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18 Jan 2026, 12:13

Russia enters low Earth orbit satellites race to challenge Musk's Starlink, UK's OneWeb

Moscow is beginning to build a satellite reportedly designed as a Russian alternative to Elon Musk’s Starlink constellation of internet satellites. The device will be used for digital mapping and to provide communications to distant areas, according to the head of the country’s space agency. Roscosmos to manufacture and launch 300 ‘Zorkiy’ satellites Russia is preparing to establish its own satellite system meant to become the domestic analogue to Starlink, developed and operated by U.S. tech entrepreneur Elon Musk’s SpaceX company. The nation is gearing up to start producing satellites for the network, announced Dmitry Bakanov, general director of the Russian State Corporation for Space Activities “Roscosmos,” who was interviewed by the state-controlled Channel One ahead of the weekend. According to the Russian press, the satellite named “Zorkiy” is the backbone of the “Rassvet” project, conceived as a response to America’s Starlink. Also quoted by the official TASS news agency on Saturday, Bakanov detailed that its production will begin in 2026 and more than 300 units will form an orbital group around the Earth by 2027. Demonstrating the device, the Roscosmos official announced: “Here is the ‘Zorkiy’ satellite. It is an apparatus that captures images from space, and based on these images, digital maps are created, which are then used for navigation by unmanned vehicles … This year, serial production of this equipment will begin.” Bakanov added that the satellite system will also facilitate communications in remote regions, where traditional land-based connections are either absent or unstable, elaborating: “It is also crucial to provide communications to all areas not covered by terrestrial networks. We have a Russian development on display here today for precisely this purpose. This is a terminal for broadband internet access anywhere on Earth.” Will Russia’s satellite system be a true alternative to Starlink? Just like Starlink, the Rassvet network will consist of low Earth orbit satellites, which significantly reduces the cost of data transmission in comparison with geostationary satellites. The low orbit allows for high-resolution imagery and satellite internet connection. While speaking on national TV, the Roscosmos CEO did present a module providing broadband access to the online space. However, the agency later posted on Telegram an excerpt from the video report with Bakanov’s comments, which had been quoted by a number of Russian publications, and clarified: “Earlier, media outlets reported that the head of Roscosmos called Zorky an analogue of Starlink on Channel One. This interpretation is inaccurate. Starlink is a satellite communications system. Zorky-2M is an Earth remote sensing satellite.” What about Rassvet’s main purpose? The Rassvet network, touted as Russia’s equivalent of Starlink, will transform troop command and control, while the Zorkiy satellites will improve the efficiency of high-precision strikes, Russian military expert Yuri Knutov spilled the beans in an interview with the Vzglyad newspaper. Also quoted by the Izvestia daily on Sunday, Knutov made it clear the satellite system will primarily address military objectives and mostly facilitate communications for Russian forces on the ground, emphasizing: “This is the creation of a global automated troop command and control system, where every service member will be able to receive information and transmit coordinates directly to the satellite.” As for its civilian application, Rassvet will provide internet access in certain regions of the Russian Federation and expand communications with civilian vessels, he nevertheless confirmed. If its satellites are positioned in optimal orbits, the system should significantly improve the reliability of communications and navigation, especially in the Arctic, the specialist added. While admitting Rassvet’s limited capabilities, compared to Starlink, Knutov described it as a significant step for Russia, aimed at outperforming the U.K.-based OneWeb satellite network, which serves corporate entities and military units. Access to Starlink has given the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which have been fighting a full-scale Russian invasion since 2022, a significant advantage on the battlefield, where satellite communications and unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, have proved indispensable. Earlier in January, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved SpaceX’s deployment of 7,500 additional second-generation Starlink satellites, bringing the total of its authorized satellites to 15,000, as reported by Cryptopolitan. Last month, China applied to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), requesting orbital locations and frequencies for over 200,000 satellites. The move is seen as an apparent attempt to challenge the dominance of SpaceX and the United States in this space and market. Sharpen your strategy with mentorship + daily ideas - 30 days free access to our trading program

18 Jan 2026, 12:13

Bitcoin’s Pivotal Price Levels Demand Attention

Bitcoin struggles to maintain $95,000, facing low interest in altcoins. Key investor cost bases influence movement and highlight significant price zones. Continue Reading: Bitcoin’s Pivotal Price Levels Demand Attention The post Bitcoin’s Pivotal Price Levels Demand Attention appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .

18 Jan 2026, 12:12

Steak ’n Shake Increases Bitcoin Holdings by $10 Million After Eight Months of Crypto Payments

Steak ’n Shake announced Saturday that it has increased its Bitcoin holdings by $10 million in notional value, deepening the fast-food chain’s commitment to digital currency following the rollout of Bitcoin payments across its U.S. restaurants. The Indianapolis-based company said all Bitcoin received from customers goes directly into its “Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.” According to a social media post from the official Steak ’n Shake account, the initiative ties its payment strategy to broader business growth, and the reserve will help fuel improvements without raising menu prices. Steak ’n Shake did not disclose how much Bitcoin it holds in total or the exact timing of the latest purchase but said the increase reflects the cumulative effect of accepting crypto payments for eight months. Bitcoin Payments Linked to Sales Growth Steak ’n Shake began accepting Bitcoin at all U.S. locations in May 2025 via the Lightning Network , a protocol designed to speed up transactions and lower costs compared with traditional card payments. The company said same-store sales have risen “dramatically” since the crypto option was introduced. Independent media reports and company statements from late 2025 showed same-store sales increases of more than 10% in the second quarter and roughly 15% in the third quarter after the Bitcoin rollout began. Steak ’n Shake Chief Operating Officer Dan Edwards previously told reporters that the restaurant saved about 50% on processing fees when customers paid in Bitcoin, compared with credit card fees. The restaurant’s strategy includes a consumer engagement angle. Last year, it introduced a Bitcoin-branded burger and tied part of the proceeds from a “Bitcoin Meal” to donations supporting Bitcoin development projects. Industry analysts say Steak ’n Shake’s approach is unusual for a major restaurant brand because it integrates cryptocurrency directly into daily operations rather than holding it purely as an investment asset. Broader adoption of Bitcoin in retail remains limited, but companies exploring digital currency acceptance say it can reduce costs and attract tech-savvy customers. Steak ’n Shake’s announcement this week marks one of the more notable examples of a consumer-facing business tying its payment systems to Bitcoin accumulation and corporate strategy. Weekly Bitcoin Chart Points to $136,000 Target Meanwhile, Bitcoin’s weekly chart is starting to turn higher after holding a rising trendline, according to technical analyst Donald Dean, who said the next channel target sits near $136,000. Bitcoin Weekly Chart. Source: TradingView / X Dean wrote on X that Bitcoin is “time to move higher,” arguing the latest rebound began from long term trendline support on the weekly timeframe. The chart shows Bitcoin staying inside an upward sloping channel, with the recent pullback stopping above the lower boundary before price started to recover. That structure keeps the broader uptrend intact because the weekly pattern still shows higher highs and higher lows, even after the correction from the prior peak. The upper trendline, drawn across earlier weekly tops, now acts as the reference level for Dean’s projected target around $136,000. The post also referenced IBIT, the iShares Bitcoin Trust, as a proxy for Bitcoin exposure that many traders track alongside spot price action. While the chart does not set a timeline, the weekly framing implies any move toward the upper boundary would likely take weeks, not days, and would depend on Bitcoin continuing to hold above the rising support line.

18 Jan 2026, 12:06

Privacy Coins Face Selling Pressure Following Sharp Rallies

The privacy-token sector came under pressure as traders locked in profits following steep rallies earlier this month, triggering technical breakdowns across major names such as Monero (XMR) and Zcash (ZEC). Both assets slipped lower in Thursday trading, with ZEC seeing the sharpest declines. Outset PR , a crypto-native firm that blends data analysis with communication strategy, powers this piece. With a sharp eye on trends and timing, Outset PR helps blockchain projects convert critical moments into enduring visibility. Zcash Breaks Key Supports as Momentum Turns Lower Zcash (ZEC) fell almost 9% in a single session after breaking below several closely watched technical levels, including $421.90 and the 20-day exponential moving average (EMA) at $488.60. The move confirmed a shift in short-term momentum and opened the door to deeper retracement. A bear flag pattern is developing meaning a continuation formation that could send the token toward the $275–$300 zone if support at $390 fails. With ZEC’s RSI-7 sitting at 42.78, the market shows no signs of oversold relief, suggesting sellers may continue to dominate. Technical failures of this kind often activate algorithmic strategies and trigger stop-loss cascades, contributing to sharper downside moves in lower-liquidity segments such as privacy coins. Monero Retreats After Reaching All-Time High Monero (XMR) also slipped, losing roughly 2% after a record run that saw the token surge to $797.54 on January 14, marking a 65% gain over the past month. The rapid ascent drew in momentum traders, many of whom moved to lock in profits as the token entered overbought territory. XMR’s RSI-7 climbed to 80.11, a level that typically signals exhaustion. The subsequent pullback followed a familiar pattern: steep extensions often give way to corrective phases as shorter-term participants unwind positions. The 23.6% Fibonacci retracement at $706.57 now represents immediate resistance, with the 38.2% level at $649.44 serving as a deeper downside target. Analysts note that sustained closes below $700 could invite further selling pressure. Market Context: A Sector Reset After Crowded Rallies Privacy coins have historically exhibited wider trading ranges than the broader market, with thinner liquidity amplifying both rallies and declines. The current pullback reflects that structure: strong appreciation created crowded positioning, and relatively minor technical breaks evolved into broader selling. With key support levels compromised in ZEC and momentum cooling in XMR, traders may look for stabilization around lower Fibonacci and multi-week support zones before reassessing trend direction. How Outset PR Uses Market Momentum to Shape Visibility As sector volatility accelerates, some communications firms are adjusting how they position crypto projects during fast-moving market cycles. Outset PR has adopted a data-driven approach that connects market events with narrative opportunities — an increasingly relevant tactic as traders shift positions based on technical signals and sentiment breaks. Unlike traditional crypto PR models that rely on broad distribution or templated outreach, Outset PR uses its Outset Data Pulse intelligence system to track media trendlines, audience traffic flows, and the timing of peak receptivity. The analysis informs which publications to target, which angles are most likely to resonate, and when a message should be released to achieve measurable lift. Another component of its framework — the agency’s internal Syndication Map — tracks downstream distribution across aggregators such as CoinMarketCap and Binance Square. This allows campaigns to be structured around outlets that historically generate the strongest second-layer visibility, often resulting in campaign reach several times larger than initial placements. The approach reflects a broader shift within crypto communications: campaigns must be market-fit to succeed. As volatility drives sudden changes in sentiment, timing and narrative alignment increasingly dictate whether a project gains traction or disappears in the noise. Outlook For now, privacy coins appear to be entering a cooling period after outsized gains. Stabilization may depend on whether buyers step in at intermediate support levels and whether broader market sentiment firms. As momentum continues to shape both trading and narrative cycles, projects operating in volatile sectors may find that data-driven communication strategies — such as those used by firms like Outset PR — help align messaging with the realities of fast-moving markets. Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

18 Jan 2026, 12:06

Earning Interest on Bitcoin: Simple and Flexible Ways to Get Passive Income from BTC Holdings

Bitcoin’s role as a long-term store of value is well established, but the market has evolved beyond simple holding. BTC owners increasingly look for practical ways to earn passive income without selling or undertaking complex on-chain strategies. In 2026, this is easier than ever thanks to flexible savings accounts, decentralized lending, and Bitcoin Layer 2 networks. This guide outlines how BTC holders can earn interest efficiently, what risks to evaluate, and how flexible savings platforms like Clapp now offer a streamlined path to passive income with daily payouts and instant liquidity. Why Earn Interest on BTC? Earning yield on Bitcoin provides straightforward benefits: passive BTC accumulation without trading, liquidity preservation even while earning, steady compounding through daily interest, diversification across earning strategies. The challenge has always been finding methods that do not require technical expertise, lock-ups, or exposure to opaque lending practices. Market infrastructure in 2026 offers more transparent, flexible alternatives. 1. Centralized Exchange Earn Programs Major exchanges continue to offer BTC savings products with flexible or fixed terms. How this works You deposit BTC, the exchange lends it to margin traders or institutional borrowers, and you receive a share of the interest. Benefits Simple onboarding. Flexible withdrawal options. No need to wrap BTC or interact with DeFi. Limitations APY is modest. Full custodial dependency. Borrowing demand fluctuates. Typical APY: 0.5–3%. 2. Bitcoin in DeFi via wBTC DeFi lending protocols allow BTC holders to earn yield by lending wrapped Bitcoin (wBTC) on networks like Ethereum, Arbitrum, or BNB Chain. Benefits Non-custodial control. Transparent interest mechanics. Competitive yields. Limitations Requires wrapping BTC. Smart contract exposure. Bridge and custodian dependencies. Typical APY: 0.5–4%. 3. Bitcoin Layer 2 Yield Opportunities Bitcoin’s Layer 2 landscape has grown into a functional ecosystem with lending markets, liquidity pools, and collateral-based reward systems. Benefits BTC utility without full migration to alt-chain environments. Expanding infrastructure for native BTC yield. Opportunities tied to network growth. Limitations Early-stage risk. Synthetic BTC models vary by L2. Smart contract surface area is larger. Typical APY: 1–6%. 4. Clapp Flexible Savings: Daily BTC Interest with Instant Access Clapp.finance offers interest-earning accounts for Bitcoin alongside EUR and stablecoins. Its Flexible Savings product is designed for users who want yield without navigating on-chain protocols, lock-ups, or complex lending structures. Simple structure, no lock-ups Clapp credits interest on BTC every day. You can withdraw at any time without losing accrued yield, and there are no fixed terms or penalty fees. Full liquidity Your BTC remains liquid 24/7. You can transfer or convert it instantly whenever needed. Flexible access is preserved at all times. Transparent yields with no hidden tiers Clapp displays its BTC APY directly in the app with no “loyalty levels,” conditional bonuses, or earnings caps. What you see is what you earn. Low minimums You can start earning daily BTC interest with small amounts, removing the barrier to entry often found in traditional or DeFi strategies. Secure and licensed Clapp Finance is a registered VASP in the Czech Republic and operates within EU AML and compliance standards. Digital assets, including BTC, are secured through Fireblocks’ institutional-grade custody. Clapp’s model removes unnecessary friction, offering a clean alternative to both centralized exchange lending and technical DeFi workflows. Users get predictable BTC yield, instant access to funds, and a clear understanding of how earnings are generated. Key Risks to Understand Regardless of the platform or method, earning yield on BTC includes several risks: Custodial risk on centralized platforms and fintech apps. Smart contract risk for DeFi and Layer 2 environments. Wrapping and bridge risk when using wBTC or synthetic BTC. Impermanent loss in liquidity provision strategies. Regulatory risk for interest-bearing crypto products. BTC volatility also influences strategies tied to paired liquidity or collateralization. Conclusion Earning APY on Bitcoin in 2026 is straightforward. The market now offers accessible, flexible methods that work for both technical and non-technical users. While DeFi and Bitcoin Layer 2 networks provide innovative earning opportunities, flexible savings accounts remain the most user-friendly option. Clapp’s BTC Flexible Savings product delivers daily interest, instant access, transparent rates, and institutional-grade security. For BTC holders who want passive income without sacrificing liquidity or taking on unnecessary complexity, it is one of the most practical solutions available today. Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

18 Jan 2026, 12:02

XRP Is Forming a Compression Above Support. Here’s What to Expect

XRP is entering a phase where structure matters more than momentum. Weekly candles continue to close above a clearly defined support zone, and the price shows very little volatility. This type of behavior often develops quietly while the market waits for confirmation. It is not driven by hype or reaction. It is driven by compression. That is the setup crypto commentator Xaif (@Xaif_Crypto) highlighted when he pointed to XRP holding firm above support while the price tightens. Xaif noted that XRP is forming compression above support and stated that moves like this usually do not resolve sideways. His observation centers on market structure, and the chart he shared emphasizes where the price is holding. XRP is forming a compression above support. Moves like this usually don’t resolve sideways. pic.twitter.com/yXqNjM7pBD — Xaif Crypto| (@Xaif_Crypto) January 15, 2026 Compression Becomes Clear on the Weekly Chart The weekly chart shows XRP holding above a horizontal support zone near $2.05. The digital assets price has tested this level multiple times and held each attempt. Sellers have failed to force the price below it. At the same time, upside progress has slowed, producing lower highs. This creates a tightening range directly above support. Candle structure reinforces this view. Weekly bodies clustered within a narrow band toward the end of 2025. While some wicks extended downward significantly , the decline failed to follow through. Compression occurs when buyers absorb supply without driving the price higher. This pattern indicates balance. The result is reduced volatility with structural stability. The Ichimoku clouds support the current consolidation. XRP trades near the shaded support zone on the chart, where the price often stabilizes. That zone ahead is flat, which supports the idea of a balanced market. XRP holding above it shows stability. Why Sideways Resolution Remains Unlikely Xaif’s comment that this type of move usually does not resolve sideways reflects how compression functions. Volatility has already contracted, and spending an extended period above support increases pressure within the range. That pressure must resolve through expansion. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 The chart does not show breakdown signals, and support continues to hold. XRP’s volume remains controlled rather than aggressive on pullbacks. That suggests selling pressure lacks dominance. What to Watch Next for XRP As long as XRP holds above $2.05 on a weekly closing basis, the compression structure remains intact. A decisive close above the upper range near $2.45 would signal resolution. That level aligns with prior consolidation highs and visible resistance. A breakdown would require acceptance below the support level. The current structure does not point to that outcome. XRP’s current pattern signals a major breakout on the horizon . Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on X , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post XRP Is Forming a Compression Above Support. Here’s What to Expect appeared first on Times Tabloid .