Fusion 2025 Celebrates a Decade of OPM Success; Sets a Bold Vision for Filipino Music Festivals

 

Pasay City, Philippines – March 15 – The country’s premier celebration of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) hit a high note as Fusion: The Philippine Music Festival marked its 10th anniversary at the CCP Open Grounds. With a powerhouse lineup of top OPM icons, rising stars, and immersive festival experiences, Fusion —organized by PraXis—once again proved why it’s the ultimate stage for Filipino music and talent.

A Decade of OPM Excellence

"Fusion’s 10th anniversary celebrates OPM as a vital part of who we are as Filipinos," said PraXis CEO and Fusion founder Gladys Basinillo. "This is our moment to set a new standard for music festivals—proudly Filipino, and world-class."

Thousands gathered to witness an unforgettable celebration of Filipino music. The stage lit up with performances from Ben&Ben, December Avenue, Zack Tabudlo, MAKI, The Itchyworms, Barbie Almalbis, Alamat, KAIA, ALLMO$T, and more. Surprise collaborations made the evening more surprising —including Barbie Almalbis and December Avenue’s nostalgic take on Tabing Ilog, and Miguel and Paolo Benjamin’s jam during MAKI’s set.

The festival showcased dance performances from D’Grind, the UP Varsity Pep Squad, and Manoeuvres Ignite. It also gave the spotlight to rising talents like 1ST One, G.A.T., Raya, The Vowels They Orbit, Better Days, Carissa, the Karaoke World Championships artists, and Amiel Sol—proving Fusion’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of OPM stars.

Photos from Jeremy Caisip, Yan Caringal, Harold Burce, Davin Reyes, Garcia, Nina FamosoGuided by the creative vision of director Paul Basinillo, Fusion embraced the theme “Musika Natin ’To”—transforming the event into a full-blown entertainment experience. “Fusion isn’t just about the past decade of OPM. It’s about shaping the future of Filipino music, artists, and fans. It’s about bringing people back to live events and making the festival an experience they’ll always want to be part of,” he shared.

The Fusion experience extended beyond the stage. Festivalgoers, calling themselves “sumakses,” immersed in interactive booths, exclusive merch drops, and perks and giveaways from sponsors like Nestea, Nescafé, Bear Brand Sterilized, Maggi, Dazz and Hapee, Fudgee Barr, VinFast, Tanduay Flavored Mixes, KFC, Chowking, McDonald’s, and more.

The night ended with a surprise finale featuring MAKI and Ben&Ben performing together as fireworks lit up the sky. The celebration continued into the afterparty with sets from DJ Bandit, DJ Ron Poe, and Mars Miranda—cementing Fusion as a landmark moment in OPM history.

Championing Filipino Music

Recognizing Fusion’s impact in elevating Original Pilipino Music (OPM) as both a cultural celebration and tourism asset, the Department of Tourism (DOT) underscored the festival’s role in promoting Filipino music as a pillar of the country’s creative industry. With its ability to draw thousands of fans and travelers, Fusion is helping position the Philippines as a vibrant destination for music lovers—both locally and internationally.

"With the immense talent of Filipino artists and the unwavering support of the Filipino youth, OPM deserves to be one of our country’s primary cultural exports," said Gladys Basinillo. "This partnership with the Department of Tourism highlights how music and entertainment are deeply woven into our national identity. Through Fusion, we aim to amplify Filipino music on bigger stages—not just here at home, but around the world."

Fusion’s mission to uplift Pinoy music is also supported by the Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM), reinforcing a shared advocacy for nurturing Filipino talent and growing the appreciation of homegrown artistry.

Together, these partnerships affirm Fusion’s position as more than just a festival—it’s a cultural movement for OPM’s continued evolution and global recognition.

Bringing the Fusion Experience Nationwide

Fusion continues to set the standard for OPM celebrations—uniting artists, audiences, and communities through the power of music.

Riding on the success of its Manila leg, Fusion is gearing up to take the celebration on the road, bringing the same OPM experience to regional stages across the country this year.

The music, the movement, and the magic of OPM are just getting started. Follow Fusion: The Philippine Music Festival on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X for the latest stories and upcoming destinations.  

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

Bitget Chief of Legal's Open Letter Highlights Expansion and Regulatory Compliance Plans

  

Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has published an open letter by its Chief Legal Officer, Hon Ng, which highlights the exchange's efforts in global regulatory compliance and expansion. The CEX continues to grow in the global crypto market by securing regulatory approvals and expanding its operations. With a strong focus on compliance, Bitget is navigating evolving regulatory landscapes with over eight licenses obtained while ensuring that users have access to a secure and transparent trading environment.

Hon Ng, Chief Legal Officer at Bitget, has addressed the company’s strategic direction in an open letter, providing plans to grow Bitget’s regulatory standing across multiple jurisdictions. His statements show the importance of regulatory dialogues and highlight upcoming initiatives that will shape the platform’s future.

“The regulatory environment surrounding digital assets is becoming more defined, and Bitget is taking proactive steps to work alongside authorities to ensure responsible growth. Compliance is not an obligation it's a necessity; it's about setting a standard for the industry and building a sustainable ecosystem for users,” said Hon Ng, Chief Legal Officer at Bitget.

Bitget has already secured registrations and approvals in several key markets, including Australia, Italy, Poland, Lithuania, the UK, the Czech Republic, and El Salvador. These achievements align with the company’s strategy of working within legal frameworks and supporting initiatives that promote advanced security and user protection. The legal and compliance teams are working closely to obtain additional licenses in jurisdictions that will further enhance the platform’s accessibility and credibility.

One of the primary objectives for the upcoming year is to refine the company’s compliance protocols. A strong Know Your Customer (KYC) process is being implemented to optimize user verification while adhering to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations. In parallel, Bitget is investing in advanced transaction monitoring tools to detect and prevent illicit activity, ensuring that all operations adhere to the highest standards of financial integrity.

Collaboration with regulators and law enforcement agencies remains a key aspect of Bitget’s compliance efforts. The company has established direct communication channels with authorities to facilitate transparent reporting and improve response times in cases of suspicious activity. By adopting new technological solutions, Bitget aims to enhance global cooperation while safeguarding user privacy.

In addition to regulatory advancements, Bitget is focused on introducing innovative products that align with compliance requirements. Bitget is already building even stronger user protection, risk management features, and enhanced security measures that strengthen the platform's durability and credibility. This is in line with the company's targets of maintaining a secure, compliant, and user-centric trading platform.

As part of its commitment to responsible operations, Bitget strictly adheres to international sanctions controls. Users from restricted regions are prohibited from accessing the platform, ensuring that all activities remain within legal boundaries. A dedicated compliance team continuously monitors global regulatory developments to adjust policies as needed.

Bitget’s legal and compliance strategy is designed to adapt to the rapidly changing digital asset landscape. With regulatory discussions evolving worldwide, the company is prepared to adjust its framework to align with new policies and emerging industry standards. The legal team remains engaged in conversations with policymakers to contribute to the responsible development of crypto regulations.

“Compliance is a continuous process that requires foresight and collaboration. Our goal here is simple: we comply, expand, operate, and grow. Our focus remains on making crypto accessible to everyone globally, and each license and approval is a step closer to it,” added Ng.

Bitget’s ongoing expansion and compliance efforts reaffirm its role as a leading player in the crypto market. By staying ahead of regulatory changes and implementing rigorous security measures, the company indeed plans to keep its title of being one of the top most trusted crypto exchanges globally.

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

BABY Coin Launches Dual Staking Model for BTC & BABY Holders: Get Free Babylon & USDT!

Discover how Babylon’s $BABY token integrates Bitcoin staking into DeFi and explore Bitrue’s latest listing, deposit contest, and launchpool campaign. Win free $BABY & USDT now!

Babylon's native token, $BABY, has received a lot of attention from crypto traders. Especially with Babylon's airdrop program with $BABY token prizes for its loyal users.

However, don't worry. If you missed information about Babylon's airdrop program, Bitrue has just started its deposit contest program and can give you $BABY tokens to USDT for free! Because, today Bitrue has just announced the listing of the $BABY token on Bitrue’s platform.

Read this article to understand the complete explanation of the $BABY token listing on Bitrue and the crypto token distribution program for users.

What is Baby and How it Works

​​Babylon is an innovative protocol designed to integrate Bitcoin into the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem by enabling Bitcoin holders to stake their BTC to secure Proof-of-Stake (PoS) blockchains and decentralized applications (dApps).

This integration allows BTC holders to earn rewards while enhancing the security of participating PoS networks. ​

How Babylon Works:

1. Bitcoin Staking: Users lock their Bitcoin into Babylon's staking contracts. These contracts are designed to be self-custodial, eliminating the need for third-party custody, wrapping, or bridging. ​

2. Security Provision for PoS Chains: The staked BTC serves as collateral to bolster the economic security of PoS chains. In the event of a security breach or malicious activity, a portion of the staked Bitcoin can be slashed as a penalty.

3. Reward Distribution: Stakers receive rewards in return for their participation, providing an incentive to contribute to the security of PoS networks.

BABY/USDT Officially Traded on Bitrue: Price Increase 188%!

Finally, the $BABY token was officially traded on Bitrue on April 10 at 10:30 UTC. This listing indicates that the BABY ecosystem is indeed strong with its flexibility and security so that traders feel safe in purchasing tokens.

The smart contract that is implemented also provides guarantees to traders. With this belief, Bitrue brings BABY to loyal Bitrue users to make transactions easier.

On the first day of its launch, the BABY token received a very good response. BABY’s price was an increase of more than 188% and is now trading at $0.08646 with the previous highest price being $0.12439.

The BABY RSI figure tends to be good because it is still above 50 which means that more users are buying tokens than selling them. The BABY MACD line also continues to rise upwards which indicates that the token is safe and has a high bullish possibility.

Bitrue also listed the BABY/USDT perpetual futures pair on April 10, 2025, at 10:30 UTC. This contract allows traders to leverage their positions up to 10x, with settlements in USDT. ​

Bitrue’s perpetual futures contracts provide traders with opportunities to engage with the BABY token's price movements using leverage, enhancing potential returns while also increasing risk.

It's essential for traders to understand the mechanics of perpetual futures and the associated risks before participating in such markets.

Bitrue’s Deposit Contest & Launchpool: Win $BABY & USDT for Free!

Untuk merayakan listing token $BABY, Bitrue mengadakan deposit contest hingga launchpool untuk para pengguna. Kedua program ini akan memberikan keuntungan kepada traders karena berkesempatan memenangkan token BABY hingga USDT secara gratis!

Berikut penjelasan lebih lengkapnya.

1. BABY Deposit Contest

The BABY Deposit Contest held by Bitrue has been running since April 9, 2025, exactly one day before the launch of the BABY token on the Bitrue platform. This program will run until April 16.

The prize offered is USDT tokens which will be distributed to BABY token deposits during the program.

The prize calculation is the amount of user deposits multiplied by the total reward. Later, the prize will be sent within 7 days after the program is completed.

2. BABY Launchpool

Bitrue's launchpool program is a place where users can stake crypto tokens and earn income on popular or newly launched tokens on Bitrue.

For the BABY Launchpool program, of course, the prize is the BABY token that was just listed today on the Bitrue platform. The prize provided is up to 150,000 BABY tokens. The BABY launchpool program period on Bitrue will end on April 13, 2025.

Users who are eligible to participate in the BABY launchpool program are Bitrue users who have completed KYC level 1 verification. Tokens that can be staked by users are BTR, XRP, and BTC.

Conclusion

The listing of the $BABY token on Bitrue marks a major milestone for the Babylon protocol, reflecting strong market enthusiasm with a price surge of over 188% on its debut.

Babylon's unique model of Bitcoin staking offers BTC holders an opportunity to earn rewards while enhancing the security of PoS blockchains, positioning it as a pioneering player in Bitcoin-based DeFi solutions.

To celebrate the listing, Bitrue launched a series of user-focused campaigns, including a BABY Deposit Contest and a Launchpool program, offering free $BABY and USDT rewards to participating users.

Additionally, the introduction of the BABY/USDT perpetual futures contract enables traders to engage with leveraged positions, although with heightened risk.

Overall, these initiatives strengthen the adoption and visibility of the $BABY token, offering both utility and incentive-driven opportunities for the crypto community.

About Bitrue

Bitrue is a leading cryptocurrency exchange, offering a wide range of digital assets, innovative features, and user-focused services. Founded with the mission to empower the world’s crypto enthusiasts, Bitrue continues to expand its platform with new products, events, and opportunities for users worldwide.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES 

Glico Group Shares Its Unique Value to Contribute to the Future of Food and Health at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan

Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd. sponsors two pavilions at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan and will host various events during the exhibition period. The Glico Group upholds its Purpose of contributing to people’s “Healthier days, Wellbeing for life,” continuously creating value in “Great Taste and Good Health.” Glico supports Expo 2025, under the theme of “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.”

The company resonates with the Expo’s vision of promoting the exchange of diverse values worldwide, fostering new connections and creations, and showcasing hope for the future to the world. Through support and participation in pavilions, and various activities, Glico aims to propose unique value from the perspective of food and health to realize “Healthier days, Wellbeing for life” for people around the world.

Overview

Glico is a Silver Partner of the Expo’s Signature Pavilion “EARTH MART”, and a Premium Partner of the “Osaka Healthcare Pavilion”. In addition to supporting both pavilions, the company will host various related events during the exhibition period. At the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion, Glico will present an exhibition focused on “Cellular-care,” a research theme centered on removing senescent cells. At the Expo’s Signature Pavilion “EARTH MART”, Glico will showcase its original product,”Rice soft candy,” co-created with the pavilion to highlight the potential of Japanese food culture and create sweets that bring happiness and contribute to a bright future for children.

As part of the produced events, Glico will host health education events at the “Reborn stage” at the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion. These events will focus on topics including ” Antioxidants” and “gut bacteria.” Additionally, at the EXPO Arena, we Glico will present “Matsuri”, a music event designed to inspire hope for the future.

Glico will also install “Seventeen Ice” vending machines at the Expo site. Coinciding with the opening, two new Japan-inspired ice cream products will debut, available both at the Expo and at major tourist destinations and train stations nationwide.

Exhibition at the OSAKA Healthcare Pavilion: Nest for Reborn

The Osaka Healthcare Pavilion is themed “REBORN,” representing people taking positive steps towards becoming their new selves. Glico shares this vision and will exhibit in the “Future Healthcare” zone with a display on “Cellular-care.”

“Cellular-care” – Research Focused on the Removal of Senescent Cells

“Cellular-care” is a new approach aimed at preventing aging by directly targeting cells. Glico is investigating the potential of targeting senescent cells, which play an important role in human health.

Cells continuously cycle through division, growth, aging, and eventual death. Normal cells gradually lose their ability to divide due to various factors such as aging, ultraviolet rays, and unhealthy lifestyle habits. As a result, they become senescent cells that accumulate in the body, contributing to health issues and aging.

Glico is investigating ways to target and remove senescent cells and exploring the active compounds involved in this process.

At the “Cellular-care Lab.” booth, the negative impacts of senescent cells on surrounding cells will be displayed, along with the approach of “Cellular-care” in an easy-to-understand manner. Visitors will also be able to experience approach to senescent cell removal through touch panels.

The uniform worn by the “Cellular-care Lab.” booth staff has been designed by the renowned Japanese designer Ms. Junko Koshino. It is a gender-neutral uniform, suitable for all genders, embracing the principle of diversity.

The design, inspired by lab coats, features a white base matching the color of Glico’s booth, and expresses the theme of “Future Healthcare.”

Note: The “Cellular-care Lab.” is located in the “Future Healthcare 1 Zone” of the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion. A reservation for the “Reborn Experience Route” is required to enter this zone. For more details: https://2025osaka-pavilion.jp/reborn-route/

Exhibition at the Signature Pavilion “EARTH MART”

EARTH MART – “Thinking about the lives through eating.”

Signature Pavilion “EARTH MART”(Theme Producer: KOYAMA Kundo) is a conceptual supermarket where visitors can explore the interconnected cycle of food and life, discovering new perspectives for a more sustainable and nourishing future. It offers various experiences that encourage visitors to reset their thinking about food and discover new ways of eating. The pavilion invites visitors to reflect on the current state of food, technology, culture, and societal issues, as well as to find joy in eating and explore future clues for sustaining life in the next era of sustainable living.

“Rice soft candy”Made by Weaving Together Rice-derived Ingredients　

In collaboration with “EARTH MART,” Glico has developed “Rice soft candy” to raise awareness of the potential of Japanese food culture and create sweets that bring happiness and contribute to a bright future for children.

“Rice (rice flour),” one of the “EARTH FOODS 25” (a list created by “EARTH MART” to share Japanese food with the world in order to improve the future of food globally),is not only Japan’s staple food but also a symbol of Japanese culture, nurtured alongside nature.

Glico has a long history of research and development, which began when the company’s founder, wishing to enhance people’s health through food, succeeded in kneading “glycogen” into caramel and launched the Glico nutritious caramel. Recognizing the vast potential of rice, Glico applied the technology it has cultivated since its founding to create an entirely new type of caramel by using rice as a key ingredient.

“Rice soft candy” is particular about the ingredients it uses. All ingredients, except sugar, are derived from rice, including rice syrup, rice flour, rice protein, and rice oil. It is crafted by weaving together rice-derived ingredients, resulting in a simple yet delicately unfolding flavor.

During the Expo, visitors can enjoy both the panel exhibition with actual samples of “Rice soft candy”, which will encourage visitors to reflect on the pavilion’s concept, the potential of food culture, and the future of food.

Glico Previously Served as a Judge in the Selection of “The ideas on Future sweets & snacks that make everyone on the Earth happy.”

At the Signature Pavilion “EARTH MART”, selected ideas submitted by the general public will be showcased. The first round of submissions was held from January 31 to May 20, 2024, targeting elementary school students in grades 4 through 6 worldwide. Glico participated as one of the judges, helping select ideas to be exhibited at the pavilion. A second round of submissions, this time open to all ages, began on March 18, 2025.

EARTH MART: https://expo2025earthmart.jp/en

Glico-Produced Events During the Expo 2025

The main events produced by Glico during the Expo 2025 are as follows:

Music Event

Date: Friday, August 1, 2025

Venue: EXPO Arena “Matsuri”

Overview: An event to express expectations for the future through music.

Health Awareness Event

Date: Sunday, September 21 – Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Venue: Osaka Healthcare Pavilion, Reborn Stage

Overview: Events focused on “Short-chain Fatty Acids” (Sep 21) and “Antioxidants” (Sep 22-24).

Expo-Related Initiatives

In addition to the events mentioned above, Glico will continue to develop new initiatives in collaboration with partners.

Installation of “Seventeen Ice” Vending Machines at the Expo 2025 Site

Release of Two New “Seventeen Ice” Products with unique Japanese Flavors

Installation Period: Sunday, April 13, 2025 – Monday, October 13, 2025

Installation Locations: Four “Seventeen Ice” vending machines will be installed at EXPO Arena “Matsuri.”

New Products: Two new products with unique Japanese flavors, “Hokkaido Milk” and “Uji Matcha”– will be sold at the Expo site as well as at major tourist spots and stations nationwide, starting from the opening of the Expo.

“MYAKU-MYAKU” Special Design of “Selection the Glico”（Gift Box Assorted Glico Treats）

Release Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Overview: A special design package of Glico’s popular products, featuring the Expo 2025’s official character “MYAKU-MYAKU,” will be sold.

Note: This will be a limited release in the Kinki region and will not be available at the Expo 2025 site.

This document is an English translation of the Japanese original. In the event of any differences or inconsistencies between the Japanese and English versions, the Japanese language version shall take precedence.

About The Glico Group

The Glico Group is a global food company with a history of more than a century. Since the launch of Glico nutritious caramel in 1922, Glico has been engaged in the business of confectionery, ice cream, dairy products, food ingredients and processed foods. In addition to flagship brands such as Bisco, its second nutritional confectionery launched in 1933, and Pocky introduced in 1966, the company has brands like SUNAO and Almond Koka that create health value.

 

Currently, the business operates in 18 locations around the world, focusing on China, ASEAN, and the United States. With its corporate purpose of “Healthier days, Wellbeing for life”, Glico aims to provide “Great Taste and Good Health” for people to live satisfying lives through the creative development of high-quality ingredients. In 2024, the Glico Group’s consolidated revenue was approximately 331 billion yen with approximately 5,600 employees around the world. Shares of Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd. are traded on the Prime Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

For more information, please visit https://www.glico.com/global/ For reference: https://www.glico.com/global/expo2025/

 

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

 

Bitcoin Price Today! Can BTC Rebounds Above $80,000 Amid Tariff Turmoil? Here’s the Analysis

Bitcoin rebounds above $80,000 after a sharp drop amid U.S. tariff tensions. Explore expert analysis, technical signals like the “death cross,” institutional resilience, and what to watch next for crypto markets.

Bitcoin, the world’s largest cryptocurrency, surged back above the $80,000 level on Tuesday, recovering from a five-month low as traders bought the dip.

However, investor sentiment remains fragile in light of escalating trade tensions driven by U.S. President Donald Trump's aggressive tariff policies.

Bitcoin Rises Amid Market Rebound

By 09:31 ET (13:31 GMT) today, Bitcoin had gained 2.4% to trade at $80,285. This followed a volatile weekend during which the digital asset plunged to lows near $74,420, shedding over $10,000 in value as fears of a tariff-induced global recession sent shockwaves through financial markets.

At 7:32 AM on April 8, data from CoinMarketCap placed Bitcoin at $80,559.88, up 2.09% over the past day, with a market cap of $1.59 trillion and 24-hour trading volume of $88.59 billion.

While broader markets, including major Wall Street indices and Asian equities, began to stabilize following Monday’s steep losses, the recovery remains tentative. U.S. stock index futures pointed higher in Asian trading, helping support Bitcoin’s rebound.

However, when this article was written that evening, the price of BTC had again fallen by 0.56% and was trading at $78,853.

Trump's Tariffs and Market Uncertainty

The renewed volatility stems from President Trump's announcement of sweeping reciprocal tariffs targeting major economies. These measures, exceeding prior market expectations, rattled investors and drove a flight from risk assets—including cryptocurrencies.

Over the weekend, Trump doubled down on his stance, threatening even steeper duties on Chinese imports unless Beijing backs down from its own retaliatory measures.

Further uncertainty looms as the tariffs are set to take effect on Wednesday. Additional threats include potential levies on pharmaceutical and semiconductor imports — sectors critical to global supply chains.

Technical Warning: Bitcoin Confirms ‘Death Cross’

Despite Tuesday’s bounce, technical indicators remain bearish. Bitcoin recently formed a “death cross,” a key signal that occurs when the 50-day moving average falls below the 200-day moving average.

This pattern often precedes short-term weakness, particularly in markets lacking strong bullish catalysts.

Investing.com data confirmed the crossover this week, suggesting that Bitcoin could remain under pressure unless macroeconomic conditions improve or significant bullish triggers emerge.

Adding to concerns, several long-term Bitcoin holders have recently moved their holdings onto exchanges — often a precursor to selling.

Institutional Resilience and a Changing Investor Base

Despite recent price weakness, some analysts point to a more resilient foundation for Bitcoin. According to Bernstein analyst Gautam Chhugani, Bitcoin’s 26% pullback — though steep—is considerably milder than past crypto crashes, which sometimes saw losses of 70% or more.

Chhugani attributes this stability to the growing presence of institutional capital, including ETFs and corporate treasury allocations, which now dominate retail participation.

He views Bitcoin as a “probabilistic gold”—offering higher liquidity and volatility than traditional safe-haven assets like physical gold.

Indeed, year-to-date ETF inflows remain positive at approximately $770 million, suggesting continued confidence among larger players.

Altcoins Follow Bitcoin’s Lead

Broader cryptocurrency markets mirrored Bitcoin’s partial recovery. Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency, climbed over 5% to $1,569, rebounding from a two-year low.

Solana, Cardano, Polygon, and XRP posted gains between 8% and 13%. Meme coins also saw movement, with Dogecoin soaring more than 9% and the politically-themed $TRUMP token rising 4.6%.

CoinSwitch Markets Desk reported Bitcoin briefly touched $74,600 before rebounding to around $80,800, with approximately $377 million worth of Bitcoin liquidated in the process. Altcoins posted more modest gains, with XRP up 1.6%, SOL up 4.9%, TRX up 2.3%, and ADA up 4.6%.

As of April 8, the global cryptocurrency market capitalization stands at $2.55 trillion, up 1.55% over the past 24 hours, while total market volume surged to $200.99 billion — a staggering 89.81% increase, reflecting heightened trading activity and volatility.

Looking Ahead: CPI Data and Market Sentiment

All eyes are now on upcoming U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, which could heavily influence market direction. A softer-than-expected inflation reading may ease investor concerns and catalyze a broader recovery across risk assets, including crypto.

Alankar Saxena, CTO and Co-founder of crypto investment platform Mudrex, noted that Bitcoin is currently testing resistance at $84,000 with key support at $75,900.

He emphasized the growing conviction among long-term holders, saying that Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana have rebounded as much as 15% from recent lows.

“Amid prolonged trade fragmentation and geopolitical strain, Bitcoin’s role as a potential safe-haven asset is being re-evaluated,” Saxena said. “This could add to its upward momentum, especially if traditional markets continue to remain volatile.”

Market Risks Still Loom

Still, risks remain elevated. According to data from Coinglass, around $1.5 billion in bullish crypto positions were liquidated in the last 24 hours — the largest such flush in 2025.

FalconX’s head of APAC derivatives, Sean McNulty, warned that options markets are now signaling sustained selling pressure, with demand for put options rising considerably.

Will Clemente, former co-founder of Reflexivity Research, expressed caution: “While I think we’re closer to the end of this correction than the beginning, market uncertainty remains high, and Bitcoin is not immune when investors must sell assets to meet margin calls or internal risk thresholds.”

Conclusion

Bitcoin’s bounce above $80,000 provides some relief to crypto markets rattled by global trade tensions, but the road ahead remains murky.

As investors digest tariff fallout and await crucial inflation data, Bitcoin’s ability to hold current levels—and possibly reclaim higher resistance—will depend on broader risk sentiment and macroeconomic signals.

Until then, traders should brace for continued volatility and remain attuned to shifting geopolitical developments that could further influence the trajectory of digital assets.

About Bitrue

Bitrue is a leading cryptocurrency exchange, offering a wide range of digital assets, innovative features, and user-focused services. Founded with the mission to empower the world’s crypto enthusiasts, Bitrue continues to expand its platform with new products, events, and opportunities for users worldwide.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

Crypto Hot News! Listing BABY Coin Launches with Staking & Airdrop Features on Babylon Protocol

  

Discover the hot crypto update: Babylon's $BABY token launches on Bitrue with staking rewards and airdrop events! Learn about its utilities, token distribution, and how to benefit from the Babylon Protocol.

There is always something new in the crypto ecosystem and of course, this new thing will provide benefits for users. One of the hot crypto news this week comes from Bitrue which will launch the Babylon $BABY token and hold a deposit contest.

How are the details? And what are the benefits that users will get? Read this article until the end.

Get to Know about Babylon $BABY

Before discussing the launch of the $BABY token on Bitrue, let's get to know Babylon first. The $BABY token is a native crypto from Babylon Genesis where the first token of the Bitcoin Secured Network or BSN.

So, the network was indeed built to protect and manage other blockchain systems. The $BABY token utilities have 4 main things: Governance, Network Security, Transaction Utility, and Reward and Incestives.

1. Governance: later Babylon token holders can be involved in forming the direction of the protocol which means users have a voice in the network.

2. Network Security: Babylon token holders also support validator operations and maintain consensus.

3. Transaction Utility: Babylon tokens will later be used to pay network transaction fees.

4. Reward & Incestives: $BABY tokens will later be distributed as staking rewards to $BABY and $BTC token stakers while promoting active participants in the network.

These four utilities prove that even networks built from this part of Bitcoin will also rely on smart contracts and staking which were previously not owned by Bitcoin.

That way, users don't need to worry because when staking on the Babylon network, it is definitely safe and trustworthy.

Babylon Airdrop Program

In a post from the official Babylon Foundation account (@bbn_foundation), Babylon will hold a $BABY token airdrop event as part of the Phase 1 transition. This Babylon airdrop program will be given to stakers in Phase 1.

6% of the total Babylon supply, or 600 million BABY tokens, will be distributed for this Babylon airdrop program. Later, the airdrop will be distributed along with the launch of the Babylon Genesis blockchain. There are 5 categories for the Babylon airdrop program, namely:

1. Stake Participation Airdrop

In this category, 30 million BABY tokens will be allocated for stakers who meet the requirements. There are three types of prize recipients in this category:

1. Cap 1 participants with a total of 550 $BABY tokens received. In this first type, a total of 16.5 million BABY tokens were distributed.

2. Cap 2 participants with a total of 150 BABY tokens with a total of 2.25 million BABY tokens

3. Cap 3 participants with a total of 100 BABY tokens for each participant and a total of 11.2 BABY tokens distributed.

2. Base Staking Reward Airdrop

There is a total of 335 million $BABY distributed in this second category. Every eligible staker will receive a fixed BABY token allocated per BTC block. For more details, you can see the following table.

3. Bonus Staking Reward Airdrop for Phase 2 Transition

The third category consists of 200 million BABY tokens that will be distributed to eligible recipients. Active stakers on March 31, 2025 will receive an airdrop bonus in addition to the second category if they successfully transition to Phase 2.

To receive this bonus, users must continue staking, register to stake on Babylon Genesis within 4 weeks of Network Launch, and continue staking for at least 100 consecutive days after registration.

4. Pioneer Pass NFT holders

The fourth category is aimed at NFT Pioneer Pass holders with a BABY token count of 30 million. Each holder will receive 300 BABY tokens per NFT. The block that will be taken as a requirement is Polygon 68305555.

5. GitHub Developer Recognition Program

There are total of 5 million $BABY tokens to be distributed to users in this fifth category. A snapshot was taken at 8 AM UTC on February 23rd. If there are not enough eligible users, the tokens will be returned to the community allocation.

Babylon $BABY Launch on Bitrue: Coming Soon

Babylon will be launched on Bitrue. The exact date has not been announced yet and will be announced soon through Bitrue's official website and social media accounts. Many programs, such as launchpoo, staking, and power piggy, will provide benefits for Bitrue users.

In order not to miss the events that Bitrue will hold before or during the Babylon listing, you can immediately register as a Bitrue user. Later, you will join the community and become a targeting Bitrue core user who will receive the latest information.

About Bitrue

Bitrue is a leading cryptocurrency exchange, offering a wide range of digital assets, innovative features, and user-focused services. Founded with the mission to empower the world’s crypto enthusiasts, Bitrue continues to expand its platform with new products, events, and opportunities for users worldwide.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

XRP News Today! XRP Price Surges on Regulatory Shifts and ETF Momentum: What’s Next for Investors?

  

XRP surges past $2.14 amid SEC regulatory shifts, Ripple lawsuit updates, and growing XRP ETF momentum. Explore price analysis, bullish vs bearish scenarios, and what's next for investors.

XRP continues to gain ground amid a changing regulatory landscape, a positive market outlook for exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and technical indicators pointing toward a possible breakout.

Following a strong performance in early April, the cryptocurrency has caught the attention of investors once again, driven by speculation over U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) decisions, ongoing Ripple litigation, and the potential entry of institutional giant BlackRock into the XRP-spot ETF space.

XRP Extends Gains Amid Broader Market Weakness

On Saturday, April 5, XRP posted a 0.73% gain, closing at $2.1443 after surging 3.21% the previous day.

This marked the third consecutive daily increase for the token, outperforming the broader crypto market, which declined by 0.44%. This brought the total cryptocurrency market capitalization to $2.64 trillion.

XRP price on Bitrue Market

However, when this article was written on April 6, 2025, the price of XRP had actually fallen by 2.83% and is currently trading at $2.0913.

Despite near-term bearish signals from the charts, XRP continues to show resilience—driven by regulatory optimism and ETF speculation.

SEC Developments Spark Investor Optimism

A key driver behind XRP’s upward momentum lies in recent statements from SEC Acting Chair Mark Uyeda, who cited Executive Order 14192, focused on deregulation to spur prosperity.

Uyeda urged the Commission’s staff to review guidance related to digital assets, including the 2019 framework on Investment Contract Analysis—a document heavily relied upon in past enforcement actions such as SEC v. Ripple.

This review could lead to modifications or even a rescindment of the framework, a development that journalist and CryptoAmerica host Eleanor Terrett says might signal the SEC’s evolving stance.

Such a shift would likely ease regulatory pressure on XRP and similar assets, potentially paving the way for broader institutional acceptance.

Ripple Lawsuit Update: Settlement Discussions Progress

The Ripple vs. SEC legal battle remains central to XRP’s price trajectory. While Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse stated in March that the SEC planned to withdraw its appeal over the Programmatic Sales of XRP ruling, the agency has yet to confirm this move.

In response to this uncertainty, XRP retreated by 28% from its March 19 high of $2.5925.

However, Ripple has initiated a cross-appeal withdrawal and announced a potential settlement that includes:

1. A reduced penalty of $50 million (down from $150 million),

2. Removal of the injunction on institutional XRP sales in the U.S.

3. The finalization of this settlement hinges on whether the SEC formally drops its appeal, leaving investors in suspense.

XRP-Spot ETFs: A Key Catalyst for Future Gains

One of the most significant drivers for XRP’s long-term value lies in the pending approval of XRP-spot ETFs. Currently, 18 applications are under SEC review.

While BlackRock has yet to file, analysts at AP Abacus suggest the firm is preparing to enter the space—potentially mirroring its successful Bitcoin ETF launch in January.

BlackRock’s entry could be transformative. The firm’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) has already garnered $39.9 billion in net inflows, underscoring its influence in attracting institutional capital.

Should BlackRock file for an XRP ETF, institutional demand could surge, accelerating XRP’s path toward mainstream adoption.

XRP Technical Outlook: Bullish Indicators Take Shape

From a technical standpoint, XRP is approaching a breakout. According to analyst Triparna Baishnab (via TradingView), XRP’s current price action shows bullish momentum:

1. XRP trades at $2.1375, nearing key resistance at $2.14–2.15.

2. The MACD indicator has formed a golden cross, while the RSI stands at 60.36, reflecting growing but sustainable bullish pressure.

Should XRP break through the $2.15 resistance, it could climb toward the $2.17–2.18 range. However, failure to break out may lead to a temporary pullback toward the $2.10–2.11 support zone. Volume confirmation during a breakout will be critical to validating the next leg up.

XRP Price Scenarios: What Could Happen Next?

1. Bullish Case

- SEC formally withdraws its appeal in the Ripple case.

- A final settlement is reached, lifting legal uncertainty.

- Approval of XRP-spot ETFs triggers institutional buying.

- XRP could test $2.5925, the March high, followed by $3.3999 (January high), and potentially reach its record high of $3.5505. With ETF momentum, XRP may even aim for $5.00.

2. Bearish Case

- Delays or lack of SEC action on appeals and ETF approvals.

- Renewed legal wrangling or cross-appeals dampen sentiment.

- A rejection from resistance and declining macro sentiment (e.g., Fed hawkishness or worsening trade tensions) could drag XRP below $2.00, with $1.9299 and $1.50 as potential support levels.

Macroeconomic and Market Conditions

XRP's price action is also influenced by global macroeconomic factors. As tariff tensions between the U.S. and China escalate, markets have become increasingly volatile.

While equity markets tumbled, Bitcoin (BTC) and other cryptocurrencies have shown relative resilience, bolstering investor confidence in digital assets as alternative stores of value.

BTC, for instance, held near $83,828 after a week of volatility, while XRP outpaced BTC in recent gains. However, both assets are susceptible to changes in US inflation data, Federal Reserve policy, and crypto-related legislation.

Conclusion: XRP Poised at a Pivotal Moment

XRP’s current performance reflects a confluence of legal developments, technical indicators, and institutional momentum. With regulatory guidance under review, settlement talks advancing, and the prospect of ETFs on the horizon, XRP stands at a decisive crossroad.

- Investors should monitor:

- Any official SEC withdrawal of its appeal.

- Progress on Ripple’s settlement terms.

- Announcements regarding XRP ETF applications, especially by BlackRock.

- Broader economic indicators and legislative developments in the U.S.

If these catalysts align, XRP could embark on a significant rally. For now, cautious optimism prevails as the crypto market waits for clarity.

About Bitrue

Bitrue is a leading cryptocurrency exchange, offering a wide range of digital assets, innovative features, and user-focused services. Founded with the mission to empower the world’s crypto enthusiasts, Bitrue continues to expand its platform with new products, events, and opportunities for users worldwide.