WAO ART

Aptos Labs is expanding its presence in Japan by acquiring HashPalette, a local NFT service provider. Crypto companies are enhancing their global reach through regional acquisitions. HashPalette specializes in non-fungible tokens, which will bolster Aptos's offerings in the Asian market.

Tokyo-listed investment firm Metaplanet Inc. has expanded its Bitcoin holdings to 530.717 BTC. The increase in holdings came from a recent transaction where the company sold put options. Metaplanet earned 23.972 BTC, approximately $1.46 million, through this options trading strategy.

The bitcoin mining company MARA eported significant operational improvements in September 2024. The energized hashrate rose by 5%, reaching 36.9 EH/s. MARA secured 207 cumulative blocks, marking a 6% increase in block wins. The company produced a total of 705 BTC, reflecting a 5% increase in output.

The EU has increased humanitarian aid to Lebanon by €30 million. This new funding adds to the €10 million announced on September 29, bringing total EU assistance to over €104 million this year. European Commission President expressed deep concern over escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Kuehne+Nagel has opened a new distribution centre for the LEGO Group in Truganina, Victoria, Australia. The facility spans 26,500 square meters and can store 26,000 pallets. It will support both B2C and B2B operations for LEGO customers in Australia and New Zealand.

Starbucks is launching two new sustainable coffee farms in Guatemala and Costa Rica. This initiative aims to enhance climate resilience and profitability for coffee farmers. The new farms build on the success of Hacienda Alsacia, Starbucks' first company-operated coffee farm.

African oil-producing nations have raised 45% of the $5 billion needed for a new energy bank. Initial funding comes from countries like Angola, Nigeria, and Ghana, even before the bank's legal establishment. Petroleum ministers will meet on Nov. 1 to finalize the bank's launch date.