China has officially launched the CR450 high-speed train, the fastest in the world, capable of reaching operating speeds of up to 400 km/h. This groundbreaking achievement is part of the “CR450 Science and Technology Innovation Project,” further solidifying China’s global leadership in high-speed rail technology.
According to the China State Railway Group, the CR450 sets new benchmarks in several key areas, including operational speed, energy efficiency, and interior noise levels. Designed with cutting-edge technology, the train not only boasts higher speeds but also prioritizes safety, energy conservation, and passenger comfort. During testing, the CR450 achieved speeds of 450 km/h, showcasing the advanced capabilities of China’s rail system.
The train will undergo further testing and evaluation before entering commercial service, aimed at enhancing transportation options for the public. This accomplishment underscores China’s commitment to technological innovation in high-speed rail and its growing expertise in self-sufficient, world-class engineering.
It comes as no surprise that Vietnam’s pho has made it into the 2024 list of the world’s 100 best dishes, recently published by Taste Atlas.
Beef noodle soup is the only Vietnamese dish to make the top 100 best dishes in the world in 2024 announced by Taste Atlas. Photo: Thuy Trang.
The culinary website released its list of the 100 most delicious dishes globally for 2024.
Topping the chart is Lechona from Colombia, with a rating of 4.78 stars. This traditional dish consists of a roasted pig stuffed with onions, peas, fresh herbs, and a variety of spices. The pork is slow-roasted until tender and flavorful. While it is commonly prepared for festive celebrations, this unique delicacy can also be found in restaurants throughout Colombian cities.
In second place is Italy’s Neapolitan pizza, rated 4.75 stars. This minimalist dish features a thin crust topped with tomatoes, garlic-flavored sauce, oregano leaves, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil leaves, symbolizing the colors of the Italian flag.
Colombian Lechona Stuffed Pork is the world’s best dish in 2024 according to Taste Atlas. Photo: Olaf Speier.
Notably, the only representative from Vietnam on the list is pho bo (beef pho), ranked 93rd with a rating of 4.44 stars.
Taste Atlas describes pho bo as a dish made from various cuts and parts of beef. The broth is typically prepared from beef bones, shanks, oxtails, and necks. The toppings often include thinly sliced brisket, rib meat, tenderloin, cooked beef, raw beef slices (tai nam), tendons, or beef meatballs (pho bo vien).
The dish is typically seasoned with dry spices such as cinnamon, star anise, cloves, cardamom, and coriander seeds. It is served piping hot in a bowl with rice noodles, garnished with chopped cilantro, thinly sliced onions, and green onions.
After the announcement, the 2024 list of the world’s 100 best dishes by Taste Atlas sparked heated debates, with some questioning the merit of certain dishes ranked at the top.
New York Post commented: “This list is highly subjective, yet Taste Atlas boldly released its guide to the top 100 dishes on Earth for 2024. How did they compile such a divisive list? Americans might take pride in a few entries, but it’s unfortunate that the UK has none”.
Located in the northwest of Vietnam, Hoa Binh boasts breathtaking natural landscapes and rich cultural experiences. It is the only representative from Vietnam to make the list of the 71 most beautiful destinations in the world, according to Condé Nast Traveler.
Dutch tourists take photos at Mai Chau – a famous destination in Hoa Binh. Photo: Raymond – Demi.
The renowned American travel magazine recently unveiled its selection of the 71 most stunning destinations worldwide, with Hoa Binh earning a spot on the prestigious list.
The travel site introduces Hoa Binh as a northern province of Vietnam, famous for its endless rice fields and as the home of several ethnic minority groups, including the H’Mong, Muong, and Dao. The list is not ranked in any specific order.
Beyond its striking natural scenery, CNTraveller’s experts selected destinations based on criteria such as cultural and historical significance, friendly locals, diverse cuisine, and unique visitor experiences.
Tourists experience paragliding and admire Hoa Binh. Photo: Bui Quang Thuy.
During September and October, Mai Chau District captivates visitors with its golden rice fields, which resembles a painting. Here, travelers can enjoy cycling through the countryside or hiking to explore local villages.
For adventure sports enthusiasts, paragliding from the summit of Vien Nam Mountain—located about 60 km from Hanoi—is an unmissable experience. Soaring over 1,000 meters in the sky, visitors can marvel at the majestic mountain ranges and the famous Hoa Binh Hydropower Dam.
Thanks to its year-round cool climate, Hoa Binh offers many attractions, including Thung Nai, often called the “Ha Long Bay of the mountains,” and other sites such as Pu Luong and Thac Bo Cave.
In addition to its natural beauty, Hoa Binh is celebrated for its rich cultural heritage. Visitors can immerse themselves in traditional festivals of the local ethnic communities, such as the Forest Worship Festival, the Rice Washing Festival, and the New Rice Festival.
Culinary delights are another highlight that draws tourists to Hoa Binh. Food lovers can savor signature mountain dishes like grilled chicken, bamboo-cooked rice, stream fish, wild vegetables, and sticky rice.
The list of 71 destinations also includes notable entries such as the Avenue of the Baobabs (Madagascar), the Amalfi Coast (Italy), Victoria Falls (between Zambia and Zimbabwe), Zhangye National Geopark (China), and the pink sands of Harbor Island (Bahamas).
Sa Pa will impose an entrance fee of 10,000 VND per visit for individuals over 16 years old and 5,000 VND per visit for children aged 6 to under 16 when visiting Fansipan Peak and Cat Cat Waterfall.
For people over 16 years old, the entrance fee to Fansipan will be 10,000 VND. Photo: @vit_hihii.
Recently, a representative from the People’s Committee of Sa Pa Town shared with Tri Thuc – Znews that starting January 1, 2025, the locality will begin collecting fees from tourists the Fansipan Peak and Cat Cat Waterfall visiting areas.
According to an announcement from the People’s Committee of Sa Pa Town on December 26, from January 1, 2025, all organizations and individuals (including both Vietnamese and foreign visitors) visited Fansipan Peak (Hoang Lien Commune, Sa Pa Town, Lao Cai Province) and Cat Cat Waterfall must pay entrance fees for these scenic spots.
The fee is set at 10,000 VND per person per visit for individuals aged 16 and above, and 5,000 VND per person per visit for children aged 6 to under 16.
Certain groups are exempt from the entrance fee, including children aged 6 and under, individuals with severe disabilities, leaders of the Party and State, special guests approved by the Chairman of the Sa Pa Town People’s Committee, and students from primary, secondary, and high schools within the town participate in extracurricular activities.
Groups eligible for a 50% discount on the entrance fee include individuals entitled to cultural benefits under regulations set by the Prime Minister, senior citizens, and individuals with moderate disabilities, as stipulated by law.
Fansipan Peak is one of the famous destinations attracting thousands of visitors every year. Photo: Minh Tu.
The Sa Pa Town People’s Committee will establish three fee collection stations equipped with surveillance cameras and four barriers. specific: One fee collection station with surveillance cameras and a barrier will be installed on the sidewalk in front of the Sun Plaza building, with fences surrounding the building. Another station with cameras and a barrier will be on Nguyen Chi Thanh Street located in front of the ticket-checking gate for the Fansipan cable car station, along with a 70-meter-long fence on the same street. A third station with cameras and a barrier will handle additional ticket sales and verification at the staircase leading to Fansipan Peak (on the right). An additional barrier for ticket verification will be placed at the left-side staircase leading to the peak.
These two popular tourist destinations, for which entrance fees have been introduced, are part of a tourism complex managed by the investors Fansipan Cable Car Tourism Service Co., Ltd., and Cat Cat Tourism Co., Ltd. These companies currently charge service fees for visitors utilizing the infrastructure and services developed by the enterprises.
Many passengers have expressed concerns following the tragic Jeju Air plane crash and decided to change their travel plans, canceling their tickets with the airline, according to Nate News.
Passengers at Tan Son Nhat airport. Photo: Linh Huynh.
On December 29, numerous posts appeared on Korean social media platforms about canceling Jeju Air tickets. After South Korea’s deadliest aviation disaster, passenger anxiety seems to have escalated, particularly among Jeju Air customers.
One passenger shared in a post: “I decided to cancel my Jeju Air ticket to Da Nang (Vietnam) for next year because the airline allows free cancellations before March 29, 2025. I plan to choose another airline or change my destination.”
Another Korean traveler stated: “I booked a ticket to Nha Trang (Vietnam) for March next year with Jeju Air. But out of concern, I canceled it and switched to Air Seoul.”
“As soon as I heard the news of the accident, I immediately canceled my Jeju Air flight, which was scheduled for Tuesday (December 31),” another passenger shared.
Jeju Air, a South Korean airline, currently operates seven routes between South Korea and Vietnam, connecting six cities, including Incheon (Seoul) to Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Busan to Da Nang.
Tourist families visit Da Nang on Christmas 2024. Photo: Linh Huynh.
At approximately 9:00 AM on December 29, Jeju Air flight 7C2216, departing from Bangkok, Thailand, and carrying 175 passengers and six crew members, skidded off the runway while attempting to land at Muan International Airport. Among the 181 people onboard, only two crew members survived.
Following the disaster, Jeju Air CEO Kim Lee-bae held an official press conference, stating: “The aircraft involved in the accident was regularly maintained and showed no signs of abnormality. We will prioritize addressing the aftermath and supporting the families of the victims. ”
Kim also emphasized that the aircraft, flight number 7C2216, had no history of prior incidents and was unrelated to the flight involved in an incident in November 2022. At that time, it was suspected that Jeju Air misreported an engine malfunction as a bird strike.
On the morning of December 30, another Jeju Air flight, 7C101, departing from Gimpo International Airport to Jeju, experienced a landing gear issue shortly after takeoff—similar to the malfunction seen in the December 29 crash.
Jeju Air informed the 161 passengers onboard about the mechanical failure and returned to Gimpo at 7:25 AM local time.
In its first eight days of operation, Ho Chi Minh City Metro Line 1 recorded over 900,000 passenger trips, with December 29 alone reaching 201,000 trips—higher than the opening day and six times the initial projected capacity.
During the free time, passengers take the train mainly to explore and experience the service. Photo: Duy Hieu.
HURC1 Co., Ltd., the operator of the Ben Thanh–Suoi Tien metro line, has released passenger data spanning December 22 to December 29.
During this period, the metro line operated a total of 1,562 trips, serving over 908,000 passengers—an average of more than 113,500 trips per day. This figure is three times the initial forecast of around 39,000 trips per day.
Notably, passenger numbers surged during the weekend of December 28-29, with daily figures reaching approximately 175,000 and nearly 201,000 trips—5 to 6 times higher than projected.
Currently, passengers do not require tickets; station staff assist with crowd management and guide passengers through control gates. However, the large number of passengers has led to overcrowding at some stations during peak hours.
To address this, a new access management system will be introduced starting January 2, 2025. Passengers can generate QR codes via the HCMC Metro HURC app to enter the stations.
Passengers wish to use bank cards for metro access can experience free rides from January 2 to January 9, provided they have a Mastercard. Those without a Mastercard can bring their national ID or chip-embedded ID cards, or use the VNeID app to apply for a card directly at the station.
From January 10 onward, additional card types, including Visa, JCB, American Express, UnionPay, and Napas, will be accepted at entry gates, depending on the coordination timeline with card issuers.
For the first six months, the metro will operate from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with intervals of 8-12 minutes between trains. After this initial phase, operating hours will extend to 11:30 PM, with peak-hour intervals of 5 minutes, 10 minutes during regular hours, and 15 minutes during off-peak times.
For passengers paying cash, ticket prices range from VND 7,000 to VND 20,000 per trip, depending on the travel distance. Non-cash payment users enjoy slightly lower fares, starting at VND 6,000 per trip and peaking at VND 19,000 per trip.
Day passes are priced at VND 40,000 (unlimited trips in a day), while three-day passes cost VND 90,000. Monthly passes for regular passengers are VND 300,000 (unlimited trips within the month), with discounted rates of VND 150,000 for students.
During the first 30 days of commercial operation, all passengers can enjoy free metro rides and free shuttle bus services connecting to metro stations.
After this promotional period, priority groups, including children under six, seniors over 60, war veterans, and individuals with disabilities, will continue to receive free access to metro services.
Lam Dong Province proudly boasts its 10 millionth visitors in 2024, with an estimated tourism revenue of 18 trillion VND, thanks to a series of standout events such as the Da Lat Flower Festival and Golden Tourism Week.
On the morning of December 30, at Lien Khuong International Airport, Lam Dong celebrated the arrival of its 10 millionth visitors of the year.
Lam Dong provincial leaders presented gifts to the 10 millionth visitor. Photo: N.X
The 10 millionth visitor was Mr. Nguyen Dang Dung from Hanoi, who arrived on flight VN1573, landing at Lien Khuong International Airport at 8:50 a.m. the same day. With this milestone, Lam Dong’s tourism revenue in 2024 is estimated to reach 18 trillion VND.
According to the Lam Dong Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, the number of tourist arrivals to the province in 2024 increased by 15.6%, achieving 103.1% of the year’s plan. Among these, international visitors are estimated at 600,000 (up 50% compared to the same period in 2023), while domestic visitors are estimated at 9.4 million (up 13.9% compared to 2023).
Opening ceremony of the 10th Da Lat Flower Festival in 2024. Photo: X.N
The significant growth in visitor numbers this year is attributed to the province’s concerted efforts in implementing diverse and dynamic measures to attract tourists. These included extensive domestic and international tourism promotion activities, most notably the 10th Da Lat Flower Festival and Golden Tourism Week.
The move higher will be driven by institutional, corporate and nation-state adoption, the report said.
Bitcoin (BTC), the world’s largest cryptocurrency, is likely to reach new highs next year and will “test or best” $185,000 in the fourth quarter of 2025, Galaxy Research said in a report last week.
Ether (ETH), the second-largest crypto, is predicted to rise above $5,500 in the next 12 months, the report said.
Galaxy said it expects five Nasdaq-100 companies and five nation states to say they have added bitcoin to their balance sheets or sovereign wealth funds next year, and competition among these countries will drive the next wave of adoption, the report said.
The total assets under management (AUM) of U.S. spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) is expected to surpass $250 billion in 2025, Galaxy forecast, and at least one leading wealth management platform will announce a bitcoin allocation of 2% or higher next year.
Bitcoin decentralized finance (DeFi) is also expected to boom, Galaxy said. The total amount of BTC locked in DeFi is forecast to double next year from the current $11 billion.
The trend of miners pivoting to high-performance computing (HPC) is expected to continue, and more than half of the 20 largest listed bitcoin mining firms will announce deals with artificial intelligence firms (AI) or hyperscalers in 2025, the report added.
Bitcoin will reach 20% of gold’s market cap next year, the report predicted.
A stronger dollar historically tends to make dollar-denominated assets like bitcoin and gold expensive, leading to weakened demand in the short term.
XRP led crypto losses on the second-last day of this year as a stronger dollar weighed down global currencies and assets including bitcoin, with Asian equity markets sliding lower on Monday.
US equities declined on Friday and as investors trimmed positions amid uncertainty heading into year-end. An Asia Pacific index reversed 5-day gains, while futures contracts on U.S. indexes S&P 500 and Nasdaq pointed to losses in the U.S. session as of Asian afternoon hours.
BTC has historically moved in the opposite direction of the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY), which gauges the greenback’s exchange rate against major fiat currencies, including the euro.
Strength in the dollar largely comes ahead of President-elect Donald Trump stepping into office in late January, where he has promised several policies to help the economy in the coming years.
When the dollar strengthens, dollar-denominated assets become more attractive compared to cryptocurrencies. Investors prefer traditional investments like U.S. Treasuries or stocks, which yield returns in a strong dollar environment.
That, however, has dampened hopes of a continual crypto rally amid lower liquidity and year-end profit-taking among investors. A “Santa rally,” a colloquial term for bullish seasonality seen in December, has failed with a nearly 4% drop in BTC prices this month (it is still up 47% in the final quarter, data shows).
Elsewhere, scaled back expectations for continual interest-rate cuts by the Federal Reserve have contributed to a fall in bitcoin and crypto prices in the past month.
Some, however, remain optimistic about long-term crypto policies helping bump the market despite the lack of rate cuts or a strong dollar.
“Unlike what many believe, Bitcoin and altcoins have not hit their price tops despite the ongoing consolidation fueled by the interest rate cut last week,” Maksym Sakharov, co-founder of WeFi, told CoinDesk in a Telegram message. “The selloffs recorded stem from the knee-jerk reaction by the market to uncertainties associated with macroeconomic policies. The Fed is preparing for higher figures next year despite inflation close to the 2% annual benchmark. This might shift the direction of monetary policy and impact the market.
“But when US President-elect Donald Trump takes office in the coming year, more corporate firms will enter the Bitcoin ecosystem as the regulations become favorable. If these projections play out, the price of Bitcoin may also decouple from macroeconomic factors that generally trigger its intense volatility,” Sakharov added.
Vietnam’s furniture sector is poised for remarkable growth in 2024 and is set to continue its momentum into 2025. The industry is supported by favorable economic conditions, rising global demand, and technological advancements in production.
With a strong presence in international markets and a thriving domestic market, the sector presents exciting opportunities for businesses looking to thrive in a competitive global landscape.
Exclusive factory tour video
Explore the secrets behind Vietnam’s rise as a global hub for high-end furniture manufacturing through an exclusive factory tour, showcasing the precision, innovation, and quality of “Made in Vietnam” furniture.
Whether you’re a potential buyer, retailer, or simply curious about high-quality furniture manufacturing, watch the video now to uncover why Vietnam is the preferred choice for global buyers!
Rising Domestic Market Demand
Vietnam’s furniture market has seen steady growth, fueled by urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and the expanding middle class. According to Mordor Intelligence, Vietnam’s furniture market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.06% from 2024 to 2029, reaching USD 5.01 billion by 2029. This expansion is largely attributed to the increased spending on home improvement and interior decoration, as well as a shift toward sustainable and eco-friendly furniture products.
Local consumers are increasingly demanding innovative designs and high-quality materials. Manufacturers are responding by investing in research and development to meet these evolving preferences. Government policies, such as reduced import taxes on raw materials and incentives for local production, further support this trend.
Strong Export Performance
Vietnam has solidified its place as one of the world’s top furniture exporters, serving key markets like the U.S., Europe, Japan, and South Korea. By the end of 2024, the export turnover of wood products reached 1.55 billion USD, increases by 20.5% over the same period in 2023.
While challenges like fluctuating raw material costs and geopolitical uncertainties exist, the sector remains resilient. Vietnamese manufacturers are renowned for producing high-quality furniture at competitive prices, a key factor in attracting international buyers. Additionally, trade agreements such as the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) have opened preferential access to crucial markets, enhancing the country’s export potential.
Global Opportunities in 2025
The global furniture market, valued at $480 billion according to CSIL, presents vast opportunities for Vietnamese companies. With a growing emphasis on sustainable practices, Vietnam’s expertise in producing eco-friendly and handcrafted furniture positions it as a preferred sourcing destination. Major international retailers and brands are increasingly collaborating with Vietnamese manufacturers to meet consumer demands for responsibly sourced products.
Looking toward 2025, the furniture industry in Vietnam is set to enjoy substantial growth. Analysts predict annual export growth of 15-18%, potentially pushing wood and wood product exports beyond $17 billion. Several factors are driving this optimism:
Sustainability and Green Manufacturing: Consumers worldwide are gravitating toward environmentally friendly furniture. Vietnam’s rich tradition of using sustainable materials, such as bamboo and rattan, aligns perfectly with this trend. By adopting green manufacturing practices and obtaining certifications like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), Vietnamese companies can further enhance their global competitiveness.
Customization and Design Innovation: As personalization becomes a key purchasing factor, manufacturers that offer customizable furniture solutions are likely to gain a competitive edge. Investments in design innovation, aided by collaborations with international design firms, will help Vietnamese companies cater to diverse consumer preferences.
Digital Transformation: The adoption of digital technologies in manufacturing and supply chain management is transforming the furniture industry. Smart factories, powered by automation and AI, enable improved production efficiency and faster time-to-market. Vietnamese manufacturers embracing Industry 4.0 are better positioned to meet global standards and attract high-value contracts.
Challenges to Overcome
Looking back at 2024, Vietnam’s furniture industry has made significant strides, but several challenges remain that need to be addressed in order to sustain growth in 2025. First, the heavy reliance on imported raw materials, particularly hardwood, exposes the industry to price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions. Strengthening local supply chains and investing in sustainable forestry practices will be crucial steps to mitigate this dependency.
At the same time, the rapid growth of the industry has created a growing demand for skilled labor, especially in design and technical fields. Expanding vocational training programs and partnering with educational institutions will be key to meeting this demand. Additionally, reliance on traditional markets such as the U.S. and Europe exposes the industry to risks during economic downturns. Therefore, expanding into new markets in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East will be vital for reducing these risks and providing a solid foundation for the industry’s growth in 2025.
Government and Industry Initiatives
The Vietnamese government has been proactive in supporting the furniture industry’s growth. Policies aimed at attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and promoting local businesses have fostered a competitive ecosystem. Additionally, trade promotion programs and participation in international expos enhance the visibility of Vietnamese furniture on the global stage.
Collaboration between industry stakeholders, including manufacturers, exporters, and trade associations, is also vital. Organizations like the Vietnam Timber and Forest Product Association (VIFORES) play a crucial role in advocating for policies and facilitating industry-wide innovation.
The outlook for Vietnam’s furniture industry in 2025 is promising. With its unique combination of cost-effective manufacturing, design expertise, and commitment to sustainability, Vietnam is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging trends and expand its global footprint.
However, to fully realize this potential, the industry must address existing challenges through strategic investments in technology, workforce development, and market diversification. By doing so, Vietnam’s furniture sector can solidify its status as a global leader and drive economic growth for years to come.
Vietnam’s Ministry of Health has proposed fines ranging from 1 to 2 million VND ($40–$80) for individuals caught using e-cigarettes or heated tobacco products. This initiative follows Vietnam’s recent designation as the sixth ASEAN country to impose a complete ban on these products, a move aimed at safeguarding public health and ensuring social order.
According to the Legal Department of the Ministry of Health, the proposal is part of a broader effort to implement National Assembly Resolution No. 173, which addresses the regulation of harmful substances, including e-cigarettes. The ministry has submitted a draft action plan to the government, outlining measures to enforce the resolution. This plan, expected to be finalized by the first quarter of 2025, aims to protect community health while maintaining public safety. Simultaneously, amendments to Decree No. 117, which governs administrative violations in the health sector, are being developed to include provisions for stricter penalties on e-cigarette use and related activities.
Under the proposed measures, those caught using e-cigarettes in public spaces will face fines and may be required to participate in mandatory smoking cessation programs. Public officials who violate the rules could be reported to their workplaces for disciplinary action. The ministry emphasized that the ban extends beyond personal use to include the production, sale, import, and advertisement of e-cigarettes, enabling comprehensive enforcement. With appropriate oversight, authorities believe these measures will be effective in curbing the use of e-cigarettes across the country.
Globally, Vietnam joins 43 other nations that have implemented bans on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. Among these, 39 countries have imposed total prohibitions on activities such as sales, advertising, and use. Singapore, for instance, has enacted stringent regulations, banning the import, sale, possession, and distribution of e-cigarette-like products. Violators in Singapore face fines of up to SGD 10,000 ($7,300), six months in prison, or both.
By introducing strict penalties and adopting international best practices, Vietnam aims to address the growing challenges posed by e-cigarettes, prioritizing the health and safety of its citizens while reinforcing its commitment to combating tobacco-related harm.
A profit opportunity led to nearly $100 million in trading volumes for a charity-themed memecoin. And although some speculators lost money — the effort still bore fruit for the original cause.
A Pump.Fun memecoin zoomed from zero to an $80 million market capitalization on Thursday after a father’s plea for donations into a research study for his daughter’s rare brain cancer attracted swathes of crypto traders.
The token’s prices have since fallen 80% since a Thursday peak and trade at just over a cent as of Friday. But while late buyers are sitting on losses, the effort still raised over $1 million for the cause.
In an X post on Thursday, Runaway founder Siqi Chen said his daughter Mira was diagnosed with a type of brain tumor in September and that research and funding had “been lacking” because of how rare the condition was.
His GoFundMe page has raised 80% of its $300,000 target as of Thursday, with all proceeds going directly to research efforts at the Hankinson Lab at the Univerity of Colorado.
Chen also posted his Ethereum wallet on the X thread after user demand, later putting his Solana and Bitcoin addresses as users asked for more options.
And then Pump.Fun happened.
The platform lets anyone issue a token for less than $2 in capital, after which they choose the number of tokens, theme, and meme picture to accompany it. When the market capitalization of any token reaches $69,000, a portion of liquidity is deposited to the Solana-based exchange Raydium and burned.
A user created the MIRA token attached with a picture of Chen and his daughter, with no apparent objective except it being a token that can be traded just like any other memecoin. The user’s Pump.Fun profile shows MIRA was just one of the several tokens they created that day, with all the others failing to break a $6,000 market cap.
X user @Waddles_eth later purchased 50% of the supply and sent all of it to Chen, who boosted the memecoin on his X account.
That ensured virality for the token and sent prices from fractions of a penny to a peak of 8 cents early Thursday. The value of Chen’s token holdings went from $400,000 to over $18 million as the token went viral. It attracted a peak of $7 million in liquidity (worth in both Solana’s SOL and the memecoin) as the market became widely traded.
It attracted over $85 million in trading volumes and over 130,000 transactions, making it the most popular smallcap in the past 24 hours.
“I have been on the internet for 30 years and have seen some shit, but this is by far the craziest day of my life,” Chen wrote on X as prices rocketed. “I will be liquidating $1,000 worth of $MIRA every 10 minutes, perpetually. If change this schedule, i commit to announcing it 24 hours in advance.”
“If you want to rug it to $0, go for it – at the end of the day we set out to raise $200K and we will end up with at least $1M towards rare disease research,” Chen stated.
Community response to the whole event has been overwhelmingly positive, with several users pointing out how such memecoins can contribute to positive outcomes in the world.
Memecoins are largely based on virality, attention and community hype. They are considered non-serious among professional investors but have seen massive demand and preference in the past year compared to larger venture capital-backed crypto tokens — which are perceived as enriching rich investors at the expense of smaller retail traders.
But MIRA shifted some of the tides.
“I think memecoins are dumb and have no future and I don’t touch them. But if I wanted to make a case for them I would now know where to start,” X user @JaEsf said. “This is beautiful and quite crazy that you can do that with crypto. EVM, Solana or any chain. This is why Crypto exist! Simplify movement of assets,” said @mbaril010, another X user.
Meanwhile, @waddles_eth, the user who originally sent half the token’s supply to Chen, said the overall outcome met their expectations.
“When I saw the story about Mira and her illness, I thought it would be good to buy and send supply to you with the hopes of getting the SOL community behind a good cause on Christmas,” they said in a now-viral X post. “I’m really glad that it worked out the way that it has and I hope that the money helps to find a cure both for Mira and anyone else with her condition.”
Crypto for good may finally become a thing in the new year.
The culinary website TasteAtlas has unveiled its list of the 100 best dishes in the world for 2024, with Vietnam’s iconic beef pho proudly representing the country as the only Vietnamese entry on this prestigious list.
The annual ranking, often met with mixed reactions, has once again sparked debate. Critics point out the omission of certain renowned cuisines and question the inclusion of some lesser-known dishes. The New York Post commented: “TasteAtlas has taken a risk by revealing its list of the 100 most delicious foods on earth for 2024. While some nations celebrate multiple entries, the UK finds itself notably absent.”
Top Dishes in the World
Claiming the top spot is Colombia’s Lechona, a hearty pork dish made with marinated pork, peas, onions, and other ingredients, all encased in salted pork skin. The dish is slow-roasted for hours, creating a golden, crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior.
In second place is Italy’s Neapolitan Pizza, celebrated for its thin crust, vibrant tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil leaves, symbolizing the colors of the Italian flag.
Rounding out the top three is Brazil’s Picanha steak, a prized cut of beef known for its succulent texture and rich flavor, surpassing even premium Japanese Wagyu in this ranking.
Vietnam’s Pride: Beef Pho
Vietnam’s beef pho stands proudly among these culinary greats. According to TasteAtlas, this renowned noodle soup features a rich broth made from beef bones, shank, and tail, paired with rice noodles and various beef cuts, including brisket, cooked and raw flank, tendon, or beef balls. The soup is traditionally infused with aromatic spices such as cinnamon and star anise and garnished with cilantro, sliced onions, and green onions.
Pho is not just a dish but a cultural symbol, offering warmth and comfort in every bowl. Its inclusion on the global list reaffirms Vietnam’s place on the world culinary map.
Top 10 Dishes on the List
1. Lechona (Colombia)
2. Neapolitan Pizza (Italy)
3. Picanha (Brazil)
4. Rechta (Algeria)
5. Phanaeng Curry (Thailand)
6. Asado (Argentina)
7. Çökertme Kebabı (Türkiye)
8. Rawon (Indonesia)
9. Cağ Kebabı (Türkiye)
10. Tibs (Ethiopia)
With beef pho securing its place among these global culinary treasures, Vietnam continues to make its mark as a destination for world-class cuisine.
Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister Trần Hồng Hà emphasized the importance of clarity and thorough planning for the North-South high-speed rail project, stressing that there should be no “build-as-you-go” approach. The project, he stated, aims not only to establish a state-of-the-art rail line but also to develop a robust high-speed rail industry capable of managing construction, operations, and maintenance.
During the third meeting of the Steering Committee on the Investment Policy for National Key Railway Projects, Transport Deputy Minister Nguyễn Danh Huy revealed that the project is slated to begin construction in December 2027. Preparations include finalizing a comprehensive roadmap, securing government approvals, selecting consultants, and planning major tender packages.
To support the project, various ministries are coordinating their efforts. The Ministry of Education and Training is working on manpower planning and international training collaborations, while the Ministry of Construction is prioritizing the selection of globally experienced design and supervision consultants.
Deputy Prime Minister Hà further instructed the Ministry of Transport to carefully evaluate legal frameworks, revise railway laws, and establish technical standards for high-speed rail systems. Policies will also be introduced to ensure the selection of top-tier international consultants and local companies capable of contributing to the project’s success.
The Ministry of Transport is also tasked with detailed urban and rural development planning along the railway line, addressing land acquisition, and securing funding through a mix of public budgets, bonds, ODA, and land resources.
The Vietnam Railway Corporation has been directed to restructure and prepare its organizational framework to manage and operate the rail system upon project completion.
Russia has officially started using Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in international trade, marking a significant shift in response to Western sanctions. Finance Minister Anton Siluanov confirmed that Russian companies are leveraging digital currencies following recent legal changes that facilitate their use in global transactions.
Legal Framework Enables Cryptocurrency Payments
The adoption of cryptocurrency aims to counter the challenges posed by sanctions that have disrupted Russia’s trade with key partners like China and Turkey. Local banks, wary of Western regulatory scrutiny, have been cautious in handling transactions involving Russian entities.
This year, Russia approved the use of cryptocurrencies in foreign trade and took steps to legalize cryptocurrency mining, including Bitcoin. As a leading nation in Bitcoin mining, Russia is now using mined Bitcoins in cross-border transactions as part of a pilot program. Minister Siluanov told Russia 24 television, “We’ve already conducted such transactions and believe this practice should expand and develop further. I’m confident we’ll see significant growth in 2025.”
President Putin Endorses Cryptocurrency
Earlier this month, President Vladimir Putin criticized the U.S. for undermining the dollar’s role as a global reserve currency by politicizing its use. He highlighted Bitcoin as a viable alternative, stating that no one can control it globally. His comments suggest strong government support for wider cryptocurrency adoption.
Plans for Bitcoin Reserves
Russia is reportedly planning to establish strategic Bitcoin reserves as analysts forecast a sharp increase in Bitcoin’s value in 2025. Forbes reports that investor confidence in Bitcoin’s growth has surged, driven by figures like Elon Musk and renewed interest in cryptocurrency.
Russia’s legislative efforts are also gaining momentum. Anton Tkachev, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma, has proposed creating a national Bitcoin reserve to strengthen the country’s financial resilience.
In light of sanctions restricting access to traditional international payment systems, cryptocurrencies are emerging as a vital tool for global trade. The Russian Central Bank is preparing to pilot cross-border cryptocurrency payments to facilitate this shift.
Earlier this month, President Putin called Bitcoin a viable alternative to foreign currency reserves after Western nations froze $300 billion of Russia’s assets due to its actions in Ukraine. By legalizing Bitcoin and cryptocurrency use domestically, Russia is adapting its financial strategies to navigate geopolitical challenges.
