<p>Non-fungible token marketplace Cent has shut down citing 'rampant' fakes and plagiarism problems.</p>

<p>"There's a spectrum of activity that is happening that basically shouldn't be happening - like, legally," said Cameron Hejazi, CEO and co-founder of the NFT marketplace Cent.</p>

<p>"It kept happening. We would ban offending accounts but it was like we're playing a game of whack-a-mole... Every time we would ban one, another one would come up, or three more would come up."</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-charlie-bit-my-finger-video-to-be-sold-as-nft-386131/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The US-based firm had executed one of the first known million-dollar NFT sales when it sold the former Twitter CEO's tweet as an NFT.</p>

<p>The unique digital objects that confer ownership, are appealing due to the decentralised nature of blockchain technology. They allow users to create and trade digital assets without a central authority controlling the activity.</p>

<p>The biggest NFT marketplace, OpenSea, valued at $13.3 billion after its latest round of venture funding, said last month more than 80 per cent&nbsp;of the NFTs minted for free on its platform were "plagiarised works, fake collections and spam."</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/beijing-olympics-2022-alibaba-launches-nft-in-traditional-chinese-ink-painting-style-451241">Also read |&nbsp;Beijing Olympics 2022: Alibaba launches NFT in traditional Chinese ink painting style</a></strong></p>

<p>Athletics giant Nike filed a lawsuit in New York on Thursday against shopping platform StockX for creating and marketing NFTs -- the tamper-proof digital property certificates -- based on the brand's products without permission.</p>

<p>The company's lawyers accused US-based StockX of "minting" NFTs using Nike trademarks and trading on the brand's "goodwill" to market them.</p>

<p>Such problems may come into greater focus as major brands join the rush towards the so-called "metaverse", or Web3. Coca-Cola and luxury brand Gucci are among companies to have sold NFTs, while YouTube said it will explore NFT features.</p>

<p>Investors and wealthy collectors have clamored in recent months to get involved in the latest digital craze, which relies on the same blockchain technology that powers cryptocurrencies and cannot be forged or otherwise manipulated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Recent auctions have seen eye-watering sums paid for NFTs, including a staggering $69.3 million for a digital work by artist Beeple at a sale at Christie's.</p>

<p>Sales of NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, soared to around $25 billion in 2021, leaving many baffled as to why so much money is being spent on items that do not physically exist and which anyone can view online for free.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Non-fungible token marketplace Cent has shut down citing 'rampant' fakes and plagiarism problems. "There's a spectrum of activity that is happening that basically shouldn't be happening - like, legally," said Cameron Hejazi, CEO and co-founder of the NFT marketplace Cent.

Non-fungible token marketplace Cent has shut down citing 'rampant' fakes and plagiarism problems. "There's a spectrum of activity that is happening that basically shouldn't be happening - like, legally," said Cameron Hejazi, CEO and co-founder of the NFT marketplace Cent. "It kept happening. We would ban offending accounts but it was like we're playing a game of whack-a-mole... Every time we would ban one, another one would come up, or three more would come up." The US-based firm had executed one of the first known million-dollar NFT sales when it sold the former Twitter CEO's tweet as an NFT. The unique digital objects that confer ownership, are appealing due to the decentralised nature of blockchain technology. They allow users to create and trade digital assets without a central authority controlling the activity. The biggest NFT marketplace, OpenSea, valued at $13.3 billion after its latest round of venture funding, said last month more than 80 per cent of the NFTs minted for free on its platform were "plagiarised works, fake collections and spam." Also read | Beijing Olympics 2022: Alibaba launches NFT in traditional Chinese ink painting style Athletics giant Nike filed a lawsuit in New York on Thursday against shopping platform StockX for creating and marketing NFTs -- the tamper-proof digital property certificates -- based on the brand's products without permission. The company's lawyers accused US-based StockX of "minting" NFTs using Nike trademarks and trading on the brand's "goodwill" to market them. Such problems may come into greater focus as major brands join the rush towards the so-called "metaverse", or Web3. Coca-Cola and luxury brand Gucci are among companies to have sold NFTs, while YouTube said it will explore NFT features. Investors and wealthy collectors have clamored in recent months to get involved in the latest digital craze, which relies on the same blockchain technology that powers cryptocurrencies and cannot be forged or otherwise manipulated. Recent auctions have seen eye-watering sums paid for NFTs, including a staggering $69.3 million for a digital work by artist Beeple at a sale at Christie's. Sales of NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, soared to around $25 billion in 2021, leaving many baffled as to why so much money is being spent on items that do not physically exist and which anyone can view online for free. (With inputs from agencies)

NFT platform that sold Dorsey's first tweet shuts down due to 'rampant' fakes

In Pics: Inside India's first metaverse wedding

<p>India’s finance minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman while announcing the Union Budget 2022 proposed to levy 30 per cent tax on income from crypto and digital assets.</p>

<p>The proposal came months after several reports claimed that India is intending to ban cryptocurrencies in the country</p>

<p>In her Budget speech on February 1, Sitharaman said, “There has been a phenomenal increase in transactions in virtual digital assets. The magnitude and frequency of these transactions have made it imperative to provide for a specific tax regime. Accordingly, for the taxation of virtual digital assets, I propose to provide that any income from transfer of any virtual digital asset (VDA) shall be taxed at the rate of 30 per cent.”</p>

<p>After presenting the budget, Sitharaman, at a press conference, said consultation is underway with stakeholders on digital assets, adding that there is no clarity yet on how the Government of India will regulate cryptocurrencies.</p>

<p><strong>Ashish Singhal, Co-chair Blockchain and Crypto Assets Council (BACC), Founder and CEO, CoinSwitch</strong>&nbsp;in an exclusive interview with&nbsp;<strong>Reema Sharma of Zee Media</strong>&nbsp;shared his views on tax on VDA and the future of cryptos in the country.</p>

<p><strong>FM Nirmala Sitharaman has categorically said that the term is 'Crypto' and not 'Crypto-currency' as being discussed in the common parlance. What is your view on it?</strong></p>

<p>The industry also wants crypto to be classified as an asset class. The world is moving towards a decentralized future. Tech revolution and&nbsp;crypto-assets&nbsp;play a functional role in building the disruptive decentralized world, aka Web3.0. Regulation of crypto assets is of paramount importance as Indian citizens need to have access to crypto-assets in a safe and secure manner. Crypto is better used as an asset instead of currency, considering India already has faster payment systems like UPI.</p>

<p><strong>In her Budget speech, the FM has said that income from virtual digital assets (VDA) will be taxed at 30%. How does the crypto biz interpret it?</strong></p>

<p>We see this as a positive development overall. What it does is that it removes all ambiguity. And signals that the government recognizes this industry. Now there are more nuances to this. Which is: could we look at taxing this at par with other assets like securities. These nuances need to be worked out. The industry is hopeful that the government will work with the industry on some of these finer aspects.</p>

<p><strong>The tax on VDA will be levied from 2023. How does it affect crypto investors this year?</strong></p>

<p>We are still studying the fine print and would advise crypto investors to consult their CA’s.</p>

<p><strong>FM has said the Reserve Bank of India is soon going to introduce a Digital Rupee. How can we understand Digital Rupee in light of Crypto and vice-versa?</strong></p>

<p>We definitely see this as a positive step. Leads to a clear demarcation between the currency (legal tender) and other crypto assets. It addresses concerns about the stability of the monetary system while allowing cryptos and other digital assets to innovate.</p>


India’s finance minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman while announcing the Union Budget 2022 proposed to levy 30 per cent tax on income from crypto and digital assets.

India’s finance minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman while announcing the Union Budget 2022 proposed to levy 30 per cent tax on income from crypto and digital assets. The proposal came months after several reports claimed that India is intending to ban cryptocurrencies in the country In her Budget speech on February 1, Sitharaman said, “There has been a phenomenal increase in transactions in virtual digital assets. The magnitude and frequency of these transactions have made it imperative to provide for a specific tax regime. Accordingly, for the taxation of virtual digital assets, I propose to provide that any income from transfer of any virtual digital asset (VDA) shall be taxed at the rate of 30 per cent.” After presenting the budget, Sitharaman, at a press conference, said consultation is underway with stakeholders on digital assets, adding that there is no clarity yet on how the Government of India will regulate cryptocurrencies. Ashish Singhal, Co-chair Blockchain and Crypto Assets Council (BACC), Founder and CEO, CoinSwitch in an exclusive interview with Reema Sharma of Zee Media shared his views on tax on VDA and the future of cryptos in the country. FM Nirmala Sitharaman has categorically said that the term is 'Crypto' and not 'Crypto-currency' as being discussed in the common parlance. What is your view on it? The industry also wants crypto to be classified as an asset class. The world is moving towards a decentralized future. Tech revolution and crypto-assets play a functional role in building the disruptive decentralized world, aka Web3.0. Regulation of crypto assets is of paramount importance as Indian citizens need to have access to crypto-assets in a safe and secure manner. Crypto is better used as an asset instead of currency, considering India already has faster payment systems like UPI. In her Budget speech, the FM has said that income from virtual digital assets (VDA) will be taxed at 30%. How does the crypto biz interpret it? We see this as a positive development overall. What it does is that it removes all ambiguity. And signals that the government recognizes this industry. Now there are more nuances to this. Which is: could we look at taxing this at par with other assets like securities. These nuances need to be worked out. The industry is hopeful that the government will work with the industry on some of these finer aspects. The tax on VDA will be levied from 2023. How does it affect crypto investors this year? We are still studying the fine print and would advise crypto investors to consult their CA’s. FM has said the Reserve Bank of India is soon going to introduce a Digital Rupee. How can we understand Digital Rupee in light of Crypto and vice-versa? We definitely see this as a positive step. Leads to a clear demarcation between the currency (legal tender) and other crypto assets. It addresses concerns about the stability of the monetary system while allowing cryptos and other digital assets to innovate.

How will tax on virtual digital assets impact Crypto investors in India? CoinSwitch CEO answers

<p>Nonfungible tokens (NFTs) are the new talk of the town. It may also be entering a new market recently as a house in the US could be the first house sold as an NFT. &nbsp;</p>

<p>This four-bedroom house is located in Tampa Bay, Florida. It will be put on the market as an NFT by a local realtor on Tuesday. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The house’s property rights will be minted as a digital token. It may get sold for a minimum bid of $650,000. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-year-long-absence-iconic-tapestry-of-pablo-picassos-guernica-returns-to-un-450891" hreflang="en">After year-long absence, iconic tapestry of Pablo Picasso's 'Guernica’ returns to UN</a></strong></p>

<p>A local real estate investor, Leslie Alessandra, is selling the home in partnership with a real estate tech company, Propy, as per the listing. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The property rights of the house will also be accompanied by an NFT of an indoor mural, which has been designed by a local artist, Derek Donnelly. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Alessandra, who is also the founder of cryptocurrency company, DeFi Unlimited, said that she transformed the home's certificate of authenticity into an NFT. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-winter-storm-over-150000-us-homes-witness-chilly-conditions-sans-power-450849" hreflang="en">After winter storm, over 150,000 US homes witness chilly conditions sans power</a></strong></p>

<p>It was achieved by turning the ownership into a limited liability corporation. By doing this, one can simplify the property sale process, according to Alessandra. &nbsp;</p>

<p>It could help people to theoretically sell a house with just a Venmo transaction, she added. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Christopher Vasilakis, a local real estate and virtual reality expert, told the Tampa Bay Times, "You're essentially just selling a company, and the company owns that house." &nbsp;</p>

<p>Amy Heckler, president, Heckler Realty Group, told WTSP, "It's an exciting venture into what possibly could be the future of real estate." &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Nonfungible tokens (NFTs) are the new talk of the town. It may also be entering a new market recently as a house in the US could be the first house sold as an NFT.

Nonfungible tokens (NFTs) are the new talk of the town. It may also be entering a new market recently as a house in the US could be the first house sold as an NFT. This four-bedroom house is located in Tampa Bay, Florida. It will be put on the market as an NFT by a local realtor on Tuesday. The house’s property rights will be minted as a digital token. It may get sold for a minimum bid of $650,000. Also Read: After year-long absence, iconic tapestry of Pablo Picasso's 'Guernica’ returns to UN A local real estate investor, Leslie Alessandra, is selling the home in partnership with a real estate tech company, Propy, as per the listing. The property rights of the house will also be accompanied by an NFT of an indoor mural, which has been designed by a local artist, Derek Donnelly. Alessandra, who is also the founder of cryptocurrency company, DeFi Unlimited, said that she transformed the home's certificate of authenticity into an NFT. Also Read: After winter storm, over 150,000 US homes witness chilly conditions sans power It was achieved by turning the ownership into a limited liability corporation. By doing this, one can simplify the property sale process, according to Alessandra. It could help people to theoretically sell a house with just a Venmo transaction, she added. Christopher Vasilakis, a local real estate and virtual reality expert, told the Tampa Bay Times, "You're essentially just selling a company, and the company owns that house." Amy Heckler, president, Heckler Realty Group, told WTSP, "It's an exciting venture into what possibly could be the future of real estate." (With inputs from agencies)

In a first, US realtor puts four-bedroom house on sale as NFT

<p>E-commerce giant Alibaba has launched Beijing Winter Olympics-themed non-fungible tokens (NFTs).</p>

<p>Featuring speed skating, aerial freestyle skiing, slopestyle, and figure skating, the virtual badges have a traditional Chinese ink painting style.</p>

<p>According to Alibaba, ''Owners of the NFTs are barred from using the digital collectibles for any commercial purpose.''</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/after-cryptocurrencies-money-laundering-via-nfts-is-next-big-worry-450303">Also read |&nbsp;After cryptocurrencies, money laundering via NFTs is next big worry</a></strong></p>

<p>Taobao and Tmall, Alibaba’s core e-commerce sites in China will sell them in online marketplaces from February 5 to 20.</p>

<p>Available to Alibaba’s 88Vip paid members, the four badges have 8,888 copies each.</p>

<p>Called “digital collectibles,” the offerings are only available to mainland Chinese residents over the age of 14 years.</p>

<p>The buzz around this new market has been buoyed by art collectibles like CryptoPunks and Bored Apes, algorithmically generated portraits that can sell for millions of dollars. They have gained celebrity traction, with socialite Paris Hilton and TV host Jimmy Fallon recently showing off their Bored Apes.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-what-is-the-hype-behind-pricey-pixels-why-people-spend-fortunes-on-nfts-or-digital-art-450100" hreflang="en">Explainer: What is the hype behind pricey pixels, why people spend fortunes on NFTs or digital art?</a></strong></p>

<p>Several big companies, from Coca-Cola to Gucci, are testing the temperature with their own NFTs. In the art world, meanwhile, just over $1 in every $20 of revenue at top auction houses last year came from NFTs.</p>

<p>A life-size image of International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach virtually handed an Olympic torch to a similar hologram of the chief executive of tech giant Alibaba, Daniel Zhang, who was more than 1,000 km away from Beijing in Shanghai.</p>

<p>No longer the preserve of sci-fi movies, hologram technology is becoming a real communications option, especially after COVID-19 put the brakes on global travel, driving firms such as China's Alibaba to seek alternatives to in-person meetings beyond video conferences.</p>

<p>"We’re living in a different world," the virtual Bach said of the technology in 2022 compared with the 2008 Summer Games that was also held in Beijing.</p>

<p>The Hangzhou-based firm was fined a record $2.8 billion for antitrust violations and is under scrutiny as regulators step up oversight of the technology industry at a time when the economy is slowing.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


E-commerce giant Alibaba has launched Beijing Winter Olympics-themed non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Featuring speed skating, aerial freestyle skiing, slopestyle, and figure skating, the virtual badges have a traditional Chinese ink painting style.

E-commerce giant Alibaba has launched Beijing Winter Olympics-themed non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Featuring speed skating, aerial freestyle skiing, slopestyle, and figure skating, the virtual badges have a traditional Chinese ink painting style. According to Alibaba, ''Owners of the NFTs are barred from using the digital collectibles for any commercial purpose.'' Also read | After cryptocurrencies, money laundering via NFTs is next big worry Taobao and Tmall, Alibaba’s core e-commerce sites in China will sell them in online marketplaces from February 5 to 20. Available to Alibaba’s 88Vip paid members, the four badges have 8,888 copies each. Called “digital collectibles,” the offerings are only available to mainland Chinese residents over the age of 14 years. The buzz around this new market has been buoyed by art collectibles like CryptoPunks and Bored Apes, algorithmically generated portraits that can sell for millions of dollars. They have gained celebrity traction, with socialite Paris Hilton and TV host Jimmy Fallon recently showing off their Bored Apes. Also read | Explainer: What is the hype behind pricey pixels, why people spend fortunes on NFTs or digital art? Several big companies, from Coca-Cola to Gucci, are testing the temperature with their own NFTs. In the art world, meanwhile, just over $1 in every $20 of revenue at top auction houses last year came from NFTs. A life-size image of International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach virtually handed an Olympic torch to a similar hologram of the chief executive of tech giant Alibaba, Daniel Zhang, who was more than 1,000 km away from Beijing in Shanghai. No longer the preserve of sci-fi movies, hologram technology is becoming a real communications option, especially after COVID-19 put the brakes on global travel, driving firms such as China's Alibaba to seek alternatives to in-person meetings beyond video conferences. "We’re living in a different world," the virtual Bach said of the technology in 2022 compared with the 2008 Summer Games that was also held in Beijing. The Hangzhou-based firm was fined a record $2.8 billion for antitrust violations and is under scrutiny as regulators step up oversight of the technology industry at a time when the economy is slowing. (With inputs from agencies)

Beijing Olympics 2022: Alibaba launches NFT in traditional Chinese ink painting style

<p>In the wake of serious concerns raised about cryptocurrencies and the misuse of them for money laundering and hawala transactions by terrorists and criminals, a new report indicates that money laundering via non-fungible tokens (NFTs) is becoming a growing sector.</p>

<p>A&nbsp;report by Blockchain data platform Chainalysis indicates that money laundering is a small, but growing, part of the activity on NFT marketplaces.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-what-is-the-hype-behind-pricey-pixels-why-people-spend-fortunes-on-nfts-or-digital-art-450100">Explainer: What is the hype behind pricey pixels, why people spend fortunes on NFTs or digital art?</a></strong></p>

<p>"While money laundering in physical art is difficult to quantify, we can make more reliable estimates of NFT-based money laundering thanks to the inherent transparency of the Blockchain," the report said late on Wednesday.</p>

<p>During the third quarter of 2021, illicit addresses sent over $1 million worth of cryptocurrency to NFT marketplaces.</p>

<p>Again, the figure grew in the fourth quarter, capped at just under $1.4 million.</p>

<p>"In both quarters, the vast majority of this activity came from scam-associated addresses sending funds to NFT marketplaces to make purchases," the report informed.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-in-seattle-a-nft-museum-opens-its-door-to-public-450047">In Pics: In Seattle, a NFT museum opens its door to public</a></strong></p>

<p>Additionally, both quarters saw a significant amount of stolen funds being transferred to marketplaces.</p>

<p>"Perhaps most concerningly, in the fourth quarter, we saw roughly $284,000 worth of cryptocurrency sent to NFT marketplaces from addresses with sanctions risk," said the researchers.</p>

<p>With NFTs, data can be stored on blockchains and those data can be paired with images, videos, audio, physical objects, memberships, etc.</p>

<p>The popularity of NFTs skyrocketed in 2021. According to Chainalysis, at least $44.2 billion worth of cryptocurrency is now being sent to ERC-721 and ERC-1155 smart contracts associated with NFT marketplaces and collections, up from just $106 million in 2020.</p>

<p><strong>"Wash trading" is another way some NFT sellers make money.</strong></p>

<p>Another area of concern for NFTs, Wash trading has a single person/party on both sides of the transaction, i.e. the same person acts as&nbsp;both the seller and the buyer, creating&nbsp;a false impression about an asset's value and liquidity.</p>

<p>Based on Blockchain analysis, the researchers identified 262 users who sold NFTs to self-financed addresses more than 25 times.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Non-Fungible token sales hit $25 Billion dollars in 2021</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/non-fungible-token-sales-hit-25-billion-dollars-in-2021-443780/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>A total of nearly $8.9 million in profit was made by the 110 profitable wash traders, dwarfing the $416,984 lost by the 152 unprofitable traders.</p>

<p>"Even worse, that $8.9 million is most likely derived from sales to unsuspecting buyers who believe the NFT they're purchasing has been growing in value, sold from one distinct collector to another," said Chainalysis.</p>

<p>"NFTs offer potential for abuse. It's important that as our industry considers all the ways this new asset class can change how we link the blockchain to the physical world," said the report.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In the wake of serious concerns raised about cryptocurrencies and the misuse of them for money laundering and hawala transactions by terrorists and criminals, a new report indicates that money laundering via non-fungible tokens (NFTs) is becoming a growing sector.

In the wake of serious concerns raised about cryptocurrencies and the misuse of them for money laundering and hawala transactions by terrorists and criminals, a new report indicates that money laundering via non-fungible tokens (NFTs) is becoming a growing sector. A report by Blockchain data platform Chainalysis indicates that money laundering is a small, but growing, part of the activity on NFT marketplaces. Also read | Explainer: What is the hype behind pricey pixels, why people spend fortunes on NFTs or digital art? "While money laundering in physical art is difficult to quantify, we can make more reliable estimates of NFT-based money laundering thanks to the inherent transparency of the Blockchain," the report said late on Wednesday. During the third quarter of 2021, illicit addresses sent over $1 million worth of cryptocurrency to NFT marketplaces. Again, the figure grew in the fourth quarter, capped at just under $1.4 million. "In both quarters, the vast majority of this activity came from scam-associated addresses sending funds to NFT marketplaces to make purchases," the report informed. Also read | In Pics: In Seattle, a NFT museum opens its door to public Additionally, both quarters saw a significant amount of stolen funds being transferred to marketplaces. "Perhaps most concerningly, in the fourth quarter, we saw roughly $284,000 worth of cryptocurrency sent to NFT marketplaces from addresses with sanctions risk," said the researchers. With NFTs, data can be stored on blockchains and those data can be paired with images, videos, audio, physical objects, memberships, etc. The popularity of NFTs skyrocketed in 2021. According to Chainalysis, at least $44.2 billion worth of cryptocurrency is now being sent to ERC-721 and ERC-1155 smart contracts associated with NFT marketplaces and collections, up from just $106 million in 2020. "Wash trading" is another way some NFT sellers make money. Another area of concern for NFTs, Wash trading has a single person/party on both sides of the transaction, i.e. the same person acts as both the seller and the buyer, creating a false impression about an asset's value and liquidity. Based on Blockchain analysis, the researchers identified 262 users who sold NFTs to self-financed addresses more than 25 times. Watch | Non-Fungible token sales hit $25 Billion dollars in 2021 A total of nearly $8.9 million in profit was made by the 110 profitable wash traders, dwarfing the $416,984 lost by the 152 unprofitable traders. "Even worse, that $8.9 million is most likely derived from sales to unsuspecting buyers who believe the NFT they're purchasing has been growing in value, sold from one distinct collector to another," said Chainalysis. "NFTs offer potential for abuse. It's important that as our industry considers all the ways this new asset class can change how we link the blockchain to the physical world," said the report. (With inputs from agencies)

After cryptocurrencies, money laundering via NFTs is next big worry

<p>People taking a stroll at New York’s Central Park in the early morning were shocked when they saw the presence of a massive security team closely guarding a giant cube.</p>

<p>But that giant cube weighing 186 kilograms was not made of any ordinary metal. It was reportedly made from pure 24-karat gold, and it has been positioned in the middle of the park’s Naumburg Bandshell venue.</p>

<p>The main brain behind this artwork is a German artist named Niclas Castello.</p>

<p>“Never before in the history of humanity has such an enormous amount of gold been cast into a single, pure object. Gold — the eternal metal. Symbol of the sun, of light, of the good,” he said in the description of his artwork.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CZh95obqAUA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CZh95obqAUA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CZh95obqAUA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CZh95obqAUA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Niclas Castello (@niclas.castello)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Although the artist isn’t interested in selling, the cube has been valued at about $11.7 million, as the gold was purchased at $1,788 per ounce.</p>

<p>But as per reports, the artwork was merely a sideshow to draw the people’s attention to the artist's own cryptocoin known a ‘Castello Coin’.</p>

<p>And he also plans to launch a related NFT that is set to go on auction later this month, the Daily Mail reported.</p>

<p>According to New York Times, 43-year-old Castello showcased the gold cube for only one day in order to emphasise the rarity of the artwork.</p>

<p>Giving shape to the giant piece of structure was no mere feat.</p>

<p>Castell’s team said that a special handmade kiln was created to accommodate the volume of the gold. The kiln was heated up high enough to melt gold bars at 1,100 degrees Celsius for it to be recast.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Castello CUBE was manufactured in the Art Foundry H. Rüetschi in Aarau, Switzerland.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>


People taking a stroll at New York’s Central Park in the early morning were shocked when they saw the presence of a massive security team closely guarding a giant cube.

People taking a stroll at New York’s Central Park in the early morning were shocked when they saw the presence of a massive security team closely guarding a giant cube. But that giant cube weighing 186 kilograms was not made of any ordinary metal. It was reportedly made from pure 24-karat gold, and it has been positioned in the middle of the park’s Naumburg Bandshell venue. The main brain behind this artwork is a German artist named Niclas Castello. “Never before in the history of humanity has such an enormous amount of gold been cast into a single, pure object. Gold — the eternal metal. Symbol of the sun, of light, of the good,” he said in the description of his artwork. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Niclas Castello (@niclas.castello) × Although the artist isn’t interested in selling, the cube has been valued at about $11.7 million, as the gold was purchased at $1,788 per ounce. But as per reports, the artwork was merely a sideshow to draw the people’s attention to the artist's own cryptocoin known a ‘Castello Coin’. And he also plans to launch a related NFT that is set to go on auction later this month, the Daily Mail reported. According to New York Times, 43-year-old Castello showcased the gold cube for only one day in order to emphasise the rarity of the artwork. Giving shape to the giant piece of structure was no mere feat. Castell’s team said that a special handmade kiln was created to accommodate the volume of the gold. The kiln was heated up high enough to melt gold bars at 1,100 degrees Celsius for it to be recast. The Castello CUBE was manufactured in the Art Foundry H. Rüetschi in Aarau, Switzerland. (With inputs from agencies)

Pure gold cube worth $11 mn appears in New York, and it has a crypto connection

The NFTs have taken the digital world by storm and the US city of Seattle museum has opened for the blockchain based digital collectibles, our next report gets you the details.

World’s first NFT museum opens in Seattle

<p>Pop star Justin Bieber is now in news for a recent purchase he’s made. The star bought a Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) NFT for $1.29 million, paying a reported 300 percent more than its valued market price.</p>

<p>He posted a photo of the NFT which features a cartoon ape in a black T-shirt with tears in its eyes. He posted it on his Instagram along with lyrics from his 2021 song ‘Lonely’.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He captioned the post: “What if you had it all, but nobody to call, maybe then you’d know me. Cuz I’ve had everything but noones listening and that’s just fuckin lonely. #lonelyboredape.”<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-jennifer-garner-to-return-to-tv-with-revival-of-hit-starz-show-%E2%80%98party-down%E2%80%99-449628" hreflang="en">Jennifer Garner to return to TV with revival of hit Starz show ‘Party Down’</a></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CZZhdyzFITO/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CZZhdyzFITO/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CZZhdyzFITO/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CZZhdyzFITO/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Justin Bieber (@justinbieber)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Justin Bieber purchased the NFT for 500 ethereum cryptocurrency, which is the equivalent to $1.29 million, according to Bitcoin.com. The estimated value of the NFT was $208,237 as of January 29, 2022, meaning the star bought the non-fungible token for nearly 300 per cent above its valued price.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-former-partner-michelle-williams-dropped-out-of-film-on-heath-ledgers-death-for-this-reason-449561" hreflang="en">Former partner Michelle Williams dropped out of film on Heath Ledger's death for this reason</a></p>

<p>Twitterati poked fun at Justin Bieber for shelling out so much money on the piece. One person tweeted, “Justin Bieber really paid 5x the Bored Ape floor price for an ape with no rare traits He just got finessed.” Another wrote, “Next time you think you’re down bad, just remember that .@justinbieber just bought a floor ape for 500 ETH.”</p>

<p>One Twitter user wrote, “Yes we all know that @justinbieber could have bought a more expensive/rarer ape but, he doesn’t give a shit, this is just a flex, to get people talking about it. A statement piece. Welcome!”</p>

<p>Check out some reactions here:</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Justin Bieber spent 500 ETH ($1.3 MILLION) on this digital ape drawing…that everyone can save to your phone for $0. Truly don’t understand this NFT craze. <a href="https://t.co/8W96xrNBEG">pic.twitter.com/8W96xrNBEG</a></p>
— Frank Passalacqua (@randomfrankp) <a href="https://twitter.com/randomfrankp/status/1487576116667768832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Next time you think you’re down bad, just remember that .<a href="https://twitter.com/justinbieber?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@justinbieber</a> just bought a floor ape for 500 ETH.</p>
— gmoney.eth (@gmoneyNFT) <a href="https://twitter.com/gmoneyNFT/status/1487542929950482434?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Justin Bieber spent 400 eth more for a floor ape that HE liked. That’s more bullish than anything else could be.<br />
<br />
He’s not looking for the flip he just likes the apes!</p>
— cr0ss.eth (@cr0ssETH) <a href="https://twitter.com/cr0ssETH/status/1487541132061986817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Pop star Justin Bieber is now in news for a recent purchase he’s made. The star bought a Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) NFT for $1.29 million, paying a reported 300 percent more than its valued market price.

Pop star Justin Bieber is now in news for a recent purchase he’s made. The star bought a Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) NFT for $1.29 million, paying a reported 300 percent more than its valued market price. He posted a photo of the NFT which features a cartoon ape in a black T-shirt with tears in its eyes. He posted it on his Instagram along with lyrics from his 2021 song ‘Lonely’. He captioned the post: “What if you had it all, but nobody to call, maybe then you’d know me. Cuz I’ve had everything but noones listening and that’s just fuckin lonely. #lonelyboredape.”Jennifer Garner to return to TV with revival of hit Starz show ‘Party Down’ View this post on Instagram A post shared by Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) × Justin Bieber purchased the NFT for 500 ethereum cryptocurrency, which is the equivalent to $1.29 million, according to Bitcoin.com. The estimated value of the NFT was $208,237 as of January 29, 2022, meaning the star bought the non-fungible token for nearly 300 per cent above its valued price. Former partner Michelle Williams dropped out of film on Heath Ledger's death for this reason Twitterati poked fun at Justin Bieber for shelling out so much money on the piece. One person tweeted, “Justin Bieber really paid 5x the Bored Ape floor price for an ape with no rare traits He just got finessed.” Another wrote, “Next time you think you’re down bad, just remember that .@justinbieber just bought a floor ape for 500 ETH.” One Twitter user wrote, “Yes we all know that @justinbieber could have bought a more expensive/rarer ape but, he doesn’t give a shit, this is just a flex, to get people talking about it. A statement piece. Welcome!” Check out some reactions here: Justin Bieber spent 500 ETH ($1.3 MILLION) on this digital ape drawing…that everyone can save to your phone for $0. Truly don’t understand this NFT craze. pic.twitter.com/8W96xrNBEG — Frank Passalacqua (@randomfrankp) January 29, 2022 × Next time you think you’re down bad, just remember that .@justinbieber just bought a floor ape for 500 ETH. — gmoney.eth (@gmoneyNFT) January 29, 2022 × Justin Bieber spent 400 eth more for a floor ape that HE liked. That’s more bullish than anything else could be. He’s not looking for the flip he just likes the apes! — cr0ss.eth (@cr0ssETH) January 29, 2022 ×

Justin Bieber gets trolled for buying Bored Ape NFT for $1.29 million

<p>Famous Spanish artist Pablo Picasso's heirs are selling his 1,010 art pieces as non-fungible tokens (NFTs).</p>

<p>Marina Picasso, the granddaughter of artist Pablo Picasso, and her son Florian Picasso are vaulting into 21st-century commerce and&nbsp;riding a fad for “crypto” assets that have taken the art and financial worlds by storm.</p>

<p>NFTs, a digital signature saved on blockchain ledgers that allows anyone to verify the ownership and authenticity of items, have become the latest investment craze.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/surgeon-tries-to-sell-x-ray-of-2015s-bataclan-terror-attack-victim-as-nft-447407">Also read |&nbsp;Surgeon tries to sell X-ray of 2015's Bataclan terror attack victim as NFT</a></strong></p>

<p>NFTs are usually bought with the cryptocurrency Ether or in dollars and the blockchain keeps a record of transactions.</p>

<p>While anyone can view the NFTs, the buyer has the status of being the official owner,&nbsp;a kind of digital bragging rights.</p>

<p>“We’re trying to build a bridge between the NFT world and the fine art world,” said Florian.</p>

<p>“I think it fits within Picasso’s legacies because we are paying tribute to him and his way of working, which was always being creative,” he added.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/wikipedia-co-founder-sells-nft-of-first-ever-edit-made-on-its-site-for-750000-437399">Also read |&nbsp;Wikipedia co-founder sells NFT of first ever edit made on its site for $750,000</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, Marina said, “It’s a work that represents a face, and it’s very expressive.”</p>

<p>“It’s joyful, happy. It represents life ... It’s one of those objects that have been part of our life, our intimate lives — my life with my children.”</p>

<p>Driven by a surge this year in the market for non-fungible tokens (NFTs), often focused on digital-only artworks and other virtual items , Sotheby's flagged an NFT-linked sale of Picasso's "Le peintre et son modèle" in June last year.</p>

<p>The painting sold for 2.25 million pounds ($3.12 million), though plans for the joint sale of an NFT,&nbsp;a one-of-a-kind token that exists on a blockchain - that would link ownership to a digital version were scrapped, the auction house said.</p>

<p>Connoisseurs of Pablo Picasso will soon be able to own a share in one of his paintings for less than $6,000,&nbsp;though that won't actually buy them the right to see the work, which will be stored under lock and key in Switzerland.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Famous Spanish artist Pablo Picasso's heirs are selling his 1,010 art pieces as non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Marina Picasso, the granddaughter of artist Pablo Picasso, and her son Florian Picasso are vaulting into 21st-century commerce and riding a fad for “crypto” assets that have taken the art and financial worlds by storm.

Famous Spanish artist Pablo Picasso's heirs are selling his 1,010 art pieces as non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Marina Picasso, the granddaughter of artist Pablo Picasso, and her son Florian Picasso are vaulting into 21st-century commerce and riding a fad for “crypto” assets that have taken the art and financial worlds by storm. NFTs, a digital signature saved on blockchain ledgers that allows anyone to verify the ownership and authenticity of items, have become the latest investment craze. Also read | Surgeon tries to sell X-ray of 2015's Bataclan terror attack victim as NFT NFTs are usually bought with the cryptocurrency Ether or in dollars and the blockchain keeps a record of transactions. While anyone can view the NFTs, the buyer has the status of being the official owner, a kind of digital bragging rights. “We’re trying to build a bridge between the NFT world and the fine art world,” said Florian. “I think it fits within Picasso’s legacies because we are paying tribute to him and his way of working, which was always being creative,” he added. Also read | Wikipedia co-founder sells NFT of first ever edit made on its site for $750,000 Meanwhile, Marina said, “It’s a work that represents a face, and it’s very expressive.” “It’s joyful, happy. It represents life ... It’s one of those objects that have been part of our life, our intimate lives — my life with my children.” Driven by a surge this year in the market for non-fungible tokens (NFTs), often focused on digital-only artworks and other virtual items , Sotheby's flagged an NFT-linked sale of Picasso's "Le peintre et son modèle" in June last year. The painting sold for 2.25 million pounds ($3.12 million), though plans for the joint sale of an NFT, a one-of-a-kind token that exists on a blockchain - that would link ownership to a digital version were scrapped, the auction house said. Connoisseurs of Pablo Picasso will soon be able to own a share in one of his paintings for less than $6,000, though that won't actually buy them the right to see the work, which will be stored under lock and key in Switzerland. (With inputs from agencies)

Heirs of Pablo Picasso selling over 1000 works of famous Spanish artist as NFTs

<p>The Beatles hit song 'Hey Jude' can be yours now. John Lennon's eldest son, Julian Lennon has announced details of a Beatles memorabilia sale which includes outfits, guitars and the song notes of 'Hey Jude' as non-fungible tokens or NFTs.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Paul McCartney's original notes of the song will soon be up for sale digitally.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Julian Lennon was all of five when his father left his mother Cynthia for Yoko Ono. Julian recalls that McCartney went to visit him at the Lennon family home in Surrey and came up with the tune and lyrics of the song in the car.&nbsp;<br />
Originally titled Hey Jules, it was meant to comfort young Julian – take a sad song and make it better.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
“Hey, try and deal with this terrible thing,” McCartney once said. “I knew it was not going to be easy for him. I always feel sorry for kids in divorces … I had the idea (for the song) by the time I got there.”</p>

<p>The song went to on to become one of the most popular tracks of the band. In 1968 it was the year's top-selling single in the UK and the US.</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/A_MjCqQoLLA" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>The notes show McCartney structuring the song into four distinct sections. It starts with “voice and piano” and ends with ‘LONG SLOW FADE’.</p>

<p>Bidding for the notes will begin at $30,000 (£22,267)</p>

<p>"This NFT is a one of one edition of the physical item and does not include the physical item," the description reads. The notes will, however, come with an “exclusive audio narration” by Julian Lennon.<br />
<br />
Three Gibson guitars and two of John Lenon's outfits too will be sold as NFTs.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Lenon's Afghan coat, which he wore in the film Magical Mystery Tour and at the launch party for the album Sgt&nbsp;Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band; and a black cape he wore in the film 'Help!'<br />
<br />
Julian Lennon hoped the sale would be “a unique way to continue Dad’s legacy.”&nbsp;<br />
<br />
"I’ve been collecting these personal items for about 30 years, and I was getting a bit fed up with them being locked away in a vault, where I’ve had to keep them because I didn’t want them to get damaged," he said to Variety.&nbsp;</p>


The Beatles hit song 'Hey Jude' can be yours now. John Lennon's eldest son, Julian Lennon has announced details of a Beatles memorabilia sale which includes outfits, guitars and the song notes of 'Hey Jude' as non-fungible tokens or NFTs.

The Beatles hit song 'Hey Jude' can be yours now. John Lennon's eldest son, Julian Lennon has announced details of a Beatles memorabilia sale which includes outfits, guitars and the song notes of 'Hey Jude' as non-fungible tokens or NFTs. Paul McCartney's original notes of the song will soon be up for sale digitally. Julian Lennon was all of five when his father left his mother Cynthia for Yoko Ono. Julian recalls that McCartney went to visit him at the Lennon family home in Surrey and came up with the tune and lyrics of the song in the car. Originally titled Hey Jules, it was meant to comfort young Julian – take a sad song and make it better. “Hey, try and deal with this terrible thing,” McCartney once said. “I knew it was not going to be easy for him. I always feel sorry for kids in divorces … I had the idea (for the song) by the time I got there.” The song went to on to become one of the most popular tracks of the band. In 1968 it was the year's top-selling single in the UK and the US. The notes show McCartney structuring the song into four distinct sections. It starts with “voice and piano” and ends with ‘LONG SLOW FADE’. Bidding for the notes will begin at $30,000 (£22,267) "This NFT is a one of one edition of the physical item and does not include the physical item," the description reads. The notes will, however, come with an “exclusive audio narration” by Julian Lennon. Three Gibson guitars and two of John Lenon's outfits too will be sold as NFTs. Lenon's Afghan coat, which he wore in the film Magical Mystery Tour and at the launch party for the album Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band; and a black cape he wore in the film 'Help!' Julian Lennon hoped the sale would be “a unique way to continue Dad’s legacy.” "I’ve been collecting these personal items for about 30 years, and I was getting a bit fed up with them being locked away in a vault, where I’ve had to keep them because I didn’t want them to get damaged," he said to Variety.

Notes of The Beatles' hit song 'Hey Jude' to be sold as NFT by John Lennon's son

<p>A French surgeon has been caught red-handed while he was trying to sell an X-ray of 2015's Bataclan terror attack victim as a non-fungible token (NFT).</p>

<p>The market for NFTs has soared in recent months as enthusiasts and investors use spare savings to buy up items that exist online.</p>

<p>Known as Emmanuel Masmejean, the orthopedic surgeon practises at the Georges Pompidou public hospital in southwest Paris.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/british-pakistani-doctor-who-floated-covid-19-conspiracy-theories-suspended-309276">Also read |&nbsp;British-Pakistani doctor, who floated COVID-19 conspiracy theories, suspended</a></strong></p>

<p>When a woman, who survived the 2015 attacks on the Bataclan concert hall, visited him for consultation, he took her X-ray which shows a forearm containing a Kalashnikov bullet.</p>

<p>Without his patient's consent, he tried to sell it as digital artwork for around 2,776 dollars (2,446 euros) on the OpenSea website, which specialises in so-called NFT.</p>

<p>Masmejean described her as a young woman who had lost her boyfriend in the massacre at the popular music venue by Islamic State gunmen.</p>

<p>He is now facing legal action and a possible disciplinary charge after the woman found about about his unethical move.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/a-doctor-antique-dealer-youtuber-indias-conman-who-sold-fake-artefacts-for-millions-of-rupees-held-416663">Also read |&nbsp;A doctor, antique dealer &amp; Youtuber: India’s conman who sold fake artefacts for millions of rupees held</a></strong></p>

<p>Her lawyer Elodie Abraham said, "This doctor, not content with breaking the duty of medical secrecy towards this patient, thought it would be a good idea to describe the private life of this young woman, making her perfectly identifiable."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Masmejean tried "to justify himself without expressing the slightest regret nor empathy towards her," the lawyer added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The head of Paris's public hospitals, Martin Hirsch, wrote on Twitter confirming that a strict action will be taken against the surgeon for his "disgraceful" and "scandalous" decision.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This act is contrary to sound professional practice, puts medical secrecy in danger, and goes against the values of AP-HP (Paris hospitals) and public service," Hirsch wrote in a message sent to staff, which he shared on Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Although NFTs can function as a legally enforceable contract, they also raise issues relating to insurance, tax and intellectual property, said Max Dilendorf, a cryptocurrency lawyer.</p>

<p><br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A French surgeon has been caught red-handed while he was trying to sell an X-ray of 2015's Bataclan terror attack victim as a non-fungible token (NFT). The market for NFTs has soared in recent months as enthusiasts and investors use spare savings to buy up items that exist online.

A French surgeon has been caught red-handed while he was trying to sell an X-ray of 2015's Bataclan terror attack victim as a non-fungible token (NFT). The market for NFTs has soared in recent months as enthusiasts and investors use spare savings to buy up items that exist online. Known as Emmanuel Masmejean, the orthopedic surgeon practises at the Georges Pompidou public hospital in southwest Paris. Also read | British-Pakistani doctor, who floated COVID-19 conspiracy theories, suspended When a woman, who survived the 2015 attacks on the Bataclan concert hall, visited him for consultation, he took her X-ray which shows a forearm containing a Kalashnikov bullet. Without his patient's consent, he tried to sell it as digital artwork for around 2,776 dollars (2,446 euros) on the OpenSea website, which specialises in so-called NFT. Masmejean described her as a young woman who had lost her boyfriend in the massacre at the popular music venue by Islamic State gunmen. He is now facing legal action and a possible disciplinary charge after the woman found about about his unethical move. Also read | A doctor, antique dealer & Youtuber: India’s conman who sold fake artefacts for millions of rupees held Her lawyer Elodie Abraham said, "This doctor, not content with breaking the duty of medical secrecy towards this patient, thought it would be a good idea to describe the private life of this young woman, making her perfectly identifiable." Masmejean tried "to justify himself without expressing the slightest regret nor empathy towards her," the lawyer added. The head of Paris's public hospitals, Martin Hirsch, wrote on Twitter confirming that a strict action will be taken against the surgeon for his "disgraceful" and "scandalous" decision. "This act is contrary to sound professional practice, puts medical secrecy in danger, and goes against the values of AP-HP (Paris hospitals) and public service," Hirsch wrote in a message sent to staff, which he shared on Twitter. Although NFTs can function as a legally enforceable contract, they also raise issues relating to insurance, tax and intellectual property, said Max Dilendorf, a cryptocurrency lawyer. (With inputs from agencies)

Surgeon tries to sell X-ray of 2015's Bataclan terror attack victim as NFT

<p>On January&nbsp;11, not quite a year after Donald and Melania Trump left the White House and less than a week after the anniversary of the attack on the Capitol that took place in his name, four years or so after putting her trademarks on ice and shuttering her QVC jewelry line and her skin-care line, Melania Trump returned to the public eye with a new kind of personal brand and a new kind of merch to go with.</p>

<p>The vehicle: a 14-day auction on melaniatrump.com of three pieces that comprise what is called the Head of State Collection.</p>

<p>The name is presumably a wink-wink-nudge-nudge reference to the star lot: what the website describes as an “iconic broad-brimmed, one-of-a-kind hat” originally worn by Melania Trump in 2018 during the state visit of the French president, Emmanuel Macron, and his wife, Brigitte, and signed by Trump. (Also on the block: a 2021 watercolour by French artist Marc-Antoine Coulon of Trump in said hat, signed by the artist and subject, and a nonfungible token, or NFT, of the artwork.) The opening bid was set at approximately $250,000 for the group.</p>

<p>The auction follows the sale in December of a group of limited-edition NFTs made of a watercolour of Trump’s eyes, also by Coulon and titled “Melania’s Vision,” which sold for $150 apiece. And it will be followed, according to the original announcement, by more such presumably Trump-inspired NFTs.</p>

<p>According to the website, “a portion of the proceeds derived from this auction” will go to charitable initiatives supported by Trump’s Be Best initiative, though it doesn’t specify how much or where the remaining proceeds will go. (Emails to her office requesting specific information were not returned.)</p>

<p>And thus is fulfilled the promise first revealed in Trump's 2017 libel suit against the website of The Daily Mail, claiming an article it published had harmed her marketability and thus impinged potential plans to “launch a broad-based commercial line in multiple product categories.” Including, perhaps, “apparel, accessories, shoes, jewellery, cosmetics, hair care, skin care and fragrance.” (The suit was settled, with the Daily Mail apologizing and paying damages.)</p>

<p>At the time, the suggestion that Trump might monetise her time in the White House, and the public eye, was dismissed by her team. “The first lady has no intention of using her position for profit and will not do so,” her lawyer, Charles Harder, said in a statement. “It is not a possibility.” That statement, seemingly, has limits.</p>

<p>If what is being sold is not exactly the clothing line many were expecting, or even a perfume, Trump’s new approach to product is nevertheless both familiar and revealing: It is rooted in the decorative yet alienated image-making she embraced as first lady, redolent of breaking norms, and seemingly governed by rules all its own.</p>

<p>After all, while former first ladies have traditionally made money from memoirs of their experience or speeches (also, in the Obamas’ case, documentary films and podcasts), it is pretty unheard-of for them to make money from selling off a relic of that experience.</p>

<p>“I think it’s unprecedented in modern times,” said Kate Andersen Brower, the author of “First Women: The Grace and Power of America’s Modern First Ladies,” of the Head of State sale. “Generally, it’s not seen as a thing to do.”</p>

<p>Traditionally, when an item of clothing is worn by a first lady during an occasion of state, it is donated to the National Archives or a museum such as the Smithsonian since it is considered a part of the historical record, with a soft power value that is impossible to quantify.</p>

<p>Indeed, according to Trump’s website, the reason for starting her new venture with the hat lies in the importance of the French state visit. “Mrs. Trump recognized this important moment for the country, and accordingly, a great deal of consideration went into the planning,” it explains. That planning included the ordering up of a one-off made-in-New York hat to match a Michael Kors suit Trump had planned to wear.</p>

<p>Of course, the hat prompted head-scratching from observers pretty much from the get-go. In shadowing her face almost completely, while being impossible to miss, it represented the first lady’s famous ambivalence toward her role; in appropriating the cultural tropes of the good guy (the white hat), it also teased the public obsession with searching her clothes for clues to her relationship with her husband. For many, it contained multitudes.</p>

<p>Especially because it proved but the first of a series of controversial hats Trump would wear throughout her time as first lady. There was the pith helmet she modeled on safari in Kenya and a cream fedora she wore while posing in front of the sphinx in Egypt, both of which prompted unfortunate comparisons with colonialists and seemed to reflect the extent to which Trump saw her position as just playing a role.</p>

<p>In selling the hat, which was created by Hervé Pierre, the French-born, New York designer-turned-stylist who was the closest thing to a fashion collaborator she had during her time in the White House (he made her inaugural ballgown), Trump seems to be sloughing off the detritus of her White House years one piece at a time like an irritating memory.</p>

<p>And she is doing so in a way that ensures that this one piece of history, at least, is owned only by one person. It’s the antithesis of the idea that a first lady should represent the nation writ large, but is entirely in line with the Trumps’ worldview and their approach to their role, which saw members of the family use the president’s position in the White House to benefit their hotels and golf courses, their potential future business endeavors. Why should that end just because they are no longer in office?</p>

<p>As always with Melania Trump, it’s hard to know what exactly she is thinking, since she’s not saying much of anything, just as she didn’t say much of anything during her time in Washington. Instead, it often seemed as if she let her outfits speak for her. Which is another reason those outfits mattered so much. They were the Rosetta Stone of her tenure in the East Wing, now apparently being lost to the private market; disappearing into the metaverse.</p>

<p>As a result, it is hard not to wonder what might come next. The Manolo Blahnik towering stilettos she wore as she embarked on a trip with her husband to the scene of the Hurricane Harvey devastation in Texas with a close-up of her ankles? The “I Really Don’t Care, Do U?” jacket she wore to visit immigrant children who had been separated from their parents at the border with a back silhouette? The pink pussy-bow blouse she wore to a debate after the “Access Hollywood” tape scandal with a sketch of her neck? A lock of her famously flowing hair?</p>

<p>Whatever it is, the idea seems to be to sell herself as a muse. From the White House to your house, with only a crypto cash register in between.</p>


On January 11, not quite a year after Donald and Melania Trump left the White House and less than a week after the anniversary of the attack on the Capitol that took place in his name, four years or so after putting her trademarks on ice and shuttering her QVC jewelry line and her skin-care line, Melania Trump returned to the public eye with a new kind of personal brand and a new kind of merch to go with.

On January 11, not quite a year after Donald and Melania Trump left the White House and less than a week after the anniversary of the attack on the Capitol that took place in his name, four years or so after putting her trademarks on ice and shuttering her QVC jewelry line and her skin-care line, Melania Trump returned to the public eye with a new kind of personal brand and a new kind of merch to go with. The vehicle: a 14-day auction on melaniatrump.com of three pieces that comprise what is called the Head of State Collection. The name is presumably a wink-wink-nudge-nudge reference to the star lot: what the website describes as an “iconic broad-brimmed, one-of-a-kind hat” originally worn by Melania Trump in 2018 during the state visit of the French president, Emmanuel Macron, and his wife, Brigitte, and signed by Trump. (Also on the block: a 2021 watercolour by French artist Marc-Antoine Coulon of Trump in said hat, signed by the artist and subject, and a nonfungible token, or NFT, of the artwork.) The opening bid was set at approximately $250,000 for the group. The auction follows the sale in December of a group of limited-edition NFTs made of a watercolour of Trump’s eyes, also by Coulon and titled “Melania’s Vision,” which sold for $150 apiece. And it will be followed, according to the original announcement, by more such presumably Trump-inspired NFTs. According to the website, “a portion of the proceeds derived from this auction” will go to charitable initiatives supported by Trump’s Be Best initiative, though it doesn’t specify how much or where the remaining proceeds will go. (Emails to her office requesting specific information were not returned.) And thus is fulfilled the promise first revealed in Trump's 2017 libel suit against the website of The Daily Mail, claiming an article it published had harmed her marketability and thus impinged potential plans to “launch a broad-based commercial line in multiple product categories.” Including, perhaps, “apparel, accessories, shoes, jewellery, cosmetics, hair care, skin care and fragrance.” (The suit was settled, with the Daily Mail apologizing and paying damages.) At the time, the suggestion that Trump might monetise her time in the White House, and the public eye, was dismissed by her team. “The first lady has no intention of using her position for profit and will not do so,” her lawyer, Charles Harder, said in a statement. “It is not a possibility.” That statement, seemingly, has limits. If what is being sold is not exactly the clothing line many were expecting, or even a perfume, Trump’s new approach to product is nevertheless both familiar and revealing: It is rooted in the decorative yet alienated image-making she embraced as first lady, redolent of breaking norms, and seemingly governed by rules all its own. After all, while former first ladies have traditionally made money from memoirs of their experience or speeches (also, in the Obamas’ case, documentary films and podcasts), it is pretty unheard-of for them to make money from selling off a relic of that experience. “I think it’s unprecedented in modern times,” said Kate Andersen Brower, the author of “First Women: The Grace and Power of America’s Modern First Ladies,” of the Head of State sale. “Generally, it’s not seen as a thing to do.” Traditionally, when an item of clothing is worn by a first lady during an occasion of state, it is donated to the National Archives or a museum such as the Smithsonian since it is considered a part of the historical record, with a soft power value that is impossible to quantify. Indeed, according to Trump’s website, the reason for starting her new venture with the hat lies in the importance of the French state visit. “Mrs. Trump recognized this important moment for the country, and accordingly, a great deal of consideration went into the planning,” it explains. That planning included the ordering up of a one-off made-in-New York hat to match a Michael Kors suit Trump had planned to wear. Of course, the hat prompted head-scratching from observers pretty much from the get-go. In shadowing her face almost completely, while being impossible to miss, it represented the first lady’s famous ambivalence toward her role; in appropriating the cultural tropes of the good guy (the white hat), it also teased the public obsession with searching her clothes for clues to her relationship with her husband. For many, it contained multitudes. Especially because it proved but the first of a series of controversial hats Trump would wear throughout her time as first lady. There was the pith helmet she modeled on safari in Kenya and a cream fedora she wore while posing in front of the sphinx in Egypt, both of which prompted unfortunate comparisons with colonialists and seemed to reflect the extent to which Trump saw her position as just playing a role. In selling the hat, which was created by Hervé Pierre, the French-born, New York designer-turned-stylist who was the closest thing to a fashion collaborator she had during her time in the White House (he made her inaugural ballgown), Trump seems to be sloughing off the detritus of her White House years one piece at a time like an irritating memory. And she is doing so in a way that ensures that this one piece of history, at least, is owned only by one person. It’s the antithesis of the idea that a first lady should represent the nation writ large, but is entirely in line with the Trumps’ worldview and their approach to their role, which saw members of the family use the president’s position in the White House to benefit their hotels and golf courses, their potential future business endeavors. Why should that end just because they are no longer in office? As always with Melania Trump, it’s hard to know what exactly she is thinking, since she’s not saying much of anything, just as she didn’t say much of anything during her time in Washington. Instead, it often seemed as if she let her outfits speak for her. Which is another reason those outfits mattered so much. They were the Rosetta Stone of her tenure in the East Wing, now apparently being lost to the private market; disappearing into the metaverse. As a result, it is hard not to wonder what might come next. The Manolo Blahnik towering stilettos she wore as she embarked on a trip with her husband to the scene of the Hurricane Harvey devastation in Texas with a close-up of her ankles? The “I Really Don’t Care, Do U?” jacket she wore to visit immigrant children who had been separated from their parents at the border with a back silhouette? The pink pussy-bow blouse she wore to a debate after the “Access Hollywood” tape scandal with a sketch of her neck? A lock of her famously flowing hair? Whatever it is, the idea seems to be to sell herself as a muse. From the White House to your house, with only a crypto cash register in between.

Selling Melania Trump, one NFT at a time

<p>Former US first lady Melania Trump said on Tuesday (January 4) that she would auction a famed white hat she wore in 2018, with accompanying physical and digitized NFT drawings.</p>

<p>The three "important one-of-a-kind signed items" commemorate an April 2018 state visit by French President Emmanuel Macron to Washington -- the first of the Trump presidency.</p>

<p>Bidding for this lot called the "Head of State Collection" will be held online between January 11 and 25, using the cryptocurrency Solana (SOL).</p>

<p>According to her website, where the auction was announced, bidding will begin at $250,000, currently equivalent to 1,416 SOL.</p>

<p>French-American designer Herve Pierre made the wide-brimmed hat at the request of Mrs Trump, who wore it as she accompanied French first lady Brigitte Macron around Washington.</p>

<p>The autographed collection also includes physical and digital paintings of Trump wearing the hat, both created by French artist Marc-Antoine Coulon.</p>

<p>The announcement states that a "portion" of the proceeds will go towards scholarships for children &nbsp;in foster care to learn computer skills.</p>

<p>Trump's office did not immediately respond to an email by AFP inquiring about the size of the portion that will be donated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In her first public project since leaving the White House, Trump announced last month that she would be joining the crypto trend by launching her own platform to sell NFTs (non-fungible tokens).</p>

<p>"I am proud to announce my new NFT endeavor, which embodies my passion for the arts, and will support my ongoing commitment to children through my Be Best initiative," Trump said in a statement at the time.</p>

<p>"Through this new technology-based platform, we will provide children computer science skills, including programming and software development, to thrive after they age out of the foster community."</p>

<p>Using the blockchain technology behind cryptocurrencies, NFTs transform anything from illustrations to memes into virtual collectors' items that cannot be duplicated.</p>

<p>NFTs rocketed into the mainstream last year and are now traded at major auction houses, generating several hundred million dollars in transactions every month.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former US first lady Melania Trump said on Tuesday (January 4) that she would auction a famed white hat she wore in 2018, with accompanying physical and digitized NFT drawings.

Former US first lady Melania Trump said on Tuesday (January 4) that she would auction a famed white hat she wore in 2018, with accompanying physical and digitized NFT drawings. The three "important one-of-a-kind signed items" commemorate an April 2018 state visit by French President Emmanuel Macron to Washington -- the first of the Trump presidency. Bidding for this lot called the "Head of State Collection" will be held online between January 11 and 25, using the cryptocurrency Solana (SOL). According to her website, where the auction was announced, bidding will begin at $250,000, currently equivalent to 1,416 SOL. French-American designer Herve Pierre made the wide-brimmed hat at the request of Mrs Trump, who wore it as she accompanied French first lady Brigitte Macron around Washington. The autographed collection also includes physical and digital paintings of Trump wearing the hat, both created by French artist Marc-Antoine Coulon. The announcement states that a "portion" of the proceeds will go towards scholarships for children in foster care to learn computer skills. Trump's office did not immediately respond to an email by AFP inquiring about the size of the portion that will be donated. In her first public project since leaving the White House, Trump announced last month that she would be joining the crypto trend by launching her own platform to sell NFTs (non-fungible tokens). "I am proud to announce my new NFT endeavor, which embodies my passion for the arts, and will support my ongoing commitment to children through my Be Best initiative," Trump said in a statement at the time. "Through this new technology-based platform, we will provide children computer science skills, including programming and software development, to thrive after they age out of the foster community." Using the blockchain technology behind cryptocurrencies, NFTs transform anything from illustrations to memes into virtual collectors' items that cannot be duplicated. NFTs rocketed into the mainstream last year and are now traded at major auction houses, generating several hundred million dollars in transactions every month. (With inputs from agencies)

Melania Trump set to auction hat, NFT from Macron visit

<p>After successfully launching NFTs of renowned celebrities from the art and sports fraternity, Colexion has yet again come up with an exclusive NFT drop of legendary cricketer Yuvraj Singh. With his very own digital avatar in a metaverse, the profound cricketer has entered into the digital space with the launch of non-fungible tokens dedicated to his beloved fans.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Allowing his fans to witness some historical moments, Yuvraj Singh has launched his warrior NFT at $40. This affordable yet premium NFT drop is garnering much interest from the people who have supported their favourite star throughout. Colexion is also witnessing a tremendous response for their latest trump card edition. As many as 30 celebrities from the field of music, cricket, and Bollywood have launched their digital collectables on December 12 on Colexion. The NFT marketplace has also launched a one-of-its-kind virtual museum featuring the groundbreaking journey of Yuvraj and his premium NFT collection gaining traction from audiences across the globe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Through purchasing the NFTs, the buyers will enjoy a number of perks, including a chance to play 6 balls with Yuvraj and win exclusive merchandise of the cricketer. Fans will get an opportunity to interact and earn precious rewards in the form of merchandise and signed memorabilia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking about his new collection, the cricketer says, "NFTs in cricket are allowing us to connect with our fans like never before. I am happy to partner with Colexion to share precious tokens from my cricketing journey with the people who have loved and encouraged me every step of the way. Developing a digital avatar for us to be able to connect and share our love for cricket is a powerful concept, and Colexion has enabled me to take my first steps in this world."</p>

<p>Abhay Aggrawal, the CEO of Colexion, welcomed Yuvraj by saying, "The premium NFT collection of Yuvraj Singh will be an opportunity for the fans to engage with their all-time favourite star. We'll launch an autographed cricket bat along with a 3D statue of the cricketer, providing an exclusive opportunity to fans to own his digital collectables. Colexion enables fans to witness this historic event and become a part of this massive revolution. We are creating interesting digital spaces for him to engage with his fans who will also be now able to 'own' special moments of his career."</p>

<p>Bibin Babu, Co-Founder of Colexion elaborates, "We are focusing on creating a robust NFT ecosystem through premium NFT collection and play-to-earn NFT games. So while we believe in making NFTs accessible to everyone in the world, we also want to ensure a wholesome and transparent ecosystem. This I hope will make us a trustworthy brand and also inspire more celebrities to align with us as their active involvement makes a huge difference in the world of NFTs."</p>

<p>Colexion is known for creating exclusive NFTs of well-established celebrities. The fact that the artwork is selling at such a reasonable price also shows that such art is about to gain more mainstream acceptance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Not only this, Yuvi's fans have additionally created his first-ever DAO- 'Yuvi DAO’ as a gesture of love and support. The DAO is one of the world's first-ever collector's DAO in the Sports &amp; Entertainment segment, bringing all entertainment fans to Web 3. Launched with the leading marketplace Colexion on Polygon, the exclusive collection is the most in-demand NFT to foray into the world of digital collectables. It is highly likely that this personalised DAO will attract bidding from leading investors to acquire the rare collection. DAOs can be thought of as friends on the internet with a shared checking account.</p>

<p>In recent times, India has witnessed an exponential growth in demand for NFTs, with more and more celebrities jumping on the bandwagon. Among the most notable ones are megastars like Glen Maxwell, Brendon Mccullum, Pankaj Advani, Salim-Sulaiman, Dwayne Bravo, Aamir Ali, and much more, continuously adding players to its never-ending list of profound celebrities and personalities from the world of entertainment, lifestyle, and sports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With sales of NFTs soaring to record highs, this launch is yet another sign of just how fierce the market has become. Asia's most significant marketplace is said to cater to these rising demands through exclusive collaborations and the largest NFT drops. There are many NFT DAOs already on the scene, having made flashy purchases in January in the run-up to NFT mania. So far, hundreds have already signed up on the Colexion site to take part in the upcoming NFT auction.</p>

<p>The Colexion's affordable yet premium NFT collection comes when digital art and NFTs have witnessed a massive rise in value. NFTs have emerged as an opportunity for users to own a unique asset that's one of its kind in the world. Moreover, the bandwagon of celebrities, athletes, gamers, and artists who have jumped into the NFT space to experiment with their fate on the blockchain is something worth promising. In short, what the world is currently witnessing is just the tip of the iceberg. There's a revolution brimming.&nbsp;</p>


After successfully launching NFTs of renowned celebrities from the art and sports fraternity, Colexion has yet again come up with an exclusive NFT drop of legendary cricketer Yuvraj Singh.

After successfully launching NFTs of renowned celebrities from the art and sports fraternity, Colexion has yet again come up with an exclusive NFT drop of legendary cricketer Yuvraj Singh. With his very own digital avatar in a metaverse, the profound cricketer has entered into the digital space with the launch of non-fungible tokens dedicated to his beloved fans. Allowing his fans to witness some historical moments, Yuvraj Singh has launched his warrior NFT at $40. This affordable yet premium NFT drop is garnering much interest from the people who have supported their favourite star throughout. Colexion is also witnessing a tremendous response for their latest trump card edition. As many as 30 celebrities from the field of music, cricket, and Bollywood have launched their digital collectables on December 12 on Colexion. The NFT marketplace has also launched a one-of-its-kind virtual museum featuring the groundbreaking journey of Yuvraj and his premium NFT collection gaining traction from audiences across the globe. Through purchasing the NFTs, the buyers will enjoy a number of perks, including a chance to play 6 balls with Yuvraj and win exclusive merchandise of the cricketer. Fans will get an opportunity to interact and earn precious rewards in the form of merchandise and signed memorabilia. Speaking about his new collection, the cricketer says, "NFTs in cricket are allowing us to connect with our fans like never before. I am happy to partner with Colexion to share precious tokens from my cricketing journey with the people who have loved and encouraged me every step of the way. Developing a digital avatar for us to be able to connect and share our love for cricket is a powerful concept, and Colexion has enabled me to take my first steps in this world." Abhay Aggrawal, the CEO of Colexion, welcomed Yuvraj by saying, "The premium NFT collection of Yuvraj Singh will be an opportunity for the fans to engage with their all-time favourite star. We'll launch an autographed cricket bat along with a 3D statue of the cricketer, providing an exclusive opportunity to fans to own his digital collectables. Colexion enables fans to witness this historic event and become a part of this massive revolution. We are creating interesting digital spaces for him to engage with his fans who will also be now able to 'own' special moments of his career." Bibin Babu, Co-Founder of Colexion elaborates, "We are focusing on creating a robust NFT ecosystem through premium NFT collection and play-to-earn NFT games. So while we believe in making NFTs accessible to everyone in the world, we also want to ensure a wholesome and transparent ecosystem. This I hope will make us a trustworthy brand and also inspire more celebrities to align with us as their active involvement makes a huge difference in the world of NFTs." Colexion is known for creating exclusive NFTs of well-established celebrities. The fact that the artwork is selling at such a reasonable price also shows that such art is about to gain more mainstream acceptance. Not only this, Yuvi's fans have additionally created his first-ever DAO- 'Yuvi DAO’ as a gesture of love and support. The DAO is one of the world's first-ever collector's DAO in the Sports & Entertainment segment, bringing all entertainment fans to Web 3. Launched with the leading marketplace Colexion on Polygon, the exclusive collection is the most in-demand NFT to foray into the world of digital collectables. It is highly likely that this personalised DAO will attract bidding from leading investors to acquire the rare collection. DAOs can be thought of as friends on the internet with a shared checking account. In recent times, India has witnessed an exponential growth in demand for NFTs, with more and more celebrities jumping on the bandwagon. Among the most notable ones are megastars like Glen Maxwell, Brendon Mccullum, Pankaj Advani, Salim-Sulaiman, Dwayne Bravo, Aamir Ali, and much more, continuously adding players to its never-ending list of profound celebrities and personalities from the world of entertainment, lifestyle, and sports. With sales of NFTs soaring to record highs, this launch is yet another sign of just how fierce the market has become. Asia's most significant marketplace is said to cater to these rising demands through exclusive collaborations and the largest NFT drops. There are many NFT DAOs already on the scene, having made flashy purchases in January in the run-up to NFT mania. So far, hundreds have already signed up on the Colexion site to take part in the upcoming NFT auction. The Colexion's affordable yet premium NFT collection comes when digital art and NFTs have witnessed a massive rise in value. NFTs have emerged as an opportunity for users to own a unique asset that's one of its kind in the world. Moreover, the bandwagon of celebrities, athletes, gamers, and artists who have jumped into the NFT space to experiment with their fate on the blockchain is something worth promising. In short, what the world is currently witnessing is just the tip of the iceberg. There's a revolution brimming.

Legendary cricketer Yuvraj Singh launches his premium NFT collection

From metaverse to NFT: Here is all you need to know about tech buzzwords of 2021

<p>Chinese state media Xinhua has launched 'digital collectibles' and decided to jump on the non-fungible token (NFT) bandwagon.</p>

<p>In a bid to boost blockchain technology, the news agency will issue a digital media photo collection via NFTs.</p>

<p>It said that the collection would "imprint digital memories into the metaverse."</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-are-non-fungible-tokens-424988/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Shares of Chinese companies that are associated with the augmented reality experienced a rise in their shares after the announcement was made.</p>

<p>Augmented reality firm Goertek jumped 6 per cent while online gaming company Perfect World gained nearly 4 per cent.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tim-berners-lees-nft-of-world-wide-web-source-code-sold-for-54-million-395074"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Tim Berners-Lee’s NFT of World Wide Web source code sold for $5.4 million</strong></a></p>

<p>Earlier, the People’s Daily, the mouthpiece of the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP), had called NFT as a “zero-sum game hyped by cryptocurrency investors and capital”.</p>

<p>It had flagged ‘fraud’ risks after Chinese President Xi Jinping's government had banned cryptocurrency trading and mining.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/vignesh-sundaresan-buys-nft-for-69-million-people-can-download-it-for-free-433242"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Vignesh Sundaresan buys NFT for $69 million; people can download it for free</strong></a></p>

<p>Meanwhile, The Securities Times, also an official media outlet, has previously called the metaverse, a shared space based on virtual reality technologies, "a grand and illusionary concept."</p>

<p>However, it appears that Beijing now wants to open the door for listed Chinese companies to issue announcements that tie future business plans to the concept.</p>

<p>Previously, media firm 36kr Holdings gave away 1,124 metaverse-themed digital collectibles at a conference in Shenzhen.</p>

<p>Ant Group, an affiliate company of the Chinese Alibaba Group, founded by Jack Ma, is already exploring and applying NFT technologies.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Chinese state media Xinhua has launched 'digital collectibles' and decided to jump on the non-fungible token (NFT) bandwagon. In a bid to boost blockchain technology, the news agency will issue a digital media photo collection via NFTs.

Chinese state media Xinhua has launched 'digital collectibles' and decided to jump on the non-fungible token (NFT) bandwagon. In a bid to boost blockchain technology, the news agency will issue a digital media photo collection via NFTs. It said that the collection would "imprint digital memories into the metaverse." Shares of Chinese companies that are associated with the augmented reality experienced a rise in their shares after the announcement was made. Augmented reality firm Goertek jumped 6 per cent while online gaming company Perfect World gained nearly 4 per cent. Also read | Tim Berners-Lee’s NFT of World Wide Web source code sold for $5.4 million Earlier, the People’s Daily, the mouthpiece of the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP), had called NFT as a “zero-sum game hyped by cryptocurrency investors and capital”. It had flagged ‘fraud’ risks after Chinese President Xi Jinping's government had banned cryptocurrency trading and mining. Also read | Vignesh Sundaresan buys NFT for $69 million; people can download it for free Meanwhile, The Securities Times, also an official media outlet, has previously called the metaverse, a shared space based on virtual reality technologies, "a grand and illusionary concept." However, it appears that Beijing now wants to open the door for listed Chinese companies to issue announcements that tie future business plans to the concept. Previously, media firm 36kr Holdings gave away 1,124 metaverse-themed digital collectibles at a conference in Shenzhen. Ant Group, an affiliate company of the Chinese Alibaba Group, founded by Jack Ma, is already exploring and applying NFT technologies. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese state media Xinhua launches 'digital collectibles' and NFTs

Britain's Vodafone will auction an NFT of the world’s first ever SMS text message which read ‘Merry Christmas’, and was sent on the network in December 1992.

Britain's Vodafone to auction first-ever 'Merry-Christmas' text message as NFT

<p>Experts estimate that within five years, digital art will have surpassed traditional art markets.</p>

<p>Both Coinbase and Sotheby's, an auction house that has been functioning since 1744, announced this month that they will be creating NFT marketplaces.</p>

<p>Nonfungible tokens, or NFTs, are one-of-a-kind assets that can't be replaced, and they're validated and stored using blockchain technology.</p>

<p>They can include everything from music to a website address, but digital artwork is the current craze.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What exactly is a Non-Fungible Token (NFT)?</strong></p>

<p>A Non-Fungible Token (NFT) is a one-of-a-kind digital token that is permanently linked to a piece and is encrypted with the artist's signature. It validates the piece's ownership and authenticity.</p>

<p>It's a form of digital asset that can be used to represent real-world artefacts like art, music, video, and in-game stuff.</p>

<p>They're frequently encoded with the same software as many other cryptos and are bought and sold online, often with cryptocurrency.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | &nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/what-is-log4j-the-biggest-computer-vulnerability-in-decades-436791">What is Log4j, the biggest computer vulnerability in decades?</a></strong></p>

<p>For example, money is fungible, which means that one rupee can be exchanged for another.</p>

<p>By definition, a non-fungible token is not comparable to another non-fungible token.</p>

<p>This means that each NFT is either one-of-a-kind or part of a very limited run, and each has its own unique code.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What's the difference between a non-fungible token (NFT) and a cryptocurrency?</strong></p>

<p>Fungible assets, such as currency notes, can be easily interchanged.</p>

<p>Cryptocurrencies designed to operate as currencies, such as bitcoin, are fungible, which means that any two bitcoins are similar and thus interchangeable.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | &nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/nft-worth-300000-accidentally-sells-for-3000-due-to-misplaced-decimal-point-436803">NFT worth $300,000 accidentally sells for $3,000 due to misplaced decimal point</a></strong></p>

<p>Unlike bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, NFT is a crypto asset that exists on blockchains (cryptographic digital ledgers), but each token is absolutely unique.</p>

<p>It's great for things like digital art certification.<br />
<br />
<strong>Watch | What are non-fungible tokens?</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-are-non-fungible-tokens-424988/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p><br />
<strong>What do non-fungible tokens (NFT) look like?</strong></p>

<p>The majority of NFTs incorporate digital artwork in the form of images, videos, GIFs, and music.</p>

<p>In theory, anything digital can be converted to an NFT.</p>

<p><strong>How to start buying NFTs?&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>NFTs are now mostly traded via 'drops,' or timed online sales by blockchain-backed marketplaces such as Nifty Gateway, Opensea, and Rarible.</p>

<p>If you're interested in starting your own NFT collection, you'll need the following items:</p>

<p>To begin with, you'll need a digital wallet that can hold both NFTs and cryptocurrencies.</p>

<p>Depending on what currency your NFT provider takes, you'll probably need to buy some cryptocurrency, such as Ether.</p>

<p>With Coinbase, Kraken, eToro, and even PayPal and Robinhood, you can now buy cryptocurrency with a credit card.</p>

<p>After that, you'll be able to transfer it from the exchange to your preferred wallet.</p>

<p>When researching your alternatives, keep fees in mind.</p>

<p>When you acquire crypto, most exchanges charge at least a portion of your transaction.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Why would I want to own one?</strong></p>

<p>There are numerous reasons why someone might wish to purchase an NFT.</p>

<p>Because NFTs are considered collector's objects, emotional value may be a factor for some.</p>

<p>Others regard them as a potential investment opportunity, comparable to cryptocurrencies, because their value may rise.</p>

<p><strong>Who was the first to invent the NFT?</strong></p>

<p>On May 3rd, 2014, the history of NFTs and the guy who invented them, Kevin McCoy, began.</p>

<p>He created "Quantum," a non-fungible token, long before the crypto art market exploded.</p>

<p>Quantum is a pixelated image of an octagon filled with shapes that share the same centre, with larger shapes surrounding smaller ones and hypnotically pulsing in brilliant hues.</p>

<p>The one-of-a-kind "Quantum" art project (2014-2021) is currently for sale for $7 million.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Experts estimate that within five years, digital art will have surpassed traditional art markets. Both Coinbase and Sotheby's, an auction house that has been functioning since 1744, announced this month that they will be creating NFT marketplaces.

Experts estimate that within five years, digital art will have surpassed traditional art markets. Both Coinbase and Sotheby's, an auction house that has been functioning since 1744, announced this month that they will be creating NFT marketplaces. Nonfungible tokens, or NFTs, are one-of-a-kind assets that can't be replaced, and they're validated and stored using blockchain technology. They can include everything from music to a website address, but digital artwork is the current craze. What exactly is a Non-Fungible Token (NFT)? A Non-Fungible Token (NFT) is a one-of-a-kind digital token that is permanently linked to a piece and is encrypted with the artist's signature. It validates the piece's ownership and authenticity. It's a form of digital asset that can be used to represent real-world artefacts like art, music, video, and in-game stuff. They're frequently encoded with the same software as many other cryptos and are bought and sold online, often with cryptocurrency. ALSO READ | What is Log4j, the biggest computer vulnerability in decades? For example, money is fungible, which means that one rupee can be exchanged for another. By definition, a non-fungible token is not comparable to another non-fungible token. This means that each NFT is either one-of-a-kind or part of a very limited run, and each has its own unique code. What's the difference between a non-fungible token (NFT) and a cryptocurrency? Fungible assets, such as currency notes, can be easily interchanged. Cryptocurrencies designed to operate as currencies, such as bitcoin, are fungible, which means that any two bitcoins are similar and thus interchangeable. ALSO READ | NFT worth $300,000 accidentally sells for $3,000 due to misplaced decimal point Unlike bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, NFT is a crypto asset that exists on blockchains (cryptographic digital ledgers), but each token is absolutely unique. It's great for things like digital art certification. Watch | What are non-fungible tokens? What do non-fungible tokens (NFT) look like? The majority of NFTs incorporate digital artwork in the form of images, videos, GIFs, and music. In theory, anything digital can be converted to an NFT. How to start buying NFTs? NFTs are now mostly traded via 'drops,' or timed online sales by blockchain-backed marketplaces such as Nifty Gateway, Opensea, and Rarible. If you're interested in starting your own NFT collection, you'll need the following items: To begin with, you'll need a digital wallet that can hold both NFTs and cryptocurrencies. Depending on what currency your NFT provider takes, you'll probably need to buy some cryptocurrency, such as Ether. With Coinbase, Kraken, eToro, and even PayPal and Robinhood, you can now buy cryptocurrency with a credit card. After that, you'll be able to transfer it from the exchange to your preferred wallet. When researching your alternatives, keep fees in mind. When you acquire crypto, most exchanges charge at least a portion of your transaction. Why would I want to own one? There are numerous reasons why someone might wish to purchase an NFT. Because NFTs are considered collector's objects, emotional value may be a factor for some. Others regard them as a potential investment opportunity, comparable to cryptocurrencies, because their value may rise. Who was the first to invent the NFT? On May 3rd, 2014, the history of NFTs and the guy who invented them, Kevin McCoy, began. He created "Quantum," a non-fungible token, long before the crypto art market exploded. Quantum is a pixelated image of an octagon filled with shapes that share the same centre, with larger shapes surrounding smaller ones and hypnotically pulsing in brilliant hues. The one-of-a-kind "Quantum" art project (2014-2021) is currently for sale for $7 million. (With inputs from agencies)

What is a non-fungible token (NFT)? Explaining the internet's latest craze

<p>Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales has sold the non-fungible token (NFT) of the first ever edit made on its site for $750,000.</p>

<p>The NFT, sold at an auction at Christie's, immortalised the words ''Hello, World!'' typed by Wales after launching Wikipedia 20 years ago.</p>

<p>An NFT is a digital asset that exists on a blockchain, a record of transactions kept on networked computers.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-are-non-fungible-tokens-424988/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The blockchain serves as a public ledger, allowing anyone to verify the NFT's authenticity and who owns it.</p>

<p>Wales also auctioned the computer he used when programming the platform, which was a Strawberry iMac, for $187,500.</p>

<p>Before the sale, he said "It was very, very academic and it failed because it wasn't really any fun for volunteers,&nbsp;it was too rigid."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/nft-of-side-eyeing-chloe-memes-original-image-sells-for-a-whopping-amount-416001"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;NFT of ‘side-eyeing Chloe’ meme’s original image sells for a whopping amount</strong></a></p>

<p>"This is a way to express artistically what I think was meaningful about that moment of potential and excitement -- that you might make something amazing, or you might make something that doesn't work at all," he added.</p>

<p>"And I hope people respond to that, to really think back: this isn't the mature Wikipedia, this was Jimmy's crazy idea on a funny January morning, which I think is kind of spectacular to think about."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/collins-dictionary-makes-nft-its-word-of-the-year-431592"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Collins Dictionary makes NFT its word of the year</strong></a></p>

<p>Part of the proceeds from the sales will help fund Wales's WT.Social project, a "non-toxic alternative" social media network that uses an advertising-free model.</p>

<p>The first tweet by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, "just setting up my twttr," sold for $2.9 million as an NFT in March.</p>

<p>NFTs are seen as a way to have possessions in online and virtual environments, which can communicate social status and personal taste – for some people, it is the digital equivalent of buying an expensive pair of sneakers.</p>

<p>Traded since around 2017, NFTs surged in popularity in early 2021. On the biggest NFT marketplace, OpenSea, there were $2.6 billion of sales in October this year, a massive increase from the $4.8 million in October 2020.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales has sold the non-fungible token (NFT) of the first ever edit made on its site for $750,000. The NFT, sold at an auction at Christie's, immortalised the words ''Hello, World!

Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales has sold the non-fungible token (NFT) of the first ever edit made on its site for $750,000. The NFT, sold at an auction at Christie's, immortalised the words ''Hello, World!'' typed by Wales after launching Wikipedia 20 years ago. An NFT is a digital asset that exists on a blockchain, a record of transactions kept on networked computers. The blockchain serves as a public ledger, allowing anyone to verify the NFT's authenticity and who owns it. Wales also auctioned the computer he used when programming the platform, which was a Strawberry iMac, for $187,500. Before the sale, he said "It was very, very academic and it failed because it wasn't really any fun for volunteers, it was too rigid." Also read | NFT of ‘side-eyeing Chloe’ meme’s original image sells for a whopping amount "This is a way to express artistically what I think was meaningful about that moment of potential and excitement -- that you might make something amazing, or you might make something that doesn't work at all," he added. "And I hope people respond to that, to really think back: this isn't the mature Wikipedia, this was Jimmy's crazy idea on a funny January morning, which I think is kind of spectacular to think about." Also read | Collins Dictionary makes NFT its word of the year Part of the proceeds from the sales will help fund Wales's WT.Social project, a "non-toxic alternative" social media network that uses an advertising-free model. The first tweet by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, "just setting up my twttr," sold for $2.9 million as an NFT in March. NFTs are seen as a way to have possessions in online and virtual environments, which can communicate social status and personal taste – for some people, it is the digital equivalent of buying an expensive pair of sneakers. Traded since around 2017, NFTs surged in popularity in early 2021. On the biggest NFT marketplace, OpenSea, there were $2.6 billion of sales in October this year, a massive increase from the $4.8 million in October 2020. (With inputs from agencies)

Wikipedia co-founder sells NFT of first ever edit made on its site for $750,000

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="3"><strong><em>The world's first SMS is being auctioned off by Vodafone.</em></strong></p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="5">It was sent via the Vodafone network on December 3, 1992, and was received by Vodafone employee Richard Jarvis during a Christmas celebration 29 years ago.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="6">"Merry Christmas," it says in 15 letters.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="7">In a one-of-a-kind sale staged by Aguttes Auction House in France, the SMS is auctioned as a Non-Fungible Token ("NFT").</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="8">The buyer, who will be able to pay in Ether, will get exclusive ownership of a detailed and one-of-a-kind replica of the original communication protocol that sent the world's first SMS.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="9">An online auction will be held on December 21, 2021.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="10">The revenues from the sale will be donated to UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, to help persons who have been forcefully displaced.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="11">More than $200,000 is expected to be paid for a digital replica of the world's first SMS.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<img alt="Vodafone network " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4f896cc2-827a-4537-a0dc-6e02de6a83ce" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/qq.JPG" /></p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="12"><strong>Non-fungible tokens (NFTs)</strong></p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="13">Non-fungible tokens are a digitised method of keeping collectible unique commodities such as pieces of art, which have become more popular around the world.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="14">The majority of NFTs incorporate digital artwork in the form of images, videos, GIFs, and music.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="15">Anything digital may theoretically be converted to an NFT.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="16"><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The world's first SMS is being auctioned off by Vodafone. It was sent via the Vodafone network on December 3, 1992, and was received by Vodafone employee Richard Jarvis during a Christmas celebration 29 years ago.

The world's first SMS is being auctioned off by Vodafone. It was sent via the Vodafone network on December 3, 1992, and was received by Vodafone employee Richard Jarvis during a Christmas celebration 29 years ago. "Merry Christmas," it says in 15 letters. In a one-of-a-kind sale staged by Aguttes Auction House in France, the SMS is auctioned as a Non-Fungible Token ("NFT"). The buyer, who will be able to pay in Ether, will get exclusive ownership of a detailed and one-of-a-kind replica of the original communication protocol that sent the world's first SMS. An online auction will be held on December 21, 2021. The revenues from the sale will be donated to UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, to help persons who have been forcefully displaced. More than $200,000 is expected to be paid for a digital replica of the world's first SMS. Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) Non-fungible tokens are a digitised method of keeping collectible unique commodities such as pieces of art, which have become more popular around the world. The majority of NFTs incorporate digital artwork in the form of images, videos, GIFs, and music. Anything digital may theoretically be converted to an NFT. (With inputs from agencies)

World's first SMS is up for auction, expected to sell for $200,000

<p>Due to a typing error, the non fungible token (NFT) of the Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) was sold for an incredibly low price of $3,000.</p>

<p>It should be emphasised that the price tag should have been $300,000 at the very least.</p>

<p>BAYC NFTs are a popular collection of 10,000 unique bored apes made by Yuga Labs.</p>

<p>According to dappradar.com, this collection has sold over half a billion dollars so far.</p>

<p>According to a CNET story, the NFT was going to be advertised for $75 Ethereum (ETH), or about $300,000.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/what-is-log4j-the-biggest-computer-vulnerability-in-decades-436791"><strong>Also Read: What is Log4j, the biggest computer vulnerability in decades?</strong></a></p>

<p>However, the NFT's owner, who goes by the nickname "maxnaut," made a typo and listed a listing price of 0.75 ETH instead of 75 ETH.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/software-flaw-log4shell-may-be-worst-computer-vulnerability-in-a-decade-436306"><strong>Also read | Software flaw 'Log4Shell' may be worst computer vulnerability in a decade</strong></a></p>

<p>As first reported by CNET, the NFT's owner, Max (or maxnaut), offered the NFT for sale on Saturday.</p>

<p>Max, who defines himself as a "solo-traveller, bored ape, marketing agency owner, and NFT investor," had intended to price the NFT at 75 ether (approximately $300,000), but had typed 0.75 ether (about $3,000) instead.</p>

<p>The NFT had been snatched up before they could remedy the error, apparently by a computer intended to identify and acquire discounted listings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Max told CNET that the incident was caused by a "loss of concentration," and that he "lists a lot of items every day and wasn't paying attention correctly."</p>

<p>The NFT is currently advertised for $248,000, which means the buyer will make a lot of money.</p>

<p>Surprisingly, a BAYC NFT may be purchased for as little as 52 Ethereum, or about $210,000.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Due to a typing error, the non fungible token (NFT) of the Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) was sold for an incredibly low price of $3,000. It should be emphasised that the price tag should have been $300,000 at the very least.

Due to a typing error, the non fungible token (NFT) of the Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) was sold for an incredibly low price of $3,000. It should be emphasised that the price tag should have been $300,000 at the very least. BAYC NFTs are a popular collection of 10,000 unique bored apes made by Yuga Labs. According to dappradar.com, this collection has sold over half a billion dollars so far. According to a CNET story, the NFT was going to be advertised for $75 Ethereum (ETH), or about $300,000. Also Read: What is Log4j, the biggest computer vulnerability in decades? However, the NFT's owner, who goes by the nickname "maxnaut," made a typo and listed a listing price of 0.75 ETH instead of 75 ETH. Also read | Software flaw 'Log4Shell' may be worst computer vulnerability in a decade As first reported by CNET, the NFT's owner, Max (or maxnaut), offered the NFT for sale on Saturday. Max, who defines himself as a "solo-traveller, bored ape, marketing agency owner, and NFT investor," had intended to price the NFT at 75 ether (approximately $300,000), but had typed 0.75 ether (about $3,000) instead. The NFT had been snatched up before they could remedy the error, apparently by a computer intended to identify and acquire discounted listings. Max told CNET that the incident was caused by a "loss of concentration," and that he "lists a lot of items every day and wasn't paying attention correctly." The NFT is currently advertised for $248,000, which means the buyer will make a lot of money. Surprisingly, a BAYC NFT may be purchased for as little as 52 Ethereum, or about $210,000. (With inputs from agencies)

NFT worth $300,000 accidentally sells for $3,000 due to misplaced decimal point

<p>Remember Indian superhero Chakra The Invincible? There is news that a limited edition NFT collection called Chakraverse will be launched later this month to honour what would have been the 99th birthday of its co-creator Stan Lee.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Chakraverse collection will feature 7000 unique Charaverse art pieces based on the characters from the comics. The comics was created by Stan Lee with Sharad Devarajan and Gotham Chopra a decade ago, spanning cartoons and comic books.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-amitabh-bachchans-nft-collection-records-highest-ever-bidding-in-india-426566">Amitabh Bachchan's NFT collection records highest-ever bidding in India</a></p>

<p>In a statement, Stan Lee, back in 2012 had said, “I have always been fascinated by Indian culture. It’s so philosophical and rich in tradition and morality. I’ve written countless superheroes of every nationality and every part of the world before, I’ve even created many heroes from other planets and galaxies, but Chakra The Invincible is the first superhero I am creating specifically for the Indian market.”</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-gotham-knights-batwoman-team-to-develop-new-series-for-the-cw-436770" hreflang="en">Gotham Knights: Batwoman team to develop new series for The CW</a></p>

<p>“As a young child, Stan Lee’s work shaped my life and spoke to me in a way that no other author or creator ever has, and probably ever will. To be able to create a superhero with Stan was like being asked to paint a canvas with Da Vinci or write a poem with Shakespeare – it was quite simply one of the greatest joys of my life,” said Devarajan, co-founder &amp; CEO of Graphic India.</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-matrix-resurrections-nft-creates-chaos-among-fans-website-crashes-over-huge-demand-433519">'Matrix Resurrections' NFT creates chaos among fans, website crashes over huge demand</a></p>

<p>The NFTs come from Lee’s POW! Entertainment and Devarajan’s Graphic India and have been conceived with tech company Orange Comet, in collaboration with GuardianLink.io and BeyondLife.Club.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The auction for the NFT collection will take place December 27–29 via a&nbsp;dedicated website.</p>


Remember Indian superhero Chakra The Invincible? There is news that a limited edition NFT collection called Chakraverse will be launched later this month to honour what would have been the 99th birthday of its co-creator Stan Lee.

Remember Indian superhero Chakra The Invincible? There is news that a limited edition NFT collection called Chakraverse will be launched later this month to honour what would have been the 99th birthday of its co-creator Stan Lee. The Chakraverse collection will feature 7000 unique Charaverse art pieces based on the characters from the comics. The comics was created by Stan Lee with Sharad Devarajan and Gotham Chopra a decade ago, spanning cartoons and comic books. Also read: Amitabh Bachchan's NFT collection records highest-ever bidding in India In a statement, Stan Lee, back in 2012 had said, “I have always been fascinated by Indian culture. It’s so philosophical and rich in tradition and morality. I’ve written countless superheroes of every nationality and every part of the world before, I’ve even created many heroes from other planets and galaxies, but Chakra The Invincible is the first superhero I am creating specifically for the Indian market.” Also read: Gotham Knights: Batwoman team to develop new series for The CW “As a young child, Stan Lee’s work shaped my life and spoke to me in a way that no other author or creator ever has, and probably ever will. To be able to create a superhero with Stan was like being asked to paint a canvas with Da Vinci or write a poem with Shakespeare – it was quite simply one of the greatest joys of my life,” said Devarajan, co-founder & CEO of Graphic India. Also read: 'Matrix Resurrections' NFT creates chaos among fans, website crashes over huge demand The NFTs come from Lee’s POW! Entertainment and Devarajan’s Graphic India and have been conceived with tech company Orange Comet, in collaboration with GuardianLink.io and BeyondLife.Club. The auction for the NFT collection will take place December 27–29 via a dedicated website.

Great news! Stan Lee's Indian superhero Chakra to get its own NFT collection called Chakraverse

<p class="MsoNormal">Can you hear COVID-19? Regardless of your answer, a company is trying to sell the sound of Covid in NFT (non-fungible tokens) form for a sum of $285.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">A company named Viromusic has come up with the idea of translating the genetic code of COVID-19 into music and selling it in form of NFT.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-hiv-behind-the-emergence-of-omicron-here-is-what-we-know-so-far-436192">Is HIV behind the emergence of Omicron? Here is what we know so far</a></strong><o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"Viromusic is an exciting new NFT audio collection of songs that are created by the virus itself! The songs are made using the genetic sequence inside the Coronavirus," the website reads.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Experts will take the genetic code of coronavirus using a DNA sequencer. This will return a long string of letters G, A, T and C. This string will then be broken down into three-letter blocks and those will be assigned a musical note.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-might-not-need-booster-shot-of-vaccine-to-fight-omicron-fauci-436182">We might not need booster shot of vaccine to fight Omicron: Fauci</a></strong></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">After that, a dedicated software will hunt for series of these broken down blocks which will be put in a way to make it musical. Then experts at Viromusic will add backing instruments and beat to it to make it into a song.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"Using a technique called DNA Sonification, the melody in the songs is derived entirely from the viral sequence. &nbsp;Every note in the melody is part of the step-by-step instructions the virus uses to make more copies of itself," the website reads.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">As of now, the company has already created 10,000 songs in the coronavirus list, ranging from slow melodic to energetic rock music. Every song in this collection is ‘one of a kind’ as every track has its own unique viral melody, the company claims.<o:p></o:p></p>


Can you hear COVID-19? Regardless of your answer, a company is trying to sell the sound of Covid in NFT (non-fungible tokens) form for a sum of $285. A company named Viromusic has come up with the idea of translating the genetic code of COVID-19 into music and selling it in form of NFT.

Can you hear COVID-19? Regardless of your answer, a company is trying to sell the sound of Covid in NFT (non-fungible tokens) form for a sum of $285. A company named Viromusic has come up with the idea of translating the genetic code of COVID-19 into music and selling it in form of NFT. Also read | Is HIV behind the emergence of Omicron? Here is what we know so far "Viromusic is an exciting new NFT audio collection of songs that are created by the virus itself! The songs are made using the genetic sequence inside the Coronavirus," the website reads. Experts will take the genetic code of coronavirus using a DNA sequencer. This will return a long string of letters G, A, T and C. This string will then be broken down into three-letter blocks and those will be assigned a musical note. Also read | We might not need booster shot of vaccine to fight Omicron: Fauci After that, a dedicated software will hunt for series of these broken down blocks which will be put in a way to make it musical. Then experts at Viromusic will add backing instruments and beat to it to make it into a song. "Using a technique called DNA Sonification, the melody in the songs is derived entirely from the viral sequence. Every note in the melody is part of the step-by-step instructions the virus uses to make more copies of itself," the website reads. As of now, the company has already created 10,000 songs in the coronavirus list, ranging from slow melodic to energetic rock music. Every song in this collection is ‘one of a kind’ as every track has its own unique viral melody, the company claims.

Songs by virus: Company selling COVID-19 sound for NFT

Nft, News on Nft, stories on Nft, articles on Nft, Nft stories at Wion, Nft news, Nft latest news