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Europe Scorched by Record Heatwave: France and Italy Take Emergency Measures

As a blistering heatwave tightens its grip on Europe, countries are scrambling to protect citizens from soaring temperatures and mounting health risks. France has shuttered over 1,350 schools  and closed the top floor of the Eiffel Tower as temperatures surged past 40°C (104°F)  in several regions. Sixteen French departments are now under the highest heat alert, with authorities urging people to stay hydrated and indoors during peak hours. Meanwhile, Italy has imposed restrictions on outdoor work , particularly in agriculture and construction, during the hottest parts of the day. Cities like Rome, Milan, and Venice are under red alerts, with hospitals reporting a spike in heat-related illnesses. The Mediterranean Sea has also hit record highs, with waters in Spain’s Balearic Sea reaching 30°C , up to 6 degrees above average. Scientists warn that Europe—already warming at twice the global average —is facing increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves due to climate change. New ...

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How the Bank of Canada envisions a digital dollar



The Bank of Canada has revealed some details about its potential digital currency, which would be a digital version of the Canadian dollar. The central bank has been researching the idea of a digital currency for several years, but has not yet decided whether to launch one.

According to a presentation by the bank’s deputy governor Timothy Lane, the digital currency would not pay interest or require identification from users. This would make it different from bank deposits, which pay interest and require verification, and cash, which does not pay interest but is anonymous.

The bank says that a digital currency would have several benefits, such as improving financial inclusion, reducing the use of cash, and enhancing the resilience and efficiency of the payment system. It would also give the bank more control over the money supply and potentially enable new monetary policy tools.

However, there are also challenges and risks associated with a digital currency, such as privacy and security issues, legal and regulatory implications, and the impact on the banking sector and the economy. The bank says that it is consulting with various stakeholders, including the public, to assess the pros and cons of a digital currency.

The bank has not yet announced a timeline for launching a digital currency, but says that it will be ready to do so if the need arises. The bank says that it will continue to monitor the developments of other central banks and private sector initiatives, such as cryptocurrencies and stablecoins, that could affect the demand for a digital currency.

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