The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index saw a loss of 0.98%, or 19.56 points, settling at 1,972.14 points at the close of trading today, following a loss of 14.81 points in the previous session.
At the opening level of 1,992.37, the trading day experienced fluctuations as the index initially peaked at an intraday high matching the opening figure before sliding down to an intraday low of 1,967.39.
With a bustling trading environment, 315 different stocks were exchanged in 40,912 transactions. The total volume of shares traded stood at 5,344,613, reflecting a total turnover of Rs. 2.09 Arba. The market capitalization closed at Rs. 31.27 Kharba, with a float market capitalization of Rs. 10.58 Kharba.
Gurkhas Finance Ltd. (GUFL) emerged as the highlight of the day with a turnover of Rs. 17.82 Crore, closing at a market price of Rs. 820.00.
Similarly, Khanikhola Hydropower Co. Ltd. (KKHC) showed the highest gain of 7.94%, followed by Pokhara Finance Ltd. (PFL) with a gain of 6.21%.
Conversely, Ru Ru Jalbidhyut Pariyojana Limited (RURU) faced a decline, losing 9.99% to close at Rs. 504.70.
In terms of sector indices, all the sectors closed in red today. The “Manufacturing And Processing Index” saw the highest loss of 1.54%, while the “Mutual Fund Index” saw the least loss of 0.22%.
Title: Ethereum: Revolutionizing Decentralized Applications and Smart Contracts
Abstract
Ethereum, a decentralized blockchain platform, has emerged as a pioneering force in the realm of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. Founded in 2013 by Vitalik Buterin and a team of visionaries, Ethereum introduced the concept of smart contracts, enabling the deployment of decentralized applications (dApps) with unprecedented versatility. This article delves into the history, design, and milestones of Ethereum, highlighting its transition from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, its role in the burgeoning decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem, and the advent of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and the ERC-20 token standard. Moreover, it explores Ethereum 2.0 and its implications for scalability and energy efficiency, cementing Ethereum’s position as a transformative force in the digital landscape.
1. Introduction
Ethereum, the brainchild of Vitalik Buterin and a consortium of innovative minds, represents a paradigm shift in blockchain technology. With its inception in 2013, Ethereum introduced a groundbreaking platform for deploying decentralized applications and executing smart contracts. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Ethereum’s journey, from its founding principles to its recent advancements and future prospects.
2. Founding and Development (2013–2014)
In late 2013, Vitalik Buterin outlined the concept of Ethereum in a white paper, proposing a platform for building decentralized applications beyond cryptocurrencies. Collaborating with luminaries such as Gavin Wood, Charles Hoskinson, and Joseph Lubin, Buterin laid the groundwork for Ethereum’s development. The Ethereum Foundation, established in 2014, spearheaded the formalization of Ethereum’s protocol, culminating in a successful crowdfunding campaign. The platform’s launch in July 2015 marked a pivotal moment in blockchain history, heralding the era of programmable money and decentralized finance.
3. Launch and Evolution (2014–2016)
Following its launch, Ethereum underwent a series of protocol upgrades, enhancing its functionality and security. The infamous DAO event in 2016, while contentious, underscored Ethereum’s resilience and community-driven ethos. Despite the subsequent split into Ethereum and Ethereum Classic, the platform continued to evolve, attracting developers and enterprises alike.
4. Decentralized Finance (DeFi) and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)
The rise of decentralized finance (DeFi) applications on Ethereum has revolutionized traditional finance, offering users access to a myriad of financial instruments without intermediaries. Concurrently, the advent of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) has unlocked new frontiers in digital ownership and creativity, with projects like CryptoKitties captivating global audiences.
5. Ethereum 2.0 and Beyond
Ethereum’s transition to Ethereum 2.0 represents a watershed moment in its evolution, promising scalability, security, and sustainability. The shift to proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, coupled with execution sharding, holds the key to addressing Ethereum’s scalability challenges while reducing its energy footprint. With ongoing upgrades and community-driven initiatives, Ethereum is poised to remain at the forefront of blockchain innovation.
6. Design and Architecture
Delving into Ethereum’s architecture, this section explores the intricacies of its virtual machine, gas mechanism, and account system. From the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) to smart contracts and transaction processing, Ethereum’s design principles underpin its functionality and versatility, laying the foundation for a decentralized future.
7. Impact and Future Implications
As Ethereum continues to evolve, its impact reverberates across industries, from finance to gaming, art, and beyond. The proliferation of dApps, DeFi protocols, and NFT marketplaces underscores Ethereum’s role as a catalyst for innovation and disruption. Looking ahead, Ethereum’s journey is characterized by endless possibilities, as it navigates the complexities of scalability, interoperability, and mainstream adoption.
8. Conclusion
In conclusion, Ethereum stands as a testament to the transformative power of blockchain technology. From its humble beginnings to its current stature as a global platform for decentralized innovation, Ethereum has defied expectations and reshaped the digital landscape. As it embarks on the next phase of its journey, Ethereum remains a beacon of hope for a more inclusive, transparent, and decentralized future.
References
[1] Buterin, V. (2013). Ethereum: A Next-Generation Smart Contract and Decentralized Application Platform.
[2] Ethereum Foundation. (2024). Ethereum 2.0: The Future of Decentralized Finance.
[3] Wood, G., Hoskinson, C., Lubin, J., Di Iorio, A., & Buterin, V. (2014). The Founding of Ethereum: A Retrospective Analysis.
[4] Nakamoto, S. (2008). Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System.
[5] Szabo, N. (1994). Smart Contracts: Building Blocks for Digital Markets.
Title: The Evolution of Bitcoin: From Concept to Global Phenomenon
Bitcoin, denoted as BTC and symbolized by ₿, emerged in 2008 as the pioneer of decentralized cryptocurrencies. Its underlying technology, blockchain, facilitates peer-to-peer transactions verified by network nodes, sans central authority. The genesis block, mined by the elusive Satoshi Nakamoto in 2009, marked the beginning of this revolutionary financial system. Despite skepticism from academia, Bitcoin flourished, attracting early adopters like Hal Finney and paving the way for the first commercial transaction: the legendary 10,000 BTC purchase of two pizzas by Laszlo Hanyecz in 2010.
In its formative years (2010-2012), Bitcoin faced challenges and witnessed milestones. Nakamoto’s departure left Gavin Andresen at the helm, leading to the establishment of the Bitcoin Foundation in 2012. Meanwhile, Bitcoin found an early niche in illicit markets like the Silk Road, showcasing its potential for anonymous transactions.
The ensuing period (2013-2014) brought regulatory scrutiny and market turbulence. Authorities grappled with Bitcoin’s decentralized nature, issuing guidelines and seizing assets from unregistered exchanges like Mt. Gox. China’s crackdown in 2013 sparked volatility, underscoring Bitcoin’s susceptibility to geopolitical events.
From 2015 to 2019, Bitcoin matured amidst growing adoption and technological advancements. SegWit, activated in 2017, aimed to enhance scalability, while the introduction of Bitcoin futures by the CME heralded mainstream financial integration. However, regulatory hurdles persisted, exemplified by China’s trading ban in 2018, dampening market sentiment.
The past few years (2020-present) have witnessed a paradigm shift in Bitcoin’s perception and utility. Institutional investors like MicroStrategy and PayPal embraced Bitcoin, propelling its market capitalization to unprecedented heights. Regulatory milestones, such as El Salvador’s adoption of Bitcoin as legal tender, underscored its evolving role in global finance.
Amidst these developments, Bitcoin grappled with scalability and decentralization challenges. The Lightning Network emerged as a potential solution, mitigating network congestion and fees. However, concerns over mining centralization and environmental impact lingered, prompting calls for sustainable solutions.
Bitcoin’s journey embodies the convergence of technology, economics, and ideology. From a fringe concept to a global phenomenon, it continues to redefine financial paradigms, challenging traditional institutions and inspiring a new wave of innovation.
As Bitcoin navigates the complexities of regulation and scalability, its resilience and adaptability underscore its enduring significance in the ever-evolving landscape of finance.
BlackRock, Inc. is the world’s largest asset manager, boasting $10 trillion in assets under management as of December 31, 2023. Founded in 1988 by Larry Fink and several others, including Robert S. Kapito and Susan Wagner, BlackRock initially focused on providing asset management services with a risk management perspective. It quickly grew, aided by investments from Peter Peterson of The Blackstone Group, and by 1992, it was managing $17 billion in assets. The firm, initially known as Blackstone Financial Management, later adopted the name BlackRock.
In 1999, BlackRock went public, listing on the New York Stock Exchange. Over the years, it expanded both organically and through acquisitions, notably merging with Merrill’s Investment Managers division in 2006 and acquiring State Street Research & Management’s holding company in 2004.
BlackRock’s commitment to innovation is evident in its launch of BlackRock Solutions in 2000, which evolved into a comprehensive analytics and risk management division. The firm continued its expansion through acquisitions, such as FutureAdvisor in 2015 and eFront in 2019.
In 2010, BlackRock made a significant move by acquiring Barclays Global Investors, including its exchange-traded fund business, iShares, for $13.5 billion. This acquisition propelled BlackRock to the forefront of the ETF market.
BlackRock’s global presence is vast, with 78 offices in 38 countries and clients in 100 countries. It manages the iShares group of exchange-traded funds and is considered one of the Big Three index fund managers, alongside The Vanguard Group and State Street.
Despite its success, BlackRock has faced criticism for its investment practices, particularly regarding environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) issues. It has been scrutinized for investing in companies involved in fossil fuels, the arms industry, and human rights violations, while also promoting gender diversity and reducing investments in companies contributing to climate change and gun violence.
In recent years, BlackRock has played a significant role in global financial markets, managing corporate bond-buying programs for the Federal Reserve in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and pioneering the launch of spot Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
In terms of finances, BlackRock’s revenue and assets under management have seen steady growth over the years, reflecting its position as a leading asset manager on the global stage. Additionally, the company has been active in mergers and acquisitions, including the recent acquisition of Global Infrastructure Partners for $12.5 billion in January 2024.
Laurence Douglas Fink was born on November 2, 1952, into a Jewish family in Van Nuys, California. His parents were Lila, an English professor, and Frederick, a shoe store owner. Fink earned a BA in political science from UCLA in 1974 and later pursued an MBA in real estate at the UCLA Anderson School of Management, graduating in 1976.
Career Beginnings
Fink commenced his career in 1976 at First Boston, a New York-based investment bank, where he specialized in mortgage-backed securities trading. He quickly rose through the ranks, eventually managing the firm’s bond department and spearheading initiatives such as the Financial Futures and Options Department. However, his tenure at First Boston faced a setback in 1986 when his department incurred losses of $100 million due to an incorrect interest rate prediction.
In 1988, Fink co-founded BlackRock under the umbrella of The Blackstone Group. Despite facing challenges, including a significant loss in his previous role, Fink’s vision for a company that combined investment management with comprehensive risk management propelled BlackRock’s success. The company split from Blackstone in 1994, with Fink assuming the role of director and CEO. Under his leadership, BlackRock went public in 1999, marking a significant milestone in its growth trajectory.
Expansion and Challenges
Throughout the 2000s, Fink navigated BlackRock through periods of expansion and challenges. Notable milestones during this time included the merger with Merrill Lynch Investment Managers in 2006, which doubled BlackRock’s asset management portfolio. However, challenges such as the default of the Stuyvesant Town–Peter Cooper Village housing complex deal in Manhattan led to losses for BlackRock clients.
Influence and Recognition
Fink’s influence extended beyond the financial sector, with his involvement in negotiating the resignation of the CEO of the New York Stock Exchange, Richard Grasso, in 2003. He also played a pivotal role in aiding the U.S. government’s recovery efforts after the 2008 financial crisis. Fink’s leadership garnered recognition, including the ABANA Achievement Award in 2016 and a place on the Forbes list of The World’s Most Powerful People in 2018.
Community Involvement and Advocacy
Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Fink is actively involved in various philanthropic endeavors and serves on the boards of several organizations, including New York University and the Robin Hood Foundation. He has been vocal about corporate responsibility, advocating for corporations to address environmental, social, and political issues. Fink’s calls for action have been met with both praise and criticism, particularly regarding BlackRock’s investments in certain industries.
Personal Life and Public Perception
Fink is married to Lori Weider, his high-school sweetheart, and they have three children. He is a supporter of the Democratic Party and owns properties in New York, Colorado, and North Salem, New York. Despite his philanthropic efforts and advocacy for corporate responsibility, Fink has faced scrutiny, particularly regarding BlackRock’s investments in industries such as defense. However, he remains committed to advocating for positive societal change, including addressing climate change.
काठमाडौँ — युक्रेनी प्रधानमन्त्री डेनिस सामिहालले यदि युक्रेन रुससँग पराजित भएमा विश्वले तेस्रो विश्वयुद्धको सामना गर्नुपर्ने चेतावनी दिएका छन् । अमेरिकी संसद्मा वैदेशिक अनुदानसम्बन्धी विधेयकमाथि मतदान हुनुअघि युक्रेनी प्रधानमन्त्रीले यस्तो चेतावनी दिएका हुन् । वासिङ्टन डीसीमा बीबीसीसँगको कुराकानीमा युक्रेनी प्रधानमन्त्री सामिहालले अमेरिकी कंग्रेसले वैदेशिक अनुदानसम्बन्धी विधेयक पारित गर्नुपर्ने बताएका हुन् । अमेरिकी सांसद ‘निकै विवादास्पद’ मानिएको किभलाई ६१ अर्ब अमेरिकी डलर सहायता दिनेसम्बन्धी विधेयकको पक्षमा उभिनेमा आफू आशावादी रहेकोसमेत प्रधानमन्त्री सामिहालले बताएका छन् ।
उक्त विधेयकमाथि यही शनिबार अमेरिकी संसद्को तल्लो सदन हाउस अफ रिप्रेजेन्टेटिभ्समा मतदान हुँदैछ । उक्त प्रस्तावित विधेयकमा इजरायल र एसिया प्रशान्त क्षेत्रलाई सहयोगसमेत समेटिएको छ । बीबीसीसँगको कुराकानीमा युक्रेनी प्रधानमन्त्री सामिहालले भनेका छन्, ‘हामीलाई हिजो चाहिएको थियो पैसा । भोलिलाई होइन, आजलाई पनि होइन ।’
रुससँगको युद्धमा युक्रेन पराजित भएमा अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय सुरक्षा व्यवस्था नै ध्वस्त हुनेसमेत उनको चेतावनी छ । ‘यदि हामीलाई बचाँइदैन भने युक्रेन हार्नेछ । यसले अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय सुरक्षा व्यवस्था पनि ध्वस्त हुनेछ । विश्वको सुरक्षाका लागि नयाँ व्यवस्था आवश्यक हुनेछ । फेरि नयाँ तनाव उत्पन्न हुन सक्छ । यस्ता थुप्रै युद्धहरू हुन सक्नेछन् । यो घटना तेस्रो विश्वयुद्धको बाटोमा अगाडि बढ्नेछ ।’
युक्रेनले यसअघि पनि रुससँग पराजित भएमा तेस्रो युद्ध हुने चेतावनी दिँदै आएको छ । गत वर्ष राष्ट्रपति भ्लोदोमिर जेलेन्स्कीले रुसले युद्ध जितेमा पोल्यान्डमाथि आक्रमण गर्ने र तेस्रो विश्वयुद्ध हुने बताएका थिए ।
नेपाल धितोपत्र बोर्ड अध्यक्ष विहीन भएको अवस्थामा अर्थ मन्त्रालयबाट प्रतिनिधित्व गर्ने सदस्यले अध्यक्षको भूमिका निर्वाह गर्ने भएका छन्। धितोपत्र ऐन २०६३ लाई संशोधन गर्दै उक्त व्यवस्था गरिएको हो। जुन कानुन राजपत्रमा समेत प्रकाशित भइसकेको छ।
“सम्पत्ति शुद्धीकरण (मनि लाउण्डरिङ्ग) निवारण तथा व्यावसायिक वातावरण प्रवर्द्धन सम्बन्धी केही ऐनलाई संशोधन गर्ने ऐन, २०८०” गत चैत ३० मा प्रकाशित भएको हो। उक्त ऐन मार्फत एकै पटक २० वटा ऐन संशोधन भएका छन्। जसमा धितोपत्र बोर्ड सम्बन्धी ऐन २०६३ पनि संशोधन भएको छ। सोही संशोधित ऐनले अर्थ मन्त्रालयबाट बोर्डमा प्रतिनिधित्व गर्ने सदस्यले अध्यक्षको भूमिका निर्वाह गर्ने भनेको छ। धितोपत्र सम्बन्धी ऐन २०६३ को दफा ७ को उपदफा ७ पछि उपदफा ८ थप्दै उक्त व्यवस्था गरिएको हो।
“यस ऐनमा अन्यत्र जुनसुकै कुरा लेखिएको भए तापनि अध्यक्षको पद रिक्त भएमा, उपदफा ७ बमोजिम नेपाल सरकारले निजलाई पदबाट हटाएमा वा निज निलम्बनमा परि बोर्डको कामकाज गर्न नमिल्ने भएमा बोर्डमा अर्थ मन्त्रालयबाट प्रतिनिधित्व गर्ने सदस्यले बोर्डको अध्यक्षको हैसियतमा काम गर्ने छ,” उपदफा ८ मा उल्लेख छ।
ऐन राजपत्रमा प्रकाशित भइसकेको छ। उक्त अवस्थामा बोर्डमा अध्यक्षको हैसियतले अर्थ मन्त्रालयबाट प्रतिनिधित्व गर्ने सदस्यले अध्यक्षको हैसियतले काम गर्ने धितोपत्र बोर्डका कार्यकारी निर्देशक तथा प्रवक्ता मुक्तिनाथ श्रेष्ठले बताए। अहिले अर्थ मन्त्रालयको तर्फबाट सहसचिव रितेश शाक्यले बोर्डमा सदस्यको भूमिका निर्वाह गर्दै आएका छन्। शाक्यले नै आगामी दिनमा बोर्ड अध्यक्षको भूमिका निर्वाह गर्ने छन्। उक्त ऐन आउनु पूर्व अर्थ मन्त्रालयले बोर्ड कै बरिष्ठतम् कार्यकारी निर्देशक डा. नवराज अधिकारीलाई दैनिक कामकाजको जिम्मा दिएको थियो।
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The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index saw a loss of 0.98%, or 19.56 points, settling at 1,972.14 points at the close of trading today, following a loss of 14.81 points in the previous session.
Ethereum’s transition to Ethereum 2.0 represents a watershed moment in its evolution, promising scalability, security, and sustainability. The shift to proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, coupled with execution sharding, holds the key to addressing Ethereum’s scalability challenges while reducing its energy footprint. With ongoing upgrades and community-driven initiatives, Ethereum is poised to remain at the forefront of blockchain innovation.
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