbs, vitamins, and minerals and is categorized as a whole grain. It is the ideal diet for increasing muscle growth and optimizing the advantages of your exercise regimen.

It goes without saying that incorporating these nutrients into your diet will help you gain more muscle mass and general strength. Recall that nutrition is only one aspect of the puzzle; developing muscle takes time. A balanced diet heavy in foods high in protein, together with consistent exercise and enough sleep, will help you make progress more quickly and improve your general health as you go.

What is a Bitcoin? Key phrases in cryptocurrencies and their definitions

What is a Bitcoin? Key phrases in cryptocurrencies and their definitions

MAY 8,2024

NR.BALOCH

With the price of Bitcoin hitting a record high in March, the contentious topic of cryptocurrencies is once again receiving attention.Furthermore, although many people are aware of market-moving events like the “halving” of Bitcoin or the introduction of “spot ETFs,” their significance is not always clear to those outside the industry.

Don’t worry, though.

Here are some crucial words and their definitions in case you’re new to them or just want a reminder.

 

Bitcoin

 

 

Although many may find it difficult to understand the nuances of cryptocurrency, almost everyone is aware of its most well-known product: Bitcoin. However, what is it in reality?

 

 

 

One kind of digital currency is a cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin. In contrast to conventional currencies like the dollar or pound, Bitcoin is not governed by financial entities with a central authority. This makes it attractive among those who believe that financial freedom can be achieved through decentralization, but it also makes it quite volatile, with its value fluctuating based on the whims of buyers and sellers of Bitcoin.Its price increased quickly in February and March 2024, briefly setting a new record high. However, the cryptocurrency’s value can fall just as fast as it can rise; this is a pattern that has appeared repeatedly since the coin’s introduction.

 

The “halving” of Bitcoin

The technology that powers Bitcoin, known as the blockchain, is maintained by compensating so-called “miners” with bitcoin for their work of validating transactions.There isn’t an endless supply of bitcoins, though, in contrast to certain other virtual currencies. There is a limit of 21 million that can be mined, the most of which are already in use.

Accordingly, the quantity of bitcoins awarded to participants who successfully validate transactions is divided in half about every four years, or when the size of the Bitcoin blockchain reaches a particular threshold. The most recent “halving” (also known as “halvening”) of Bitcoin occurred on April 20, 2024, when the incentive for miners was lowered from 6.25 bitcoins to 3.125 bitcoins.

 

This guarantees that, theoretically, as demand for Bitcoin increases over time, its supply is stretched farther. However, since there are less incentives for miners, some may wonder if it makes sense financially for them to keep up the expensive maintenance of their potent machines.

 

Blockchain

All cryptocurrencies and several associated items, such as non-fungible tokens (NFTs), are based on blockchain technology. It is essentially a virtual spreadsheet that keeps track of every cryptocurrency purchase and sale. The name comes from the way they are arranged—in blocks that are connected in a massive chain.A vast network of volunteers records each bitcoin transaction individually onto the blockchain, using computer programs to confirm the transaction’s legitimacy.

The network of Bitcoin is encouraged to do this since the first individual to validate a transaction will receive a Bitcoin reward. In addition to being potentially profitable, mining is also controversial due to the enormous amount of energy required as individuals compete globally to update the blockchain first.

 

 

Cryptocurrency Trading

The online marketplace where investors can purchase, sell, and trade cryptocurrency is known as a crypto exchange. A cryptocurrency exchange functions as a brokerage, much like a traditional investment bank, where users may move fiat currency, such as dollars or pounds, from their bank into cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum. The majority of transactions come with costs.

 

Digital Currency Wallet

An investor’s cryptocurrency is kept in a crypto wallet. It keeps the digital assets in a similar manner to how a conventional wallet keeps cash. A heated wallet and a cold wallet are the two varieties. Since hot wallets are online, they may be accessed more easily and quickly for transfers. Cold wallets are actual physical objects, similar to USBs with specific design, that are used to store cryptocurrency offline for longer-term and safer storage.

 

Ethereum

The term Ethereum refers to both the blockchain that powers it and the second-largest cryptocurrency after Bitcoin, which is symbolized by the Ether token. This facilitates a wide range of digital assets and applications, including non-fungible tokens.It operates similarly to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, but in 2022 it made the switch to a more environmentally friendly operating system that uses less computers and energy.

 

 

What are NFTs, and why do some have a million dollar value?

 

ETFs, or exchange-traded funds

With ETFs, investors may wager on a variety of assets without having to own any of them directly. Similar to shares, they are traded on stock exchanges and their value is determined by the real-time performance of the entire portfolio. They may consist of bullion in both gold and silver, or a blend of shares in insurance and technological firms.Throughout the day, a spot Bitcoin ETF makes direct purchases of the cryptocurrency “on the spot” at the going rate. Although Bitcoin was already indirectly present in certain ETFs, the US approved multiple spot Bitcoin ETFs in January 2024. This made it possible for new investors to enter the speculative Bitcoin market without worrying about digital wallets or understanding cryptocurrency, including investment management companies like Fidelity and Blackrock.

 

 

 

 

IS ALMOND MILK BAD FOR ENVIORNMENT?

IS ALMOND MILK BAD FOR ENVIRONMENT?

Over the past ten or so years, almond milk has grown in popularity. An increasing number of Americans are enjoying it straight from the carton or in recipes.

However, a lot of customers are curious if almond milk is harmful to the environment. It originates from thirsty trees, some of which were grown during California’s protracted drought. Here, we compare the amount of water used in the production of almond milk to that of dairy and other plant-based alternatives.

Describe Almond Milk.

Almond milk is a beverage prepared by blending and straining almonds along with water and, depending on the type of milk, a few other possible flavoring additives like sugar or vanilla.

Although the dairy industry opposes the sale of plant-based products labeled as “milk,” the term “milk” has always been associated with the resulting beverage. Not only has almond milk been mentioned in recipes going back at least to the 13th century, but plant-based milks are also included in the definition of the Oxford English Dictionary. Almond milk is, according to a recent FDA ruling, a milk. 

Is Environmental Damage Caused by Almond Milk?

In general, almond milk poses less of a threat to the environment than cow’s milk. However, there are a few things that buyers need to be aware of. 

What Are Almond Milk’s Environmental Drawbacks?

1. Use of Water

The amount of water used in almond production is among its worst features. Almonds require approximately 371 liters of fresh water per liter of milk, making them thirstier than other plants. That is still far less than dairy milk, but it is more than soy milk, oat milk, and even rice milk.

Unfortunately, California, which is particularly prone to drought, produces around 80% of the almonds planted worldwide. Although almond farming uses less water than dairy, it nevertheless contributes to the state’s droughts. Farmers in California are also switching to more water-efficient irrigation methods, which conserve water in comparison to methods from ten or twenty years ago.

2. Use of Pesticides

With more than 34 million pounds of active chemicals sprayed on almond trees in the United States in 2017—more than most other crops—almonds have a significant pesticide problem. An increase in pesticide use may be detrimental to local wildlife populations, particularly insects, as well as

 3. Effect on Honeybees

In particular, bees may be negatively impacted by all of these chemicals. Because of the potential harm that pesticides can cause to their bee colonies, some honeybee farmers think twice before planting almond trees.

Still, there’s space for development. In an effort to support nearby bees and pollinators, many almond tree groves are attempting to increase biodiversity by incorporating other types of plants.

Which Kind of Milk Is Worse for the Environment, Almond or Dairy?

Almond milk is less harmful to the environment than cow’s milk in practically every way. Actually, all plant-based milk varieties are more environmentally friendly than cow’s milk. 

How Come Almond Milk Is Superior to Dairy Milk?

Use of Land

Almond milk uses half a square meter of land per liter, compared to 8.95 square meters for dairy milk. Because animals require a lot of feed, animal agriculture is intrinsically inefficient in its use of land; just the cattle industry accounts for 41% of global deforestation. The dairy industry is not an exception to this pattern. 

Greenhouse Gases

Almond milk generates 0.7 kg of greenhouse emissions per liter, more than four times less than dairy milk’s 3.15 kg. As ruminant animals, cows release a significant amount of methane when housed in the large quantities needed for the dairy and beef sectors.

Use of Water

Dairy milk uses less water than almond milk, even though almond milk gets a lot of flak for it. Almond milk uses 371 liters of fresh water per liter, which is still high but not quite as much as 628 liters for dairy milk.

The largest water-guzzlers in the American West are feed crops, such as alfalfa and corn, which are fed to livestock like dairy cows. During a drought, the demands of animal husbandry on the water supply are enormous. Even if they exacerbate the issue, almonds still pose less of a threat than dairy, but more so than other plant-based milk alternatives.  

Other Issues

Additionally, the surplus nutrients that dairy milk washes into streams with the potential to harm aquatic life contributes to pollution. A large amount of pesticides are used in animal agriculture in order to develop feed crops.

What Are Some Almond Milk Substitutes?

Aisles full of milk options, ranging from different plant-based milks to cow’s milk, can be found in most supermarkets in the United States. Every one has a varied need for the use of water and land, and produces a different amount of emissions. 

Milk of Oats

• The manufacturing of oat milk uses, per liter

• 48.24 liters of water on 0.76 square meters of land
  
• 0.9 kg of emissions of greenhouse gases
  

The bottom line is that oat milk is far less bad for the environment than almond or dairy milk. 

Is the Environment Affected by Soy Milk?

The manufacturing of soy milk uses, per liter:

• 0.66 square meters of terrain
• 27.8 water liters
  
• 0.98 kg of emissions of greenhouse gases
  

Conclusion: Fortified soy milk provides the same nutrients as dairy milk, which is also fortified, and is among the best milks in terms of environmental effect. 

Is There Environmental Danger with Cashew Milk?

Because cashew milk is not as popular as other plant-based milks, experts have not yet thoroughly examined its life cycle assessments. Nonetheless, cashew production itself employs:

6,450 water gallons for every pound

7.6 grams per kilogram of greenhouse gas emissions

Assuming the amount of cashews used in many recipes found online, 130 grams per liter of milk comes to approximately:

131.9 water liters

A quantity of 0.988 kg of carbon dioxide

Sometimes, subpar labor techniques are used to make cashew milk. Furthermore, since cashews are a climate-specific crop, their overall carbon emissions are increased by transportation (though the production of food always contributes more to emissions than transportation). 

Is Environmental Damage Caused by Coconut Milk?

The manufacturing of coconut milk uses, per kilogram:

6.81 water liters

Emissions of greenhouse gases of 0.1 kg

There are occasions when the manufacturing of coconut milk is connected to deforestation in Southeast Asian nations. Additionally, because picking coconuts is a physically demanding task, workers’ rights are occasionally violated. It’s crucial to purchase fair trade or locally grown coconuts because of this.

Conclusion: Read origin labels carefully because coconut milk has been connected to deforestation.

Which Milk Is Best for the Environment?

It’s challenging to choose a single milk that is the greenest, but soy and oat milks are almost completely free of emissions, water pollution, and land use. It is also evident that dairy milk is the worst option; it is more harmful than plant-based milks in almost every manner.

Actions You Can Take

Fortunately, choosing a sustainable option can also mean choosing health, especially if you choose for something like soy that is fortified and unsweetened. If you decide to consume almond milk, be sure it was made with as little pesticide as possible by looking for the Bee Better seal. The main conclusion is that plant-based milks are obviously healthier for the environment and can also be a component of a balanced diet. 

 

 

 

Fifty years of vaccines that save lives: 154 million lives are saved by WHO's EPI

 Fifty years of vaccines that save lives: 154 million lives are saved by WHO’s EPI

MAY 7,2024

NR.BALOCH

Researchers have looked at the effects of the World Health Organization’s Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) on public health, with findings published in The Lancet.

In 1974, the World Health Assembly committed itself to ensuring that everyone may benefit from vaccinations by establishing the Expanded Protection Index (EPI). By 1990, children were to be vaccinated against measles, poliomyelitis, smallpox, pertussis, tetanus, diphtheria, and tuberculosis, according to a WHO plan. As of right now, the EPI offers protection for all ages against other pathogens. The breadth of protection has significantly increased as a result of vaccination programs expanding to include more diseases.

Researchers modeled the effect of EPI on public health in the current study. They calculated the number of years of life gained, years of complete health acquired (i.e., disability-adjusted life-years averted), and years of life gained in WHO member states from June 1974 to May 2024 as a result of vaccination against 14 diseases.

The following diseases/pathogens were made vaccines against: rotavirus, poliomyelitis, rubella, invasive pneumococcal disease, tetanus, meningitis A, hepatitis B, yellow fever, diphtheria, Japanese encephalitis, pertussis, measles, poliomyelitis, and rubella. A uniform structure was created to evaluate the effect for each fully immunized person.

The group combined vaccination coverage estimates from the Vaccine Impact Modeling Consortium (VIMC), Immunization Dashboard, Supplementary Immunization Activities Database, and WHO’s Polio Information System. A total of 24 vaccination initiatives were assessed, divided into disease categories,

Firstly, impact estimates were obtained using the simulation of established measles and poliomyelitis transmission models for a 50-year timeframe. Second, from 2000 to 2024, VIMC transmission models for Japanese encephalitis, rotavirus, rubella, H. influenzae type B, and hepatitis B were expanded. Third, updated static disease burden models were created for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and tuberculosis.

The three modeling approaches made it possible to capture vaccine effects at the individual and population levels. Estimating the effect of EPI on lives prevented, years of life gained, years of full health gained, and the percentage of infant mortality reduction related to vaccinations was the main goal of the study. These indicators were also assessed by the World Bank income stratum and region as secondary outcomes.

Results

According to the researchers, vaccination campaigns against the 14 infections prevented an estimated 154 million fatalities between June 1974 and May 2024, of which 146 million were prevented in children under the age of five. Nine billion life-years and 10.2 billion years of perfect health were also gained during this time. Gained were 58 years of life and 66 years of complete health on average.

Thanks to vaccinations, there have been fewer deaths, years of life preserved, and years of perfect health. The data spans the years 1974–2024. Measles: 93·7 million fatalities prevented, 5·7 billion years of life preserved, and 5·8 billion years of full health gained. Tetanus: 27·9 million fatalities prevented, 1·4 billion years of life preserved, and 1·4 billion years of good health gained. With pertussis, 1 billion years of complete health were acquired, 0.8 billion years of life were spared, and 13.2 million fatalities were prevented. 10·9 million deaths from tuberculosis are prevented; 0.6 billion years of life are preserved; and 0.9 billion years of good health are acquired. For Haemophilus influenzae type B, there were 2.78 million fewer fatalities, 0.2 billion more years of life saved, and 0.2 billion more years of good health gained. Poliomyelitis: 1·6 million fatalities prevented, 0·1 billion years of life saved, and years of

Notably, the prevention of poliomyelitis cases resulted in 0.8 billion years of increased health. The measles vaccination was the single most important factor in the 93.7 million lives that were saved over the course of 50 years in both World Bank income stratum and WHO areas. Additionally, since 1974, there has been a significant drop in infant mortality worldwide, with immunization directly contributing to 40% of this development.

If someone were to live to be 10, 25, or 50 years old in 2024, their chances of surviving the next year would be 44%, 35%, or 16% higher, respectively, than if they had not had any immunizations since 1974. The probability of surviving a life course increased most significantly in the African and Eastern Mediterranean regions, while it decreased most in the European zone. Upon

In conclusion

According to the research, vaccinations have prevented the deaths of an estimated 154 million people since 1974, the most of them (95%) were young children. This indicates that vaccinations have resulted in 10.2 billion extra years of healthy living and nine billion life-years saved. Interestingly, the measles vaccination was the single biggest factor.

Moreover, vaccinations accounted for about half of the decrease in infant mortality worldwide. As a result, the annual survival rate of a child born in 2024 will climb by 40%. Furthermore, the advantages of baby vaccination for survival last for more than 50 years. Areas with higher beginning mortality rates saw larger absolute advances at the expense of smaller relative gains. 

Journal citation: Sim SY, Johnson HC, Shattock AJ, et al. Improving health and survival via immunization: a 50-year retrospective of the Expanded Program on Immunization. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)00850-X/fulltext The Lancet, 2024, DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(24)00850-X

Is Blockchain Enough for a Major Role?

• Is Blockchain Enough for a Major Role?
  

MAY 6,2024

NR.BALOCH

The emergence of Bitcoin in 2009 marked the general awareness of blockchain technology. It was once heralded as a ground-breaking financial transaction solution, but its potential has now been realized in a wide range of sectors, including supply chain management and healthcare. But even with all of its promise, the question still stands: Is blockchain really ready for the big time?

 

Comprehending Blockchain Technology

Prior to exploring its preparedness, let us understand the basics of blockchain technology. A blockchain is fundamentally a distributed, decentralized ledger that keeps track of transactions over a network of computers. A chain of blocks is created when all of the transactions, or blocks, are safely connected to each other by means of cryptographic hashes. Transparency, immutability, and security are guaranteed by this design.

 

The Promise of Blockchain Immutability and Transparency: Blockchain’s decentralized structure, which allows all network members to access the same data, accounts for its transparency.

 Transactions are irreversible once they are recorded, guaranteeing immutability and user confidence in the system.

Security: Blockchain is extremely secure against fraud and tampering because to its cryptographic algorithms. Because decentralized consensus mechanisms like Proof of Work or Proof of Stake require network participants to validate transactions, they further increase security.

Effectiveness and Economical Benefits:Blockchain promises potential cost savings and operational efficiencies by doing away with middlemen and automating operations through smart contracts. This is especially important for sectors like financial services and supply chain management that have a lot of intricate and time-consuming procedures.

Adoption’s Obstacles

Although blockchain technology has great potential, there are a few obstacles in the way of its general adoption:

• Scalability: Scalability is one of the biggest obstacles. Transaction throughput slows down as blockchain networks expand, causing congestion and increased costs. Although sharding and layer-two scaling are being explored as solutions, they have not yet been widely implemented.
• Regulatory Uncertainty: Blockchain and cryptocurrency regulations are subject to vast variations in international law. Regulations that are too loose or too severe can prevent investors and users from investing in blockchain ventures.
• Interoperability: Since many blockchain networks run independently of one another, interoperability across many platforms can be difficult. The ecosystem’s ability to communicate and share data across heterogeneous networks must be seamless.
• User Experience: Complex procedures and a lack of user-friendly interfaces are common problems with blockchain applications. Enhancing the user experience is crucial for gaining widespread acceptance, particularly in apps that interact with customers.

Utilization Examples and Achievements

Several businesses have adopted blockchain technology in spite of these obstacles:

• Financial Services: Financial firms are very interested in blockchain due to its ability to cut costs and streamline procedures. Projects like Ripple, which seeks to transform international payments, serve as examples of how blockchain is affecting the sector.
• Supply Chain Management: One of the main challenges in supply chain management is tracking the provenance of items and verifying their validity. Transparent and traceable supply chains are made possible by blockchain technologies, such as IBM’s Food Trust, which boost productivity and consumer confidence.
  
• Healthcare: Blockchain has the potential to revolutionize the healthcare industry by securing patient data and streamlining the maintenance of medical records. Blockchain technology is being used by initiatives like Medicalchain to enable telemedicine and secure access to medical records.

Final Thought: Primetime Prospects

Blockchain technology has the ability to upend sectors and spur innovation, despite certain difficulties. With the ongoing development of scaling solutions, regulatory clarity, and interoperability standards, blockchain is progressively becoming a practical solution for practical uses.Collaboration between technology developers, regulators, and industry stakeholders is essential to realizing blockchain’s promise. Blockchain is positioned to become a cornerstone technology in the future digital economy with coordinated efforts to overcome its drawbacks and build on its advantages.

China: A Stablecoin Pilot?

 China: A Stablecoin Pilot?

MAY 6,2024

NR.BALOCH

Hong Kong’s open, market-oriented, and internationally interconnected institutional structure, along with its well regarded monetary and regulatory agencies, make it an excellent choice for prototype financial ventures. The development of a stablecoin for usage in China’s Greater Bay Area that is tethered to the offshore yuan is one such plan.

Hong Kong – As soon as possible, the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB) and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) will set up a regulatory framework for stablecoin issuers operating in the region. Fintech companies and asset managers are apparently keeping a close eye on the initiative. Other administrations ought to follow suit.

One kind of cryptoasset called stablecoins is designed to keep its value consistent with a target currency. Stablecoins that are “collateralized” are supported by a reserve asset pool that may consist of commodities, other cryptoassets, or fiat money. However, not all stablecoins are supported by reserve assets. Unbacked stablecoins, on the other hand, aim to preserve a steady value by other strategies, like supply-limiting algorithms that establish a market value.

As of right now, stablecoins lack both a widely accepted standard and a legal structure to control them. However, the market is huge and expanding quickly. The estimated total market value of stablecoins has increased dramatically from $5.9 billion to over $130 billion since the start of 2020. Because of the US dollar’s dominance in the market, stablecoins linked to it

With almost 70% of the market, Tether is in the lead, followed by USD coin with 20%. According to Tether, as of the end of September 2023, it had $86.4 billion in assets against $83.2 billion in liabilities. These assets included approximately $56.6 billion in US Treasury bonds, $5.1 billion in secured loans, $3.1 billion in precious metals, $1.7 billion in Bitcoin, and $2.3 billion in other investments. During the first quarter of 2023, the company declared a $1.4 billion profit.

Stablecoins aim to provide a more dependable substitute for cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, which are highly volatile and dependent on nothing. Collateralized stablecoins have “generally been less volatile than traditional cryptoassets,” according to the Bank for International Settlements. Meanwhile,

Furthermore, as stated by the BIS, “users’ stablecoins could not always be fully and instantly redeemed by stablecoin issuers.” In the end, not one of the more than 200 stablecoins that are now in use satisfies the “essential requirements for being a reliable means of payment in the real economy” and a safe store of value.

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There is cause for optimism that Hong Kong could propel advancement. Since the Hong Kong dollar, the official currency of the region, is fixed against the US dollar, “Digital HKD” is effectively a stablecoin. (The Digital HKD was effectively treated as such in the September 2023 policy statement published by the HKMA.) Above all, Hong Kong’s open, market-oriented, internationally interconnected institutional structure makes it an excellent choice for pilot projects. Its monetary and regulatory agencies are also highly recognized.

The development of a stablecoin based on the offshore renminbi for use in the Greater Bay Area, an economic region with a combined GDP of $1.9 trillion that consists of nine cities in Guangdong province surrounding the Pearl River Delta as well as Hong Kong and Macau, might be one such initiative. This “GBA stablecoin” can be easily traded for the US dollar, Hong Kong dollar, and offshore renminbi, and it could help with the creation, trading, and settlement of new digital financial instruments in Hong Kong. GBA stablecoin may be used to price financial items that are issued outside of China’s mainland.

Under this plan, the financial goods and digital infrastructure—such as offshore bonds issued by GBA firms and local governments—would be sold in Hong Kong, while the majority of their underlying physical assets would be located in mainland China. This system is comparable to H-shares, which are Hong Kong-based stocks of vital mainland-based enterprises traded. In essence, what would emerge from this would be an offshore digital renminbi that is operational and gains from the increased trust in the market that comes from HKMA monitoring. Without endangering the stability of onshore renminbi, this would increase demand for offshore renminbi and hasten the internationalization of the yuan.

Together with its counterparts in mainland China, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates, the HKMA has already carried out a six-week central bank digital currency (CBDC) experiment. One of the first multi-CBDC programs to settle real-value, cross-border transactions on behalf of enterprises was Project mBridge.

The monetary authorities are currently developing the mBridge platform to speed up cross-border retail or wholesale payments in response to the pilot’s success. This shows that GBA stablecoin could support China’s ambitious multi-country Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with offshore financing and enable international trade and investment more generally with the right digital financial infrastructure, which makes use of distributed blockchain technology to enable “smart contracts.”

The success of such a pilot would depend on the demands of banks, companies, investors, and consumers in addition to financial institutions’ willingness to issue the stablecoins. Some people might be hesitant to use GBA stablecoin in the existing US dollar-based financial system. However, many market players, including those involved in BRI projects, are looking for a solid alternative to the US currency, including dollar-backed stablecoins, given America’s geopolitically motivated weaponization of global banking.

Which stablecoins succeed will ultimately depend on how well the returns on equity and the risks attached to a particular coin are balanced. There is a lengthy trial and error procedure ahead.

America Has to Take the Lead in Crypto Regulation

America Has to Take the Lead in Crypto Regulation

MAY 6,2024

NR.BALOCH

The United States needs to utilize the upcoming year to encourage transparency and confidence in the digital asset market if it hopes to keep its position as a global rule-maker and avoid turning into a rule-taker. The United States of America has three options for preserving its competitive advantage in cryptocurrency: designation, regulation, and legislation.

Compared to 2022, which proved to be a catastrophic year for the digital asset markets, 2023 was marked by proactive regulatory measures and favorable industry advancements. The largest cryptocurrency exchange in the world, Binance, and US regulators have reached a deal that is expected to increase market-wide responsibility, openness, and confidence. In the meantime, the majority of international financial hubs have established precise rules for the cryptocurrency sector.

Even with this progress, if new regulations are not established in 2024, the US runs the risk of being an exception. Three possible avenues exist for policymakers to manage opportunities and hazards in the cryptocurrency market: designation, legislation, and regulation.

When US President Joe Biden issued his Executive Order on Ensuring Responsible Development of Digital Assets two years ago, it was a significant step toward bringing regulatory clarity. Despite the fact that almost all digital assets are valued in US dollars, legislative measures have since faltered, and the US has lagged behind other nations in industry regulation.

The irony is that international efforts to regulate the cryptocurrency market have been spearheaded by US-led organizations including the Financial Stability Oversight Council, the President’s Working Group on Financial Markets, and the Financial Stability Board. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who chairs the Financial Stability Oversight Committee, has also pushed Congress to move legislation governing stablecoins denominated in dollars. Chair of the Federal Reserve Jerome Powell has repeated these demands.

The potential concerns connected to cryptocurrency are highlighted by these calls for legislation, which are reinforced by international regulatory authorities. Utilizing blockchain and other cutting-edge technologies would be a better course of action than allowing the industry to collapse or imposing strict regulations, as some economists advocate. This is because it will ensure that financial services can meet market demand outside of regular banking hours, a challenge that is particularly relevant to international payments. Now that almost all of the world’s largest banks, asset managers, fintechs, and payment services providers have created digital asset strategies, it is past due for US lawmakers to catch up and enact technology-neutral, morally-based laws that promote competition in the financial markets.

Congress must so provide federal regulatory bodies the authority to create market regulations. In spite of criticism from politicians such as former US President Donald Trump, who is expected to be the Republican Party’s nominee for president in November, this involves investigating digital currencies issued by central banks. Along with modernizing state and federal banking and payment systems, it also entails developing regulations for digital wallets. In order to preserve America’s competitive advantage and prevent a potential fintech “constitutional crisis,” several steps are essential.

The necessity for prompt action has again been stressed by the Treasury Department. Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo urged Congress to address the risks associated with illicit operations sponsored by cryptocurrency in November, citing the lack of regulatory control and the opaque nature of some cryptocurrency products. These items are financial fentanyl at worst, and financial alchemy at best.

American interests are threatened by the lack of a US regulatory framework for dollar-referenced stablecoins, which are becoming more and more licensed in places like Singapore, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates. This void might encourage the development of goods that circumvent US laws and take advantage of consumer confidence in the dollar, thereby serving as a haven for unscrupulous operators.

The US must, at the very least, make sure that foreign issuers of stablecoins pegged to the dollar abide by the Bank Secrecy Act, as well as applicable sanctions, anti-money laundering, and counterterrorism legislation. If not, digital dollars might compromise global security instead of reducing the technological threats brought about by dollar primacy.

However, the US needs to create new regulations before labeling cryptocurrency companies or technologies as dangers. Although open-source technologies have previously been categorized as national security threats, significant token issuers or exchanges have not yet been designated as systemically important financial institutions—a designation that would imply they are too large to fail. Rather than permitting unrestrained offshore or near-shore cryptocurrency operations to flourish or letting other nations establish the parameters for a business that is as fundamentally American as the

There is a lot of policy movement because to the stablecoin bill that the House Financial Services Committee advanced in July 2023. If this bill is approved by Congress with bipartisan support, it will be the greatest legislative chance to address the rise in cryptocurrency dollar counterfeiting. Furthermore, it might be America’s last opportunity to continue dominating the markets for digital assets.

It will undoubtedly be challenging to move forward during a divisive presidential campaign. However, if the US wants to continue being a rule-maker rather than a rule-taker, digital asset policy must be advanced. This is especially important now that the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework of the European Union is about to take effect later this year, potentially producing a transatlantic gap in the regulation of digital assets.

This year’s US policy agenda for digital assets must prioritize worldwide regulatory harmonization over regulation, legislation, and designation in order to avert such a result. However, without clear regulations and American leadership in the cryptocurrency business, these initiatives would inevitably fail.

BINANCE NEWS

MAY 5,2024

BY NR.BALOCH

BINANCE NEWS

Investors in altcoins have been the main victims of the latest slump in the cryptocurrency market, according to CryptoPotato, with many of them suffering losses. On the other hand, holders of meme coins, such Dogecoin (DOGE) and Shiba Inu (SHIB), are comparatively better off as a result of prior price hikes.

In spite of a strong start to the year and the halving of Bitcoin (BTC) last month, there has been a significant pullback in the cryptocurrency market. In little than a week, the main cryptocurrency’s price dropped by 10% and fell below $60,000. Leading digital assets including Ripple (XRP), Solana (SOL), and Ethereum (ETH) are also sharply negative.

The top ten cryptocurrency projects with the highest number of holders that are now suffering paper losses were listed by market intelligence portal IntoTheBlock. Investors in Algorand (ALGO) led the

TOP 10 ALTCOIN NETWORKS IN APRIL

  

MAY 5 , 2024

BY NR.BALOCH 

The Top 10 Altcoin Networks in April by User Base are as follows: Ethereum is ranked sixth. Following the disappointing US job report, the cryptocurrency market surged driven by Bitcoin; nonetheless, research firm CryptoRank discovered the altcoin networks with the largest user bases in April. At the time this piece was written, the price of bitcoin was trading at $63,257, up around 7% in the previous day. The top altcoin networks and the number of users they had in April are as follows:

•  Tron (TRX): 54.7 million;
•  Near (NEAR): 53.8 million;
•  BNB (BNB): 35.5 million; 
• Solana (SOL): 35.2 million;
•  Polygon (MATIC): 33.6 million;

•  Ethereum (ETH): 12 million;
•  Base: 10.7 million;
•  zkSync Era: 9.8 million;
•  Arbitrum (ARB): 9.3 million; 
• Linea: 5.6 million

BITCOIN PRICE SWAYS BERORE THE FED

 

MAY 5,2024

BY NR.BALOCH 

 Bitcoin price sways before the Fed announces its rate decision The price of Bitcoin (BTC) dropped to $59,500 on Binance in advance of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting tomorrow. With forecasts for stable interest rates, market players are ready for the Federal Reserve (Fed) to adopt a more aggressive attitude. Only 4.4% of analysts, according to the CME FedWatch Tool, foresee a rate cut—the first in more than ten years—while a commanding 95.6% expect rates to remain unchanged between 525 and 550 basis points. The Kobeissi Letter reports that there is a 36% chance, based on current market data, that there won’t be any interest rate decreases this year. It was just around 3% likely four months ago that present rates would be maintained. It is now anticipated that there will only be one decrease this year. Prior to now, the market

LEEDS UNITED 1-2 SOUTHAMPTON REPORT

LEEDS UNITED 1-2 SOUTHAMPTON REPORT

MAY 5,2024

BY NR.BALOCH

AP/MANCHESTER, England With four goals, including a hat-trick in the first half, Erling Haaland helped Manchester City defeat Wolverhampton 5-1 and maintain control of the Premier League title chase on Saturday.

With yet another impressive haul from Haaland, Pep Guardiola's club responded impressively to first-place Arsenal's 3-0 victory over Bournemouth earlier in the day.

The Norway forward added a fourth goal with a curling effort after scoring twice from the penalty spot in the first half, either side of a powerful header.

Julian Alvarez, a replacement, also scored, but Hwang Hee-chan gave Wolves some solace.

With the win, City, who is vying for a record fourth consecutive league title, closed the gap on the Gunners to just one point. Arsenal has two games remaining, whereas City has three.

Haaland's outstanding performance increased his season total to 36 in all competitions and put him five points ahead of his closest rivals in the Premier League Golden Boot standings at 25. In City colors, it was his ninth hat trick.

There wasn't much of a way out for the Wolves players, though manager Gary O'Neil might have been happy that his touchline ban kept him out of sight.

Although there was disagreement over the first penalty after 12 minutes, City's resolve was evident from the start, and it was not surprising that the hosts quickly took the lead.

Rayan Ait-Nouri tried to clear as Josko Gvardiol was preparing to shoot, and the two clashed. Referee Craig Pawson gave the spot kick, which Haaland comfortably put away, though the call might have gone either way.

With the help of some shoddy Wolves defense, City quickly had additional opportunities when Kevin De Bruyne missed a shot and Jose Sa, the Wolves goalkeeper, blocked Haaland's header. Phil Foden dribbled through the area, but at the crucial time, he lost control.

In the 35th minute, Rodri recovered possession, carried on with his run, and passed to De Bruyne before lofting a cross to the back post, where Haaland soared wonderfully to head past Sa. This was the inevitable second goal.

After being hauled down by Nelson Semedo, the Norwegian completed his trifecta in first-half stoppage time with a second penalty.

Despite evaluating the challenge on the pitchside monitor, Pawson was not persuaded this time and pointed to the location.

Before the half, Wolves didn't do much, but after 53 minutes, against the flow of play, they scored one.

After overcoming a shoulder injury to begin play, City goalie Ederson Moraes palmed a cross from Jean-Ricner Bellegarde into Hwang's path, and the South Korean put the ball into the net.

But, Haaland quickly and decisively crushed any dreams Wolves may have had of mounting a comeback.

From just inside the area, the attacker latched onto a long pass from Foden and cut inside to unleash a fierce shot into the far corner.

Five minutes from time, Alvarez beat Sa once more, and Haaland came close to scoring a fifth moments later when he forced a superb save from the goalkeeper after also stopping Mateo Kovavic.

Katie Ledecky discusses her goals for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and Paris with NPR.

 Katie Ledecky discusses her goals for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and Paris with NPR.

MAY 5,2024

BY NR.BALOCH

Medals are nothing new to Katie Ledecky.

She has 26 world championship medals, 21 of which are gold, and 10 Olympic medals, seven of which are gold.

She is without a doubt the greatest female swimmer of all time thanks to all of that hardware.

A who's who of Democrats are receiving the Medal of Freedom from Biden (and Katie Ledecky)
Polities
A who's who of Democrats are receiving the Medal of Freedom from Biden (and Katie Ledecky)
She will, however, be given a different kind of medal on Friday: the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is the highest honor bestowed by the American government on a civilian.

Ledecky discussed her thoughts on the July–August Olympics in Paris, the significance of the medal to her, and her motivations for speaking with Juana Summers of All Things Considered. Ledecky discussed her thoughts about the Paris Olympics in July and August, the significance of the medal to her, and her lack of plans to retire after this summer with host Juana Summers of All Things Considered.intends to stay in the workforce following this summer.

Juana Summers will be in Paris covering the Olympics for NPR. You can follow all her reporting on All Things Considered.

Highlights of the interview
Juana Summers: Okay, Katie. Does this medal fit in the same trophy cases as your Olympic medals? How are you going to use it, in your opinion?

Katie Ledecky: Oh, that is so not even on my mind! This one is undoubtedly very special and meaningful. And I could never have dreamed that I would be getting this kind of recognition. Thus, I feel quite honored.

Summers: If we may go forward, this may be yet another extraordinarily significant year for you. Let's look ahead. In a few months, Paris will host the Summer Olympics. How are you feeling in the water these days? Do you think you're prepared?

Ledecky: I'm prepared. Our Olympic trials are in around one month. I have one more meeting before then, so that's what I'm preparing for. Thus, everything is proceeding according to plan, and I'm training well. Additionally, I'm really

Summers: Which Olympic event would you most like to compete in, if the trials go your way and you end up representing the United States?

Ledecky: Alright, so, hopefully I'll be taking part in several competitions. And they're all unique in their own ways. My favorite event to swim in the Olympics has always been the 800 free, which I competed in for the first time in 2012 and won gold in at the age of 15. I therefore have a particular place in my heart for that one. But I adore every event I have. I'm also excited for the trials that come with competing in each race.

Summers: Do you suppose these would be your last ones if you go to Paris? Do you believe you'll return for the Los Angeles 2028 games?

Ledecky: I approach things year by year, but as of right now, I could easily see myself participating in the Olympics in my native country in 2028. It's a really distinctive thing. Not every Olympian athlete understands it. I therefore know for a fact that I will not be retiring after this summer, and 2028 appeals to me greatly. Thus, I believe that at this time, I want to go and participate in at least one event, if not more. But once more, things can change. It's a long way off, and for now my only concern is Paris this summer.

I believe that playing the sport has taught me a lot. And over my more than ten-year foreign trip, I've picked up a lot of knowledge on goal-setting, perseverance, and dedication.


It's never too late to improve your swimming abilities. This is how to launch Life Kit.

It's never too late to improve your swimming abilities. Here's how you kick off summertime: Would you like to share a resilience-related lesson or anecdote with the people who look up to you?

Ledecky: Of course, one tale that I believe many Olympic athletes will share with you is about what happened to us in 2020 and 2021 when the Olympics were moved forward one year. The Olympics represent the zenith of our sport in swimming, and we create four-year programs to compete at our very best and reach our peak. It therefore took a lot of resilience for all of us to have that pushed for a year, to be kind of living under uncertainty, and to not know whether the Olympics would actually happen. We all had to adjust by training in backyard pools, doing weightlifting in our houses or apartments, and doing all those things.

That period taught me a lot about myself, including the fact that change is something you can adjust to. We weren't experiencing the worst of it at the time, so there was another plus. I felt incredibly fortunate to have the Olympics as a target to strive for. I am aware that a great deal of people went through much worse pain at that time than we did. Those experiences, in my opinion, have strengthened me and shown me that I can adjust when things don't turn out the way I had hoped.

Medals from the Paris Olympics will include fragments of the Eiffel Tower.
ACTIVITIES
Medals from the Paris Olympics will include fragments of the Eiffel Tower.
Summers: Katie, if Paris

Ledecky: I haven't given it a lot of thought. Nevertheless, when I think of swimming and my career in it, I remember all the happiness I've experienced in the sport, everything I've learned from it, the people I've met through it, and the places I've been able to experience through competitive swimming. And I believe that I will always continue to play the sport because of the immense delight I've found in it.


Naturally, at some point in the future, my competitive career will come to an end, and I won't be checking the time or having a coach record my times for each set.

Canelo Alvarez vs. Jaime Munguia odds, prediction: Boxing expert on 50-13 run reveals picks for May 4 fight

Boxing analyst Peter Kahn has announced his top picks and wagers for Saturday's bout in Las Vegas between Jaime Munguia and Canelo Alvarez.

 Boxing analyst Peter Kahn has announced his top picks and wagers for Saturday's bout in Las Vegas between Jaime Munguia and Canelo Alvarez.

Canelo Alvarez and Jaime Munguia will compete for the undisputed super middleweight championships on Saturday night in what will be the first all-Mexican major world title showdown at any weight over 160 pounds. For seven years, Alvarez refrained from competing against other Mexican boxers; his most recent victory came against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in 2017. On Saturday night in Las Vegas, when he defends his IBF, WBC, WBA, and WBO titles, he will make an exception. Since suffering just one of his two losses on his record in 2022 against Dmitrii Bivol, Alvarez has won three straight fights by unanimous decision.

Canelo vs. Munguia is the main event scheduled to take place later in the evening on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena. The main card is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET. In the Alvarez vs. Munguia odds, Alvarez is the -400 favorite (risk $400 to win $100), and Munguia is the +300 underdog. The total number of rounds completed is 10.5 over/under, with the Over shaded to -200. Make sure you check out SportsLine analyst Peter Kahn's boxing predictions and betting recommendations before committing to any Canelo Alvarez vs. Jaime Munguia wagers.

With his finger on the pulse of everything going on both inside and outside the ring, Kahn is a true boxing insider. Through his organization, Fight, he has managed multiple world champions and presently oversees 20 fighters.

Now that Canelo Alvarez and Jaime Munguia are scheduled to face each other, Kahn has thoroughly examined the fight from all aspects and made certain predictions. Only at SportsLine are those selections visible.

 Preview: Canelo Alvarez vs. Jaime Munguia

Alvarez (60-2-2, 39 KOs) hasn't fought another Mexican in a boxing ring since defeating Julio Ceasar Chavez Jr. via unanimous decision in May 2017. Despite having held the WBC middleweight title previously, Chavez Jr.'s career took a severe turn after his defeat by Alvarez, as he lost three of his last four fights, including one against former UFC champion Anderson Silva.

According to Alvarez, he has deliberately avoided playing against Mexicans in order to prevent potentially ruining their careers and leaving the sport with fewer Mexican athletes who are stars and champions.

He did make an exception for Munguia, though, as a loss on Saturday would not be able to mar Munguia's already illustrious career or legacy. Furthermore, Munguia's successes have inspired Alvarez to see their bout as a celebration of Mexico's rich boxing heritage and to use it as a springboard to give fans an unforgettable display.

"I have stated that I am not interested in fighting Mexican fighters," Álvarez stated at a press conference on Tuesday. However, I'm happy that we were able to bring this fight to Munguía, who is a respectful person and has deserved it. I'm really proud of this as it's clearly all Mexican."

Munguia defeated John Ryder in a super middleweight battle held in Phoenix earlier this year, and he comes into this match with a perfect 43-0 record. Before finally winning via TKO in the ninth round, he had four knockdowns. He will feel more confident after that victory because Ryder defeated Alvarez last year.

Munguia will be competing for the third time in this weight class and his sixth world championship. In his previous world championship fights, he was 5-0-0 with two knockouts; versus past or present world champions, he was 2-0-0 with one knockout. The 27-year-old has prevailed via TKO or KO in four of his previous five fights, and eight of his previous ten contests have ended in knockouts. Check who needs to come back here.

 How to choose between Jaime Munguia and Canelo Alvarez

We can discuss Kahn's preference for the Under 10.5 rounds. In addition, he has a sure money-line selection and a method-of-victory prop locked in. His predictions and analysis are exclusively available on SportsLine.


How to choose between Jaime Munguia and Canelo Alvarez
We can discuss Kahn's preference for the Under 10.5 rounds. In addition, he has a sure money-line selection and a method-of-victory prop locked in. His predictions and analysis are exclusively available on SportsLine.

Which prop is a must-back in the Canelo Alvarez vs. Jaime Munguia match? See Peter Kahn's top picks on Saturday at SportsLine right now. The boxing expert has made his fans profiting more than $4,000 on wagers.