Author: vitorcherulli

  • Ethereum Breaks Above $2,600 as ETF Inflows and Short Liquidations Fuel Rally

    Ethereum Breaks Above $2,600 as ETF Inflows and Short Liquidations Fuel Rally

    Ethereum surged past the $2,600 mark on Friday, reaching $2,660—its highest level since January—driven by a combination of sustained ETF inflows and a wave of short liquidations. The move outpaced other major cryptocurrencies, with Ethereum gaining over 8% in 24 hours on Coinbase, while Bitcoin rose only 2.7%, Solana 5.3%, and XRP 4.2%. The broader crypto market ticked up 1.1% to around $2.75 trillion.

    ETHA Inflows Continue Unabated

    BlackRock’s Ethereum ETF, ETHA, recorded $251.4 million in net inflows over 20 consecutive trading days, with no outflows during the period. On September 11 alone, Ethereum ETFs saw $216 million in net inflows, according to Cryptobriefing, as institutional investors rotated capital away from Bitcoin ETFs. This steady demand has been a key pillar supporting Ethereum’s recent price strength.

    Short Liquidations Amplify the Move

    The rally was further fueled by a significant short squeeze. Crypto liquidations totaled roughly $665 million over 24 hours, with about $400 million in short positions being wiped out. Ethereum accounted for around $250 million of that total, compared to Bitcoin’s $170 million. The forced buying from liquidated shorts added momentum to the upward price action.

    Technical Signals Remain Mixed

    Despite the sharp rebound, technical indicators present a nuanced picture. On the hourly chart, Ethereum traded above the MA-50 but below the MA-20, while the daily chart showed the price above the MA-200. The Ichimoku Kijun stood at $2,549, with support near $2,453. MACD indicated strong bullish momentum, but ADX remained neutral, suggesting limited trend strength. RSI was at 50.03 with a Buy reading, while Stoch RSI showed oversold conditions. Before the breakout, ETH was contained in a $2,453–$2,569 range, with a 62% probability of an upward move above $2,549—a level it decisively cleared.

    Macro Context

    The rally followed a hotter-than-expected August core CPI reading, which rose 0.3% monthly and 2.4% annually. This boosted market pricing for a Federal Reserve rate hike, with CME FedWatch showing an 88% probability. Despite this, Ethereum’s price showed resilience, supported by strong ETF demand and the short squeeze. Analysts like Tom Lee had earlier predicted a softer inflation setup to fuel a market rally, but the actual data did not dampen crypto spirits.

    Outlook

    Ethereum’s ability to sustain above $2,600 will depend on continued ETF inflows and macro factors. The $2,453 support level remains key if momentum fades, while near-term resistance may appear as the market digests the recent gains. Institutional demand and Federal Reserve policy decisions remain central to the near-term trajectory.

  • Airtel Prepaid Recharge Plans in September 2026: Data, 5G, OTT & More

    Airtel Prepaid Recharge Plans in September 2026: Data, 5G, OTT & More

    Airtel continues to offer a wide range of prepaid recharge options in September 2026, with prices starting at just ₹19 and going up to ₹3,999. Whether you need a one-day data top-up, a full year of coverage, or a plan packed with OTT subscriptions and Unlimited 5G, there’s likely a plan that fits your usage patterns.

    Airtel September 2026 prepaid plans at a glance

    Airtel’s September portfolio spans daily data packs, voice-focused plans, Unlimited 5G plans, OTT bundles, and long-term yearly plans. Below is a breakdown of the most notable offerings.

    Entry-level and daily plans

    • Plans start at ₹19 and rise to ₹3,999.
    • Validity ranges from one day to a full year.
    • For light users, small data boosters start at ₹22 for 1GB and go up to ₹200 for 30GB.
    • Need data for a day or two? ₹49 provides one day of unlimited data, while ₹99 covers two days. These boosters work with an active plan and do not extend its validity.

    Popular unlimited and OTT plans

    • ₹379 plan: 2GB per day, unlimited voice calls, 100 SMS per day, and Unlimited 5G access for eligible users. Ideal for those who don’t need many OTT subscriptions.
    • ₹449 plan: 4GB data per day, Unlimited 5G, Xstream Play, and Google One. The best pick for heavy data users who want extra perks.
    • 56-day options: ₹649 offers unlimited voice and 2GB/day; ₹838 adds 3GB/day along with OTT access.
    • 84-day plans: Range from ₹469 to ₹1,798, with various combinations of data, voice, and benefits.
    • Annual plans: Available at ₹2,249, ₹3,599, and ₹3,999. Some include Apple Music, Netflix, JioHotstar Mobile, and other services.

    Which Airtel plan should you choose?

    Bigger plans aren’t always a better value. If you use limited data, a 2GB or 4GB daily allowance may be unnecessary. Similarly, paying extra for Netflix, Apple Music, or other OTT services doesn’t make sense if you rarely use them. Consider your data consumption, required validity, and OTT usage before selecting a plan to avoid overpaying for features you don’t need.

  • Pepeto Presale Surpasses $10.96 Million Amid Strong Ethereum Forecasts

    Pepeto Presale Surpasses $10.96 Million Amid Strong Ethereum Forecasts

    Ethereum-based crypto project Pepeto has announced that its presale has raised over $10.96 million, with the current stage filling faster than earlier ones. The milestone arrives as Ethereum trades near $2,467 and major financial institutions release bullish long-term price targets. Pepeto’s platform focuses on reducing transaction costs, improving cross-chain interoperability, and enhancing token security.

    Ethereum Price Targets Rise

    Standard Chartered forecasts Ethereum reaching $4,000 by end of 2026, $15,000 in 2027, $22,000 in 2028, $30,000 in 2029, and $40,000 by 2030. The bank’s head of digital assets research described 2026 as the ‘year of Ethereum,’ according to Finance Magnates. At current prices, the 2030 target represents a more than 16-fold increase. Ethereum traded below $1 in 2015, per CoinMarketCap.

    ETF inflows further strengthen Ethereum’s market backdrop. U.S. spot ETH funds attracted $697 million between August 17 and 21, followed by $824 million the next week—the largest five-day inflow since the funds launched, according to 247 Wall St.

    Pepeto Expands Platform Features

    Pepeto’s platform includes zero-fee trading, allowing users to apply the full trade amount to each transaction. This feature addresses high gas costs that often make smaller trades uneconomical.

    The project also offers a zero-cost bridge connecting Ethereum, BNB Chain, and Solana, capable of transferring assets across these networks in seconds. Additionally, Pepeto integrates an AI screening system that checks tokens before listing, responding to security concerns after crypto users lost $3.4 billion in 2025, as reported by Cointelegraph citing Chainalysis data.

    SolidProof audited all contracts before the presale opened. Pepeto highlights large wallet positions visible on-chain and repeat participation from earlier buyers. Meanwhile, meme coin communities have been actively sharing and promoting the project, drawing comparisons to early growth around Shiba Inu and Dogecoin.

    The official Pepeto website lists the current presale stage, product roadmap, and participation details. Buyers can review these materials alongside Ethereum forecasts, ETF flow data, and the platform’s stated features.

    Conclusion

    Pepeto’s presale exceeded $10.96 million against a backdrop of positive Ethereum forecasts and strong ETF inflows. The project’s zero-fee trading, cross-chain bridge, AI token screening, and audited contracts aim to address common user pain points. Prospective buyers can explore the roadmap and presale terms on the official website.

  • Bitcoin Miner Jiang Zhuoer Sells Entire BTC Holdings at $77,226; Blockstream Refuses Ransom Demand

    Bitcoin Miner Jiang Zhuoer Sells Entire BTC Holdings at $77,226; Blockstream Refuses Ransom Demand

    Chinese mining pool operator Jiang Zhuoer has liquidated his entire Bitcoin position at $77,226 per BTC, marking a full exit from the cryptocurrency. The move comes amid rising expectations of a Federal Reserve rate hike after stronger-than-expected U.S. Producer Price Index data. Separately, Blockstream has rejected a ransom demand linked to the unauthorized transfer of approximately 4,000 BTC from the Liquid Network, with about 3,400 BTC already returned and 598.5 BTC still outstanding.

    Jiang Exits Bitcoin

    Jiang, founder of the BTC.TOP mining pool, confirmed he sold 100% of his Bitcoin holdings at $77,226. A day earlier, he noted that stronger U.S. Producer Price Index data increased the probability of a Federal Reserve rate hike to 70%. He also predicted that the next Consumer Price Index (CPI) reading would negatively impact markets. Jiang said he could open a short position if market conditions align with his strategy, though it remains unclear whether he will follow through if inflation data further hardens expectations for Fed policy.

    The sale contrasts with Jiang’s previously bullish comments. He had stated he was 90% certain the bear market had ended and expected Ethereum to outperform Bitcoin. He also planned to use remaining reserve funds to buy ETH, but the supplied information does not confirm whether that purchase was completed.

    Blockstream Rejects Ransom

    Blockstream announced it rejected a ransom demand linked to the Bitcoin that was moved without authorization from the Liquid Network. The company stated that the actors have returned approximately 3,400 BTC, leaving around 598.5 BTC outstanding. Blockstream emphasized it would not pay for the return of the Bitcoin or shift recovery costs to users.

    Earlier communications had described the actors as white hats, but Blockstream later rejected that label after the group withheld funds while demanding payment. Blockstream said it engaged in good faith to recover user funds but argued that paying a ransom would set an unacceptable precedent for open-source Bitcoin infrastructure.

    If the remaining funds are not returned, Blockstream plans to pursue lawful recovery channels, including law enforcement, exchanges, service providers, and forensic specialists. The company also highlighted Bitcoin’s public transaction history, which investigators can use to trace transferred assets and support recovery efforts.

    Liquid Accountability Questioned

    A citizen journalist challenged Blockstream’s framing of the dispute as a defense of Bitcoin principles, arguing that Liquid should remain separate from Bitcoin’s base network. The commentator described Liquid as a federated sidechain with an institutional structure and criticized Elements for accepting unbacked L-BTC while federation reserves released BTC. The writer characterized the incident as a sidechain solvency problem after a patch-and-deploy failure and called for greater accountability over the technical failure, while acknowledging that the return of 3,400 BTC reduced the potential impact on users. The commentator referred to the actors as former white hats who later became criminals, though this label is not a legal determination. Blockstream thanked developers and security teams that helped identify and patch weaknesses across related systems and assisted affected users during the incident.

    Conclusion

    Jiang Zhuoer exited Bitcoin at $77,226 after warning that U.S. inflation data could harden Fed policy expectations. Meanwhile, Blockstream rejected a ransom tied to the Liquid Network theft after recovering about 3,400 BTC, with roughly 598.5 BTC still outstanding as the company considers lawful recovery channels.

  • ChatGPT Ad Pricing in India: Minimum Budget, Auction Model, and Real Costs

    ChatGPT Ad Pricing in India: Minimum Budget, Auction Model, and Real Costs

    OpenAI has launched advertising on ChatGPT in India, its second-largest market, with a minimum daily budget of Rs. 725. Sponsored results began appearing to eligible users on August 27, and the self-serve Ads Manager followed on September 4. Any business, from small local brands to large agencies, can now sign up and run campaigns without a managed account or waiting period.

    Ads appear below relevant answers in a conversation, clearly labeled as sponsored and visually separated from ChatGPT’s actual response. OpenAI states that ads do not influence the AI’s output, and advertisers only receive aggregate performance data—never access to chat history or personal conversations. Paid subscription tiers (Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, Education) remain ad-free, so sponsored content only reaches users on the Free and Go plans.

    Pricing operates through an auction system rather than fixed rates. OpenAI uses a relevance-weighted, second-price auction where the winning bid depends on both cost and how well the ad fits the ongoing conversation. Advertisers can choose between CPM, CPC, or conversion-focused campaign goals, with reporting including impressions, clicks, spend, and average cost per click.

    Industry watchers caution that Rs. 725 per day is a technical floor, not a realistic budget for meaningful results. Over 30 days, that minimum totals roughly Rs. 21,750—often insufficient to generate significant clicks or conversions. The actual cost depends on competition, ad relevance, industry category, and customer acquisition value. Since ChatGPT ads are new in India, marketers advise treating early campaigns as tests and judging them by conversion quality rather than comparing directly with established platforms like Meta or Google.

  • Bitcoin Faces Renewed ETF Withdrawals as Price Lingers Near $80,000

    Bitcoin Faces Renewed ETF Withdrawals as Price Lingers Near $80,000

    Bitcoin ETF Outflows Return

    Bitcoin faced fresh institutional selling this week as spot ETF outflows returned while BTC traded near USD 80,000. Reports cited about USD 165 million in withdrawals on September 10 and another USD 120 million on Wednesday. At the same time, Iran eased foreign exchange rules for Bitcoin and Tether use in international trade.

    ETF Outflows Test Bitcoin Recovery

    InteractiveCrypto reported that 2,148 BTC, worth about USD 165 million, left spot Bitcoin ETFs on September 10. Research firm Icrypex separately reported about USD 120 million in ETF outflows on Wednesday.

    Those withdrawals followed a stronger period for institutional demand. Bitcoin rose about 20% over the past month, while the iShares Bitcoin Trust attracted roughly USD 3.5 billion in net inflows during that period.

    The rebound came after the August 19 market washout. Michael Bucella of Neoclassic Capital said forced selling eased, then spot buying and ETF demand improved. Can renewed ETF demand push Bitcoin through the USD 83,000 to USD 86,000 supply zone?

    BTC Momentum Weakens

    Bitcoin remains below the four-hour MA-20 at USD 77,838 and the MA-50 at USD 78,929. The Ichimoku Kijun at USD 77,968 also acts as immediate resistance.

    Meanwhile, BTC remains above the daily MA-200 at USD 70,061. RSI stands at 41.43, while CCI shows modest selling pressure. MACD gives a strong sell signal, and ADX remains neutral.

    Stoch RSI and the Awesome Oscillator also remain neutral. Bull/Bear Power favors sellers, while subdued volatility supports a sideways intraday tone. The current range sits between USD 75,202 and USD 79,229.

    The supplied market assessment assigns a 72% probability to further downside and 28% to an upside break. A drop below support could deepen the retracement. A bullish shift requires stronger momentum above resistance.

    Iran Expands Crypto Trade

    Iran’s central bank relaxed foreign exchange rules on September 11. The change allows domestic businesses to use Bitcoin and Tether for international trade.

    The move expands a regulatory use case for digital assets inside Iran. The report described the immediate global market effect as limited, leaving ETF flows and price structure as stronger near-term Bitcoin drivers.

    Bitcoin still trades about 10% lower in 2026 despite its recent monthly rebound. Bucella said Bitcoin remains healthier than many other crypto assets, while altcoin leverage and open interest require more caution.

    He also noted that overall leverage and open interest resemble levels seen before the October 10, 2025 crash. That event erased USD 19 billion in crypto leverage in one day.

    Grayscale research head Zach Pandl said investors increasingly use crypto within broader portfolio allocation strategies. He linked that trend to diversification, rising bond yields, and concerns around dollar debasement.

    Conclusion

    Bitcoin’s rebound faces renewed pressure as ETF withdrawals return and short-term technical signals remain weak. Still, BTC holds above its daily MA-200 after gaining about 20% in a month. ETF demand, the USD 83,000 to USD 86,000 supply zone, and current support levels remain key market factors.

  • Polkadot (DOT) Price Analysis: Volume Surges Past $226M as Elastic Scaling and Staking Overhaul Drive Market Attention

    Polkadot (DOT) Price Analysis: Volume Surges Past $226M as Elastic Scaling and Staking Overhaul Drive Market Attention

    Polkadot’s DOT token drew renewed market attention after 24-hour trading volume climbed above USD 226 million, while price remained under pressure on September 12. DOT traded at USD 1.0454 on OKX, holding near trendline support after an early-September rally faded.

    Data supplied for September 12 showed DOT still down on the week despite stronger trading activity. Coinglass data also showed longs absorbed almost all liquidations across the 12-hour and 24-hour windows.

    Scaling Boosts Capacity

    BSCN reported that Polkadot’s elastic scaling upgrade lets one parachain use several cores at once. That structure allows a parachain to push up to three blocks into one relay-chain slot.

    Previously, a parachain typically placed one block into each slot. Under the new system, chains can buy extra processing capacity through coretime using DOT, either in bulk or on demand.

    The upgrade moves the main performance constraint toward each chain’s block producers rather than the wider Polkadot network. Meanwhile, volume above USD 226 million showed that trading activity increased.

    DOT Tests Key Support

    DOT traded at USD 1.0454 on the daily DOT/USDT chart at 02:21 UTC-3. Price held just above an ascending trendline and a support area near the 20 EMA. The bullish setup depends first on support at USD 0.9733. A move above USD 1.2773 would open levels at USD 1.6584 and USD 2.0028, according to the supplied chart analysis.

    A close below USD 0.9733 would expose USD 0.9550 and the longer EMA near USD 0.9111. The next lower level sits at USD 0.8114, while USD 2.4032 marks the highest chart resistance.

    Staking Rules Shift Risk

    Polkadot is also advancing a staking redesign through Referendum 1890. The proposal requires every validator to lock at least 10,000 DOT as self-stake before the next phase begins.

    OpenGov showed 100% support in the supplied data, and Polkadot targets May 31 for enactment. Validators that fail to post the required bond risk losing active-set status through chilling.

    After passage, nominators become unslashable, and the unbonding period drops from 28 days to roughly 24 to 48 hours. Validators would then carry direct slashing exposure through self-stake. By mid-June, Polkadot plans to add validator rewards in unlocked DOT tied to self-stake. Those rewards will later carry a one-year vesting period, while the commission model will phase out.

    The redesign follows a March runtime upgrade that introduced the slashable 10,000 DOT self-stake floor and a 10% minimum validator commission. That overhaul also cut annual DOT issuance by 53.6%.

    Polkadot also capped total supply at 2.1 billion tokens under the broader economic reset. Analysts identified USD 0.9733 to USD 1.2773 as the key range to watch this week.

    Conclusion

    DOT’s volume surge and elastic scaling upgrade have renewed attention around Polkadot, while price remains near key support. Referendum 1890 also reshapes staking risk and liquidity. Traders now face a clear range, with USD 0.9733 support and USD 1.2773 resistance defining the next technical test.

  • WhatsApp ‘Boss Scam’ Swindles Ahmedabad Rice Mill Out of Rs. 80 Lakh

    WhatsApp ‘Boss Scam’ Swindles Ahmedabad Rice Mill Out of Rs. 80 Lakh

    An Ahmedabad-based rice mill has fallen victim to a sophisticated cyber fraud, commonly known as the ‘boss scam,’ losing Rs. 80 lakh after a scammer impersonated the company’s owner on WhatsApp.

    According to a police complaint filed by business owner Pradip Ramvani, the fraudster gained access to the accountant Jayesh’s phone by tricking him into installing a malicious file on August 31. The attacker then replaced Ramvani’s genuine contact number with a fake one on the accountant’s phone, using the owner’s photograph as the WhatsApp profile picture to make the deception appear legitimate.

    Posing as Ramvani, the scammer sent a WhatsApp message to Jayesh instructing him to transfer Rs. 80 lakh from the company account to a specified bank account for a purported business payment. Believing the request came from his employer, Jayesh carried out the transfer.

    The fraud was only discovered when the scammer demanded an additional Rs. 30 lakh. Suspicious, Jayesh spoke directly with Ramvani, and both realized the payment instruction had originated from an unknown number. They then found the malicious file on Jayesh’s phone.

    Police have launched an investigation, tracing the unknown WhatsApp number and the beneficiary bank account. They are also examining how the phone was compromised. The case highlights the growing threat of ‘boss scams,’ where cybercriminals impersonate senior officials to trick employees into authorizing fraudulent payments.

    Authorities have advised businesses to implement strict verification protocols for financial transactions and to educate employees about such social engineering attacks.

  • Bank FD vs. Post Office Deposits: Which Offers Better Returns in 2026?

    Bank FD vs. Post Office Deposits: Which Offers Better Returns in 2026?

    When deciding where to park your savings, the interest rate is only part of the story. Government-backed schemes sometimes offer higher returns, but they often require locking your money away for longer. A recent comparison by entrepreneur Prafull Billore highlights how small rate differences and access to funds can shape the right choice.

    Post Office vs. SBI: The Rate Gap

    For the quarter ending September 30, 2026, the Post Office one-year Time Deposit offers an annual interest rate of 6.90%. In comparison, the State Bank of India (SBI) offers 6.25% a year to general customers on retail domestic deposits below Rs 3 crore for a tenure of one year to less than two years. That is a difference of 0.65 percentage points.

    For senior citizens, the gap narrows. SBI offers them 6.75% on the same tenure, making the Post Office rate just 0.15 percentage point higher.

    Convenience and Access Matter

    Looking only at returns, the Post Office deposit may seem more attractive. But convenience plays a key role. Many bank customers can open, renew, or close fixed deposits through mobile or internet banking, depending on the bank’s terms. Post Office deposits may suit investors who are comfortable managing their savings in a separate account and do not need frequent access to the funds.

    SCSS: Higher Rate, Longer Lock-in

    The Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS) currently offers 8.2% a year. That is significantly higher than both SBI and Post Office products. However, SCSS carries a five-year tenure, which makes it very different from a one-year deposit. Senior citizens who may need the money sooner for medical costs, household expenses, or other short-term needs should review the scheme’s withdrawal conditions before investing.

    Billore noted that investors could keep funds for immediate use in liquid options and consider Post Office schemes for money that can remain invested. The comparison shows that a higher rate does not always mean easier access to savings.

    Which Option Should You Choose?

    Bank FDs, Post Office Time Deposits, and SCSS serve different savings needs. A bank FD may offer easier access for people who already manage their money through the same bank. A Post Office deposit may provide a slightly better return for the same general tenure. SCSS offers a much higher rate, but its longer tenure changes the comparison.

    Before deciding, check the premature withdrawal rules, tenure, and access to funds. The best-paying option may not always be the most suitable one. The choice depends on how soon you may need the money, the interest rate available, and the conditions attached to the deposit.