Grab’s latest move has been made possible after its tie-up with Triple-A, a firm that enables businesses to pay and get paid in digital currencies, the report added.
Grab is letting users make payments via cryptocurrencies, the super app’s crypto payments partner, Triple-A, said in a statement.
The super app offers ride-hailing, food delivery and digital payments in South Asia. It is present in eight nations in the region, but the current development appears to only apply to Singapore.
“Grab has partnered with licensed payments provider Triple-A to enable users to top up their GrabPay Wallet via Digital Payment Tokens. Currently available in Singapore, Grab will continue to monitor user adoption and respond to demand for such services,” Grab said in a statement.
Users can pay using five cryptocurrencies – bitcoin (BTC), ether (ETH), StraitsX’s Singapore dollar-backed stablecoin XSGD, Circle’s USDC stablecoin and Tether’s USDT stablecoin.
“From arranging deliveries to booking rides or paying for coffee at their nearest shop, digital currency owners in Singapore can now use digital currencies for everyday transactions,” Triple-A said. The Strait Times first reported on the new payment option.
Grab has been involved in the Web3 space for some time now. In September 2023, Grab and Circle announced plans to conduct a pilot for a Web3 wallet within the Grab super app.
The development may come as a surprise, given Singapore’s cautious approach to crypto while welcoming innovation. Its current president, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, has previously called crypto “purely speculative” and “slightly crazy.”
The number of flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao by Vietnam Airlines in March has increased by one and a half times compared to February.
Vietnam Airlines has exclusive rights to flights to Con Dao. Photo: VNA.
Vietnam Airlines announced that starting mid-March, the airline would significantly increase the frequency of flights to Con Dao to meet the rising demand for travel from passengers.
Specifically, Vietnam Airlines plans to operate an average of 26 to 30 flights daily between Ho Chi Minh City and Con Dao from March. This number of flights has increased by nearly 50% compared to February. The route is currently operated by ATR-72 aircraft with two service classes for passengers to experience: Economy Plus and Economy.
With a high frequency of flights, passengers can conveniently book seats, meeting the increased travel demand from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao or from northern provinces such as Hanoi, Hai Phong, Thanh Hoa, Vinh… to this island with a stopover at Tan Son Nhat Airport.
Additionally, the national airline has chosen Con Dao as the first locality to implement the “sustainable aviation” project with environmental protection activities, contributing to the preservation of landscapes and the living environment.
Since March 15, all plastic waste, nylon bags on flights have been collected and brought back to the mainland for disposal. Flight attendants also broadcast messages urging passengers to join hands with Con Dao in the environmental protection campaign, limiting the use of single-use plastic products during their stay on the island.
Vietnam Airlines’ significant increase in flights to and from Con Dao comes amid Bamboo Airways announcing the cessation of flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao from April after returning three Embraer E190 jet aircraft.
Bamboo Airways announced that it had reached an agreement to terminate the lease contract for three Embraer E190 aircraft after the winter flight schedule ends in late March. This move aligns with the restructuring plan the airline reported to the government at the end of last year. Following this information, tickets for the direct Hanoi – Con Dao route quickly sold out.
Currently, passengers cannot book direct flights but have to fly from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City and then to Con Dao, with ticket prices up to 10 million dong. The ticket price for the Ho Chi Minh City – Con Dao route is currently between 4.7-8.6 million dong for a round trip.
In 2023 alone, the market share of air transportation for tourism accounted for approximately 72% of the total number of passengers to Con Dao. Increasing flights alongside attracting more domestic and international tourists to explore Con Dao also contributes to the economic, cultural, and social development there.
The British magazine Time Out has selected Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam as one of the top 10 cheapest nightlife destinations for foreign tourists in 2024.
City. HCM is among the top cities with the cheapest nightlife in 2024. Photo: Time out
The magazine used interesting data from the British tour operator Ski Vertigo to analyze the cost of three beers, a 5km taxi ride, and a McDonald’s meal across 183 major cities to see which places are the least expensive for travelers.
Accordingly, Vietnam’s largest metropolis ranks sixth on the list with a cost of $11.07 (approximately 273,000 dong). Guangzhou, historically known as an important starting point of the Silk Road and a major trading port of China, tops the list. With three beers, a taxi ride, and a McDonald’s meal, travelers in this city would only spend $9.4 (about 232,000 dong).
Next on the list are Gurgaon in India, Alexandria in Egypt, Coimbatore in India, Kolkata in India, Shenzhen in China, Tunis in Tunisia, Beijing in China, and Jakarta in Indonesia.
Time Out magazine began publishing in 1968 as a purely British publication. However, over time, the ranking of cities worldwide has expanded into a regular feature with an international scope covering nearly 320 cities in 58 countries.
Vietnamese paintings are aesthetic, Vietnam is beautiful, and Vietnamese inhabitants are pulchritudinous, but the Vietnamese soul must not be forgotten.
Nowadays, people are all the rage about mass-marketed films, instant Gen Z music, disturbing poetries, and plagiarized literary works. Nevertheless, they forget that Vietnamese painting once had brilliant peaks, especially the talented generation from L’école Supérieure des Beaux-Arts de l’Indochine (now Vietnam University of Fine Arts). I was engrossed all day at the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum before using space, colors, and charisma, which urged me to write about famous artists and their masterpieces of the beloved nation.
Since times of yore, outstanding quartets have existed among aficionados of Vietnamese paintings, such as the Indochinese Quartet, the Vietnamese Quartet, and the Legendary Quartet (Tứ kiệt Đông Dương, Tứ Trụ Việt Nam, and Bộ Tứ huyền thoại, respectively). I will explain them in detail here, whether right or wrong, but one thing we can recognize is that no one is inferior to others.
The Indochinese Quartet has been renowned as the masters of the most exorbitant magnum opus on the auction market. The group included Mai Trung Thu – Le Pho – Vu Cao Dam – Le Thi Luu. They were also called the Overseas Quartet since they all graduated from the Fine Arts College of Indochina, then settled, and became famous abroad. Their works in the auction market reached a high-price valuation. As a result, they became the pride of the Vietnamese painting community among their peers on the corners of the earth, especially the majestic yet gentle oil-on-canvas “Portrait of Mademoiselle Phuong” (Chân dung Madam Phương) painting (1930) by Mai Trung Thu.
Mai Trung Thứ (1906 – 1980)
The portrait illustrates a woman in a classic Vietnamese “ao dai,” hair donned in a sable scarf and high heels with a straightforward painting style. In addition, this artistic portrayal also emphasizes Mai Trung Thu’s deep admiration for the womanly model and a lady rumored to be his inamorata. There may be only one such Phuong in this world, and nothing can ever replicate her, making the portrait the most valuable painting in Vietnam and selling for more than $3 million.
“Portrait of Mademoiselle Phuong” (Chân dung Madam Phương) painting (1930) by Mai Trung Thu
If the Indochinese Quartet is the first generation to pave the way for the development of the painting community, then the Vietnamese Quartet transformed into ancient trees that shed shade and took root in Vietnamese painting. That quartet included Nguyen Gia Tri, To Ngoc Van, Nguyen Tuong Lan, and Tran Van Can or “first Tri, second Van, third Lan, fourth Can.” They also graduated from the same college as the first graduating class and became famous, but they chose to live, contribute, and fight in their homeland. Their paintings seldom become highly valuated even though they are all masterworks since most have become invaluable National Treasures. One of the Vietnamese Quartet’s works I loved most is “The Woman next to the Lilies” (Thiếu nữ bên hoa huệ) by To Ngoc Van (1943).
Tô Ngọc Vân (1907 -1954)
The “The Woman next to the Lilies” painting depicts the scene of a young woman wearing a traditional white ao dai gracefully tilting her head toward a vase of white lilies. Her appearance, surrounding details, and colors create a simple logarithmic spiral, exuding a lingering, gentle sadness. The lilies placed in the vase next to the girl are not those Vietnamese women often use on full moon days. With a tight, perfect composition and skillful use of color, the painting “The Woman next to the Lilies” shows the woman’s thigh curve’s sensual softness and elaborates on how the artist uses a palette knife to remove the paint layer. The upper part of the painting reveals the pink pigment underneath, creating a rosy color on the cheeks. Besides its artistic values, this oil painting represents an elegant hobby of ancient Hanoian people delighting in white lilies that bloom in late March and early April every year.
By the third generation, Vietnam had another rising art trend — “Phai’s Street, Lien’s Girl.” Although the next generation is still time-honored, they promote their personalities uniquely to create brilliant artistic chef d’oeuvres. We have Nguyen Tu Nghiem, Duong Bich Lien, Nguyen Sang, and Bui Xuan Phai or “Nghiem – Lien – Sang – Phai.” Among the third-generation artists, Bui Xuan Phai’s pure oil painting style in “Ox Cart in the Old Town” (1972) drove my curiosity.
“Ox Cart in the Old Town” (1972)
Bui Xuan Phai’s street paintings are both ancient and very realistic, clearly expressing the soul of Hanoi’s Old Town in the 50s, 60s, and 70s. The color patches in his paintings often have bold borders. The streets not only “become into” themselves but are also closer to humans. Whether one changes their point of view, one can always see the depths of the painting on the surface. Looking at Phai’s old town paintings, I found that he has conveyed memories, nostalgia, sadness, and wistful regret in each drawing as a harbinger of change and disappearance of each roof, each person with an old soul.
Bùi Xuân Phái (1920 – 1988)
On the bigger picture of the historical development of Vietnamese painting, only three quartets, the Indochinese Quartet, the Vietnamese Quartet, and the Legendary Quartet, stood out. These celebrities are talented technical players and symbols of creative power and courageous spirit in art.
Suppose we were to discuss the model for a painting. In that case, young people should not rush to the conclusion that they have the namesake as the person in the painting because the soul of a masterpiece must also come from a sophisticated and refined human being. Furthermore, the painting also captures the “ultimate” spirit of a person’s mortal coil. A case in point, one’s name is Thuy. Still, it was “em Thuy” (1943) who, at 24 years old, could forever fantasize about the dreamy and childish eyes and magical temperament of an 8-year-old girl, so we admire it sincerely, the golden moment of a lifetime.
It was unnatural for people of olden times to convert raw materials to high-grade paper like dó (poonah) and điệp for paintings and second-grade paper for votive papers sans reasonable purpose. Looking at the background in Dong Ho village, where only two painting houses were left, surrounded by duplicate votive goods, I felt the need to revive people’s love for the art of old and new.
To conclude, I have only one message to convey: Vietnamese paintings are aesthetic, Vietnam is beautiful, and Vietnamese inhabitants are pulchritudinous, but the Vietnamese soul must not be forgotten.
The estimated sales revenue on the five largest e-commerce platforms in Vietnam reached 40,000 trillion Vietnamese dong, increasing by 1.5 times compared to the same period in 2023. In total, over 437 million products were sold.
Revenue on e-commerce platforms in the first 2 months of the year increased sharply compared to 2022-2023. Photo: Phuong Lam.
According to a recent report from the e-commerce data analytics platform Metric, despite forecasts of a sluggish economic year, sales revenue on the five largest e-commerce platforms in Vietnam, including Shopee, TikTok Shop, Lazada, Tiki, and Sendo, exceeded 40,000 trillion Vietnamese dong in the first two months of the year.
This figure increased by 51% compared to the same period last year and by 110% compared to the same period in 2022.
Consumers tended to increase shopping activity in the early and late stages of January. Moving into February, closer to the Tet holiday, sales revenue on e-commerce platforms gradually decreased, reaching a low of 2,000 trillion dong during the Tet holiday week (February 8-14). However, just two weeks after returning to work after Tet, this figure tripled.
In total, in the first two months of the year, over 437 million products were sold from 441,000 different stores.
In the upcoming second quarter, Metric forecasts that sales revenue on the five e-commerce platforms could reach 65,000 trillion dong, a 25% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Sales volume during this year’s summer shopping season could also increase by 28% to 650 million products.
“The economic situation in 2024 is still expected to be sluggish, and consumers are becoming more sensitive to prices. Overall, revenue growth is expected to be lower than the growth in sales volume,” a representative from Metric shared.
Looking back at 2023, most sectors witnessed revenue growth. Some sectors such as beauty, fashion, electronics, and mother and baby products even saw revenue growth rates of 50-60% compared to 2022.
However, paradoxically, the number of stores generating sales is gradually decreasing. Only a few sectors such as home-living, phones and tablets, computers/laptops and office equipment, automobiles and motorcycles, and women’s footwear continue to increase the number of stores, but not significantly.
Last year, the price segments of 100,000-200,000 dong and 200,000-500,000 dong continued to generate the most revenue for stores. Among them, the 100,000-200,000 dong segment saw a 40% revenue growth compared to the previous year, while the 200,000-500,000 dong segment saw a 37% growth.
However, the revenue growth of the 100,000-200,000 dong segment somewhat reflects that consumers are becoming more price-sensitive and paying more attention to promotional programs.
In fact, on the four platforms Shopee, Lazada, Tiki, and Sendo, the average price paid by buyers decreased from 100,344 dong in 2022 to 98,781 dong last year.
In the framework of the World MICE Awards recently held in Germany, Hoi An was honored as the “Best Asian Business Destination 2023”.
Hoi An was honored as the best corporate resort in Asia. Photo: Huy Le.
Hoi An surpassed competitors including Bali (Indonesia), Jaipur (India), Kyoto (Japan), Langkawi (Malaysia), Phuket (Thailand), and Siem Riep (Cambodia) to clinch this prestigious title.
Located on the northern bank of the Thu Bon River, Hoi An is an ancient town in Quang Nam province, covering an area of less than 100 km2. It stands out with its unique architecture of yellow-painted ancient houses and colorful lanterns adorning the streets.
In 1999, UNESCO recognized Hoi An Ancient Town as a World Cultural Heritage site. It is beloved by tourists for its tranquil atmosphere, detached from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Walking through the ancient streets, visitors can encounter multicultural influences from the past in French-style buildings, Chinese neighborhoods, Japanese-style roofed bridges, or Chinese assembly halls.
Hoi An is a place that attracts many famous people to relax. Photo: Danielle, Jung Chae-yeon.
Visitors to this heritage land can also explore the peaceful and lively spring scenery of the Seven Beauties Coconut Forest and the serene, pristine beauty of An Bang Beach – one of the most beautiful beaches in Asia.
Moreover, Hoi An also attracts tourists with its distinctive local cuisine at affordable prices such as chicken rice, fermented fish noodle soup, mót water, grilled nem, sizzling pancakes, Quang-style noodles, and Cao Lau noodles.
Within just the first three months of the year, Hoi An has continuously received prestigious awards from reputable and renowned travel magazines and websites worldwide. In February, Hoi An ranked 2nd on Tripadvisor’s list of 25 dream honeymoon destinations, surpassing even the Maldives. The famous travel website Travel Off Path ranked Vietnam among the top 7 trendiest destinations in the world back in January.
DestinAsian magazine has voted Phu Quoc as one of the most beautiful beaches in Asia. Meanwhile, Tatler (UK) suggests the pearl island and Ke Ga cape as beautiful weekend getaways in Southeast Asia.
Phu Quoc has been honored many times as a beautiful beach in the region and the world. Photo: @luxpuer_.
Recently, DestinAsian Travel Magazine (part of the DestinAsian Media Group, headquartered in Jakarta, Indonesia) announced the list of the 10 most beautiful islands in the Asia-Pacific region (APAC).
Representing Phu Quoc, Vietnam ranks 6th, ahead of Malaysia’s Langkawi and behind the small island of Boracay, Philippines.
Leading the list are Bali Beach (Indonesia) and Maldives. The Readers’ Choice Awards are voted by DestinAsian readers worldwide. Currently, the magazine attracts about 75,000 readers per issue, according to the official website of DestinAsian.
2024 marks the 17th year of this annual award’s long-term and reliable recognition in the Asia-Pacific tourism industry.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam has been honored many times as an impressive destination in the world. Photo: @vietnamtravelaway, @melnik.world.
In addition to DestinAsian, UK’s Tatler magazine also includes Phu Quoc in the list of 8 most beautiful beaches in the APAC region, alongside Bali (Indonesia) and Krabi (Thailand). The pearl island ranks 6th.
This lifestyle publication by Condé Nast publicizes Phu Quoc as one of the accessible destinations with plenty of beach activities. Moreover, the pearl island offers a range of luxurious hotels, sea views, and diverse local cuisine restaurants.
Mui Ke Ga, Binh Thuan is on Tatler’s list of 8 beautiful beaches in the APAC region. Photo: Tonkin.
One of the 8 suggested destinations by Tatler is Ke Ga cape (Binh Thuan). The magazine introduces this place as a “hidden gem” with stunning beaches just about 4 hours’ drive from Ho Chi Minh City.
“Although it requires quite a long journey, travelers will be rewarded with luxury and privacy on the island,” Tatler said.
The surge in denials of entry to Vietnam for international visitors has been notable, with 217 individuals being turned away in the initial two months of this year, amounting to a quarter of the total for 2023. This increase places significant strain on both airports and airlines.
Figures from the Vietnam Aviation Administration reveal a steady rise in denied entries: 506 cases in 2020, 404 in 2022, 886 in 2023, and 217 in just the first two months of 2024. The primary cause remains inadequate documentation, including visa deficiencies or counterfeit passports.
This uptick in denied entries poses financial and logistical challenges for airlines, necessitating the return of passengers to their points of departure and intensifying the burden on airport facilities, potentially compromising security protocols.
To mitigate such occurrences, the Vietnam Aviation Administration mandates stringent scrutiny of passenger documentation by airlines operating international routes to Vietnam. Airlines must stay abreast of both domestic and international regulations governing entry, exit, and transit, while also disseminating pertinent information to passengers.
Furthermore, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam calls upon authorities and document control agencies in departure countries to enhance oversight of passenger documentation, thus minimizing instances of ineligibility based on entry and transit requirements in Vietnam.
According to the Standing Team of the National Aviation Security Risk Assessment Council, the global trend indicates a rise in fraudulent passport usage and related document issues since 2022, posing ongoing challenges for international air travel.
Saigon Railway Transport Joint Stock Company is now selling tickets for the trains that will run daily during the holiday period of April 30th to May 1st. Ticket sales will continue until May 14th. Passengers can purchase tickets for train routes from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phan Thiet. The company will also organize additional trains from Ho Chi Minh City to destinations such as Phan Thiet, Nha Trang, Quy Nhon, Quang Ngai, Hanoi, and vice versa.
The company is providing regular discount policies for social policy beneficiaries. Additionally, customers who buy round-trip tickets or group tickets will receive a discount of 5% to 7% on the ticket price.
The sale of train tickets during the holiday period aims to make travel and tourism easier while promoting business activities in the rail transport sector.
Vietnam’s tourism industry has made significant progress in the two years since the country reopened to international tourism on March 15, following a three-year closure due to COVID-19. Despite global tourism challenges, Vietnam’s innovative policies and institutions have helped to drive the industry’s recovery and position it as a key economic sector.
In 2023, international tourist arrivals had increased by 70% compared to 2019. In the first two months of 2021, Vietnam had already welcomed three million visitors, a figure equivalent to pre-pandemic levels. The Prime Minister has chaired three national tourism conferences and issued several resolutions and directives aimed at accelerating tourism recovery. A significant policy change has been the relaxation of visa policies, which now enable international visitors to stay for up to 45 days. This policy is currently being considered for further expansion.
Mr. Mario Mendis, Chairman of the Tourism, Restaurant, and Hotel Subcommittee of the European Business Association, commended Vietnam’s visa policy advancements, noting that it could make the country a more appealing destination for European tourists and contribute to the economy.
Industry experts recommend promoting policies to support businesses in tourism service supply chains. Dr. Vo Tri Thanh, Director of the Institute for Brand Strategy and Competitiveness Research, suggests policies that encourage small and medium-sized businesses to develop and promote innovation. Strengthening connectivity in tourism can also help to avoid pricing pressures, particularly during peak season.
The Prime Minister’s Directive 08 underscores the need to restart the National Steering Committee for Tourism to develop a unified industry development strategy in the short and long term.
Mr. Nguyen Trung Khanh, Director of the Vietnam National Tourism Administration, emphasizes the importance of the State Steering Committee on Tourism in coordinating activities and resolving interdisciplinary issues.
According to the World Tourism Organization, Vietnam is one of the 20 countries with the greatest tourism potential. By 2024, Vietnam aims to attract 17-18 million visitors, equivalent to 2019 figures.
France has passed a bill to limit fast fashion. The bill aims to gradually increase penalties to 10 euros ($11) per clothing item by 2030 and ban advertising for fast fashion products. The bill will need to be presented to the French Senate before it can become law.
Fast fashion retailers like Shein and Temu have disrupted the retail sector due to their flexible supply chains that allow them to scale orders based on demand, while established companies like Zara and H&M rely heavily on predicting shopper preferences. However, the growing popularity of unsustainable fashion with rising volumes and low prices is creating environmental, social, and economic consequences.
Shein, a Chinese fast fashion company, has argued that the clothes it produces meet existing demand, which has allowed the percentage of unsold garments to stay in the low single digits, while traditional garment manufacturers can contribute up to 40% of waste.
Secondhand clothes are left to rot in a dumpsite in Ghana. (Photo: Muntaka Chasant/REX/Shutterstock)
Although some people believe that the bill will weaken the purchasing power of French consumers, French Environment Minister Christophe Béchu sees the bill as a “big step forward” in reducing the environmental impact of the textile industry.
France has already launched a program in 2023 to encourage people to repair and reuse old clothes and shoes instead of throwing them away. The French government committed 154 million euros ($168 million) to the initiative, reimbursing shoppers up to 25 euros ($27.20) for each garment they repaired. Refashion, the non-profit group tasked with implementing the plan, revealed that 3.3 billion items of clothing, home linen, and footwear were sold on the French market in 2022. The country’s Ministry of Ecology also revealed that French people throw away 700,000 tons of clothing every year, two-thirds of which go to landfill.
According to the annual State of Fashion report released by The Business of Fashion and McKinsey & Company, fashion accounts for 3% to 5% of global carbon emissions and is one of the world’s top polluting industries. The report also highlights that about half of the fibers produced by the industry are oil-based polyester.
One can Shower panels incorporated into contemporary bathroom designs have been a smooth transition, bringing a new era of improved bathing experiences. With their sleek and practical design, these modern fixtures transcend your bathroom’s appearance and give it a spa-like atmosphere.
It may be challenging to go through the many alternatives and select the ideal shower wall panel. Therefore, it becomes necessary to exercise caution while surrounded by abundant options.
The subtleties of choosing shower panels are examined in this article, which throws light on critical factors, including careful installation and design choice.
Come along as we break down the essential elements to guarantee that your search for the perfect shower panel is well-informed.
Understanding Your Needs
Shower panel or wall boards and shower surrounds are large panels used to cover all the wall areas enclosing your shower. They are a functional and decorative feature that protects the interior, is easy to maintain, and contributes to the appeasing of your bathroom. In contrast to tile installation, panels on shower walls have seamless surfaces without many grout lines. This is beneficial because mold and mildew usually build up in grout lines and take a long time to overcome.
Design and Taste
Shower wall panels come in different designs, some of which are mentioned below: –
Smooth Finish
Smooth panels furnish bathrooms with a minimalist design and a spotless, modern appearance. They give a smooth, cleaned-up look that makes small bathrooms appear to be bigger.
Textured Finish
Due to the textured panels, your shower walls will be more outwardly intriguing and have depth. They are accessible in various designs, including block, stone, and subway tile surfaces, so you can design a customized, tasteful aesthetic.
Glossy Finish
Your bathroom will appear to be lighter and bigger thanks to glossy boards that reflect light and produce a splendid appearance. They are ideally suited for busy homes since they are easy to maintain and clean.
Materials
Various materials are available for shower wall panels, some of which are listed below: –
Acrylic
Acrylic panels are strong, lightweight, and simple to install. Since acrylic panels don’t scuff or become dirty easily, they are perfect for bathrooms with lots of usage.
Polyvinyl Chloride, or PVC
PVC panels are low-cost, watertight, and need little upkeep. You can get the shower you want with them because they come in a variety of finishes, including glossy, matte, etc.
Furthermore, PVC panels are resistant to mold and mildew and are appropriate for humid areas.
Composite
Acrylic, fiberglass, and aluminum are just a few of the elements that are combined to make composite panels that are strong and adaptable. Larger shower rooms can benefit from their exceptional strength and stability.
Composite panels have the ability to imitate the appearance of real stone or tile, offering a posh finish without the trouble of grout cleaning.
Marble chips
Crushed marble and resin are used to create the opulent and refined look of cultured marble panels. They are impervious to stains and scratches, very durable, and non-porous.
You can alter the look of your shower by choosing from a variety of colored and patterned cultured marble panels.
Foundation
The longevity of your shower wall panels relies upon appropriate establishment. Certain panels are not difficult to establish yourself, while additional confounded establishments might require professional assistance. The following are some important things to remember while setting up shower wall panels: –
Setting up the Substance
Prior to setting up panels, ensure the walls are dry, clean, and liberated from dampness. To develop a durable base, utilize legitimate waterproofing materials, such as concrete board or dampness-safe drywall.
Utilization of Glue
solidly attach the panels to the substrate, utilize the paste or sealant that is advised. To establish a watertight seal, adhere to the manufacturer’s application and curing time guidelines.
Shutting Edges
In order to prevent water from leaking, close consideration should be given to caulking the board edges and creases. For ideal waterproofing in clammy regions, use silicone caulking.
Maintenance
Shower wall panel maintenance is necessary to maintain both their aesthetic and functional integrity. Grime and soap scum accumulation may be avoided with routine cleaning using a soft cloth and mild soap solution.
Water stains and mineral buildup are reduced by using a towel or squeegee after showers. In order to lower humidity and stop the formation of mold and mildew, bathrooms should have enough ventilation.
The surface of the panel can be gently restored for minor damage by rubbing it with fine-grit sandpaper or polishing compound. Getting expert help when there is severe damage guarantees proper upkeep and repair, extending the life of your shower wall panels.
Bottomline
Choosing the ideal shower wall panel requires cautiously gauging your requests, tastes, and the attributes that the market offers.
Whether you pick a digital wall panel or a textured shower wall panel for a spa-like experience, this article will help you settle on an informed decision.
By finding out about the many kinds of shower wall panels, fundamental elements to consider, and the latest innovation breakthrough, you can make your everyday shower routine a remarkable and customized experience.
The regulator proposed increases to all supervision fees as the government blamed crypto for recent economic woes.
Nigeria’s securities watchdog proposed a 400% increase to registration fees for crypto firms as the country cracks down on the sector, according to a notice published Friday.
The proposed amendments to the rules for crypto issuers, exchanges and custody platforms include increases to all supervision fees. Instead of a 100,000 naira ($64) application fee and a 30 million naira registration fee, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) now wants 300,000 naira with every application and hopes to charge crypto firms a 150 million registration fee.
The proposals come as the Nigerian naira weakens to record lows against the dollar, with the government blaming the crypto industry for facilitating illegal capital outflows. Earlier this month, reports surfaced that the SEC was updating its guidelines for crypto service providers in the country.
While the government may have taken action against several crypto firms, officials have singled out exchange platform Binance, accusing it of setting the naira exchange rate. Nigeria has detained two Binance executives and is reportedly considering hefty penalties against the firm.
The SEC also proposed doubling the minimum paid-up capital (non-borrowed capital) requirement for interested crypto service providers to 1 billion naira.
The proposals “to rearrange” the rules are to “provide clarity to the market as well as to incorporate suggestions from industry stakeholders particularly with regards to the recent engagements with the [central bank of Nigeria],” the SEC said.
Scores of newly issued tokens boast trading volumes of tens of millions, showcasing network usage and demand for blockspace.
Solana’s SOL crossed $200 for the first time since November 2021 as network activity continues to grow rapidly on the back of the meme coin frenzy.
SOL is now 22% away from its lifetime peak of $260 but has already crossed its record market capitalization of $75 billion market capitalization, CoinGecko data shows, as new tokens entered the market over the past year.
Data shows that various metrics, such as network volumes, active wallets, total value locked (TVL), fees, and SOL’s market capitalization, crossed lifetime peaks over the weekend, led by a surge in pre-sale activity.
The network amassed $3.2 million in fees over a 24-hour period, beating a $300,000 record from 2021. Onchain volumes climbed over $3 billion, flipping a November 2022 record of $300 million.
However, net inflows to the Solana blockchain have been negative over the past week, suggesting there has not been a significant influx of new money into the ecosystem.
Sentiment data shows Solana network activity has been likely led by retail traders who chased newer meme coins and presales that popped up on the network over the weekend.
SOL was trading at $202 during Asian morning hours, up 10% since Sunday. Meanwhile, bitcoin was hovering over $68,000, while the broader CoinDesk 20 index is up 6%.
President Vladimir Putin won a record post-Soviet landslide in Russia’s election on Sunday, cementing his already tight grip on power in a victory he said showed Moscow had been right to stand up to the West and send its troops into Ukraine.
Putin, a former KGB lieutenant colonel who first rose to power in 1999, made it clear that the result should send a message to the West that its leaders will have to reckon with an emboldened Russia, whether in war or in peace, for many more years to come.
The outcome means Putin, 71, is set to embark on a new six-year term that will see him overtake Josef Stalin and become Russia’s longest-serving leader for more than 200 years if he completes it.
Putin won 87.8% of the vote, the highest ever result in Russia’s post-Soviet history, according to an exit poll by pollster the Public Opinion Foundation (FOM). The Russian Public Opinion Research Centre (VCIOM) put Putin on 87%. First official results indicated the polls were accurate. The United States, Germany, the United Kingdom and other nations have said the vote was neither free nor fair due to the imprisonment of political opponents and censorship.
Communist candidate Nikolai Kharitonov finished second with just under 4%, newcomer Vladislav Davankov third, and ultra-nationalist Leonid Slutsky fourth, partial results suggested.
Putin told supporters in a victory speech in Moscow that he would prioritise resolving tasks associated with what he called Russia’s “special military operation” in Ukraine and would strengthen the Russian military.
“We have many tasks ahead. But when we are consolidated – no matter who wants to intimidate us, suppress us – nobody has ever succeeded in history, they have not succeeded now, and they will not succeed ever in the future,” said Putin.
Supporters chanted “Putin, Putin, Putin” when he appeared on stage and “Russia, Russia, Russia” after he had delivered his acceptance speech.
Inspired by opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died in an Arctic prison last month, thousands of opponents protested at noonagainst Putin at polling stations inside Russia and abroad.
Putin told reporters he regarded Russia’s election as democratic and said the Navalny-inspired protest against him had had no effect on the election’s outcome.
In his first comments on his death, he also said that Navalny’s passing had been a “sad event” and confirmed that he had been ready to do a prisoner swap involving the opposition politician.
When asked by a NBC, a U.S. TV network, whether his re-election was democratic, Putin criticised the U.S. political and judicial systems.
“The whole world is laughing at what is happening (in the United States),” he said. “This is just a disaster, not a democracy.”
“…Is it democratic to use administrative resources to attack one of the candidates for the presidency of the United States, using the judiciary among other things?” he asked, making an apparent reference to four criminal cases against Republican candidate Donald Trump.
The Russian election comes just over two years since Putin triggered the deadliest European conflict since World War Two by ordering the invasion of Ukraine.
