<p>Bitcoin is back above $85,000 but the bigger question is whether this is the beginning of a lasting crypto recovery.<br>The world's largest cryptocurrency briefly crossed $85,000 on Monday, reaching its highest level since January and gaining more than 5% in 24 hours. The move came alongside a huge wave of forced liquidations, with more than $750 million in crypto positions wiped out over the same period. Most were short positions betting that prices would fall. The rally has pushed Bitcoin sharply higher from its recent September lows around $75,000. But calling it a confirmed new bull market would be premature. The latest move is being driven partly by a short squeeze, alongside changing macroeconomic conditions and renewed buying.</p><h2>Why is Bitcoin suddenly rising?</h2><p>A major trigger has been the clearing of resistance around the $82,000-$85,000 area. As Bitcoin moved higher, traders betting against it were forced to close their positions. That meant exchanges automatically bought Bitcoin to cover those trades, creating more upward pressure.<br>CoinGlass data showed roughly $648 million of short positions were liquidated in 24 hours, according to The Block. Bitcoin accounted for about $361 million of those liquidations.<br>That creates a familiar crypto-market chain reaction: rising prices trigger liquidations, liquidations create forced buying, and forced buying pushes prices higher.</p><h2>Is the crypto winter finally over?</h2><p>Bitcoin's recovery is certainly significant, but one strong move does not prove that a new bull market has begun. Bitcoin also ended last week above its 50-week moving average, a closely watched technical indicator. Some analysts view that as an important sign that the market may have stabilised after its recent weakness. At the same time, the rally still faces macroeconomic risks. The US Federal Reserve raised interest rates last week, while markets remain sensitive to inflation, oil prices and the possibility of another rate increase. There is also a notable gap between Bitcoin's current price and its previous record high of roughly $126,000.</p><h2>What happens next?</h2><p>The next test could be whether Bitcoin can hold above the levels it has just reclaimed without relying heavily on forced liquidations. That distinction matters. A rally driven mainly by short sellers being squeezed can fade once those positions are cleared. Sustained gains would require continued demand from spot buyers and investors.</p><p>So, is the crypto winter over?<br>The market is clearly showing signs of recovery, but the latest rally is not enough on its own to declare a new bull market. Bitcoin has regained important ground. Now traders will be watching whether it can hold it.</p>

Bitcoin has surged above $85,000 for the first time since January as more than $750 million in crypto positions were liquidated in 24 hours, mostly short bets. The recovery is significant, but it is too early to call it a confirmed new bull market.

Bitcoin is back above $85,000 but the bigger question is whether this is the beginning of a lasting crypto recovery. The world's largest cryptocurrency briefly crossed $85,000 on Monday, reaching its highest level since January and gaining more than 5% in 24 hours. The move came alongside a huge wave of forced liquidations, with more than $750 million in crypto positions wiped out over the same period. Most were short positions betting that prices would fall. The rally has pushed Bitcoin sharply higher from its recent September lows around $75,000. But calling it a confirmed new bull market would be premature. The latest move is being driven partly by a short squeeze, alongside changing macroeconomic conditions and renewed buying. Why is Bitcoin suddenly rising? A major trigger has been the clearing of resistance around the $82,000-$85,000 area. As Bitcoin moved higher, traders betting against it were forced to close their positions. That meant exchanges automatically bought Bitcoin to cover those trades, creating more upward pressure. CoinGlass data showed roughly $648 million of short positions were liquidated in 24 hours, according to The Block. Bitcoin accounted for about $361 million of those liquidations. That creates a familiar crypto-market chain reaction: rising prices trigger liquidations, liquidations create forced buying, and forced buying pushes prices higher. Is the crypto winter finally over? Bitcoin's recovery is certainly significant, but one strong move does not prove that a new bull market has begun. Bitcoin also ended last week above its 50-week moving average, a closely watched technical indicator. Some analysts view that as an important sign that the market may have stabilised after its recent weakness. At the same time, the rally still faces macroeconomic risks. The US Federal Reserve raised interest rates last week, while markets remain sensitive to inflation, oil prices and the possibility of another rate increase. There is also a notable gap between Bitcoin's current price and its previous record high of roughly $126,000. What happens next? The next test could be whether Bitcoin can hold above the levels it has just reclaimed without relying heavily on forced liquidations. That distinction matters. A rally driven mainly by short sellers being squeezed can fade once those positions are cleared. Sustained gains would require continued demand from spot buyers and investors. So, is the crypto winter over? The market is clearly showing signs of recovery, but the latest rally is not enough on its own to declare a new bull market. Bitcoin has regained important ground. Now traders will be watching whether it can hold it.

<p>Bitcoin has surged above $85,000 for the first time since January as more than $750 million in crypto positions were liquidated in 24 hours, mostly short bets. The recovery is significant, but it is too early to call it a confirmed new bull market.</p>

Bitcoin surges above $85,000 as nearly $900 million in crypto positions are liquidated: Is the crypto winter over?

<p>Pakistan has decided to lift a seven-year restriction on banks servicing cryptocurrency-related businesses.</p><p>This marks one of the most significant financial policy shifts in its recent economic history.</p><h2><strong>From ban to framework: A controlled re-entry</strong></h2><p>Under the new framework, the State Bank of Pakistan now allows financial institutions to open accounts for registered Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) and their clients. This effectively brings crypto-linked firms into the formal banking system for the first time since the 2018 ban, when banks were instructed to cut off all services to cryptocurrency businesses.</p><p>However, the shift stops well short of full legalisation. Banks are still explicitly barred from trading, holding, or investing in virtual assets. This dual structure (permission with restrictions) defines Pakistan's new crypto approach: controlled integration rather than unrestricted adoption.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-could-do-whatever-we-want-trump-says-iran-war-going-swimmingly-signals-deal-could-be-close-1776386739086"><strong>US could 'do whatever we want': Trump says Iran war ‘going swimmingly’, signals deal could be close</strong></a></p><h2><strong>New Rules: Strict integration, timeline, and a rising user base</strong></h2><p>The pivot to crypto started with Pakistan's Virtual Assets Act, a legislative framework established alongside the Pakistan Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (PVARA). This also coincides with Trump coming to power in the White House in 2025. Dedicated meetings with Trump-affiliated officials aided the country's pivot from a crypto 'grey-zone' to a more friendly stance.</p><p>Despite regulatory ambiguity, usage continued to expand through informal peer-to-peer markets and offshore platforms.</p><p>Estimates suggest that Pakistan's crypto user base may range between 15 million and 40 million people.</p><p>The country's strong remittance culture has helped in driving large-scale adoption. With more than 60 per cent of its population under the age of 30, Pakistan represents one of the youngest and most digitally active demographics globally.</p><h2><strong>Stablecoins as a new financial infrastructure</strong></h2><p>Stablecoins, digital tokens typically pegged to the US dollar, are increasingly being explored as tools for cross-border payments. Unlike volatile cryptocurrencies, stablecoins offer price stability and transaction efficiency. For Pakistan, this global trend intersects with domestic economic realities.</p><p>The country's large remittance inflows, totalling $36 billion annually, combined with high transaction costs and delays in traditional banking channels, make digital settlement systems particularly appealing.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-fake-jesus-iran-turns-trump-s-deleted-ai-image-into-a-viral-lego-diss-track-amid-pope-row-in-pics-1776326285612"><strong>'Fake Jesus!': Iran turns Trump's deleted AI-image into a viral LEGO diss track amid Pope row | In pics</strong></a></p><h2><strong>World Liberty connection &amp; the 'Trump effect' debate</strong></h2><p>Pakistan's crypto pivot comes amid growing engagement with US-linked digital asset ventures, particularly those associated with the broader Trump-aligned crypto ecosystem.</p><p>Over the past year, Pakistan has expanded discussions with firms connected to World Liberty Financial, a crypto venture linked to business interests associated with Donald Trump's family ecosystem. Pakistan's newly formed crypto council signed a letter of intent with WLF last year, followed by an MOU involving SC Financial Technologies, an affiliate of WLF.</p><h2><strong>What is the Trump effect?</strong></h2><p>The Trump effect is a phenomenon that looks at key partnerships of economies with the United States, tied to Donald Trump's policies. Crypto push became Trump's key policy move, with laws aimed at integrating crypto in the global financial system.</p><p>Major countries, like Abu Dhabi, are reportedly linked to USD-1, the stablecoin linked to WLF. From this perspective, Pakistan's outreach to WLF is interpreted as a strategic alignment move, aimed at gaining access to Trump's inner circle.</p><h2><strong>Beyond Trump: Mounting domestic pressures</strong></h2><p>Pakistan's crypto policy shift is also rooted in internal economic necessity. The country faces a persistent balance-of-payments pressure, limited fiscal space, and high dependence on remittance inflows. The country recently secured an $8 billion aid package from Saudi Arabia and Qatar to stay afloat.&nbsp;</p><p>With Gulf remittances impacted, Pakistan is looking to open its economy to crypto, a move tied to domestic pressures and Trump-related commitments.</p>

Why is Pakistan suddenly opening the door to crypto again? After years of restrictions, the State Bank of Pakistan is now allowing regulated crypto firms into the banking system—without fully legalising it. Is this the ‘Trump effect’?

Pakistan has decided to lift a seven-year restriction on banks servicing cryptocurrency-related businesses. This marks one of the most significant financial policy shifts in its recent economic history. From ban to framework: A controlled re-entry Under the new framework, the State Bank of Pakistan now allows financial institutions to open accounts for registered Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) and their clients. This effectively brings crypto-linked firms into the formal banking system for the first time since the 2018 ban, when banks were instructed to cut off all services to cryptocurrency businesses. However, the shift stops well short of full legalisation. Banks are still explicitly barred from trading, holding, or investing in virtual assets. This dual structure (permission with restrictions) defines Pakistan's new crypto approach: controlled integration rather than unrestricted adoption. Also read | US could 'do whatever we want': Trump says Iran war ‘going swimmingly’, signals deal could be close New Rules: Strict integration, timeline, and a rising user base The pivot to crypto started with Pakistan's Virtual Assets Act, a legislative framework established alongside the Pakistan Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (PVARA). This also coincides with Trump coming to power in the White House in 2025. Dedicated meetings with Trump-affiliated officials aided the country's pivot from a crypto 'grey-zone' to a more friendly stance. Despite regulatory ambiguity, usage continued to expand through informal peer-to-peer markets and offshore platforms. Estimates suggest that Pakistan's crypto user base may range between 15 million and 40 million people. The country's strong remittance culture has helped in driving large-scale adoption. With more than 60 per cent of its population under the age of 30, Pakistan represents one of the youngest and most digitally active demographics globally. Stablecoins as a new financial infrastructure Stablecoins, digital tokens typically pegged to the US dollar, are increasingly being explored as tools for cross-border payments. Unlike volatile cryptocurrencies, stablecoins offer price stability and transaction efficiency. For Pakistan, this global trend intersects with domestic economic realities. The country's large remittance inflows, totalling $36 billion annually, combined with high transaction costs and delays in traditional banking channels, make digital settlement systems particularly appealing. Also read | 'Fake Jesus!': Iran turns Trump's deleted AI-image into a viral LEGO diss track amid Pope row | In pics World Liberty connection & the 'Trump effect' debate Pakistan's crypto pivot comes amid growing engagement with US-linked digital asset ventures, particularly those associated with the broader Trump-aligned crypto ecosystem. Over the past year, Pakistan has expanded discussions with firms connected to World Liberty Financial, a crypto venture linked to business interests associated with Donald Trump's family ecosystem. Pakistan's newly formed crypto council signed a letter of intent with WLF last year, followed by an MOU involving SC Financial Technologies, an affiliate of WLF. What is the Trump effect? The Trump effect is a phenomenon that looks at key partnerships of economies with the United States, tied to Donald Trump's policies. Crypto push became Trump's key policy move, with laws aimed at integrating crypto in the global financial system. Major countries, like Abu Dhabi, are reportedly linked to USD-1, the stablecoin linked to WLF. From this perspective, Pakistan's outreach to WLF is interpreted as a strategic alignment move, aimed at gaining access to Trump's inner circle. Beyond Trump: Mounting domestic pressures Pakistan's crypto policy shift is also rooted in internal economic necessity. The country faces a persistent balance-of-payments pressure, limited fiscal space, and high dependence on remittance inflows. The country recently secured an $8 billion aid package from Saudi Arabia and Qatar to stay afloat. With Gulf remittances impacted, Pakistan is looking to open its economy to crypto, a move tied to domestic pressures and Trump-related commitments.

<p>Why is Pakistan suddenly opening the door to crypto again? After years of restrictions, the State Bank of Pakistan is now allowing regulated crypto firms into the banking system—without fully legalising it. Is this the ‘Trump effect’?</p>

Pakistan lifts crypto banking ban — is this the ‘Trump effect’?

India’s cryptocurrency market is witnessing a sharp rise, driven by retail traders from smaller cities. In the October-December quarter of 2024, trading volumes on the country’s four largest crypto exchanges surged to $1.9 billion. This surge comes as more Indians, especially young traders, look for alternative income sources.

Young Indians bet big on crypto trading

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