New Delhi: Indian Council for Cultural Relations on Friday 31 May, conferred the International Award for Promotion of Buddhism on Venerable Sitagu Sayadaw Dr. Ashin Nyanissara.

At a special ceremony held at the India Centre of the Embassy of India in Yangon, E. Kumar Tuhin, Director General, Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) conferred the International Award for Promotion of Buddhism 2023 on Venerable Sitagu Sayadaw Dr. Ashin Nyanissara, one of the most revered personalities in the Buddhist community in Myanmar.

This Award carries a citation, a medallion and a cash prize of USD 20,000 (USD twenty thousand). It recognizes Venerable Sitagu Sayadaw Dr. Ashin Nyanissara's dedicated self-less service to promotion of Buddhism and Buddhist teachings in Myanmar and beyond. In the past, the International Award for Promotion of Buddhism had been presented to Otani University (Japan), Dr. Duong Thi Thanh Huong (Vietnam) and Mr. Choijamts Demberel (Mongolia).

In 2021, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) instituted the prestigious"International Award for Promotion of Buddhism", to recognize the outstanding contribution of foreign scholars/individuals/organizations for the promotion of Buddhism globally.

For millennia, India and Myanmar have shared a deep-rooted Buddhist connection, serving as conduit for the transmission of wisdom and culture across our borders.

Venerable Sitagu Sayadaw Dr Ashin Nyanissara's tireless efforts have further strengthened this bond, transcending geographical boundaries to promote harmony and understanding among diverse communities.

Through his extensive philanthropic initiatives, Dr. Ashin Nyanissara has played a pivotal role in providing education, healthcare, and humanitarian aid to the people. His holistic approach to social welfare has empowered countless individuals to lead fulfilling lives.

Furthermore, Dr Ashin Nyanissara's efforts in preserving and promoting the rich Buddhist cultural heritage, shared by both India and Myanmar, have been instrumental in fostering greater cultural exchange and understanding between the two nations.

His initiatives have promoted exchanges of visits of monks and scholars between India and Myanmar, facilitated academic dialogue and enriched the cultural tapestry of both countries.

The Award Ceremony today was attended by about 150 guests. Ambassador of India to Myanmar Abhay Thakur welcomed them, and underscored India's abiding Buddhist connection with Myanmar.

In his acceptance speech, Venerable Sitagu Sayadaw dwelt upon the role and contribution of Buddhism in addressing individual and social problems as well as in promoting mutual understanding and spiritual ties between India and Myanmar. Union Minister for Information U Maung Maung Ohn, Union Minister of Religious Affairs and Culture U Tin Oo Lwin, Chief Minister of Yangon Region U Soe Thein, Mayor and Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee U Bo Htay graced the event.

In addition to senior Buddhist figures including Venerable Sayadaw Sobhita from the International Buddhist Education Centre in Sagaing Region and Venerable Panna Zaw Da, Chief Monk of the Alodawpyie Meditation Centre and Monastery in Rakhine State, President of U Nu Daw Mya Yi Foundation Daw Than Than Nu, scholars, academics, ICCR Alumni from Universities across Myanmar, and members of the Indian and Indian-origin community in Myanmar attended the event.

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Sitagu Sayadaw Receives International Buddhism Promotion Award in Yangon - ETV Bharat

The historic event symbolizes the ongoing fight against caste-based oppression and the pursuit of a more just and equitable society.

Bengaluru- On June 2, approximately 500 Dalit families in Anekal, Bangalore district, will embrace Buddhism in a significant event marking a resurgence of Buddhist values among the Dalit community.

This mass conversion comes as a response to the declining number of Buddhists in Karnataka over the past two decades and is organized by various Ambedkarite organizations.

The conversion ceremony will take place at Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Maidan in Sarjapur town. Preparations are in full swing, with volunteers distributing leaflets door-to-door to ensure maximum participation and awareness.

Anand Chakravarty, the program coordinator, shared with The Mooknayak that around 3000 people are expected to abandon Hinduism and adopt Buddhism during the grand ceremony.

The event is supported by several Ambedkarite organizations, including the Ambedkar School of Thought, Samata Sainik Dal, Neelam Cultural Center, Bhima Book Bank, Phule Civils Academy, and Ambedkar Study Circle. These organizations have been actively conducting awareness programs across various districts and villages in Karnataka to promote this transformation.

Anand highlighted that these Dalit organizations conduct ongoing awareness initiatives, offering tuition care, career guidance, and social awareness camps for women, youth, and activists. These efforts aim to foster social empowerment and equality within the community.

On October 14, 1956, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, along with approximately 600,000 followers, converted to Buddhism at Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur. This mass conversion was a radical assertion of identity and a rejection of the oppressive caste system that had plagued Indian society for centuries. Ambedkar's conversion was not just a religious act but also a philosophical commitment to equality, compassion, and social justice.

Babasaheb viewed Buddhism as a powerful tool for the empowerment of the oppressed, offering a path to self-realization and respect, irrespective of caste or social status.

His conversion inspired a wave of social awakening across India, challenging entrenched notions of hierarchy and discrimination.

"All Dalit organizations have united to adopt Buddhism as shown by our leader Babasaheb to escape the vicious cycle of the deteriorating caste system," Anand explained. The voluntary conversion of around 500 families, with 3000 supporters joining them, marks a significant step towards embracing Buddhist values and rejecting caste-based discrimination.

During the ceremony on June 2, the families converting to Buddhism will pledge to follow Babasaheb's 22 vows. These vows include treating everyone with equality, compassion, and fraternity, adopting a scientific approach to life, and living without intoxicants and ostentation.

This commitment symbolizes their dedication to living a life free from the inequalities and discriminations of Hinduism.

After conversion, the neo-Buddhists will abandon Hindu customs, festivals, beliefs, and rituals. Instead of traditional Bhajan Kirtan, Buddha Vandana will resonate in their communities, marking a significant cultural and spiritual shift.

The mass conversion to Buddhism on June 2 marks a turning point, reflecting a continued struggle for social justice and equality. It echoes Ambedkar's legacy, providing the Dalit community with a framework for reclaiming their dignity and rights. This historic event symbolizes the ongoing fight against caste-based oppression and the pursuit of a more just and equitable society.

The Buddhist population in India is approximately 8.44 million, with around 3.6 million residing in urban areas and about 4.8 million in rural areas. The state with the highest Buddhist population is Maharashtra, home to 6.5 million Buddhists.

This is followed by West Bengal with 0.28 million, Madhya Pradesh with 0.21 million, Uttar Pradesh with 0.2 million, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh each with 0.16 million, Tripura with 0.12 million, and Jammu and Kashmir with 0.11 million.

Karnataka has a total Buddhist population of 0.097 million, according to the 2011 Census reports by the Government of India.

As per a research report published in 2022 , Karnataka recorded a significant decline of 76.4% in its Buddhist population between 2001 and 2011, dropping from 393,300 to 95,710. This contrasts sharply with the previous decade, 1991 to 2001, which saw a dramatic increase of 439% in the Buddhist population, rising from 73,012 to 393,300. According to the 2011 Census, the Buddhist population has declined by approximately 76% since 2001.

The reasons for this sharp decline are multifaceted and retrospective. In 1989, under Prime Minister V.P. Singh, a committee was formed to amend the constitution to include converted Buddhists under the Scheduled Castes (SC) category for internal reservation. However, no substantial progress has been made in this direction.

The proposal was to grant converted Buddhists the status of Scheduled Caste Buddhists by adding them to the current list of 101 Scheduled Castes in Karnataka. Since this provision has not been implemented, converted Buddhists do not receive caste certificates, leaving them without the benefits of reservations available to SCs and Scheduled Tribes (STs).

This lack of official recognition and associated benefits has led many converted Buddhists to remain within the Hindu system to access SC/ST reservation benefits.

Additionally, converted Buddhists are not eligible for the 4% reservation allocated to Religious Minority communities in India. They find themselves in a twilight zone, unable to access reservations under either the SC/ST category or as a religious minority.

Compounding the issue, caste certificate issuing authorities, typically Tahsildars at the Tehsil level, often deny certificates to converted Buddhists due to inconsistencies and lack of clarity in the issuing process. This bureaucratic hurdle further discourages conversions and contributes to the decline in the Buddhist population in Karnataka.

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In the Suburbs of Bengaluru, 3000 Dalits Are Set to Denounce Hinduism and Embrace the Buddhist Way of Life - The Mooknayak English

Grant Cardone Slams NYC After Trump Verdict: 'I Will Never Do Business In New York City'

Real estate mogul Grant Cardone said he'll never do business in New York City again after former President Donald Trump was found guilty of all 34 charges in his hush money trial.

In a May 30 post on X, Cardone asked his followers why anyone would invest in New York City real estate, noting that investors can't evict, can't raise rents, can't predict taxes, can't get fair legal treatment and can't do business in New York.

Accompanying the post is an image of a Fox News video from February in which Cardone said he would "immediately discontinue" doing business in New York City. The Fox News interview came after New York Judge Arthur Engoron ruled that Trump and his organizations owe more than $345 million in damages plus 9% interest and barred the former president from running a business as an officer or director in the state for three years.

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During that interview, Cardone said the risks outweigh the opportunities and that New York demonstrated its politicization when it comes to doing business.

"We invest for 14,000 investors at Cardone Capital that depend on cash flow. And if I can't predict the cash flow because of some ruling, or because of the migrants, or because I can't evict people, New York City just keeps doing every single thing they can to sell real estate in Florida, not sell real estate in New York," Cardone said.

After Thursday's verdict, Cardone encouraged his followers to send a message by donating to the $355M Unjust Judgment gofundme account created by his wife, Elena. So far, more than 34,000 contributions amounting to over $2 million have been raised for the effort.

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"Any amount sends a message [that] we support Donald Trump," he wrote.

"Given the circumstances, my husband and I have also now decided to cancel all future events in NY and halt all our real estate ventures there," Elena Cardone wrote on the gofundme page. "I believe NY is not safe nor a place to conduct business at this time."

In the days leading up to the verdict, Cardone indicated he had planned to invest $500 million in New York City but redirected the money to Florida because New York is too risky. He said the state violated the First Amendment, weaponized the legal system, is unfriendly to property owners and that crime is out of control.

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"New Yorkers get a handle on those in power or risk losing your great state forever," he posted.

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2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

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Grant Cardone Slams NYC After Trump Verdict: 'I Will Never Do Business In New York City' - Yahoo Finance

Red Apple Group CEO John Catsimatidis reacts to the Trump verdict.

Prominent business executives have warned that more New York enterprises and their leaders may fall victim to "no rule of law" in the wake of Donald Trumps guilty verdict.

"If they can do this to a business person like Donald Trump, they could do it to anybody in New York and a lot of businesses. A lot of people are concerned that there is no rule of law," billionaire CEO John Catsimatidis said Friday on "Mornings with Maria."

"If they can do this to Donald Trump, a former president, regardless of how you feel about the politics, if they can do this to a former president, what can they do to Grant Cardone? What can they do to any other businessman?," the Cardone Capital founder also chimed in Friday on "Varney & Co."

"The city was shocked. The country was shocked. The world was shocked, and it was just mind-boggling. People texted me that they just got home and their wives were crying. We have to bring back the rule of law," Catsimatidis added in reaction.

BUSINESS LEADERS SPEAK OUT ABOUT TRUMP GUILTY VERDICT, WITH ONE IMMEDIATELY DONATING $300K

On Thursday, former President Trump was found guilty on all counts in his historic and unprecedented criminal trial, making him the first former president of the United States to be convicted of a crime.

American business leaders John Catsimatidis, left, and Grant Cardone, right, talk about the economic and legal impact of former President Trump's guilty verdict on FOX Business on Friday. (Fox News)

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg charged Trump with 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree, though Trump pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Trump faces a maximum sentence of 136 years total, as each count carries a maximum prison sentence of four years. Additionally, trial attorney Mercedes Colwin reported that the NY v. Trump case carried an estimated taxpayer cost of $2 million over six weeks, with $50,000 per day being spent on safety precautions.

Cardone recently pulled his business out of the Empire State and cautioned that Trumps legal troubles including a previous $355 million fine in a New York civil fraud case in February would "wreak financial havoc" on the city.

"I have 15,000 investors with me at Cardone Capital. We've raised $1.3 billion. If I went to them today and said, I want to invest in New York City, they would not give me money to do that," the investor argued.

Cardone Capital founder Grant Cardone doubles down on his commitment to keep future investment out of the Empire State in the wake of Trump's guilty verdict.

"That's one of the greatest cities on planet Earth. And nobody wants to go there and do business," Cardone continued. "I blame the legal system. Clearly, the political system has been weaponized."

After the verdict was read Thursday, Catsimatidis, who is the chairman and CEO of Red Apple Group and United Refining Company, allegedly attended a private dinner with Trump and 15 others. The CEO claimed the 45th president appeared to be in "good spirits" despite the conviction.

"He went around, and I asked about who the next vice president should be. Everybody gave him advice," Catsimatidis detailed. "The one advice that has resonated amongst the friends that I told it to, I said, not only should you pick the right vice president, you should announce your entire Cabinet. Something that's never been done before. And run as a team. Because we've got to take back America."

"We have to change the world. And President Trump is the only one that has the courage, actually, to make a difference in the world," he added. "And that message has to go through."

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SlateStone Wealth chief market strategist Kenny Polcari joins 'Varney & Co.' to discuss whether Trump's guilty verdicts will have a long-term impact on markets.

In response to the guilty verdict, Cardone claimed his company has taken $500 million it planned to invest in New York and reallocated the capital into Florida real estate investments.

"You just have too many other risks that, as a fiduciary of other people's money, I can't raise the rents, I can't evict, I cannot predict the taxes," Cardone said. "As great a city as New York City is, I need stability in the marketplace. And right now you have problems picking up the trash."

READ MORE FROM FOX BUSINESS

Fox News Brooke Singman contributed to this report.

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Billionaire CEO, real estate investor on impact of Trump verdict: 'Nobody wants to do business' in NYC - Fox Business

Real estate mogul and "Undercover Billionaire" star Grant Cardone is looking to make two sizable scores on opposite ends of the country. He's reportedly got two mansions for sale, one in Florida and one in California, both with eight-figure asking prices. The least expensive of the two is in Golden Beach, Florida, right on the Atlantic, not too far from Miami, while the other is located in Malibu.

First, the Florida mansion. With a location like this, the property would be worth a pretty penny even if it was a one-bedroom shack, but the actual structure that stands there is much more than that, having been featured on the cover of no less than Architectural Digest. It's got seven bedrooms and 12 baths spread across almost 10,300 square feet of living space, all designed by architect Martyn Lawrence Bullard. Here's more, per the property's listing:

"Dive into luxury with 100ft of private beachfront access, an infinity pool, and your very own beach cabana. The heart of the home? A gourmet kitchen stocked with top-tier Subzero and Gaggenau appliances, perfect for whipping up culinary masterpieces. Elevator access and a sleek black marble staircase add a touch of sophistication. And guess what? The heated saltwater pool is ready for year-round fun!"

Cardone reportedly purchased the home in 2021, paying $24 million and making multiple renovations to the outdoor pool deck and bar/grill area last year. Now he's looking for $42 million, which would be quite a tidy profit. Here's video of the paradise-like residence:

Of course, that's all just a warm-up for Cardone's Malibu mansion on the fabled "Billionaire's Beach," and as the property's listing makes clear, its location is even more desirable than the Golden Beach lot:

"This is your chance to own this fully renovated transitional-modern with 150 feet of frontage and 100-foot infinity pool on the beach. The Coastal Commission will never let an estate like this be built again. The estate encompasses half an acre, featuring unparalleled architecture, and unobstructed panoramic ocean views that stretch along the entire Santa Monica Bay from Point Dume to Palos Verdes."

The house itself is a treasure as well, albeit slightly smaller than the Florida mansion at a little over 9,500 square feet. The listing goes on:

"The interiors include new oak hardwood floors throughout, the highest quality finishes, and the latest and greatest amenities. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors seamlessly open to the 3,800 SF oceanfront deck for indoor/outdoor living. This expansive deck features an oversized lap pool, outdoor kitchen, multiple fire pits, and bonus space that could be converted to a sports court. 7 bedrooms, including the primary suite with two fireplaces, a stunning ocean-view terrace, dual walk-in dressing rooms, and dual spa-style bathrooms with soaking tub and marble shower."

Other amenities include a home movie theater, a library with an aquarium built into the wall, a wine cellar, and a gym with a cold plunge. Check it out in the tour below:

By the way, in case you're not quite ready to buy, this mansion is also available to rent at a rate of $250,000 per month. But Cardone is hoping to find a buyer somewhere close to his $65 million asking price, up $25 million from what he paid for it in 2022.

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"Undercover Billionaire" Grant Cardone Is Selling Two Mansions In Florida And California For $42 Million And $65 ... - Celebrity Net Worth

Grant Cardone calls idea of emergency savings a bank myth and challenges adding home equity to your net worth

Most financial experts would press the importance of having a financial cushion for unexpected emergencies. What they would disagree on is how many months expenses you should plan to set aside for Dave Ramsey, you should be prepared to cover three to six months, while Suze Orman now says you should plan for up to a year.

However, real estate mogul Grant Cardone rejects the concept entirely.

I dont need emergency savings, he said in a recent interview with YouTube personality DJ Vlad. This was another bank myth you need three months of savings in case of a big emergency. Dude, if you have an emergency, you need to go to work, you need to go hustle is what you need to do.

Cardone also foresees gloomy outcomes for those who practice saving money, stating, Savers stay broke.

Cardones aversion to maintaining an emergency fund may be rooted in his perspective on fiat currency.

This is the big scam right here, he told DJ Vlad, holding up a $100 bill.

He explained that if the bill had been printed in 1973, the year DJ Vlad was born, it would still have "$100" printed on it today. However, due to the impact of inflation on the U.S. dollar's purchasing power, the bill wouldn't buy nearly as much today as it did in 1973.

It should say $11, Cardone remarked.

Over the decades, inflation has indeed eroded the purchasing power of money for Americans. According to the inflation calculator from the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, $100 in 2023 was equivalent to just $14.57 in 1973 dollars.

Given this stark reality check, one might wonder how to hedge against inflation. Real estate a favorite of Cardones is one well-known option. As the price of raw materials and labor increases, new properties are more expensive to build, driving up the price of existing real estate.

However, if you think owning a home means you are all set, Cardone has a surprising message for you.

Read more: Rich young Americans have lost confidence in the stock market and are betting on these assets instead. Get in now for strong long-term tailwinds

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Home equity is often a substantial component of American households net worth.

A study by the Pew Research Center found that the median net worth of U.S. households was $166,900 in 2021 when all assets were included. However, when home equity was excluded, the median net worth dropped significantly to just $57,900.

Cardone, however, believes that home equity shouldnt be included in the calculation at all.

Equity in a home should never be considered as a net worth number Its a place you live. It would be like counting my refrigerator on my net worth statement, he stated.

Cardone highlighted that owning a home entails numerous related expenses and does not generate income.

The value of your home should not be considered as a net worth item because, one, it doesn't produce income; two, it's a liability because you're paying property taxes, you probably have debt on it, he explained, adding that a home also requires annual maintenance and incurs broker fees when you sell it.

To be sure, owning income properties also comes with many of these expenses. However, the key difference is that high-quality income properties can generate enough revenue to cover these costs and still leave you with a profit. This potential for positive cash flow makes income properties a more attractive investment compared to a primary residence, which typically does not produce income.

These days, there are many real estate investment trusts (REITs) and crowdfunding platforms that enable everyday Americans to invest in income-producing properties.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

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Grant Cardone calls idea of emergency savings a 'bank myth' and challenges adding home equity to your net worth - Yahoo Finance

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Bitcoin has a built-in scripting language that allows for the creation of simple smart contracts. However, the scripting language has limitations, and some of the original opcodes (operation codes) were disabled in the early days of Bitcoins development. One such opcode is OP_CAT, which has recently resurfaced in discussions within the Bitcoin community.

OP_CAT, short for Operation Concatenate, is an opcode that was initially proposed by Bitcoins creator, Satoshi Nakamoto. The opcode allows for the joining of two data values on the stack within a Bitcoin transaction script. In simpler terms, it enables the combination of two pieces of data into a single piece of data during the execution of a Bitcoin transaction.

With the introduction of the Taproot upgrade and its limited stack size, the original vulnerability that led to the removal of OP_CAT has been mitigated. This has prompted discussions within the Bitcoin community about the potential reactivation of the opcode.

If reactivated, OP_CAT could enable more advanced smart contracts and covenants (spending conditions) to be implemented on the Bitcoin network. This could unlock new use cases, such as:

1. Secure document signing

2. Creation of complex data structures

3. Hashrate escrows

4. Automated market makers

The timeline for the potential reactivation of OP_CAT is uncertain and depends on various factors. Elizabeth Olson, a prominent figure in the Bitcoin space, has suggested that if the proposal to reactivate OP_CAT is approved, we could see its implementation on the Bitcoin network within six months to a year.

However, it is essential to note that the process of reaching consensus within the Bitcoin community and thoroughly testing the opcodes implementation may take longer than anticipated. The Bitcoin community is known for its cautious approach to protocol changes, prioritizing the security and stability of the network above all else.

While the reactivation of OP_CAT could bring new possibilities to the Bitcoin network, there are some concerns and challenges that need to be addressed:

1. Script size inflation: The use of OP_CAT could potentially increase the size of Bitcoin scripts, which could impact the networks efficiency.

2. Security risks: As with any change to the Bitcoin protocol, thorough testing and analysis would be required to ensure that the reactivation of OP_CAT does not introduce any new security vulnerabilities.

3. Achieving consensus: For OP_CAT to be reactivated, the Bitcoin community would need to reach a consensus on the implementation and activation of the opcode, which can be a challenging process.

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What is OP_CAT? Satoshi's dormant opcode that could revolutionize Bitcoin's smart contracts - Crypto Briefing

Alex Dovbnya

The fluke-disproving DOG meme coin has revived Runes Protocol

Ordinals developer Leonidas Leonidas, who also founded the Runestone project,believes that Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin, is "almost certainly aware" of the current meme coin frenzy on the blockchain if they are still alive.

"It's crazy to think that if Satoshi is still alive he is almost certainly aware of $DOG and the new memecoin trend on his chain," he wrote on the X social media network.

Runes Protocol, which went live after Bitcoin's halving, is a new token standard that makes it possible to issue fungible tokens on the Bitcoin blockchain. It was developed by developer Casey Rodarmor, the mastermind behind much-hyped Bitcoin Ordinals.

The protocol acts as an additional layer on top of the main chain. It functions within Bitcoin's existing infrastructure.

Asreported by U.Today, Bitcoin experienced a massive surge in fees following the launch of Runes Protocol. On Apr. 20, it managed to generate 24 times more fees compared to rival Ethereum. Runes Protocol.

This massive spike in fees turned out to be short-lived. The protocol's momentum ended up waning in a relatively short period of time, and Bitcoin fees returned to normal relatively quickly.

After the initial hype dissipated, the protocol is once again making waves because of meme coin exuberance.

The Bitcoin-based DOGGOTOTHEMOON (DOG) meme coin has surged by nearly 24% over the past 24 hours over the past 24 hours. In fact, it is now close to approaching the top 100 cryptocurrencies by market cap after its valuation reached nearly $800 million.

About the author

Alex Dovbnya

Alex Dovbnya (aka AlexMorris) is a cryptocurrency expert, trader and journalist with extensive experience of covering everything related to the burgeoning industry from price analysis to Blockchain disruption. Alex authored more than 1,000 stories for U.Today, CryptoComes and other fintech media outlets. Hes particularly interested in regulatory trends around the globe that are shaping the future of digital assets, can be contacted at alex.dovbnya@u.today.

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Satoshi "Almost Certainly" Aware of DOG Meme Coin If They Are Alive, Ordinals Developer Says - U.Today

KEY POINTS

Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have come a long way just over four months since their approval by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) the ETFs collectively hold more than 1 million Bitcoins or 5% of the world's total BTC supply.

MicroStrategy founder and executive chairman Michael Saylor posted a chart Monday that showed a total of 32 global spot BTC ETFs hold 1,002,343 Bitcoins as of May 24. Most of the BTC are held by American spot Bitcoin ETF issuers, including BlackRock's popular IBIT and Fidelity's FBTC.

Decrypt has verified the data posted by Saylor based on public records and corroborated by data from Coinglass's BTC ETF dashboard. According to the chart, the total value of the Bitcoin ETFs' BTC holdings are at $69,161,667,000.

The chart notes that Grayscale's previously unpopular GBTC is the holder of 289,040 Bitcoins, while IBIT, which has been a top choice for many retail investors since the funds launched, holds 287,168 BTC. Outside the United States, Canadian Purpose's BTCC leads the way with over 27,000 BTC holdings, followed by ETC Group's BTCE that holds over 20,800 Bitcoins.

The Bitcoin community on X (formerly Twitter) are celebrating the major milestone. One user said Saylor has just "casually" dropped a "new naming convention for 1 million $BTC." The tech magnate referred to a million Bitcoins as "1 Nakamoto," seemingly a tribute to Satoshi Nakamoto, the creator of the world's first decentralized and largest digital asset by market value.

Another user said the holdings signal "institutional acceptance" and the "growing trust of the general public in Bitcoin" as they are now integrating the digital coin into their investment portfolios. Other users celebrated the journey BTC has had since its introduction to the world by Nakamoto in a 2008 white paper.

News of the massive milestone for BTC ETFs comes amid the digital currency's struggle in the past few days to shoot past the $70,000-mark, which it achieved last week, ahead of the approval of spot ETFs for Ether (ETH), Bitcoin's closest rival.

For some Bitcoiners, the approval of spot ETH ETFs may be a bane for the digital asset. However, Saylor recently said he thinks "it may be better" for the asset since the new Ether funds "can serve as another line of defense" for Bitcoin.

Meanwhile, institutional interest on BTC ETFs has been apparent in recent weeks. Some of the country's key traditional financial institutions have disclosed their Bitcoin ETF holdings during the 13F season, including Millennium Management, which leads the pack with a staggering $2 billion portfolio.

Investment banking giant Morgan Stanley also disclosed it has some $270 million worth of Grayscale's GBTC, while the State of Wisconsin's Investment Board (SWIB) disclosed it holds nearly $100 million worth of IBIT.

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Bitcoin ETFs Collectively Hold '1 Nakamoto' Worth Over $69.1 Billion - International Business Times

When Ruth White founded The Academy for Scholastic and Personal Success, she didnt think it would see its 35th anniversary. This sentiment is not from lack of faith in her nonprofit organization, which helps African American students achieve academic success and connect with their cultural roots, but from the hope that one day its programs []

When Ruth White founded The Academy for Scholastic and Personal Success, she didnt think it would see its 35th anniversary.

This sentiment is not from lack of faith in her nonprofit organization, which helps African American students achieve academic success and connect with their cultural roots, but from the hope that one day its programs wouldnt be necessary.

I knew that the program was necessary from what I was doing at Washington [High School], she said about the beginnings of The Academy in the late 1980s. But I certainly didn't think it was going to last this long, because I thought that society would pull itself together Now I'm convinced that a program like this needs to happen until it's not needed anymore. I've come to terms with the fact that I'm not going to see the end of it.

Ms. White, who holds a P.h.D. in American studies from the University of Iowa, was teaching English and literature at Washington High School when she founded The Academy. She was also serving as the Cedar Rapids Community School Districts (CRCSD) academic advisor to minority students, a new position at the time.

It turned out to be extremely informative to me," she said. One of the things I learned was that our students of color, by and large, had no sense of their heritage history legacies.

Ms. White noticed that many of these students would fall into the abyss after high school graduation, academically. She founded The Academy in hopes of cultivating community connection and inspiring pride in their heritage.

The Academy began with a summer program for high school-aged students, which continues to this day. This program, which partners with CRCSD and takes place at Mount Mercy University, offers African American students additional opportunities to learn more about unique and specific subjects such as Black history, gardening, nutrition, and yoga, as well as more traditional subjects like math, science and literature. The Academy has also helped students prepare for college with postsecondary seminars.

To Ms. White, it is important for The Academys students to be taught by teachers who look like them. She said representation makes a difference in the programs', and students, success.

A student of color in [the Cedar Rapids School District] can go from kindergarten through high school and never see a teacher of color, she said. The fact of the matter is, kids do better when they can relate to the person that's teaching them. Does that mean that everybody who teaches them should look like them? Absolutely not But it does mean that there is an intangible advantage that a student benefits from if they have that opportunity.

Students taking part in the high school summer program also have the opportunity to experience travel to culturally significant places. The Academys students have visited Atlanta, Chicago, Baltimore, Washington D.C., Memphis, New Orleans and more.

According to Ms. White, every aspect of these trips becomes an opportunity to learn about and connect with cultural heritage. Students have visited museums, seen plays, and gone on college visits. They often meet Black entrepreneurs and experience culturally-significant food at meal times.

There's nothing like actually seeing and experiencing something, Ms. White said. I want to take them to places where they can actually see African American culture in a positive reflection.

The Academy has greatly expanded to include programs for elementary and middle school-aged students, which continue throughout the school year. None of The Academys programs are remedial, which means students must apply to participate and are accepted based on academic achievement and recommendations.

Selective, but not exclusive Ms. White called it.

A 501(c)3 nonprofit with a board of directors and a staff of eight, The Academy is no longer a one-woman show. Ms. White is now looking at establishing a succession plan.

It doesnt keep me up at night yet, but I spend a lot of time thinking about it, Ms. White said. We have to have somebody who has a love for the work and for the kids and some sense of the importance of education and cultural awareness. Someone who can keep body and soul together.

For now, Ms. White is still that somebody and like The Academy itself she is still needed right where she is.

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Black excellence: The Academy celebrates 35 years of uplifting African American students - Corridor Business