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International Monetary Fund urges El Salvador to scale back Bitcoin push

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International Monetary Fund urges El Salvador to scale back Bitcoin push

El Salvador should dissolve the $150 million trust fund it created when it adopted the cryptocurrency bitcoin as legal tender and return any unused funds to its treasury, the International Monetary Fund said on Friday.

The recommendation is part of an international lender’s report on El Salvador’s economy and goes beyond a statement earlier this week urging El Salvador to abandon bitcoin as legal tender.

The trust fund aims to allow automatic conversion of bitcoin into another currency, the U.S. dollar, El Salvador, to encourage people to be wary of the adoption of the highly volatile digital currency.

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The IMF also recommends removing the $30 discount to encourage people to start using the digital wallet Chivo, and strengthening regulation of digital wallets to protect consumers. It shows that there may be benefits to using Chivo, but only in US dollars, not bitcoin.

In the short term, the actual costs of implementing Chivo and implementing Bitcoin laws outweigh the potential benefits, the report said.

The office of El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but in recent days Bukele has dismissed the IMF’s advice on bitcoin.

The International Monetary Fund has expressed concern over El Salvador’s increasing exposure to bitcoin’s volatility and urged greater transparency.

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Government officials told the International Monetary Fund that the introduction of Chivo has greatly improved financial inclusion, drawing millions of previously unbanked people into the financial system. They also talked about a parallel travel promotion for Bitcoin enthusiasts.

According to the report, the government sees no need to reduce the scope of its bitcoin laws, but could strengthen the agreed regulations.

Bukele has spearheaded the push for Bitcoin alongside the U.S. dollar as legal tender. El Salvador’s Legislative Assembly made the country the first to do so in June, and the Bitcoin law went into effect in September.

What we highlighted in the report is that having a digital wallet that allows people to use digital payment methods and keep their savings there (especially dollars) can be good for the economy and growth, but again I emphasize the IMF Alina Carare, head of the El Salvador delegation, said in a conference call with reporters on Friday that the emphasis on the U.S. dollar was due to the volatility of bitcoin prices.

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Bitcoin has plummeted after nearly doubling in value late last year.

El Salvador and the International Monetary Fund have been negotiating a $1.3 billion loan for months. Carare did not say whether a possible loan would be put on hold if El Salvador continued to use bitcoin as legal tender.

When asked, Carare said that we will continue to be in close contact with the government of El Salvador.

Complete News Source : Business Standard

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US vice president JD Vance, wife Usha and kids visit Jaipur’s iconic Amber Fort | Pics

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US vice president JD Vance, wife Usha and kids visit Jaipur’s iconic Amber Fort | Pics

US Vice President JD Vance, his wife Usha Vance, and their children visited the historical Amer Fort in Jaipur on April 22, 2025. The Vance family received a warm welcome at the Fort, where they were greeted with a traditional Rajasthani dance performance and elegantly decorated elephants. Second Lady Usha Vance, the wife of US vice president JD Vance, carries her daughter Mirabel as they watch a cultural performance at the Amber Fort in Jaipur.

Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma welcomed the Vance family as they visited the historic Amer Fort in Jaipur. The Vance family will depart for the US early Thursday morning. In related news, JD Vance and wife Usha attended Good Friday service at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Vance also visited the Taj Mahal in Agra on April 23, 2025. Vance said that “good progress.

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In other news, Pope Francis’ funeral is set to start on Wednesday, and the J&K tourist hub has been completely shut today. On 4/20, celebrations across the US highlight cannabis culture and calls for legalization had been made towards a trade deal with India after meeting with “tough negotiator” Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. The Vance family visited.

On April 22, 2025, US Vice President JD Vance, accompanied by his wife Usha Vance, and their three children, visited Jaipur’s historic Amber Fort. The family received a warm welcome, highlighted by traditional Rajasthani folk performances and a red carpet reception. As they entered the fort’s main courtyard, Jaleb Chowk, they were greeted by two elegantly decorated elephants named Chanda and Mala, raising their trunks in greeting. ​

During their visit, the Vances were joined by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari, who guided them through the fort’s rich history and architectural marvels. The family also enjoyed cultural performances featuring traditional dances such as Kacchi Ghodi, Ghoomar, and Kalbeliya, offering a glimpse into the vibrant.

Usha Vance, dressed in a chic white shirt and patterned skirt, explored the fort alongside her family and dignitaries, embracing the cultural experience culture of Rajasthan This visit was part of Vice President Vance’s four-day official trip to India, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the United States and India. The Vance family departed for Washington.

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Bhajanlal Sharma welcomed the Vance family as they visited the historic Amer from Jaipur on April 24, concluding their cultural tour of India Upon their arrival at Amber Fort, the Vance family was greeted with traditional Rajasthani hospitality. Two elegantly decorated elephants, Chanda and Pushpa, adorned with silver ornaments, were stationed at the entrance welcome.

The family was also treated to a cultural performance featuring folk artists dressed in traditional Rajputi and Kalbelia attire, accompanied by musicians playing regional instruments. The vibrant rangolis and the overall festive atmosphere highlighted the rich cultural tapestry of Rajasthan The fort’s impressive courtyards and majestic structures.

Exploring the Fort’s Historical Significance

During their tour of Amber Fort, the Vance family explored various architectural marvels, including the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), known for its intricate mirror work and stunning design. They were accompanied by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari, who provided insights into the fort’s history and significance.​

Engaging with Local Culture

Throughout their visit, Vice President Vance demonstrated a keen interest in engaging with The Vance family’s visit to Amber Fort was part local culture. He interacted with the folk artists and expressed appreciation for the traditional performances, reflecting a genuine curiosity and respect for India’s diverse cultural heritage.​

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