Ireland's Caoimhin Kelleher saves Kylian Mbappe penalty as Liverpool pile more misery on Real MadridHong Kong is solidifying its position as a global digital asset hub by granting licenses to four new cryptocurrency exchanges. Advertisement Accumulus GBA Technology, DFX Labs, Hong Kong Digital Asset EX, and Thousand Whales Technology are the latest platforms to receive regulatory approval from the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), bringing the total number of licensed virtual asset trading platforms (VATPs) in the city to seven. Advertisement These approvals, announced amidst a significant surge in Bitcoin’s price, reflect Hong Kong’s commitment to bolstering its competitiveness in the digital asset space, and signal a strategic approach to balance innovation with investor protection. The SFC has emphasized a “swift licensing process,” ensuring these new platforms meet stringent regulatory standards, while expediting their entry into the market. According to Eric Yip, SFC executive director of intermediaries, “We aim to strike a balance between safeguarding the interests of investors and facilitating continuous development for the virtual asset ecosystem in Hong Kong.” The timing of these approvals is particularly noteworthy, with Bitcoin’s value soaring over 60% in the past six months, even crossing the $100,000 threshold for the first time, a milestone which has underscored the need for well-regulated platforms. While the SFC has granted licenses, these new exchanges must complete additional steps before fully commencing operations. This includes thorough checks for vulnerabilities and independent testing to ensure they adhere to the highest standards of security and compliance. Thousand Whales Technology, the operator of the EX.IO trading platform, is particularly notable as it is backed by Valuable Capital Group, a brokerage owned by Sina Corporation, which also operates China’s popular social media site Weibo. This highlights the growing connections between traditional finance and the digital asset space. These four newly licensed exchanges were part of a larger group of nearly 30 firms that applied for VATP licenses in 2024. However, some notable platforms, such as OKX and HTX, withdrew their applications due to ongoing regulatory concerns, further indicating the need for a robust and sustainable regulatory framework for the region. Hong Kong has previously licensed HashKey, OSL, and HKVAX, and earlier this year became the first in Asia to launch exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for spot Bitcoin and Ether, outpacing the United States. However, Hong Kong has encountered difficulties in regulating over-the-counter (OTC) crypto trading. Now the city is adjusting its regulatory oversight approach based on recent industry feedback.

ISRO to demonstrate docking of satellites in space in January, launch on MondayPenrose, Colorado, Dec. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blue Origin, a leader in aerospace innovation, and Estes Rockets, the trusted name in model rocketry for over 65 years, are proud to announce an exciting partnership to bring the marvel of space exploration to enthusiasts of all ages. The collaboration will launch a groundbreaking product line inspired by Blue Origin’s New Glenn orbital rocket, bridging the worlds of hobby, educational and toy industries with the future of spaceflight. The product line, branded Estes and New Glenn , will include highly detailed scale models, functional model rockets for hobbyists, and educational kits for schools. Designed for a wide range of audiences—from young dreamers building their first rockets to seasoned hobbyists aiming for advanced launches—the line offers an unparalleled combination of authenticity, innovation, and fun. Blue Origin is committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers. By partnering with Estes Rockets, Blue Origin is creating an accessible way for everyone to engage with the excitement of space exploration, right in their own backyards. The New Glenn Product line will include: • Scale Models: Meticulously crafted replicas of Blue Origin’s New Glenn Rocket, perfect for collectors and display enthusiasts. • Launchable Models: Fully functional rocket kits designed with the New Glenn’s features, delivering a thrilling hands-on experience for hobbyists. • STEM Education Kits: STEM Curriculum-Estes Education is partnering with Club for the Future, Blue Origin’s nonprofit, to develop educational content linking the New Glenn Rocket to STEM principles and career pathways. Through this collaboration, students will have the opportunity to launch the New Glenn model rocket while exploring real-world connections to rocketry and space exploration “We are thrilled to collaborate with Blue Origin to bring their groundbreaking technologies to a wider audience,” said Mallory Langford, President of Estes Rockets. “This partnership exemplifies our shared mission of sparking curiosity and passion for space exploration, and we can’t wait to see the next generation of rocketeers take flight.” The New Glenn Rocket product line will be available in hobby stores, educational catalogs, and online starting Spring 2026) . Pre-orders will open in early end of year 2025. For more information about this partnership and the New Glenn Rocket line, visit BlueOrigin.com or EstesRockets.com . About Blue Origin Blue Origin is a private aerospace manufacturer and spaceflight services company dedicated to building a future where millions of people live and work in space. Founded by Jeff Bezos, Blue Origin’s vision is to enable human space exploration while advancing science and technology on Earth. About Estes Rockets Estes Rockets is the world’s leading manufacturer of model rockets and accessories, inspiring generations of rocketry enthusiasts since 1958. Estes is committed to providing safe, high-quality products that fuel imagination and innovation in young minds and lifelong hobbyists alike. Heidi Muckenthaler Estes Industries 7193729870 Hmuckenthaler@estesrockets.com

Music Don't miss out on the headlines from Music. Followed categories will be added to My News. Australian music star Tones And I has opened up about a devastating private loss she recently endured on tour, revealing that she suffered a miscarriage before having to perform the “biggest show” of her career. In a new post on Instagram, Tones revealed that she was in final dress rehearsals for the Melbourne show of her current Australian arena tour, at Rod Laver Arena earlier this month, when something felt very wrong. Surrounded by “30 choir, 30 dancers and 50 crew”, she reached a point rehearsing the show where she had to hit a big note. “As I hit the big note I felt blood running down my legs, usually an awkward but manageable situation especially since this was a rehearsal and not a show, except. I was nine weeks pregnant,” she wrote. Tones And I's Rod Laver show was her biggest headlining concert in her hometown. Tones, real name Toni Watson, confessed she hadn’t intended to tell people about her pregnancy, and instead planned to go “back to the baggy jumpers and pants I once was known for.” She made headlines this year for radically changing up her previously tomboyish style. “But here I was almost 100 per cent I was having a miscarriage the night before the biggest show of my career.” Tones and her husband of one year, Jimmy Bedford, immediately left the rehearsal and raced to hospital, where the situation worsened. “The pain started to kick in and after not sleeping that night I was told I was having a miscarriage,” she explained. The next morning, on around 11am on the day the show was due to take place, Tones was advised that she needed to rest up and the concert would need to be cancelled. Tones’ husband Jimmy rushed her to hospital. The next day, she was back at the venue and ready to perform. While she said she was “not condoning going against doctors advice by any means,” she said she knew “ there was no way I could let everyone down”. She left the hospital and arrived at Rod Laver Arena just in time for a pre-show fan meet and greet, the end of her sound check – and then her show. She performed her full concert as usual that night, 22 songs in total. “Off stage felt like a blur but as soon as I stepped on stage, I felt carried, it was unlike any show I have ever performed, I was lifted by my family on and off stage who knew nothing,” she recalled. On with the show: Tones didn’t cancel the concert, against doctors’ advice. The singer said she told just three people around her on that night about what had just happened. “I wanted it to be a night I would never forget. I have to say thank you to my team and my family for lifting me through what was truly one of my biggest triumphs and my saddest moments.” The next morning, Tones returned to hospital and underwent surgery to recover from the miscarriage. She said that while she is “not a sharer and it’s scary to even write these words”, she wanted to share her story to thank “everyone that was there with me that night”. Tones has had a break in her tour dates since that November 7 show, and will recommence the tour with a huge show on the steps of the Sydney Opera House this Saturday. The Aussie singer broke down on stage in Sydney in August during an emotional performance during Hollywood star Drew Barrymore’s Australian speaking tour. More Coverage Star of beloved series now unrecognisable Eric Todisco – the New York Post Reality star exposes male celeb DMs on-air Riley Cardoza – Page Six Originally published as ‘Saddest moment’: Tones And I reveals tragic private loss Join the conversation Add your comment to this story To join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? Register Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout More related stories Music Outrage as Adele’s new album costs $500 Adele is facing fierce backlash on social media who have labelled the star’s new album a “cash grab” and an “insult” to fans. Read more Music Upsets as ‘century’s greatest pop star’ named After a countdown that’s spanned months and a few upsets, Billboard has now named the greatest pop star of the 21st century. Read moreMiddle East latest: Ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon is set to begin at 4 am

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