#Cashless Society in China

[familytubem]

Shopping in China’s Cashless Supermarkets 💳🛒 The Future of Retail? #外果仁看中国 #CashlessSociety

[thenotsolittlemisspeculiar]

August 8-16, 2023: Hawaii Wildfires 🏝

(Source)

[jackass-democrats]

The Socialist Democrat Party is pushing America into a cashless society so they will have total control over the population. They will be able to shut off access to your money if you step out of line. Never support businesses that say they don't accept cash.

As always, never buy anything made in china. Don't ever trust a democrat and NEVER leave your child alone with one.

[truth4ourfreedom]

ARE YOU READY TO SCAN YOUR ID AND TO HAVE YOUR SOCIAL RATING CONFIRMED BEFORE YOU BUY GAS? CHINA DOES!

"👀 You can only fill up your car with petrol in China after confirming your social rating."

Or the alternative - electric vehicles? All are connected to the web and the authorities have ability to shut down your vehicles remotely if social rating is not acceptable. A digital ID and cashless society with all transactions monitored by the government is a real threat to our individual freedoms!

[ayeforscotland]

What's your opinion on a cashless society?

Just bored and curious, feel free to ignore this if you want to.

Personally, I fucking hate coins - they are beyond a nuisance. However, there’s absolutely no point in a cashless society until we ensure no one is left behind.

When I lived in China it was common to see people begging with a QR code around their neck so people could give them money via WeChat.

Just don’t think there should be this massive push for it until we’ve dealt with a host of other problems.

[jackassdemocrats]

The Socialist Democrat Party is pushing America into a cashless society so they will have total control over the population. They will be able to shut off access to your money if you step out of line. Never support businesses that say they don't accept cash.

As always, never buy anything made in china. Don't ever trust a democrat and NEVER leave your child alone with one.

[madamemachikonew]

Re the new alleged Pants lore, is it weird that I'm not 100% convinced it relates to him?

Since the lore is currently datamined from Wrio's weapon in the preload, I'll put my analysis under the cut to avoid spoilers.

But assuming it does, does the fact it's on Wrio's BiS weapon mean Pants is running a trial of his new currency inside Chateau [sic] Meropide? As a prison barter system? That would satisfy the nation within a nation definition, since it's basically Wrio's exclusive domain.

Also, I am cackling at the fact that it's called a credit coupon, when my last chapter talked about comfort credit.

Assuming this is Pants lore, all he's done is invent paper money. This is not the same as advocating a cashless society. Nor is it as extreme as intangible assets like futures.

Paper money started as 'credit coupons'. Hauling gold coins around to pay for things was a ballache and security risk for large wholesale transactions, so Tang dynasty merchants started to basically write cheques and would hand those over, so the bearer of the credit note could cash it at a Bank against the holder's stash of gold. In the end, it became more practical for everyone to just trade their coupons/cheques instead of the gold and thus paper money was born. It is only ever representative of value, it is not the item of value itself.

On British currency notes, it is written 'I promise to pay the bearer on demand the sum of five pounds'. This is a throwback to the credit coupon that could be presented at the bank and the bearer would be paid the gold in that sum.

I do find it curious that paper money was basically invented in China (aka Liyue). I wonder if Pants may yet be from Liyue. It's interesting that the god of mora is described as foreign. That could mean that either Pants is not from Liyue (probably more likely) or ZL is not from Teyvat. I don't think ZL is a descender since he was impacted by erosion and Irminsul. But then, one of the twins got absorbed into Teyvat so...?

[businessfortune]

"Mobile Payment Systems: The Shift Towards a Cashless Society"

Cash is no longer the "King"! Cashless payments are a result of the complete change in the payment landscape brought about by the digital age.

Credit cards were the first form of cashless payment fintech innovations in the 1990s. The electronic banking system became widely used throughout that same decade. The developments in cashless payments carried on after that.

Well-known brands like Apple Pay and PayPal entered the fintech innovations scene. Plus, nobody likes to carry cash these days. Everyone wishes to gain from cashless transactions. Though cash is still important in many places, the globe is gradually shifting to cashless transactions.

There has been an increase in cashless transactions worldwide, according to the most recent Statista survey. There will be 2297 billion cashless transactions worldwide by 2027. The statistics above demonstrate the exponential rise of cashless transactions.

Mobile Payment Systems: The Shift Towards a Cashless Society

Globally, cashless transactions are growing increasingly typical as card and digital payments spread. Digital payment methods like debit and credit cards, smartphone payment apps, and others are increasingly popular for everyday transactions around the world.

Contactless payments, such as digital wallets and tap-to-pay cards, have become increasingly popular. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated this trend due to the perceived safety of contactless payments. Mobile payment systems like Apple Pay and Google Pay have made it even easier to make cashless transactions resulting in an e-commerce growth. Global digital transactions are predicted to reach over $14 trillion by 2027. Scandinavian countries like Sweden and Norway have already reached a cashless point-of-sale transaction rate of over 90%. In Asia, mobile payments are rapidly growing, with China leading the way through services like WeChat Pay and Alipay e-commerce growth. However, cash is still preferred in some regions due to factors like informal economies, limited access to banking services, and mistrust of financial institutions. Overall, more and more people are embracing digital payments for their convenience and expanding possibilities. Efforts are being made by governments and financial organizations to support this shift while considering the needs of all individuals.

What Are Digital Wallets, and How Do They Work?

Due to the pandemic, contactless payments like digital wallets have become very popular. Digital wallets store payment methods for easy purchases using a smartwatch or smartphone. They can also hold coupons, tickets, and cards and allow money transfers to others.

How digital wallets work

Different digital wallets process payments using various technologies:

NFC stands for near-field communication: If two devices are positioned adjacent to one another, this enables information sharing between them. This technology is used by Google Pay and Apple Pay. The retailer needs to have card readers that are compatible with these digital wallets at the point of sale.

MST stands for magnetic secure transmission: Similar to when a credit card is swiped on its magnetic stripe, this produces a magnetic signal. The card reader at the payment terminal receives the signal. NFC and MST technologies are both used by Samsung Pay.

QR codes: You may use the camera on your smartphone to scan these barcodes for secure transactions. For instance, you can create a QR code using the PayPal app that enables you to pay for items in stores using your account.

Some digital wallets, such as the Starbucks app, are "closed," meaning they can only be used at that particular store. In contrast, the digital wallet examples above can be used at any retailer that accepts them.

The Technology Behind Mobile Payments

The manner in which consumers make payments around the world has been drastically changed by mobile payment technologies. The fundamental technologies that make this possible are:

NFC:With this technique, data may be exchanged through secure transactions between two devices that are positioned just a few centimeters apart. NFC facilitates rapid and safe transactions by enabling smartphones and payment terminals to communicate.

QR codes:To start a transaction, customers can use the camera on their smartphone to scan "quick-response" codes. The codes point the user to a website or payment application when they are scanned.

SMS-based transactions:Businesses can use this technique to send text message instructions for payments, which is especially helpful in areas where smartphone adoption is low. A series of text messages, including a confirmation code at the conclusion of the transaction, are used by customers to complete purchases.

Digital wallets:In order to enable customers to make payments using their phones rather than paper cards, digital wallets securely hold credit card information on a mobile device. Transport tickets, vouchers, and loyalty cards can all be kept in digital wallets.

Encryption and tokenization:In mobile payments, sensitive data is encrypted. Further enhancing security is tokenization, which uses a special digital identification (called a "token") to execute payments without disclosing account information.

Biometric verification:Mobile devices frequently come equipped with biometric sensors, like facial recognition or fingerprint scanners, which add an extra degree of security to transactions.

Cloud-based payments:Payment details are kept on cloud servers by certain mobile payment solutions. Payments are accepted from any device, and unified security management is in place.

Host card emulation (HCE):With an NFC-capable device, HCE enables a phone to function as a physical card without depending on access to a secure element, or chip, which holds private information like credit card numbers.

Application programming interfaces (APIs):APIs allow apps to talk to banking systems and other applications, which makes transactions easier.

Thanks to these technologies, consumers can now use their mobile devices for a wide range of payment-related tasks, such as online shopping, paying for goods and services at physical locations, and transferring money between people.

Cryptocurrency Transactions: A New Frontier in Mobile Payments

The number of people who own bitcoin is growing rapidly, with over 400 million worldwide. This has led to an increase in demand for cryptocurrency payment options in everyday life. Starting a cryptocurrency transaction is easy, as users can simply use their mobile crypto wallet app to send payments to vendors. Specialized payment gateways are also available, which allow businesses to accept cryptocurrency and convert it to regular money quickly. By accepting cryptocurrency payments, businesses can reach a larger customer base and increase their revenues. Many companies, including e-commerce stores, gaming platforms, and Forex platforms, are already accepting bitcoin payments. The best part is that bitcoin payments are faster and cheaper than traditional banking methods.

Advantages of Using Mobile Payment Systems

Advantages of widely used Mobile banking:

Reduce expenses by eliminating costly equipment and setup.

Improve cash flow with faster payments.

Easily integrate loyalty programs for repeat purchases.

Gain insights from customer data for personalized strategies.

Increase customer convenience by accepting payments anytime, anywhere.

Stay competitive by offering multiple payment options.

Mobile banking enhances payment security with encrypted codes.

Simplify bookkeeping with collected business information.

These benefits improve the customer experience and make accepting payments on the go easier.

Conclusion:

The future of payments will undoubtedly revolve around preserving the integrity of cash as a viable payment option, while concurrently expanding and enhancing digital payment solutions. Empowering individuals to select their preferred transaction method based on personal circumstances and preferences is of utmost importance. In order to construct an all-encompassing financial system that caters to the requirements of every participant, it is imperative for businesses, policymakers, and financial institutions to establish resilient digital payment systems alongside a sturdy infrastructure for cash.

FAQ:

What are mobile payment systems?

Mobile payment systems allow you to make payments using your smartphone or mobile device, typically through apps or digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Wallet.

How secure are mobile payment systems?

Mobile payment systems are generally secure, using encryption, tokenization, and biometric authentication to protect your data. However, security also depends on user practices like keeping your device and apps updated.

What are the benefits of using mobile payment systems?

Mobile payment systems offer convenience, speed, and security. They also support contactless payments, track spending, and often integrate with loyalty programs.

How do mobile payments impact global economies?

Mobile payments boost global economies by increasing financial inclusion, speeding up transactions, and supporting digital commerce, especially in emerging markets.

What technologies are driving the growth of mobile payment systems?

Key technologies include Near Field Communication (NFC), QR codes, biometric authentication, and blockchain, all of which enhance security and convenience in mobile payments.

[hybridmindthoughtsreloaded]

People like me were warning about this coming back when they made events like sports and concerts all digital and all cashless in 2020. The idiots made more of a fuss at some people knelling for the anthem, than over the transition into an all digital biometric tracking and tracing society. Welcome to China bitches!

[payomatix]

How Digital Payments are Driving Cashless Economies Globally

The digital transformation sweeping across industries has not spared the financial sector, especially in the payments landscape. Over the last decade, we’ve witnessed a seismic shift in how consumers and businesses transact, driven primarily by the rapid adoption of digital payment technologies. Countries around the globe are embracing the move toward cashless economies, where digital payments have become a key driver of convenience, security, and financial inclusivity.

This article delves into how digital payments are reshaping economies globally, the key technologies fueling this shift, the benefits and challenges associated with going cashless, and the role fintech companies like Payomatix play in accelerating the transition to cashless societies.

Introduction: The Global Shift Towards Cashless Economies

As technology becomes deeply integrated into everyday life, many countries are actively reducing their reliance on physical cash. A cashless economy, where financial transactions are conducted digitally, eliminates the need for cash in circulation and increases efficiency in financial systems. This shift is largely driven by the proliferation of digital payments, powered by mobile devices, internet connectivity, and fintech innovations.

From mobile wallets and contactless payments to biometric authentication and blockchain technology, digital payments have become the cornerstone of a cashless society. Countries such as Sweden, China, and India are leading this revolution by adopting digital payments at an exponential rate, while others are quickly catching up.

Technologies Driving Digital Payments

Mobile Payments: The rise of smartphones has democratized access to financial services, enabling users to pay for goods and services through mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Paytm. These wallets allow users to store their payment information securely and use it for fast, contactless transactions.

UPI (Unified Payments Interface): In countries like India, UPI has revolutionized the way money is transferred between bank accounts. It is one of the world's most advanced digital payment infrastructures, enabling instant and secure peer-to-peer and business-to-consumer transactions.

Contactless Payments: Contactless payments, including NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, have gained traction in recent years, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic accelerating demand for touch-free transactions. With just a tap of their card or smartphone, consumers can complete transactions in a matter of seconds.

Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies: While still evolving, blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are redefining digital payments by offering decentralized, secure, and fast payment methods. Countries like El Salvador have even recognized Bitcoin as legal tender, highlighting the potential for cryptocurrencies in cashless economies.

QR Codes: QR code-based payments have seen significant adoption in regions like Southeast Asia and Africa, where traditional banking infrastructure may not be widespread. With QR codes, even small businesses can accept payments digitally without the need for expensive POS systems.

Benefits of Digital Payments in Cashless Economies

Convenience and Speed: Digital payments offer unparalleled convenience. Transactions can be completed with a few clicks or taps, without the need to carry cash or visit physical banks. This speed is beneficial for consumers and businesses alike, enabling faster checkouts and higher transaction volumes.

Increased Financial Inclusion: Digital payment solutions are empowering previously unbanked populations by providing access to financial services via mobile phones. In regions like Africa and India, mobile wallets and digital banking platforms are helping people participate in the formal economy, offering services like savings, credit, and insurance.

Enhanced Security: Unlike cash, which can be lost or stolen, digital payments offer greater security. With advancements in encryption, tokenization, and biometric authentication, digital payment platforms are making transactions more secure and reducing fraud.

Transparency and Efficiency: Digital payments provide a record of transactions, reducing the likelihood of tax evasion and corruption. For governments, this transparency translates into better financial oversight, more accurate tax collection, and reduced reliance on informal cash economies.

Cost Savings for Businesses: Businesses, particularly in the retail sector, benefit from reduced cash handling costs, faster payment processing, and better inventory management when adopting digital payment systems. Additionally, businesses can scale quickly by offering digital payments, expanding their reach to global markets.

Challenges of a Cashless Economy

While the move towards cashless societies presents numerous advantages, it also poses certain challenges that need to be addressed.

Digital Divide: In many developing countries, a significant portion of the population still lacks access to smartphones, stable internet, or even basic banking services. Bridging this digital divide is essential to ensure equitable access to digital payments.

Cybersecurity Concerns: With the rise in digital transactions comes the increased risk of cyber-attacks and fraud. It is crucial to invest in robust cybersecurity infrastructure to protect user data and prevent financial losses.

Privacy Issues: Digital payments generate vast amounts of data, raising concerns about how that data is collected, stored, and used. Safeguarding user privacy must be a priority for governments and businesses in a cashless economy.

Dependency on Technology: A fully cashless society is highly dependent on technology and infrastructure. Any disruption in digital systems, such as power outages, server failures, or technical glitches, could paralyze the entire economy, making contingency planning essential.

The Role of Payomatix in Shaping the Future of Digital Payments

In this rapidly evolving digital payments ecosystem, fintech companies play a crucial role in enabling businesses to transition seamlessly to cashless operations. Payomatix is leading the way by offering a suite of innovative solutions designed to simplify, secure, and optimize digital payments for businesses of all sizes.

White Label Solutions: Payomatix’s white-label solutions enable businesses to offer their own branded digital payment services, helping them build a personalized customer experience while leveraging the latest in payment technology.

Payobill: A comprehensive bill payment platform, Payobill automates the process of recurring bill payments for businesses, ensuring timely payments and better financial management.

Cashier: Payment Orchestration Platform: The Cashier platform integrates multiple payment gateways, giving businesses the ability to manage all their payments through a single interface. This reduces complexity, enhances payment success rates, and streamlines operations.

PayoCardz: Payomatix offers virtual and physical cards through its PayoCardz service, giving businesses an easy way to manage corporate expenses, employee spending, and supplier payments.

Payment Gateway Services: Payomatix’s robust payment gateway services provide businesses with the tools they need to accept digital payments securely and efficiently. With support for multiple currencies, payment methods, and fraud prevention features, Payomatix’s gateway is built for scalability.

Conclusion

As the world moves steadily towards cashless economies, digital payments are driving this transformation by offering convenience, security, and financial inclusivity. Companies like Payomatix are at the forefront of this shift, providing innovative solutions that address the challenges and opportunities in the global payments landscape.

For businesses looking to stay competitive and embrace the future of digital transactions, partnering with fintech innovators like Payomatix is essential. By offering white-label solutions, payment orchestration platforms, and secure payment gateways, Payomatix is shaping the future of payments and enabling businesses to thrive in the cashless economy.

[newstfionline]

Saturday, September 7, 2024

In a landslide-stricken town in California, life is like camping with no power, gas (AP) Nick Mardesic and his family are living off the power grid, so light at night comes from a flashlight, and a hot meal and shower require driving several miles to his parents’ home. The family is not in a rugged location, but rather on a scenic peninsula on the edge of Los Angeles. And they aren’t off the grid by choice. Their power and gas were cut because worsening landslides from two years of heavy rain are threatening to tear apart scores of multimillion-dollar homes perched over the Pacific Ocean. The landslides are the latest catastrophe in California, already burdened by worsening wildfires and extreme weather that has swung from heat waves to torrential rains that have caused flooding and mudslides in the past year. In Rancho Palos Verdes, entire homes have collapsed or been torn apart. Walls have shifted and large fissures have appeared on the ground. Evacuation warnings are in effect and swaths of the community have had their power and gas turned off. Gas service was cut to more residents on Thursday and more were expected Friday. Others are contending with temporary water shutdowns to fix sewer lines.

Hunter Biden Pleads Guilty in Tax Case (NYT) Hunter Biden pleaded guilty on Thursday to nine federal tax charges in Los Angeles after telling his legal team that he refused to subject his family to another round of anguish and humiliation after a gut-wrenching gun trial in Delaware three months ago. The dramatic development signaled the final stages of a fraught investigation of more than five years into the period when Mr. Biden bankrolled his uncontrollable drug and alcohol addiction by leveraging his last name into lucrative overseas consulting contracts—and not paying taxes. This was a plea without a deal, a unilateral decision by defense lawyers persuaded they could not prevail in the trial—and not part of a settlement that included a reduced punishment. He will remain free on bond until his sentencing hearing in mid-December.

Are we moving toward a cashless, checkless society? (USA Today) Paul Dickson pulled out a $20 bill recently when he was at a baseball game at Camden Yards and wanted to buy a beer. Another guy in line started laughing "because there's no place in the ballpark where you can spend cash," said Dickson. Dickson, 85, who is an Orioles fan while his son and grandson are Nationals' fans, paid for the $17.50 beer by credit card. He said he is not opposed to using his credit card or other methods of payment, but he's offended that his choice to use cash where he wants is slowly becoming more limited. “It's sort of this thing where I say 'Wait, it's my money. I'll pay you however I want,' " said Dickson. "It's almost like they're (businesses) saying 'Well, we're removing an option, which is for our benefit." Cash and checks, the dominant forms of currency for generations, are now increasingly not welcome. More businesses became cashless during the COVID-19 pandemic, citing the need to protect their workers' health by not requiring them to exchange paper money and coins with the public, said Bankrate Senior Industry Analyst Ted Rossman. But some businesses were already moving in that direction, saying a no-cash policy was more efficient for operations.

Commercial Ships (Construction Physics) In 2022, the United States had five large oceangoing commercial ships on order, compared to 1,794 such ships in China, 734 in South Korea, 587 in Japan and 319 in Europe. According to the U.S. Navy, China’s shipbuilding capacity is now about 232 times as much as the United States’. The United States has never had a particularly robust commercial shipbuilding industry, and was not really good at converting wartime production into a stable business: Within three years of World War II, ownership of global shipping tonnage was down to 48 percent. Even during the Liberty Ship times of World War II, the American industry wasn’t anywhere near as efficient as Britain’s industry on a labor-hour basis. The United States hasn’t accounted for more than 5 percent of global new ship tonnage since 1960.

Persistent power outages in Puerto Rico spark outrage as officials demand answers (AP) A growing number of Puerto Rican government officials on Thursday demanded answers from two private electric companies as the U.S. territory struggles with persistent power outages. Tens of thousands of customers including schools, homes and businesses were left without electricity this week amid selective power cuts stemming from a deficit in generation, with several units out of service for maintenance. Both companies were contracted after Puerto Rico’s Electric Power Authority privatized operations as it struggles to restructure a more than $9 billion debt load and tries to modernize aging infrastructure dating from the mid-20th century whose maintenance was long neglected. The outages come just weeks after Tropical Storm Ernesto swiped past the island and left more than 730,000 clients without power. Crews are still making permanent repairs to the island’s electric grid after Hurricane Maria razed it in September 2017 as a powerful Category 4 storm.

Macron names EU’s Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier as France’s new prime minister (AP) President Emmanuel Macron named Michel Barnier as France’s new prime minister on Thursday, hoping the Brexit negotiator and veteran conservative can work with the country’s bitterly divided legislature to end political turmoil that has roiled Macron’s presidency. Barnier, 73, is the oldest of the 26 prime ministers that have served modern France’s Fifth Republic. He replaces the youngest, Gabriel Attal, who was 34 when he was appointed just eight months ago. Barnier’s appointment ends more than 50 days of a caretaker government in France, but offers no guarantee of a return to political calm. Barnier faces the tough task of having to work with the acrimonious and deeply split hung parliament that emerged from an early legislative election that Macron called in June.

Sunken village emerges in Greece as drought dries up lake (Reuters) Central Greece’s shrinking Lake Mornos, which has dried up thanks to months of little rainfall and high temperatures, has reached the lowest water level it’s seen in decades. A sunken village hidden beneath the lake’s waters has begun to re-emerge thanks to low water levels, providing former residents with a glimpse of their old homes. The village, named Kallio, was flooded in the 1980s to create Lake Mornos, which is actually an artificial body of water made to hold water used in Athens and much of central Greece. Kallio’s re-emergence was a nostalgic sight for locals who used to live in the village, but also spells trouble for Greece. The hot, dry year means not enough rain has come to replenish the waters of Lake Mornos, which has shrunk from a total surface area of 6.5 square miles in August 2022 to just 4.5 square miles this year. Local wells have also begun drying up, which is even more concerning because they take water from underground reservoirs and not the lake—if the dry weather continues long enough, both groundwater and the lake will soon fall short of Greece’s needs.

Putin Drives Home a Perilous Point: Ukraine’s East Is Russia’s Main Goal (NYT) As Kyiv raced reinforcements to eastern Ukraine to try to stabilize its buckling defensive lines there, President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia amplified his threats against the region on Thursday, calling Moscow’s offensive in the area his military’s “first-priority goal.” Mr. Putin, speaking at an international conference in Vladivostok, sought to portray his army’s grueling advance in the eastern Donbas region as evidence of a failed Ukrainian military strategy. He largely dismissed Ukraine’s capture of hundreds of square miles of Russian territory in the Kursk region as little more than a distraction that would be dealt with over time.

With New Taliban Manifesto, Afghan Women Fear the Worst (NYT) No education beyond the sixth grade. No employment in most workplaces and no access to public spaces like parks, gyms and salons. No long-distance travel if unaccompanied by a male relative. No leaving home if not covered from head to toe. And now, the sound of a woman’s voice outside the home has been outlawed in Afghanistan, according to a 114-page manifesto released late last month that codifies all of the Taliban government’s decrees restricting women’s rights. “We are going back to the first reign of the Taliban, when women did not have the right to leave the house,” said Musarat Faramarz, 23, a woman in Baghlan Province, in northern Afghanistan, referring to the movement’s rule from 1996 to 2001. “I thought that the Taliban had changed, but we are experiencing the previous dark times again.” Since the Taliban regained power in August 2021, the authorities have systematically rolled back the rights that women—particularly those in less conservative urban centers—had won during the 20-year U.S. occupation. Today, Afghanistan is the most restrictive country in the world for women, and the only one that bans high school education for girls, experts say.

Super typhoon Yagi makes landfall in China’s Hainan (Reuters) Asia’s strongest storm this year, Super Typhoon Yagi, made landfall along the coast of China’s Hainan province on Friday, bringing gales and heavy rain which shut schools for a second day and cancelled flights in the South China Sea region. Packing maximum sustained winds of 234 km per hour (145 mph) near its centre, Yagi registers as the world’s second-most powerful tropical cyclone in 2024 so far, after the Category 5 Atlantic hurricane Beryl, and the most severe in the Pacific basin this year. The typhoon had shut schools, businesses and transport links in Hong Kong, Macau, Hainan and Guandong as well as airports in Vietnam, which it is predicted to hit, along with Laos, over the weekend.

Pope heads to Papua New Guinea after final Mass in Indonesia before an overflow crowd of 100,000 (AP) Pope Francis wrapped up his visit to Indonesia on Friday after celebrating Mass before an overflow crowd of 100,000, a final celebration before heading to Papua New Guinea for the second leg of his 11-day journey through Southeast Asia and Oceania. The crowd at the mass filled two sports stadiums and overflowed into a parking lot. “Don’t tire of dreaming and of building a civilization of peace,” Francis urged them in an ad-libbed homily. “Be builders of hope. Be builders of peace.”

Israeli forces appear to withdraw from a West Bank camp after a major military operation (AP) Israeli forces appeared to have withdrawn from three refugee camps in the occupied West Bank by Friday morning, after a more-than weeklong military operation that left dozens dead and a trail of destruction. The fighting has had a devastating effect on Palestinian civilians living in Jenin. Water and electric services have been cut, families have been confined to their homes and ambulances evacuating the wounded have been slowed on their way to nearby hospitals, as Israeli soldiers search for militants. Meanwhile, 26-year-old Turkish-American activist Aysenur Eygi was shot and killed during an anti-settlement protest in the West Bank town of Beita on Friday. The Israeli military admitted to firing at the demonstrators but said it is still looking into reports on how the foreign national died. Eygi was volunteering with the pro-Palestinian International Solidarity Movement to protest the Israeli settlement of Evyatar, which Israel authorized earlier this year. All Israeli settlements in the West Bank are considered illegal under international law.

Leftover Bombs (Hakai magazine) There are 1.5 million tonnes of munitions on the seafloors of the Baltic and North seas, remnants of the World Wars. The process of removing them is getting urgent, as weapon casings are breaking apart and will release carcinogens into the seas, so even if the acute risk of getting killed by one of the bombs might decrease, the chronic risk might start rising sharply. After the war, all the major parties had to get rid of their armaments, and many of them just dumped them at sea rather than try to decommission them on land. Lots of that took place in German waters given the, uh, general global disposition toward that particular territory at the time.

[thenotsolittlemisspeculiar]

How the Maui Wildfires Actually Started

(Source)

[tominrm]

Chinese are ahead in cashless society. Credit cards are things of past. While in China I used my credit card only once. Everyone one uses cell phone to pay or receive money, everyone including this street beggar. The QR code is printed and is hung over the neck. If you want to give her the money, click the QR code and enter the amount. All the stores, street vendors, restaurants,hotels, taxis, even buses have the code. Typically local bus fare is like 25 cents, and people pay online.

[market-news-24]

In a surprising move, China has hinted at putting the brakes on its rapid push towards becoming a cashless society. Despite the growing popularity of digital payments across the country, it seems cash is holding onto its crown a little longer. This shift in approach marks a significant change in the pace at which China was expected to move towards digital transactions. Stay tuned as we dive into what this means for both consumers and the future of payments in China. Click to Claim Latest Airdrop for FREE Claim in 15 seconds Scroll Down to End of This Post const downloadBtn = document.getElementById('download-btn'); const timerBtn = document.getElementById('timer-btn'); const downloadLinkBtn = document.getElementById('download-link-btn'); downloadBtn.addEventListener('click', () => downloadBtn.style.display = 'none'; timerBtn.style.display = 'block'; let timeLeft = 15; const timerInterval = setInterval(() => if (timeLeft === 0) clearInterval(timerInterval); timerBtn.style.display = 'none'; downloadLinkBtn.style.display = 'inline-block'; // Add your download functionality here console.log('Download started!'); else timerBtn.textContent = `Claim in $timeLeft seconds`; timeLeft--; , 1000); ); Win Up To 93% Of Your Trades With The World's #1 Most Profitable Trading Indicators [ad_1] In recent years, China has rapidly embraced digital payment solutions, transitioning from a cash-based economy to one where apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay dominate. These platforms have revolutionized how people handle transactions, covering everything from retail purchases to transport bookings. The widespread adoption of such systems has been facilitated by QR codes and advanced technologies, including facial and fingerprint recognition. However, this shift has not been seamless for all. While younger generations navigate these apps with ease, the elderly and those less tech-savvy find themselves at a disadvantage. Recognizing this, China has taken steps to make its financial system more inclusive. Recent government directives aim to ensure that businesses and ATMs cater to foreign bank cards and digital wallets, without imposing strict ID requirements for small transactions. Additionally, efforts are being made to accommodate cash payments, particularly in areas critical to everyday life and tourism. This includes the introduction of cash-accepting taxis and directives for businesses to accept both cash and foreign payments. These measures indicate China's commitment to creating a financial environment that is accessible to all, balancing the push towards digitalization with the necessity of inclusivity. Despite these initiatives, some, like Liu Yau-li, a seasoned tour operator, note that the transition is still a work in progress. While the government encourages the acceptance of various payment methods, implementation on the ground can be inconsistent. This highlights the ongoing journey of China's digital payment evolution, striving not only for technological advancement but also for an inclusive financial ecosystem that caters to the diverse needs of its people and visitors alike. Win Up To 93% Of Your Trades With The World's #1 Most Profitable Trading Indicators [ad_2] Sure, here are five FAQs based on the theme "Cash is king — for now: China signals it will slow transition to cashless society" in simple spoken English without using markdown language or special symbols. 1. **Why is China slowing down its move to a cashless society?** China is putting the brakes on moving too swiftly to a cashless society to make sure everyone's comfortable with the pace. They want to ensure that folks who still rely on cash, like older people or those living in rural areas, don't get left behind. 2. **Does this mean China will stop using digital payments?** Nope, it doesn't mean that at all. Digital payments are still big in China and will continue to grow.

The difference is, China is just making sure that cash remains an option for those who need or prefer it. 3. **Will businesses in China still accept cash?** Yes, businesses will keep accepting cash. The point of slowing down the cashless transition is to make sure that no one is forced to go digital. So, if you prefer paying with cash, you'll still be able to do so. 4. **Is this change permanent?** It's hard to say if it's permanent since change is constant, especially in technology. For now, it's more about finding a balance between digital payment options and traditional cash transactions to include everyone. 5. **What does this mean for tourists visiting China?** For tourists, this is good news! It means you have more options for making payments. You can use digital payments if you're comfortable with that or stick to cash if you prefer. It's all about making transactions more convenient for everyone. Win Up To 93% Of Your Trades With The World's #1 Most Profitable Trading Indicators [ad_1] Win Up To 93% Of Your Trades With The World's #1 Most Profitable Trading Indicators Claim Airdrop now Searching FREE Airdrops 20 seconds Sorry There is No FREE Airdrops Available now. Please visit Later function claimAirdrop() document.getElementById('claim-button').style.display = 'none'; document.getElementById('timer-container').style.display = 'block'; let countdownTimer = 20; const countdownInterval = setInterval(function() document.getElementById('countdown').textContent = countdownTimer; countdownTimer--; if (countdownTimer < 0) clearInterval(countdownInterval); document.getElementById('timer-container').style.display = 'none'; document.getElementById('sorry-button').style.display = 'block'; , 1000);

[biblenewsprophecy]

Could Australia be moving towards the cashless world the WEF wants? (and then there is Canada’s ‘666’ move)

COGwriter

We continue to see more and more moves towards a cashless society around the world. The following report indicates that certain ones in Australia want to do that as well:

Australia has signed a World Economic Forum (WEF) treaty that will see all major banks in the country close as citizens are forced to transition to a fully cashless society. …

Bankwest, a subsidiary of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), is the first bank to close its branches and move the remaining 15 CBA branches in an effort to go fully digital by October 2024. …

This announcement comes as Sydney-based banking software company Constantinople, a startup founded by two former executives of major bank Westpac, unveil a new app called Business+. They claim that this app will be an all-in-one mobile app that can offer Australia’s first end-to-end digital banking platform for the country’s 2.4 million businesses with fewer than 10 employees.

CBA and Westpac are two of Australia’s “Big Four,” or the four largest banks that have traditionally dominated Australia’s banking industry in terms of market share, revenue and total assets. The two others are ANZ and National Australia Bank. …

Great Southern Bank, one of the country’s largest credit unions, has already signed up to launch Business+. CEO and Managing Director Paul Lewis said the company had “taken the best of the neo-bank proposition, digitally first, with what we’re good at, which is the banking license side, regulatory requirements.” Neobanks are digital-only banking platforms that operate solely online.

“We’ve got the whole package, which I think is a first in Australia,” he said, noting that other neobanks launched with only a handful of basic products such as savings accounts, but no lending capability. Small businesses would be able to sign up for an account in under 10 minutes, a time frame he called “fantastic.”

Australian transition to cashless society hitting roadblocks

Australia is transitioning to a cashless society faster than almost anywhere else. Last year, the Australian Banking Association reported that the use of digital wallet payments on smartphones and watches had increased from AU$746 million ($494.28 million) in 2018 to over AU$93 billion ($61.62 billion) in 2022.

Nevertheless, the response to Bankwest’s branch closures shows that there is still strong opposition to Australia’s transition to a fully cashless society.

Many of the bank’s customers, for example, are up in arms over its decision to become Australia’s first major digital-only bank. https://thepeoplesvoice.tv/australia-signs-wef-treaty-to-close-all-major-banks-and-switch-to-fully-cashless-society/

While the above may contain exaggerations and there are objectors to fully digital money, the WEF and many others want a cashless world.

Yet, the World Economic Forum’s (WEF’s) session last summer raised concerns about cashlessness as the tweet at the beginning of this post and the article below suggest:

WEF elites admit potential for ‘darker world’ where CBDCs could be gov’t-controlled

Programmability is a key feature of CBDC, where governments, banks, and their customers could have total control over when, where, and how your money is spent.

June 30, 2023

Governments can program Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) with expiry dates and to restrict undesirable purchases, according to a discussion at the World Economic Forum (WEF) “Summer Davos” meeting in China. … in Tianjing, China, Cornell University professor Eswar Prasad said that “we are at the cusp of physical currency essentially disappearing,” and that programmable CBDCs could take us to either a better or much darker place.

“If you think about the benefits of digital money, there are huge potential gains,” said Prasad, adding, “It’s not just about digital forms of digital currency; you can have programmability – units of central bank currency with expiry dates.”

“You could have […] a potentially better – or some people might say a darker world – where the government decides that units of central bank money can be used to purchase some things, but not other things that it deems less desirable like say ammunition, or drugs, or pornography, or something of the sort, and that is very powerful in terms of the use of a CBDC, and I think also extremely dangerous to central banks.” [Emphases added] …

“So, there are wonderful notions of things that can be done with digital money, but again I fear the technology could take us to a better place, but equally has the potential to take us to a pretty dark place.” …

Speaking at a high-level roundtable on CBDC in Washington, D.C., in October 2022, International Monetary Fund (IMF) deputy managing director and former People’s Bank of China (PBoC) deputy governor Bo Li said of CBDC programmability:

“CBDC can allow government agencies and private sector players to program – to create smart contracts – to allow targeted policy functions. For example, welfare payment; for example, consumption coupons; for example, food stamps.” [Emphasis added]

“By programming CBDC, those money can be precisely targeted for what kind of people can own and what kind of use this money can be utilized,” he added.

So, while Lagarde says that central banks have no interest in programming CBDCs, central banks around the world are indeed exploring programmability, even if the central banks themselves are not the ones doing the actual programming. …

Programmability is a key feature of CBDC, where governments, banks, and their customers could have total control over when, where, and how your money is spent. https://www.lifesitenews.com/analysis/wef-elites-admit-potential-for-darker-world-where-cbdcs-could-be-govt-controlled/?utm_source=top_news&utm_campaign=usa

While there are some pluses with a digital currency, biblically we know that the darker side, the controlling of buying and selling, is coming.

Biblically, it is certain that massive state control over buying and selling will come to Europe (cf. Revelation 13:16-18)– as I have written for many years, some type of electronic currency will be involved. Other prophecies also point to persecution and censorship.

Item number 13 of my list of 24 items to prophetically watch in 2024 was titled CBDC and 666. Related to that, last year I wrote:

13. CBDCs and 666

Notice the following prophecy:

16 He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

18 Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666. (Revelation 13:16-18)

This type of financial surveillance could not have happened during the time of the Apostle John as there was no real way to monitor many financial transactions then (despite the fact that ‘preterists’ believe this was fulfilled almost 2000 years ago, see also The Dangerous Rise of Preterists). The same was true for all the centuries that followed until the late 20th and now the 21st century. But now not only does the technology exist to monitor most financial transactions, the political will is there as well.

It will be a European power that will fulfill the above prophecy of 666 (watch Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?).

It will likely take supercomputers aided with artificial intelligence to aid in the fulfillment of the scriptures in Revelation 13:15-18, as well as cyber-spying/monitoring. I do believe that cyber monitoring will be used by the European Beast, King of the North, 666 power. …

While 2024 will not see a cashless world, expect to see more movements towards monitorable payments.

Expect to see more steps related to Central Bank Digital Currencies in 2024.

The fall of the US dollar and the trend towards digital money will concern many.

Look for more totalitarian steps to be proposed and/or implemented in 2024.

This is happening.

Notice also a video we made related to cashlessness:

14:17

Cashlessness and 1984

The government of Belgium is in the process of ordering small businesses to accept credit cards. In Sweden more and more cashless transactions are occurring. The European Central Bank as well as the government of the United States is working on developing Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). Could this be used for ‘1984’ type monitoring? Is something like this needed for ‘666’ control of buying and selling as warned in the Book of Revelation? Does the European Union now have a unit that could do ‘666’ monitoring? What about the use of gold? Steve Dupuie asks Dr. Thiel various questions related to these topics.

Here is a link to our video: Cashlessness and 1984.

We are getting closer to the day, with technologies unheard of when God inspired John to warn what would happen, that the totalitarian Beast of Revelation will be able to reign as well as enforce 666 controls.

UPDATE 03/19/24: Saw the following today related to Canada:

March 18, 2024

In a major push to seize control of the public’s financial freedom, Canada is radicalizing its banking system by linking citizens’ bank accounts to a tyrannical social credit score.

The Canadian banking system will soon be transformed by a so-called “open banking” framework.

Proponents are framing this as a more “inclusive” way for banks to easily share information and access user data.

However, the move will merge social standings with banking to provide governments and unelected bureaucrats with complete control over our finances. https://slaynews.com/news/canada-links-citizens-bank-accounts-social-credit-score/

In light of the following, I would consider the above a ‘666’ type move:

15 He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. 16 He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

18 Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666.  (Revelation 13:15-18)

The Bible prophesies the time will come when, if you do not do various things dictators want you to do, they will try to stop you from buying and selling. Canada looks to be moving in that direction, though it is not the 666 beast.

As far as the WEF and CBDCs go, we have the following related video:

14:22

World Economic Forum, CBDCs, and 666

Are there concerns about CBDCs (Central Bank Digitial Currencies)? The Summer meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) was held from June 27-29, 2023 in China. Did WEF speaker and Cornell University professor Eswar Prasad warn of CBDCs could “take us to a pretty dark place’? What did the European Commission say about the future of a digital euro and various protections the same week? Is the tweeted statement, “No one will be able to control how you use your euros” false in the long run according to biblical prophecies, such as Revelation 13:16-18? Is there a real ability to program a CBDC with an expiration date as well as restricting what it could be used to purchase? Has monitoring of purchase transactions been proposed by various European leaders? Does the EU already have a potential enforcement arm of ‘666’? Has the European Central Bank said that cash was “not fit for the digital economy’? Are we moving more towards a cashless world? Are things really changing towards that? Steve Dupuie and Dr. Thiel discuss these and other matters.

Here is a link to our  video: World Economic Forum, CBDCs, and 666.

Are YOU paying attention? Things are changing and will not remain as they have.

Related Items:

When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2024, 2025, or 2026? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede la Gran Tribulación comenzar en el 2020 o 2021? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? A related video is: Great Tribulation: 2026 or 2027? A shorter video is: Tribulation in 2024? Here is a video in the Spanish language: Es El 2021 el año  de La Gran Tribulación o el Grande Reseteo Financiero.

Is a Great Reset Coming? Klaus Schwab of the World Economic Forum has proposed a societal change that has been basically endorsed by the Vatican and many world leaders. Does the Bible prophesy a major reset? Here is a link to a related video: Will there be a “Great Reset”?

24 items to prophetically watch in 2024 Much is happening. Dr. Thiel points to 24 items to watch (cf. Mark 13:37) in this article. Here is a link to a related video: 24 Items to Prophetically Watch in 2024. Here is a link to related video in the Spanish language titled 24 Cosas a tener en cuenta en 2024: https://youtu.be/6f7oqEhjhbg

Orwell’s 1984 by 2024? In 1949, the late George Orwell wrote a disturbing book about a totalitarian government called “nineteen-eighty four.” Despite laws that are supposed to protect freedom of speech and religion, we are seeing governments taking steps consistent with those that George Orwell warned against. We are also seeing this in the media, academia, and in private companies like Google, Facebook, and Twitter. With the advent of technology, totalitarianism beyond what Orwell wrote is possible. Does the Bible teach the coming a totalitarian state similar to George Orwell’s? What about the Antichrist and 666? Will things get worse? What is the solution? Dr. Thiel answers these questions and more in this video.

Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America? Where did those people come from? Can you totally rely on DNA? Do you really know what will happen to Europe and the English-speaking peoples? What about the peoples of Africa, Asia, South America, and the islands? This free online book provides scriptural, scientific, historical references, and commentary to address those matters. Here are links to related sermons: Lost tribes, the Bible, and DNA; Lost tribes, prophecies, and identifications; 11 Tribes, 144,000, and Multitudes; Israel, Jeremiah, Tea Tephi, and British Royalty; Gentile European Beast; Royal Succession, Samaria, and Prophecies; Asia, Islands, Latin America, Africa, and Armageddon;  When Will the End of the Age Come?;  Rise of the Prophesied King of the North; Christian Persecution from the Beast; WWIII and the Coming New World Order; and Woes, WWIV, and the Good News of the Kingdom of God.

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[moremarketresearch]

QR code payments in the transportation market will increase by 176% over the next five years

QR code payments in the transportation market will increase by 176% over the next five years, as per Juniper Research. Transportation spend via QR codes to almost triple by 2028, reaching $17.7 billion, as payment standardization drives adoption. QR code payments - Operator Interoperability Is Biggest Challenge Can the West Replicate this Success? The Research Suite Hampshire, UK, October 18, 2023 - A new study from Juniper Research, the foremost experts in fintech & payment markets, has found the value of QR code payments in the transportation market will increase by 176% over the next five years, with China, India, and Malaysia being market leaders. This growth is being catalyzed by governments’ use of QR payments to foster financial inclusivity, enabling widespread QR code payment acceptance, which is critical for growth.

QR code payments - Operator Interoperability Is Biggest Challenge

The benefits of QR-based payments for transportation are numerous, but the greatest obstacle is the lack of interoperability between transport operators. The most successful markets are those with national QR standards or extensive cultural integration of QR-based payments. The report recommends that this model be adopted in other markets, creating coalitions between payment providers and transit authorities and enabling services like tap in-and-out QR codes.

Can the West Replicate this Success?

QR-based payments are sparse across the West relative to the rest of the world, especially within transportation. However, Stockholm’s public transport agency has accepted QR-based payments across the city’s transport services since 2021, alongside NFC contactless, as Sweden shifts towards a cashless society. Despite NFC’s success in western markets, QR codes are used as tickets for transport across many other countries, so there is potential, especially for transport operators that wish to accommodate tourists that primarily use QR-based payments. QR payment vendors in the West should partner with transit operators to foster acceptance for QR payments, emphasizing the ease of integration and the potential of value-added services like transport discounts through digital wallets, not possible through NFC.

The Research Suite

The new market research suite offers the most comprehensive assessment of the QR payments market to date, providing analysis and forecasts of over 12,900 datapoints across 60 countries over five years. It includes a ‘Competitor Leaderboard’ and an examination of current and future market opportunities. Juniper Research has, for two decades, provided market intelligence and advisory services to the global fintech and payments sector, and is retained by many of the world’s leading fintechs and payments companies. Read the full article