Tag Archives: implementation

general

Italian banks back digital euro but urge ECB to spread out costs: Reuters

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Italian Banks Back ECB’s Digital Euro Initiative but Urge Cost Spreading

Italian banks have expressed strong support for the European Central Bank’s (ECB) digital euro initiative, emphasizing the importance of digital sovereignty. However, they are urging that the implementation costs be spread over several years to ease the financial burden on the sector.

“We’re in favour of the digital euro because it embodies a concept of digital sovereignty,” said Marco Elio Rottigni, General Manager of the Italian Banking Association (ABI), during a press seminar held in Florence, Reuters reported on Friday. He added, “Costs for the project, however, are very high in the context of the capital expenditure banks must sustain. They could be spread over time.”

Resistance from Other European Banks

The comments come amidst resistance from some French and German banks regarding the central bank digital currency (CBDC) project. These institutions fear that the introduction of an ECB-backed retail wallet could lead to a significant drain of deposits from commercial lenders.

Progress on the Digital Euro Project

At its meeting on October 29-30 in Florence, the ECB’s Governing Council approved moving the digital euro project into its next phase after a two-year preparatory period. A pilot phase is expected to begin in 2027, with a full rollout tentatively scheduled for 2029, provided that EU legislation is adopted in 2026.

Balancing Innovation and Private Payment Systems

European Parliament member Fernando Navarrete, who is overseeing the parliament’s review of the proposal, recently presented a draft report. It calls for a scaled-down version of the digital euro to protect private payment systems such as Wero, a joint initiative by 14 European banks.

A “Twin Approach” for Europe

Rottigni suggested that Europe should pursue a “twin approach,” combining the ECB’s digital euro with commercial bank-backed digital currencies. “What Europe shouldn’t do is fall behind,” he stressed.

ECB Advances Technology Partnerships

Last month, the ECB finalized framework agreements with seven technology providers to support the development of the potential digital euro. These agreements cover fraud and risk management, secure payment data exchange, and software development.

Among the companies involved are fraud-detection specialist Feedzai and security technology firm Giesecke+Devrient (G+D). According to the ECB, the selected firms will also work on features such as “alias lookup,” which enables users to send or receive payments without needing to know the recipient’s payment service provider, as well as offline payment capabilities.

Conclusion

While Italian banks embrace the digital euro as a critical step toward digital sovereignty in Europe, they advocate for a cautious and financially manageable implementation strategy. As the project moves forward, collaboration between public and private stakeholders remains key to ensuring a successful and inclusive European digital currency rollout.
https://cointelegraph.com/news/italian-banks-back-digital-euro-urge-ecb-to-stagger-costs

general

Italy backs the digital euro but asks ECB to spread out high implementation costs

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Italy’s Banking Sector Backs ECB’s Digital Euro Initiative Amid Cost Concerns

Italy’s banking sector has expressed strong support for the European Central Bank’s (ECB) proposed digital euro project, seeing it as a vital step to retain Europe’s digital sovereignty and reduce dependence on non-European payment providers like U.S.-based card networks and stablecoins.

While enthusiastic about the digital euro initiative, Italian banks are also advocating for a flexible, long-term payment plan to manage the substantial implementation costs. They have described these costs as “very high,” especially when considering other ongoing capital expenditures.

“We’re in favor of the digital euro because it embodies a concept of digital sovereignty,” ABI General Manager Marco Elio Rottigni said on Friday. “Costs for the project, however, are very high in the context of the capital expenditure banks must sustain; they could be spread over time.”

**Italy’s Support Comes With a Caveat**

The primary purpose of the digital euro, the ECB’s digital version of the single currency, is to strengthen the euro area’s monetary sovereignty while reducing reliance on non-European payment service providers and addressing the rise of stablecoins.

However, the legislative process has been slow due to opposition from some French and German banks. These banks are concerned that millions of Europeans might switch to using an online ECB wallet for daily payments, which could lead to a significant outflow of deposits from traditional banks.

Despite this opposition, the ECB’s Governing Council has advanced the digital euro project to its next phase after completing a two-year preparation period.

“We’re in favor of a twin approach: a central bank digital currency alongside commercial bank digital currencies, which may develop faster,” Rottigni explained. “What Europe shouldn’t do is fall behind.”

The digital euro launch is expected in 2029, following a pilot phase anticipated to begin in 2027, contingent upon the adoption of EU legislation expected in 2026.

Meanwhile, European Parliament member Fernando Navarrete of Spain’s Partido Popular, responsible for the parliament’s assessment of the digital euro, submitted a draft report on October 28 promoting a scaled-down version of the scheme. The report advocates safeguarding private payment initiatives such as Wero, which is backed by 14 European lenders. This stance highlights that, while generally supportive, some parliamentary voices seek established safeguards against potential financial strain.

**Global CBDC Developments**

While the introduction of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) presents systemic risks—including potential cyberattacks and digital bank runs, which require robust governance and security—several countries are moving forward.

China has been preparing its CBDC for years and, as of 2025, has deployed its digital yuan in eighteen countries, including Thailand, Kazakhstan, and the United Arab Emirates. Observers view these efforts as attempts to maintain monetary sovereignty.

Other notable CBDC initiatives include:

– **United Kingdom’s Britcoin**: Currently limited to sandbox testing.
– **Japan’s Digital Yen**: Intended as an alternative to China’s digital yuan but advancing cautiously.
– **Sweden’s e-Krona**: An open-source digital currency with partial anonymity for small payments, currently in testing.
– **Brazil’s DREX**: Designed to integrate with smart contracts for social assistance programs, promoting financial inclusion.

In contrast, U.S. legislative efforts are focused on regulating private stablecoin issuers rather than issuing a CBDC. The Federal Reserve is barred from creating its own CBDC due to concerns over monitoring and surveillance risks.

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https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/finance/italy-backs-the-digital-euro-but-asks-ecb-to-spread-out-high-implementation-costs/

business, technology

Crusader Kings 3 devs on All Under Heaven expansion & improving the base game

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Crusader Kings 3 has continued to receive plenty of interesting content since Paradox Interactive released it in 2020. The newest addition is a major expansion that opens the map to most of Asia, introducing Chinese, Japanese, and Southeast Asian content to its grand strategy gameplay.

Four years in, Paradox remains dedicated to delivering more for fans, who keep wanting fresh experiences with Crusader Kings 3 and its many expansions. I had the opportunity to talk with QA Manager Riad Deneche and Producer Lucia Dzediti about how the game has evolved and how the team works to keep the base game exciting, even as it continues to grow.

“All Under Heaven” has been highly anticipated. Until now, the Asian continent had been on the periphery of Crusader Kings 3 campaigns, with features like The Silk Road economic storyline only giving a glimpse into the region’s history. This new expansion finally answers the constant requests from players to include Asian politics and rulers, delivering a wealth of famous leaders spread across China and the broader Asian continent.

Paradox is proud to finally fulfill this fan request. The development team committed to extensive research to ensure the storylines of Far Eastern leaders were portrayed accurately and respectfully. According to the team, the historical research and its implementation were among the most enjoyable parts of the process.

Importantly, All Under Heaven also offers plenty for those who prefer to focus on Western civilizations. The Silk Road storylines have been expanded, with even more content added to ensure the stories and politics of All Under Heaven can influence Western campaigns as well.

With this expansion, Crusader Kings 3 continues to deepen its gameplay and narrative, ensuring that both new and experienced players have exciting new realms and possibilities to explore.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146687/crusader-kings-3-all-under-heaven-expansion-interview

business, technology

Crusader Kings 3 devs on All Under Heaven expansion & improving the base game

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Since its release in 2020, **Crusader Kings 3** has continued to receive plenty of interesting content from Paradox Interactive. The latest expansion opens up the map to most of Asia, introducing Chinese, Japanese, and Southeast Asian content to this grand strategy game.

Paradox remains dedicated to creating more content for the fans, who keep wanting to explore new possibilities within *Crusader Kings 3* and its expansions. I had the opportunity to speak with QA Manager Riad Deneche and Producer Lucia Dzediti about how the game has evolved and how the team keeps the base game exciting while adding fresh features.

### All Under Heaven: A Long Time Coming

The Asian continent has been on the periphery of *Crusader Kings 3* campaigns since the game’s launch. Until now, features like **The Silk Road** economic storyline were the closest players could get to Asian history and politics.

The new expansion, **All Under Heaven**, finally answers long-standing fan requests by fully integrating Asian politics and leaders into the grand strategy experience. It brings a wealth of famous rulers from China and across Asia to the forefront of gameplay.

Paradox took great pride in tackling this request, dedicating significant effort to research and authentically represent the storylines of Far Eastern leaders. According to the team, the historical research and implementation process was among the most enjoyable aspects of development.

### Expanding the Silk Road and Beyond

Of course, **All Under Heaven** doesn’t leave out players who prefer to focus on Western civilizations. The Silk Road storylines have been expanded, and additional content has been added to ensure that the new stories and politics will influence even Western campaigns.

This thoughtful integration means that whether you prefer playing in the East or West, *Crusader Kings 3*’s world feels more connected and dynamic than ever before.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146687/crusader-kings-3-all-under-heaven-expansion-interview

government, international, japan, leadership, politics

Battle for Japan’s Next Prime Minister Intensifies

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However, Tamaki offered no clear response, later telling reporters that if he were chosen as prime minister, “policy management would still be difficult” and that “differences remain” between the parties.

The day began with a high-profile meeting between Takaichi and Constitutional Democratic Party leader Noda, which observers described as Takaichi’s de facto declaration to run in the prime ministerial vote. Noda said he asked whether the LDP planned to run alone or seek support from other parties, to which Takaichi replied that “nothing has been decided yet.”

Noda also revealed that he raised the possibility of the LDP seeking cooperation from Komeito if opposition parties were to unite behind a single candidate, a suggestion that seemed to catch Takaichi off guard.

Later in the day, Takaichi met Tamaki again for about 30 minutes, reiterating her desire to advance policies quickly and jointly rather than focusing solely on forming a parliamentary majority. Tamaki, however, remained cautious, saying that while there had been some convergence on issues such as security legislation and nuclear policy, significant gaps persisted.

He added that even if a coalition of the Constitutional Democratic Party, Japan Innovation Party, and Democratic Party for the People were formed, it would likely have to operate as a minority government, making policy implementation difficult. Tamaki also noted that while many of his party’s basic policies align with those of Takaichi and the LDP, trust had been undermined in the past, referencing broken promises during the Ishiba administration.

Talks among the three opposition leaders lasted about an hour and are expected to continue next week. Meanwhile, attention is now turning to a scheduled meeting between Takaichi and Japan Innovation Party leader Yoshimura in the evening, as speculation grows over whether the two parties might discuss a potential coalition.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/147286.php

crime, justice, law, politics

Amit Shah says newly implemented laws will ensure timely and simple justice

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Our judicial system has developed a reputation for not delivering justice in a timely manner. However, I am confident in telling the people of Rajasthan that the three new criminal justice laws will ensure justice that is timely, accessible, and simple, highlighted Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made numerous changes to improve ease of living across the nation. Along with the implementation of these laws, there will also be a significant transformation in the ease of justice. “Through these laws, our criminal justice system will be inspired by justice rather than punishment,” Shah asserted. He added that these reforms have been effectively implemented across the country, with the Ministry of Home Affairs providing assistance and ongoing guidance to all states.

Hailing the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) efforts to streamline the justice process, Amit Shah further informed that any FIR (First Information Report) filed after 2027 will be brought to justice in the Supreme Court within three years.

Highlighting the three new laws introduced by PM Narendra Modi, Shah explained, “These laws abolish 160-year-old statutes and will allow FIRs to be filed nationwide after 2027. The complete system will take another two years to be fully implemented. However, thanks to this legislation, any FIR filed after 2027 will be adjudicated by the Supreme Court within three years.”

The Union Home Minister also pointed to a significant improvement in Rajasthan’s conviction rate. “In Rajasthan, the conviction rate was previously only 42%. After implementing these three new laws just one year ago, the conviction rate has already risen to 60%. When fully implemented, the conviction rate is expected to reach up to 90%,” he noted. “These laws provide for various scientific methods that strengthen the justice process.”

Shah highlighted the government’s continued efforts to modernize India’s justice system, including the establishment of the National Forensic Science University in 2020. “We created this institution to support the smooth implementation of these laws. By gradually opening affiliated colleges across the country, we are also nurturing a new workforce of youth skilled in scientific methods,” he said.

Among the new provisions, terrorism, mob lynching, organized crime, and digital crime have been defined for the first time within our judicial system. Moreover, the three laws prescribe strict time limits at more than 29 stages of the justice process.

It is now mandatory to provide updates to victims within 90 days. A copy of the police report must be delivered to the victim within 14 days. The charge sheet must be filed within 60 to 90 days. The laws even provide for trials in absentia, ensuring that justice is not delayed.

These comprehensive reforms symbolize a new era in India’s criminal justice system, aiming to deliver swift and equitable justice to all citizens.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/amit-shah-says-newly-implemented-laws-will-ensure-timely-and-simple-justice-23598495

business, economy, environment, international, technology

Why EVs and semiconductor components are about to become costlier

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**Why EVs and Semiconductor Components Are About to Become Costlier**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Oct 11, 2025*

The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) has issued a warning that the ongoing trade conflict between the United States and China is poised to drive up prices for electric vehicles (EVs), wind turbines, and semiconductor components. This caution comes in the wake of US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a new 100% tariff on Chinese imports, set to take effect on November 1, 2025. The move is a response to China’s recent export controls on rare earth minerals—critical to the US defense, EV, and clean energy sectors.

### Trade Implications: Tariffs to Reach 130%

With the introduction of this new tariff, the total tariff rate on Chinese goods will soar to approximately 130%. This marks the most significant escalation in US-China trade tensions since the initial tariff war began. According to the GTRI report, “The impact will be felt quickly. Prices of EVs, wind turbines, and semiconductor parts are expected to rise.”

Furthermore, the report highlights that China may pivot its supply chains to favor its non-Western partners, thereby strengthening alternative industrial networks outside of Western influence.

### Strategic Negotiations: US Reliance on China

The GTRI report draws attention to the strategic importance of rare earth minerals to US industries. It suggests that Washington may soon have little choice but to engage in fresh negotiations with Beijing. Unlike the often impulsive US approach, China appears more deliberate and better prepared in its trade strategy.

The report underscores America’s heavy dependence on China not only for critical electronics but also for textiles, footwear, white goods, and solar panels. This dependency leaves the US vulnerable to retaliatory measures from China.

### Economic Impact: Potential Backfire of Tariff Strategy

As tariffs push prices higher, President Trump may face challenges in controlling inflation and managing production costs domestically. The GTRI warns that his tough stance on China risks backfiring, potentially harming US consumers and undermining his broader economic agenda.

### Trade Advice: India’s Strategic Approach

The GTRI report also offers guidance for India, urging the country to negotiate with the US carefully and on equal terms to ensure reciprocity while preserving its strategic autonomy. Rather than depending on uncertain US promises, New Delhi is advised to prioritize building self-reliance in critical technologies and minerals.

This strategy could insulate India’s economy from future trade shocks and leverage its neutral position to strengthen relationships with both Western nations and BRICS economies.

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*As the trade landscape evolves, stakeholders across industries must prepare for the economic ripples these tariffs will create, especially in sectors reliant on global supply chains such as EVs and semiconductors.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/us-china-trade-war-to-spike-ev-wind-turbine-costs-report/story

city, development, environment, housing, parks

Concern over delays on riverside path

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The planning approval for the 255-home Meridian Waterside scheme in Southampton included important public realm improvements, such as the extension of a local park and the creation of a new waterfront walkway along the River Itchen. However, with one of the three blocks of flats still incomplete, the Southampton Commons and Parks Protection Society (SCAPPS) has raised concerns about the lack of progress on these promised public space enhancements.

Speaking at the recent court leet ceremony held at the Civic Centre, Graham Linecar of SCAPPS addressed the issue, highlighting the stalled work on the riverside path and green space.

Inland Homes, the original developer of the former Meridian site, went into administration some time ago. Although the planning permission clearly included the construction of a landscaped riverside path and public green space, no progress has been made on these key features. The site’s administrator arranged for an alternative developer to complete the remaining housing, but the riverfront path and green space improvements have yet to be started.

Mr. Linecar’s presentment called on the city council to clarify what steps they have taken—and plan to take—to ensure the delivery of this significant public realm enhancement. SCAPPS and other local stakeholders had believed these improvements were guaranteed as part of the planning permission.

The proposed walkway would run along the west bank of the River Itchen, starting just north of Northam Bridge and extending towards the Itchen Riverside Broadwalk.

Inland Homes entered administration two years ago with one of the three blocks of flats still unfinished. Last year, estate agent Savills was marketing the partially constructed Southern House with an asking price of £7 million. This building, anticipated to contain 104 apartments featuring one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes, remains covered in scaffolding and incomplete.

The entire regeneration project is taking place on the site formerly occupied by Meridian TV studios.

Mr. Linecar’s presentment regarding the riverside path issue will be reviewed by council leaders and is expected to receive a formal response in the coming months. He also questioned whether lessons have been learned about attaching effective conditions to planning permissions to prevent similar situations from arising in the future.
http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/25521993.southampton-riverside-path-upgrade-facing-delays/?ref=rss

conflict, humanitarian, international, politics, war

Israel advances preparations for first phase of Trump plan as Gaza toll reaches

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Israel’s Army Advances Preparations for First Phase of Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan Amid Rising Death Toll

Israel’s military announced on Saturday that it would advance preparations for the initial phase of US President Donald Trump’s plan to end the war in Gaza and facilitate the return of all remaining hostages, according to news agency AP. This development comes as the death toll in Gaza surpasses 67,000.

According to the Israeli military, forces have been instructed to enhance readiness for implementing the plan. An official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that Israel has shifted to a defensive-only position in Gaza and will not conduct active strikes, although no troops have been withdrawn from the territory.

The announcement followed President Trump’s directive for Israel to halt bombings after Hamas indicated acceptance of certain elements of his peace proposal. Trump welcomed Hamas’s statement, saying, “I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE.”

The US President aims to fulfill promises to end the conflict and secure the release of dozens of hostages ahead of the second anniversary of Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The plan, which has received broad international support, was endorsed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

On Friday, Netanyahu’s office reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to ending the war, though it did not address potential gaps in agreements with Hamas.

Ongoing Negotiations and Egypt’s Role

A senior Egyptian official involved in ceasefire negotiations told AP that talks are ongoing regarding the release of hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Arab mediators are also preparing a broader dialogue among Palestinian factions to unify positions on Gaza’s future.

Meanwhile, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Gaza’s second-largest militant group, announced on Saturday that it accepted Hamas’s response to Trump’s plan, having initially rejected it.

Casualty Update

Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that the nearly two-year conflict has now claimed more than 67,000 lives, with women and children accounting for roughly half of the dead. These figures are considered the most reliable estimate of casualties in the war by the UN and independent experts.

Questions Remain About Implementation

Despite the momentum, questions remain regarding the plan’s implementation. Hamas has agreed in principle to release the remaining 48 hostages—around 20 of whom are believed alive—and to hand over power to other Palestinians. However, aspects such as demilitarization require further internal consultation.

Experts caution that while Hamas signals willingness to negotiate, its fundamental stance remains unchanged. Oded Ailam, a researcher at the Jerusalem Centre for Security and Foreign Affairs, described the group’s approach as repackaging old demands in softer language, serving as a smoke screen rather than a signal of genuine resolution.

Public Reactions and Ongoing Uncertainty

Protests continue across Europe, including tens of thousands marching in Barcelona on Saturday, with demonstrations planned in Italy and Portugal. For Palestinians in Gaza, uncertainty persists. Thousands have fled Gaza City, now a focus of Israel’s latest offensive, while families of hostages remain cautious.

Yehuda Cohen, whose son Nimrod is held in Gaza, expressed cautious optimism: “We’re putting our trust in Trump because he’s the only one who’s doing it. We want to see him with us until the last step.”

(With inputs from AP)
https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/israel-advances-preparations-for-first-phase-of-trump-s-gaza-peace-plan-23597208

ai, business, science, technology

New patent shows Gemini activates when phone nears your face

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**New Patent Reveals Gemini AI Assistant Activates When Phone Nears Your Face**

*By Akash Pandey | Oct 03, 2025, 06:50 PM*

Google is developing an innovative way to summon its AI assistant, Gemini, without the need for hotwords or pressing any buttons. According to a recent report by Android Headlines, this advancement comes from a newly filed patent by the tech giant.

### How the Technology Works

Modern smartphones use a capacitive sensor grid within their touchscreens to detect touches by monitoring changes in the electrical field. Google has discovered that these sensors can also sense nearby objects—even without physical contact—such as a user’s face or hand.

When a phone is brought close to a user’s mouth or face, the capacitive sensor grid detects a unique change in the electric field pattern. This distinct pattern signals the system that the user’s face is near, triggering Gemini to activate automatically.

### Benefits to Users

This new activation method offers several advantages. It proves especially useful in scenarios where traditional voice commands or button presses are challenging, such as when wearing a mask or in noisy environments.

Additionally, since it relies on low-power capacitive sensors, this system is energy-efficient and unlikely to drain your phone’s battery significantly.

The report also suggests that over time, this detection method could become smarter and more accurate, improving the overall user experience.

### What’s Next?

Despite the exciting potential of this technology, there is currently no information on when it might be released to Android users. The details are based solely on the patent filing, so it remains uncertain how or when Google plans to implement this feature in future smartphones.

For now, many devices still rely on a dedicated AI key or customizable button to manually activate Gemini.

Stay tuned for updates as this technology develops and moves closer to real-world application.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/google-is-working-on-new-way-to-summon-gemini/story