economy 8 - The Latremie Post

Escape from Duckov: How to get and use gems

Gems in Escape from Duckov: A Comprehensive Guide

Gems in Escape from Duckov introduce an additional layer to the game’s loot and weapon systems. They possess the real ability to enhance your close-combat weapons and can provide significant advantages during fights if used correctly. However, gems are uncommon to find and come at a high cost. Learning their locations and the proper methods to use them becomes essential for maximizing their potential.

Note: This article is a work in progress. More information will be added later.

How to Get Gems in Escape from Duckov

Gems are rare but can be found if you know where to look. During scavenging runs, you might occasionally spot gems as high-value loot drops, especially in secure or high-risk areas. It’s worthwhile to check every chest, crate, and enemy drop carefully, since the game does not give them out generously.

A more reliable way to obtain gems is through the Black Market Contact located inside your hideout. This NPC sells some of the rarer gems, including the coveted Gold Badge, but be prepared to spend a significant amount of in-game currency. If you’re saving up for a special upgrade, the Black Market is one of the few consistent methods to acquire specific gems without relying solely on luck.

How to Use Gems in Escape from Duckov

Gems can be slotted into melee weapons that have modification slots. Not every weapon supports gems, but weapons like the Goose Axe do. To equip a gem, simply drag and drop it onto a melee weapon with an open gem slot.

Once equipped, the gem provides a direct stat boost, transforming an ordinary melee weapon into a powerful backup tool — or even a main weapon if you prefer close combat.

What Do Gem Effects Do?

Each gem offers unique bonuses, but the Gold Badge stands out as one of the most powerful. Equipping the Gold Badge boosts your melee damage by 10%, increases your critical hit chance by 10%, and adds a 100% bleed effect to your attacks. This bleed effect can quickly tear through tougher enemies if you consistently land hits.

Given how strong these boosts are, it’s wise to keep a gem-equipped melee weapon handy for emergencies. Even if you mainly rely on guns, a powered-up melee weapon can be a lifesaver when you run out of ammo or when enemies close in too quickly.

More Game Guides You May Like

https://www.sportskeeda.com/esports/escape-duckov-how-get-use-gems

ASIC Confirms Stablecoins and Tokenised Assets Fall Under Financial Law

**Regulator Grants No-Action Period for Crypto Firms Until June 2026**

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has introduced a sector-wide no-action position for crypto firms, effective until June 30, 2026. During this period, ASIC will not take enforcement action against unlicensed providers who are making genuine efforts to comply with existing financial regulations. This temporary relief offers stability to the sector as firms adjust ahead of future legislative reforms.

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### Temporary Relief for Stablecoin and Wrapped Token Distributors

ASIC also plans to provide temporary relief for distributors of stablecoins, wrapped tokens, and custodians of digital assets that qualify as financial products. The regulator is currently seeking public feedback on these draft relief measures until November 12, 2025.

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### Clarifying How Financial Laws Apply to Digital Assets

This update from ASIC clarifies how current financial laws apply to various digital assets, aiming to give investors stronger protections and provide firms with clearer regulatory guidelines.

ASIC’s new guidance confirms that stablecoins, wrapped tokens, tokenised securities, and digital asset wallets are considered financial products under existing laws. Consequently, many providers offering these products will need to hold a financial services licence to operate legally.

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### ASIC Commissioner Comments

ASIC Commissioner Alan Kirkland highlighted the significance of distributed ledger technology and tokenisation in transforming global finance. He emphasized that ASIC’s guidance provides much-needed clarity, allowing firms to operate confidently within the law. Kirkland also noted that licensing ensures consumers have legal protections and enables ASIC to take action against misconduct that harms the market or consumers.

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### Public Consultation and Past Behaviour Considerations

In addition to the no-action position, ASIC released a summary of industry feedback from Consultation Paper 381, which focused on digital asset financial products and services. The feedback has helped shape the current guidance, including the proposed relief measures.

While the no-action position provides some leniency, ASIC affirmed that it will continue to take action against serious misconduct or practices causing significant consumer harm. The regulator will also consider the no-action position when evaluating past behaviour from firms in this space.

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### About ASIC

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is Australia’s primary regulator for corporate, markets, financial services, and consumer credit. Established under the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act of 2001, ASIC is empowered to facilitate, regulate, and enforce Australian financial laws. It was initially formed as the Australian Securities Commission based on the 1989 ASC Act.

—

### About the Author

**Tareq Sikder**
A Forex technical analyst and financial writer with 12 years of experience, Tareq Sikder has authored over 1,800 articles covering the latest developments in finance and cryptocurrency.

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https://www.financemagnates.com/cryptocurrency/asic-confirms-stablecoins-and-tokenised-assets-fall-under-financial-law/

Big layoffs at Amazon, big implications for Seattle’s economy

**Amazon Announces Major Corporate Layoffs Amid Industry-Wide Cutbacks**

*Posted by algore*

Seattle-based retail giant Amazon has confirmed it will cut approximately 14,000 corporate jobs, with employees beginning to receive layoff notices starting Tuesday. The exact number of positions affected in Washington state remains unclear.

Nick Pasion, a reporter for the Puget Sound Business Journal who covers big tech, shared insights from Amazon employees who say their managers are remaining tight-lipped. However, “there is a palpable sense of fear within the company,” as many are concerned about the possibility of being impacted personally or seeing friends lose their jobs.

Amazon employs about 350,000 corporate workers globally, making the potential reduction of up to 14,000 jobs a substantial cut. Todd Bishop, co-founder of GeekWire, highlighted the magnitude: “If you’re talking about up to 30,000 cuts globally, that’s a pretty significant portion.”

While Amazon has yet to confirm the layoffs publicly or provide an official reason, some analysts suggest the moves may be part of post-pandemic downsizing efforts. According to Pasion, “Amazon notoriously overhired during the pandemic, increasing headcount by tens of thousands.” The company has already taken steps to correct this, laying off 27,000 employees across 2022 and 2023.

An emerging theory is that Amazon is shifting focus to reinvest in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. “Data centers, chips, power — these are incredibly expensive to build and maintain,” said Pasion. “Many companies are diverting free cash flow into AI infrastructure and hiring high-paid AI scientists to develop internal models.”

Amazon is not alone in facing tech industry layoffs. Microsoft, another Puget Sound-area giant, has cut 15,000 positions globally this year.

—

**Microsoft Faces Political Backlash Over Visa Program Amid Layoffs**

Vice President J.D. Vance publicly criticized Microsoft for recent job cuts juxtaposed with continued applications for H-1B work visas. “I don’t want companies to fire 9,000 American workers and then say they can’t find workers in America,” Vance declared.

Former White House advisor Steve Bannon echoed these concerns, calling for a halt to all visa programs during widespread layoffs.

Social media users have amplified the controversy by noting reports that Microsoft filed over 14,000 H-1B visa requests in 2025, fueling outrage over perceived exploitation of the visa system despite significant workforce reductions.

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*Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the views of Free Republic or its management.*

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https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/4349323/posts

china Digital Pathology Market Sector in Transition: Assessing Risk, Resilience, and Policy Disruption

**Digital Pathology Market Outlook**
**Base Year:** 2024
**Forecast Period:** 2025-2035

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### Market Overview

The primary aim of this report is to provide in-depth industry data to assist decision-makers in making critical investment decisions, while also identifying potential changes and gaps within the Digital Pathology Market. To achieve this, the research examines the market’s historical development and provides geographical forecasts. Furthermore, the report highlights emerging technologies, technological innovations, and technical advancements shaping the industry.

An in-depth analysis of sales volume, market share, revenue, competitive landscape, and SWOT analysis is presented to help readers gain a comprehensive understanding of the Digital Pathology industry.

—

### Key Industry Insights

This research covers various aspects including market types, major players, on-premises availability, and applications. It extensively reviews the Digital Pathology Market’s key product categories, application areas, and significant market segments. Growth projections for each segment throughout the forecast period are also provided.

Additionally, the report discusses the critical features expected to emerge during the forecast period and their potential impacts on market growth.

For a detailed analysis, you can access a **free sample copy** of the report, which includes an overview, table of contents, regional analysis, top players, revenue analysis, and research methodology.

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### Top Key Companies in the Digital Pathology Market

– Omnyx LLC
– 3DHISTECH Ltd.
– Definiens AG
– Olympus Corporation
– GE Healthcare Inc.
– Leica Biosystems Nussloch Gmbh
– Philips Healthcare Informatics Inc.
– Ventana Medical Systems Inc.
– Objective Pathology Services Limited
– Hamamatsu Photonics K. K.

—

### Market Scope and Growth Analysis

The Digital Pathology Market is rapidly expanding, driven by the increasing demand for data-driven decision-making across various industries. Its scope spans key sectors including healthcare, technology, retail, and finance, offering valuable insights into consumer behavior, market trends, and competitive dynamics.

The global market is projected to witness significant growth fueled by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, and digital tools that enable more accurate and real-time insights. The rise of emerging markets and the growing adoption of online research methods also contribute to the market’s expansion, positioning digital pathology as an essential element of modern business strategies and innovation.

—

### Competitive Landscape

The report delivers detailed information on key companies’ strategic initiatives, supply-demand analysis, and market share growth within the Digital Pathology Market. Leading players are thoroughly examined from multiple perspectives including financial health, production volume, product portfolio, and company profiling.

Additionally, their business strategies, SWOT analyses, revenue streams, product innovations, and other valuable insights are covered. Companies employ various strategies such as partnerships, collaborations, mergers and acquisitions, and new product launches to maintain and expand their market presence.

Geographical market characteristics and contemporary industry regulations are also discussed, supported by visual aids such as maps, bar graphs, and pie charts to enhance comprehension.

—

### Additional Market Insights

This report also covers market trends, sales channel research, upstream raw material analysis, and downstream demand analysis. It evaluates whether specific products are likely to be profitable, aiding industry participants in formulating business strategies and launching new offerings within the Digital Pathology Market.

—

### Market Segmentation

The segmentation analysis highlights the sectors with the largest market shares. Forecasts are provided for 2025-2035 with 2024 as the base year, focusing on the following categories:

– **By Technology:**
– Whole Slide Imaging
– Telepathology (Static and Dynamic)

– **By Application:**
– Drug Discovery and Development
– Academic Research
– Disease Diagnosis

– **By End User:**
– Hospitals
– Private Clinics
– Diagnostic Labs
– Research Centers

– **By Region:**
– North America
– Europe
– Asia-Pacific
– Latin America
– Middle East and Africa

—

### Market Highlights

– Comprehensive coverage of all Digital Pathology Market segments.
– Competitive analysis of key players focusing on portfolios and regional expansion strategies.
– Detailed geographical distribution and market dynamics.
– Identification of emerging trends and market opportunities.

—

### Top Winning Strategies

– Strategic collaborations and partnerships
– Mergers and acquisitions
– New product launches and innovation
– Regional expansion

—

### Unique Insights Offered by This Report

This detailed report addresses critical questions, including:

– How large is the sales opportunity?
– Which regions present the best sales prospects?
– What are the most attractive market segments?
– Who are the top players, and how are they positioned?
– What is the complexity of the business environment?
– What key factors are influencing market growth?

—

### About Prophecy Market Insights

Prophecy Market Insights is a leading market research service provider, known for delivering insightful and actionable reports across multiple industries. With a team of experienced analysts and researchers, the company offers accurate and reliable market intelligence to help businesses make informed decisions and maintain a competitive edge.

The research reports from Prophecy Market Insights cover industry trends, market sizes, growth opportunities, competitive landscapes, and more. The company remains committed to delivering high-quality research services tailored to help clients achieve their strategic goals.

—

### Contact Information

**Prophecy Market Insights**
Website: [Insert Website URL]
US Toll-Free: +1 689-305-3270

—

**Download the PDF Report Brochure** to access the complete list of key players and detailed market information.
https://www.prnewsreleaser.com/news/117576

OpenAI signs deal with PayPal to let users link wallets to ChatGPT for transactions

It appears that ChatGPT will soon make it easier for users with PayPal accounts to buy and sell products and services through the platform. PayPal and OpenAI have announced the signing of a partnership that will allow users to link their PayPal wallets directly to ChatGPT.

This integration and its associated benefits are expected to go live in early 2026. PayPal shared details of the collaboration in a press release published on its newsroom website earlier this week.

As part of the deal, PayPal will adopt the “Agentic Commerce Protocol (ACP)” to connect its payment and commerce system to ChatGPT. This move will enable merchants who use ChatGPT to sell goods and services to seamlessly link their PayPal accounts for transactions.

Moreover, PayPal will integrate its merchant network with ChatGPT, allowing small businesses and brands to conduct transactional business directly within the platform. This integration represents a significant opportunity for PayPal to expand its merchant and commerce markets into a vibrant and active ecosystem.

PayPal President and CEO Alex Chriss highlighted the potential impact of this partnership, emphasizing its importance for the company’s growth and innovation strategies.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146549/openai-paypal-deal-wallet-chatgpt

OpenAI non-profit org restructures with majority stake in for-profit business

OpenAI has completed a significant restructuring, dividing the company into two distinct entities: a non-profit called the OpenAI Foundation and a for-profit called OpenAI Group PBC.

Microsoft, which has made AI a key focus across its products and services, currently owns 27 percent of OpenAI’s for-profit business. This corporate restructuring was announced in a recent blog post by OpenAI.

The non-profit OpenAI Foundation has committed $25 billion toward advancements in health and minimizing the risks associated with AI. Additionally, the non-profit holds approximately $130 billion in equity stakes in OpenAI’s for-profit arm. As Bret Taylor, Chair of the OpenAI Board of Directors, explains, “The more OpenAI succeeds as a company, the more the non-profit’s equity stake will be worth, which the non-profit will use to fund its philanthropic work.”

In a separate update, OpenAI detailed its ongoing relationship with Microsoft, which began in 2019. Microsoft supported the creation of OpenAI’s for-profit division, and its $135 billion stake represents 27% ownership of the company’s shares.

This restructuring aligns with OpenAI’s mission to balance innovative AI development with responsible stewardship and philanthropic goals.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146547/open-ai-corporate-restructure-non-profit

These States Lose Most If Federal Food Aid Runs Out

Large states stand to lose the most federal funding, but a higher percentage of the population receives food assistance in some smaller states.

More than 41 million Americans won’t receive federal help buying groceries in November unless Congress reopens the government. “The well has run dry,” the Department of Agriculture wrote on its website on October 27. The department oversees the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which serves about 12 percent of the U.S. population.

The government shutdown began on October 1 after the Senate failed to advance a stopgap funding resolution introduced by Republicans. This resolution would have temporarily funded the government while Congress completed the 2026 spending legislation. Nearly all Democrats have rejected the measure until Republicans agree on proposals to extend health care funding expiring at the end of the year. Republicans contend that those negotiations should happen within the context of regular spending talks, not as a condition for reopening the government.

### States Receiving the Most SNAP Funding

SNAP funding totaled more than $7.8 billion in May 2025, the last month for which data is available. Nearly half of all SNAP funds went to seven large-population states that month.

– **California** received the largest share at more than $1 billion, about 13 percent of the total.
– **New York** received $647 million.
– **Texas** received $614 million.
– Other top recipients included Florida ($536 million), Illinois ($368 million), Pennsylvania ($368 million), and Ohio ($356 million).

Together, these seven states received 49 percent of the food assistance benefits in May 2025 and served approximately 49 percent of all SNAP recipients.

Total SNAP spending reached $99.8 billion in fiscal year 2024. Now, states are preparing for the possibility of no SNAP funding in November.

### Concerns and Warnings from States

A New York State Department of Social Services website carries this warning:
“Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, November SNAP benefits may be delayed. SNAP benefits cannot be issued for November unless the federal government shutdown ends or other federal action provides necessary funding.” The site promised those receiving assistance an update by November 1.

California Governor Gavin Newsom warned residents on October 20 that food assistance funds would likely be delayed in November if the shutdown lasted beyond October 23.

The ongoing stalemate in Washington threatens millions of Americans who rely on SNAP benefits to put food on the table. As negotiations continue, the impact of the funding lapse is becoming increasingly urgent.

*By Lawrence Wilson*
https://www.thethinkingconservative.com/these-states-lose-most-if-federal-food-aid-runs-out/

Mondelez International falls after reeling in sales growth expectations amid volume pressure

Mondelez International (NASDAQ: MDLZ) reported that its organic sales increased by 3.4% in Q3, slightly missing the consensus estimate of 3.8%.

In North America, organic sales declined by 0.3%, but this still surpassed the consensus expectation of a 1.9% decrease.

Meanwhile, organic sales in Latin America rose by 4.7%, contributing positively to the company’s overall performance.
https://seekingalpha.com/news/4509656-mondelez-international-falls-after-reeling-in-sales-growth-expectations-amid-volume-pressure?utm_source=feed_news_all&utm_medium=referral&feed_item_type=news

Indian Court XRP Ruling May Complicate WazirX Hack Claims Process

**Madras High Court Mandates Bank Guarantee for WazirX User’s XRP Holdings Post-Hack**

The Madras High Court has delivered a landmark ruling affirming cryptocurrencies as possessable property under Indian law, a decision that could significantly impact how digital assets are treated following exchange hacks. This development comes in the wake of a major 2024 cyberattack on WazirX that resulted in a staggering $235 million loss, leaving the platform with insufficient tokens to meet all user liabilities.

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### Significance of the Madras High Court Ruling on WazirX Cryptocurrency Claims

On Saturday, Justice N. Anand Venkatesh ordered WazirX’s operator, Zanmai Labs, to issue a bank guarantee worth approximately $11,800 to secure a specific user’s claim over 3,532 XRP tokens frozen after the hack. This ruling officially recognizes digital assets like XRP as property capable of being owned, possessed, and held in trust.

This important affirmation sets a precedent for handling user claims post-hack, particularly in cases involving frozen assets. It highlights the legal recognition of crypto holdings as trustable property and could influence how exchanges like WazirX manage liabilities, especially amid international restructuring efforts.

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### Impact on WazirX Users Affected by the 2024 Hack

The 2024 cyberattack on WazirX compromised approximately $235 million worth of various cryptocurrencies. As a consequence, the exchange no longer holds enough tokens to cover all pending user claims. Since the incident, many affected users have faced prolonged uncertainty due to frozen assets intended to prevent further loss.

Justice Venkatesh’s order specifically targets a claimant whose XRP remains in Zanmai Labs’ custody, emphasizing the legal standing of such tokens. This introduces new legal considerations for WazirX, which operates under its Singaporean parent company Zettai Labs but has headquarters in India.

The ruling could complicate enforcement efforts within India and potentially conflict with Zettai’s court-approved restructuring plan under Singapore law dated October 13, 2024. According to legal experts cited by Bloomberg and Reuters, jurisdictional overlaps often delay dispute resolution in cross-border crypto cases.

—

### Broader Legal and Operational Implications

– **Local Enforcement:** Indian WazirX users may need to pursue local arbitration or court claims to access remedies, rather than relying solely on the Singaporean restructuring scheme.

– **Bank Guarantee as Interim Security:** The bank guarantee ordered by the court acts as a financial safeguard, ensuring the claimant’s rights are protected during ongoing proceedings.

– **WazirX’s Response:** Following the ruling, WazirX has reiterated its commitment to fair distribution and has resumed trading after a year-long halt. The court documents note that the hack severely depleted liquid tokens, prompting Zettai Labs to develop a structured repayment plan under Singapore Companies Act supervision.

– **Regulatory Impact:** With over 100 million crypto users in India as reported by the Reserve Bank of India and industry analyses like PwC, this ruling underscores the need for regulatory clarity. It enforces the view that exchanges must treat user assets as fiduciary obligations, aligned with global standards such as those from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

Fintech lawyer Aarav Gupta observes that WazirX’s recent zero-fee trading initiative aims to rebuild user trust, although full recovery remains uncertain. The case exemplifies evolving legal landscapes in India as courts adapt existing laws to accommodate blockchain assets.

—

### Frequently Asked Questions

**What does the Madras High Court ruling mean for claiming frozen XRP on WazirX after the hack?**
The ruling allows Indian users to pursue arbitration for frozen XRP holdings, legally recognizing them as trust-held property. Zanmai Labs must provide a bank guarantee of roughly $11,800 for 3,532 XRP tokens, securing claims during legal proceedings. This facilitates quicker resolution for affected users within India.

**How will WazirX’s Singapore restructuring plan interact with Indian court decisions on crypto hacks?**
While WazirX’s parent company, Zettai Labs, received approval for its restructuring plan in Singapore, Indian court orders such as this may require local compliance measures like bank guarantees. As a result, the interaction of jurisdictional frameworks could lead to hybrid solutions overseen by both Indian and Singaporean courts.

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### Key Takeaways

– **Cryptocurrency as Legal Property:** The Madras High Court has formally recognized digital assets like XRP as possessable and held in trust, bolstering user rights in hack cases.

– **Bank Guarantee Requirement:** Zanmai Labs must secure claims with financial guarantees to prevent further delays in recovery.

– **Impact on Restructuring Efforts:** Indian court decisions may extend the timeline or alter the enforcement of WazirX’s Singapore-approved repayment scheme. Users should stay informed and file claims promptly.

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### Conclusion

The Madras High Court’s ruling on WazirX marks a pivotal advancement in the recognition of cryptocurrency under Indian law. By affirming digital assets as trustable property and mandating bank guarantees to secure user claims, the court has set a precedent that could influence how crypto exchanges and users navigate the complex aftermath of hacks.

As WazirX works through its international restructuring, affected users—particularly those in India—may experience changes in how claims are addressed, with greater emphasis on legal protections and fiduciary responsibilities. This case highlights the growing need for clear regulatory frameworks in the expanding Indian crypto market and signals a maturing judicial approach to blockchain-related disputes.

Stay tuned for more updates on cryptocurrency regulations and WazirX’s ongoing developments.

—

*Published by [Your Website Name]*
*Date: [Insert Date]*
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/tech/indian-court-xrp-ruling-may-complicate-wazirx-hack-claims-process/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=indian-court-xrp-ruling-may-complicate-wazirx-hack-claims-process

Oil Steady as Traders Focus on Glut and Russian Crude Sanctions

Oil prices steadied following a two-day decline as investors carefully weighed mixed signals from the market. On one hand, signs of a supply glut raised concerns, while on the other, the impact of Western sanctions on Russian producers added uncertainty.

This delicate balance kept oil trading relatively stable as market participants assessed the ongoing developments and their potential effects on future supply and demand dynamics.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-27/latest-oil-market-news-and-analysis-for-oct-28