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THESE credit cards give tempting offers of cashbacks, reward points to online shoppers; check list here
MINT· 2025-10-23 04:38
Cashback Credit Cards - SBI Cashback Card offers 5% cashback on online spends without any merchant restriction [1] - HDFC Millennia Credit Card provides 5% cashback on select platforms like Amazon and 1% on other spends [2] - Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card gives 7.5% cashback on Myntra capped at ₹4,000 per statement quarter and 5% on Flipkart and Cleartrip [2] - Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card offers 4% cashback on iShop, with additional reward points for Amazon purchases based on Prime membership status [3] - Axis Bank Ace Credit Card provides 5% cashback on bill payments and 4% on food delivery services [3] Reward Points-Focused Credit Cards - Axis Magnus Credit Card allows earning of 12 EDGE reward points per ₹200 on spends up to ₹1.5 lakh, and 35 points for incremental spends above that [4] - Axis Atlas Credit Card offers 2500 EDGE miles as a welcome benefit upon the first transaction within 37 days of issuance [4] - HSBC TravelOne Credit Card provides ₹1,000 cashback and bonus reward points when spending ₹1,00,000 in the first 90 days [5]
Classic sound meets street art flair
BusinessLine· 2025-10-22 14:05
Core Insights - Sennheiser celebrates its 80th anniversary by launching a limited-edition version of its flagship Momentum 4 headphones, featuring a graffiti-inspired design by artist Bond Truluv while maintaining the original's hardware and sound profile [1][13] Design - The Momentum 4 80th Anniversary Edition retains the solid hardware of the standard model, utilizing quality plastic, with a distinctive graffiti aesthetic that includes vibrant characters and sound waves [3] - The headphones feature yellow faux-leather padding on the headband and soft earcup cushions for extended comfort during use [4] User Experience - Touch-sensitive controls for playback are included, allowing for single taps to play or pause, swipes for track changes, and vertical gestures for volume, although they may require some adjustment [5] - The Sennheiser Smart Control Plus app enhances the user experience by allowing customization of sound profiles, noise cancellation management, and automatic setting adjustments based on location [6] Acoustic Performance - The Momentum 4 headphones deliver a well-balanced sound signature, with deep bass and clear treble, making them suitable for various audio content [7][8] - They perform well for movies and multimedia, providing clear vocal details and well-separated background sounds, aided by four beam-forming microphones for effective voice pickup [9][10] Connectivity and Battery Life - The headphones support multipoint connectivity, allowing seamless switching between devices, and feature Google Fast Pair for quick connection with Android devices [11] - Battery life is rated at 60 hours, with real-world usage lasting 4-5 days, and an auto power-off feature that improved after a software update [12] Conclusion - The Momentum 4 80th Anniversary Edition combines a striking design with the trusted performance of the original model, appealing to a younger, style-conscious audience while maintaining stellar audio quality and impressive battery life [13][14]
'KPop' helps lift Netflix revenue 17%
The Economic Times· 2025-10-22 05:31
Core Insights - "KPop Demon Hunters" is the most-watched film in Netflix's history with 325 million views and was the first Netflix movie to top the box office chart during its limited theatrical release [1] - Netflix's third-quarter revenue rose to $11.5 billion, with net income totaling $2.5 billion, reflecting an increase from $2.36 billion in the same quarter of 2024 [4] - The company is on track to double its sales by 2025, despite a drop in overall operating margin from an expected 31% to 28% due to a dispute with Brazilian tax authorities [3][4] Revenue and Viewership - The third-quarter slate helped Netflix achieve a record share of television time in the U.S. and Britain, with significant viewership for events like the live super middleweight bout between Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez, attracting over 41 million viewers globally [2] - The success of "KPop Demon Hunters" has led to high demand for its soundtrack and character costumes, and the company has announced a deal with Mattel and Hasbro for related merchandise starting in 2026 [1] Strategic Shifts - Netflix is diversifying its entertainment offerings, including a podcast deal with Spotify and a new gaming strategy aimed at encouraging group play [7] - The company is pivoting its content strategy to include more live sports, YouTubers, creators, and podcasters to enhance viewer engagement and grow its advertising business [10] Competitive Landscape - Netflix faces competition from Paramount Pictures, which is attracting talent with substantial budgets and theatrical releases, as well as from YouTube and Amazon Prime Video, which are expanding their offerings [5][6] - Analysts express concerns that Netflix's focus on non-core business strategies, such as podcasting and gaming, may dilute its core content quality, potentially impacting its leading status in the streaming market [8][9]
Sony Bank‘s Connectia Trust to Focus on Crypto Sector, Submits Request to OCC for National Trust Bank Charter
Crowdfund Insider· 2025-10-21 21:07
Core Insights - Sony Bank's subsidiary, Connectia Trust, has applied for a national trust bank charter to enhance its blockchain technology initiatives and enter the regulated cryptocurrency market [1][5] - The proposed services include issuing stablecoins pegged to the U.S. dollar, backed by cash and short-term U.S. Treasury securities, aimed at providing stability and reliability in the crypto sector [2][3] - Connectia Trust plans to offer non-fiduciary custody solutions for digital assets, initially focusing on affiliated entities within the Sony ecosystem, with potential expansion to external partners [4][5] Regulatory Context - The application aligns with the GENIUS Act, which establishes guidelines for stablecoin creation and mandates full collateralization, encouraging fintech companies to seek similar charters [5][6] - The global stablecoin market exceeds $300 billion, with Connectia Trust aiming to capture a portion of this market, which could potentially draw up to $1 trillion from traditional banking by 2028 [6][8] Strategic Positioning - Sony's entry into the crypto space reflects a broader trend of tech companies becoming active participants in crypto infrastructure rather than passive observers [6][7] - The initiative builds on Sony's previous blockchain projects, such as the collaboration with Startale Labs for Soneium, which could facilitate in-game economies using stablecoins [7][8] Challenges and Compliance - Connectia Trust faces significant compliance hurdles, including anti-money laundering protocols and cybersecurity audits, with the need for stringent reserve management to maintain user confidence [8][9] - The approval from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is uncertain, as Anchorage Digital remains the only fully endorsed de novo crypto bank following regulatory challenges [8][9]
I built a Big Tech career without a tech degree. Looking back, some well-meaning career advice was actually holding me back.
Business Insider· 2025-10-21 15:38
Core Insights - The article discusses unconventional career paths into Big Tech, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and strategic positioning in job applications. Group 1: Career Path and Education - The individual transitioned from a biology degree to project management roles in tech, highlighting that a traditional tech background is not always necessary for success in Big Tech [2][5]. - Certifications in project management, such as CAPM and CSM, were pursued to build a foundation in project management, demonstrating the value of relevant skills over traditional degrees [6]. Group 2: Job Application Strategies - The advice to keep job titles as they appear in HR systems was challenged, as adapting titles to better reflect actual responsibilities can enhance résumé effectiveness [12][14]. - Removing graduation years from résumés can help avoid age bias, allowing the focus to remain on current skills [15]. - Direct outreach to individuals within companies, rather than solely applying through official job portals, has proven to yield better results in securing interviews [16][18]. - Applying for jobs even when not meeting all qualifications can lead to opportunities, as many candidates still receive interviews despite not checking every box [19][20]. Group 3: Online Presence and Authenticity - The notion of maintaining a strictly formal online presence was reconsidered, with authenticity being recognized as a valuable asset in professional networking [21][22].
The Next Big Film Studios Could Be in Nevada if Some Unions Get Their Way
Insurance Journal· 2025-10-21 05:00
Core Points - Nevada labor unions are advocating for tax credits to attract Hollywood filmmaking to the state, aiming to boost jobs and tourism [1][2] - A proposal for up to $95 million in tax credits for Sony Pictures and Warner Bros. for a new film production facility was previously unsuccessful but is being revived [2][3] - The proposed facility could create 19,000 construction jobs and is part of a larger development plan in West Las Vegas [4][6] Tax Incentives and Economic Impact - The production companies require significant tax incentives to consider Las Vegas, as they can obtain better deals in other states [7] - To qualify for tax credits, $400 million must be spent on studio construction and $1.8 billion on mixed-use development, with a total investment of $4.5 billion over 15 years [7] - The film studios are expected to attract a different type of tourist, similar to how major sports teams do, potentially increasing overall tourism [8][9] Comparison with Other States - Las Vegas is competing with cities like Atlanta, which has seen a booming film industry due to generous tax breaks [5][10] - Georgia's film tax credit program has generated significant tourism and job creation, although it is costly, with projected credits of $1.35 billion in 2024 [10][11] - Critics argue that the return on investment for tax credits in Nevada may not be favorable, citing a report that suggests only $0.52 in tax revenue is generated for every dollar in credits [15]
Maximize Your Business Platinum Dell Credit With Popular Brands
UpgradedPoints.com· 2025-10-20 16:57
Core Insights - Dell has restocked its online store with popular third-party tech brands such as Bose, Sony, Logitech, and Google Nest, which were removed over a year ago [1][10] - This restock is particularly beneficial for American Express Business Platinum cardholders, who can utilize their statement credits on these high-demand products [2][10] Product Availability - The current selection includes Bose headphones and earbuds, Sony audio devices, Logitech mice and keyboards, and Google Nest smart home accessories, significantly improving the previous offerings [3][8] - While some products like Google Pixel watches and Anker gear are still missing, the available items represent a solid mix of sought-after technology [3] Pricing Comparison - Prices for items like the Bose QuietComfort headphones are competitive when compared to Amazon, indicating that Dell's pricing strategy is aligned with market expectations [6][8] Consumer Benefits - The return of beloved Logitech devices and other popular tech products enhances options for consumers looking to upgrade their home and office setups [8] - The timing of this restock aligns well with the holiday shopping season, providing opportunities for significant savings when combined with Amex Business Platinum card credits [10]
💥The Great Financial Divorce: Why Your Money is Leaving the Slow Lane.
Medium· 2025-10-20 01:16
Group 1 - The global financial system operates on a T+2 settlement rule, which delays the transfer of funds for two business days, creating inefficiencies and risks [2][4] - The Repo Market experienced a significant crisis in October 2025, leading to a $15 billion cash shortfall as banks lost trust in each other's collateral [5][7] - The underlying issue was the presence of $1.14 trillion in toxic loans from Non-Depository Financial Institutions, which compromised the quality of collateral in the Repo transactions [9][10] Group 2 - The T+2 system was revealed to be fundamentally unstable, unable to cope with modern financial demands, prompting a shift towards T+0 (instantaneous) settlement [12] - The financial crisis was exacerbated by the discovery that highly leveraged hedge funds in the Cayman Islands held an additional $1.4 trillion in U.S. Treasuries, using extreme leverage [16][18] - The Private Credit market, which grew to $5 trillion, became a source of illiquidity and risk, leading to defaults that affected major banks like UBS [21][23] Group 3 - A significant capital exodus occurred, with $304.5 billion moving into USD-pegged digital assets as institutions sought to mitigate risk and ensure liquidity [25][26] - The Central Banks responded to the crisis with unlimited Quantitative Easing, which undermined the value of the currency and led to a loss of trust in the financial system [37][40] - The introduction of the T+0 Settlement Rail by Digital Asset Treasury Firms marked a shift in how transactions are processed, moving away from traditional banking systems [44][47] Group 4 - The Algorithmic Credit Utility Protocol was launched to restore credit functions and facilitate instant verification of collateral, indicating a move towards a more transparent financial system [48][52] - BlackRock's deployment of a Tokenization Operating System signifies a trend towards using tokenized assets as collateral, moving away from opaque debt structures [49][52] - The transition to a T+0 system represents a fundamental change in the financial landscape, emphasizing the need for speed and transparency in transactions [50][53]
Las Vegas looks to join Atlanta as the next film production hotspot while California tries to combat Hollywood’s slump
Fortune· 2025-10-19 15:28
Core Viewpoint - Nevada labor unions are advocating for tax credits to attract Hollywood filmmaking to the state, aiming to boost jobs and tourism in Las Vegas [1][2]. Group 1: Tax Credit Proposal - The proposal includes up to $95 million in tax credits for Sony Pictures Entertainment and Warner Bros. Discovery to establish a film production facility in the Las Vegas suburbs [2]. - The unions are pushing to revive this proposal during an expected special legislative session next month [2][3]. - To qualify for the tax credits, a total of $400 million must be spent on building a studio and $1.8 billion on a mixed-use development, with Sony and Warner Bros. needing to invest $4.5 billion over 15 years [7]. Group 2: Economic Impact - The proposed film studios are expected to create 19,000 construction jobs, which supporters argue will also attract tourists to Las Vegas [4][8]. - Las Vegas is currently facing an 11.3% decline in visitors, highlighting the need for new attractions like film studios to revitalize tourism [8]. - Comparatively, cities like Atlanta have seen significant growth in their film industries due to more generous tax incentives, which has led to increased tourism and job creation [5][10]. Group 3: Opposition to the Proposal - The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) opposes the tax credit proposal, arguing it is fiscally irresponsible and would yield only $0.52 in tax revenue for every $1 in credits [13][15]. - Critics emphasize that funds allocated to corporate tax incentives could be better spent on public services, such as education and healthcare [15][16].
iQOO 15 coming next month; likely to have Samsung AMOLED display, gaming chip & 50 MP Sony camera
The Economic Times· 2025-10-19 13:24
Core Insights - The company is set to launch the iQOO 15 smartphone in India this November, with a confirmed Snapdragon 8 Elite 5th Gen chipset and Origin OS6 operating system [1][7]. Specifications - The iQOO 15 will feature a 6.85-inch Samsung M14 LEAD AMOLED 8T LTPO display with a 2K+ (3168 x 1440 pixels) resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate, supporting up to 6,000 nits of peak brightness and featuring an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor [2][7]. - The device will be powered by a 7,000mAh battery with 100W wired and 40W wireless charging capabilities, ensuring extended usage and quick recharging [3][7]. - For photography, the smartphone will include a triple 50MP rear camera system and a 32MP front camera, along with features like 3x optical and up to 100x digital zoom [5][7]. Design and Durability - The iQOO 15 is expected to have a sleek glass or metal build with a prominent camera module and gradient or matte finishes, along with IP68/IP69 water and dust resistance [6][7]. Market Positioning - The Indian launch is anticipated between mid and late November, with a pricing estimate around Rs 60,000, positioning it slightly above the iQOO 13 [6][7].