Based on data from the weekly price chart, Bitcoin is witnessing a significant loss of over 6% following recent widespread market liquidations. Notably, the premier cryptocurrency has taken on a consolidatory stance in the past day, as if to lend credence to growing hopes of some price recovery. However, a recent on-chain analysis points out that Bitcoin’s outward show of resilience might merely be theatrical and that the flagship cryptocurrency could be facing a dark future ahead.

Bitcoin Enters 30-Day Cumulative Realized Loss Phase Since October 2023

In a recent Quicktake post on CryptoQuant, crypto education and research group XWIN Research Japan dissects the present on-chain situation of Bitcoin, with the center of attraction being the Bitcoin Net Realized Profit/Loss metric, which shows the leading cryptocurrency has recorded a net realized loss on a 30-day basis for the first time since October 2023. 

However, the losses seen in 2023 were short-lived and rapidly retraced, unlike the current decline, which is broader and more persistent, suggesting a possible structural shift in market dynamics. At this moment, it appears that investors are less-interested in “buying the dip,” nor are they looking to “HODL” through the Bitcoin price action, and are more willing to accept losses.

For this reason, the market can be more plausibly described as being in a state of caution. It is, however, worth mentioning that the present phase does not necessarily precede a market crash. If anything, it reflects that Bitcoin may be entering a more volatile phase, independent of speculative frenzies.

Realized Profits Signal Late-Stage Of Bull Cycle 

XWIN Research further reinforces the hypotheses by referencing the trend in realized profits. According to the market experts, Realized Profits peaked in March 2024 at approximately 1.2 million BTC, and reduced slightly to 1.1 million in December 2024. 

As of July, 2025, realized profits had sharply dropped to 517,000 BTC, reflecting an increasing exit of profit-taking activity within the market. But this pales in comparison to the lower 331,000 BTC recorded in October. The analytics group explained that this contraction occurred despite a rise in prices, thus suggesting an absence of deep upside momentum.

The group further highlights that this is a telltale sign of a late-stage bull market, one which was seen in 2021-2022. In this period, realized profits slowly dropped before the Bitcoin price flipped bearish. More shockingly, the annual timeframe tells a similar story, with annual net realized profits contracting from 4.4 million BTC to 2.5 million BTC, just within October 2025 and early 2026. This is also similar to the phase that preceded the bear market of 2022.

In essence, Bitcoin is in a transitioning phase, from a mature bull phase to a volatile environment. As of this writing, the Bitcoin price stands at $89,462. 

Featured image from Pexels, chart from Tradingview

The United States has delivered the first MC-55A Peregrine aircraft to the Royal Australian Air Force, L3Harris Technologies confirmed on January 24, 2026. The aircraft was handed over by the U.S. Air Force following completion of integration and mission system testing, according to the company. The delivery is part of Australia’s Peregrine program, which is […]

Corr-Serve, a South African value-added distributor of cybersecurity solutions, has strengthened its long-standing partnership with Seceon, a global provider of advanced cybersecurity technology, expanding local access to AI-driven threat detection and response capabilities. The enhanced agreement builds on more than seven years of collaboration between the two companies in Southern Africa and positions Corr-Serve as Seceon’s

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GM Defense has launched GM Defense UK, establishing a dedicated British presence to support the United Kingdom’s defense priorities and lead engagement with the UK Ministry of Defence, the company announced this week. The new entity will operate from General Motors facilities in Leamington Spa and Silverstone and will serve as the focal point for […]

The United States Central Command has awarded defense technology firm Raft a new contract to deploy an artificial intelligence system designed for battlefield operations, following a competitive five-day evaluation hosted by CENTCOM, the company announced on January 22. Raft received the award through an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) issued by the Chief Digital and Artificial […]

Castelion announced the launch of Project Ranger, a 1,000-acre hypersonic manufacturing campus in Sandoval County, New Mexico, aimed at supporting high-cadence production of U.S. hypersonic strike systems, the company said. The project represents more than $220 million in private investment and is expected to create about 300 manufacturing jobs as the company scales domestic production […]

Valkyrie Enterprises announced on January 21, 2026, that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with BAE Systems OneArc to jointly pursue business and technology development opportunities supporting the U.S. Department of War and allied nations, formalizing a new partnership focused on advanced military training and simulation systems. The agreement was signed on December 2 […]

Safran Federal Systems has completed a successful flight demonstration of its Blacknaute inertial navigation system aboard a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, the company announced on January 21, confirming the system’s ability to operate accurately in GPS-denied and electronically contested environments. The test flight validated that the Blacknaute system maintained precise navigation performance without […]

The United States Army has awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract to enterprise browser developer HERE to build an artificial intelligence–based data interoperability layer for Army command-and-control systems, the company said on January 21, 2026. According to a press release from HERE, the project will use the company’s Enterprise Browser platform as a […]

The United States Missile Defense Agency has selected Protopia AI as an awardee under its Scalable Homeland Innovative Enterprise Layered Defense (SHIELD) contract vehicle, the company confirmed on January 20, 2026, opening the door for the firm to compete for future missile defense and homeland security task orders. According to a company statement, Protopia AI […]

For Gen Z military families, navigating life in their early-to-mid 20s means wading their way through unique challenges that can get overwhelming pretty quickly. Between frequent relocations, long deployments, unpredictable life schedules and limited early-career earnings, financial planning is more than a good idea — it’s essential for long-term stability.

According to the Congressional Research Service, 40% of active-duty military personnel are age 25 or younger, right within the Gen Z age group. Yet these same service members face the brunt of frequent moves, deployments and today’s rising cost of living.

This guide is designed specifically for Gen Z service members and their spouses, helping them understand their financial situations, insurance options, avoid common financial pitfalls and build stable careers, all while dealing with the real-world pressures of military life.

Financial pressures Gen Z military families face

While budgeting, insurance and retirement planning are critical, it’s also important to get a real sense of the actual financial stressors younger military families are grappling with:

• Living paycheck to paycheck. Even with basic allowance for housing and basic allowance for subsistence, many junior enlisted families still find it hard to keep up with rising living costs. This becomes even more of a precarious situation when you add in dependents.
• Delayed reimbursements during permanent change of station (PCS) moves, creating short-term cash crunches.
• Limited emergency savings. The Military Family Advisory Network’s (MFAN) 2023 survey found 22.2% of military families had less than $500 in savings.
• Predatory lending, with high-interest auto or payday lenders near bases disproportionately targeting young servicemembers.
• Military spouse underemployment, leaving household income vulnerable when frequent moves disrupt career continuity.

MFAN also found that nearly 80% of respondents spend more on housing than they can comfortably afford, and 57% experienced a financial emergency in the past two years. These aren’t abstract concerns that most young servicemembers and their families can just ignore, hoping that they’ll never be impacted; these are everyday realities for Gen Z military families.

Insurance best practices

Adult life is just getting started in your 20s, and navigating insurance options can feel overwhelming. But taking the time to learn your choices will set your family up for a secure financial future.

• Life insurance: Most servicemembers are automatically enrolled in Service Members’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI), with Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI) extending coverage to spouses and children. Review coverage annually. Also, compare options across SGLI, FSGLI and trusted military nonprofits to find what fits your family best.
• Disability insurance: Often overlooked, this protects your family if an injury prevents you from working, even off-duty. Supplemental private coverage can be wise if your lifestyle expenses exceed your military pay.
• Renters insurance: Essential for families who move often; it protects your belongings through relocations.
• Healthcare: TRICARE provides strong coverage, but learn the details on copays and referrals, especially when stationed overseas.

Common financial missteps and how to fix them

Mistake #1: Overbudgeting and lack of budgeting

BAH and BAS are designed to offset housing and food costs, not fund lifestyle inflation. Stick to a budget that keeps fixed expenses well below your income. Free tools from Military OneSource can help track spending.

Mistake #2: Not saving for retirement

Retirement may feel far away, but starting early has an outsized impact. Contribute at least 5% to your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) — a military contribution retirement program similar to that of a 401k — to secure the full Defense Department match. Even small contributions now can grow into hundreds of thousands later.

Mistake #3: Misusing credit or loans

Predatory lenders near bases often target young servicemembers. Try to avoid any predatory or misleading lenders. Instead, consider a secured credit card or an on-base credit union to build credit responsibly. Always be sure to pay your balance in full.

Mistake #4: Skipping an emergency fund

PCS moves, car repairs or medical costs can’t always be predicted. Start small: Even $10 to $20 per week automatically transferred to savings helps to build a safety net. According to MFAN’s 2023 survey, enlisted families with children that have undergone recent PCS moves are most likely to face financial hardship, making an emergency cushion critical.

In addition to avoiding pitfalls, here are realistic strategies to strengthen your finances:

• Tap military relief organizations like Army Emergency Relief (AER) or Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) for interest-free loans or grants during emergencies.
• Plan for post-military life: Keep in mind that SGLI and other benefits change once you leave active duty. Compare nonprofit alternatives early to avoid gaps.
• Leverage nonprofits you can trust: Some offer competitive life insurance, savings products or financial counseling designed for servicemembers’ long-term interests.
• Budget with inflation in mind: Rising costs are hitting Gen Z hard. Nearly 48% say they don’t feel financially secure, and over 40% say they’re struggling to make ends meet. Prioritize life’s essentials and be realistic about what you can afford outside of them.

Maintaining a career as a military spouse

Frequent relocations are undoubtedly disruptive, but they don’t have to end career growth. Military spouses may want to focus on careers that can easily move around with them, like healthcare, education, IT or freelancing.

Take advantage of programs like MyCAA, which offers $4,000 in tuition assistance for career training; Military OneSource, which offers resume assistance, free career coaching and financial counseling; and Hiring Our Heroes, which offers networking opportunities and job placement assistance for military spouses. These programs can help reduce underemployment and strengthen household stability, especially during tempestuous times like during and after a PCS move.

Putting it all together

Starting adulthood, a military career and a family all at once is an incredibly challenging undertaking. The financial pressures are real, but with the right knowledge and proactive steps, Gen Z military families can turn instability and uncertainty into long-term security.

By understanding insurance options, making smart money moves, tapping into military-specific resources and planning ahead for life after service, families can not only weather the unpredictability of military life, but also build strong financial foundations for the future.

Alejandra Cortes-Camargo is a brand marketing coordinator at Armed Forces Mutual.

The post Navigating insurance, maintaining careers and making smart money moves as a Gen Z military family first appeared on Federal News Network.

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If you grow cannabis, you need to know about Thrips Parvispinus, also known as tobacco thrips. This emerging tropical pest has already been causing headaches in horticultural crops in Spain since 2024, and although there are not yet massive reports in cannabis, its extremely polyphagous nature (it feeds on many different plant species), together with rising global temperatures, means it is only a matter of time before it reaches your plants if you do not take preventive measures.

In this article we explain everything you need to know about Thrips Parvispinus: when and how it arrived in Spain, which crops it attacks, how to identify it, the damage it causes and, above all, how to protect your cannabis crop using an integrated pest management and biological control approach. Shall we begin?

What is Thrips Parvispinus and why should you be concerned?

Thrips Parvispinus is a thrips of tropical origin that feeds on leaves, flowers and fruits of a very wide range of plants. In recent years it has ceased to be a problem limited to ornamentals and has become a serious threat in greenhouse horticultural crops, especially pepper, where it causes scarring on the fruit.

Although pepper belongs to the Solanaceae family and cannabis to the Cannabaceae family (together with hops), this insect is polyphagous: it can easily move from one crop to another if conditions are suitable. This means that if you like growing peppers, tropical ornamentals or any other host plant near your marijuana crop, the risk of colonisation is real.

Which crops does it attack and why is cannabis at risk?

The “star” host in Spain is greenhouse pepper, but Thrips Parvispinus has also been reported on papaya, potato, numerous ornamentals and other horticultural crops. Its polyphagous nature means that it does not discriminate between plant families: if it finds a favourable environment and plant tissue to feed on, it will colonise the plant.

In the case of cannabis, the main risk points are:

Tender tissues: Young shoots and developing leaves are a feast for thrips larvae, which feed gregariously (in groups) and can distort growth.

Flowers and calyxes: Adults and larvae attack reproductive structures, causing flower abortion, necrosis and scarring on bracts. In a bud-producing crop, this results in loss of aesthetic quality, reduced weight and general plant stress.

Proximity to reservoirs: If you grow near pepper greenhouses, ornamental nurseries or areas with tropical vegetation, your cannabis plants can act as an alternative or secondary host, facilitating pest spread.

Damage and symptoms: how to recognise a Thrips Parvispinus attack

Damage caused by T. Parvispinus is mainly due to direct feeding. Unlike other thrips, current Spanish technical literature does not confirm significant virus transmission in horticultural crops (although some media have mentioned isolated cases). However, at Alchimia we are clear that, as with other thrips, it can act as a vector for certain latent viruses such as HLVd, Beet curly top virus (BCTV), Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and others, especially when working with cuttings. If the insect feeds on an infected plant and then on a healthy one, transmission can occur.

Visible symptoms on cannabis would be similar to those seen in other crops:

On leaves: A characteristic silvery or bronzed appearance appears on the upper surface, with yellowish areas and deformed edges. This is because larvae and adults scrape the leaf surface to feed on sap, leaving empty cells that reflect light differently.

On flowers: You may observe flower abortion (flowers that do not develop properly), necrosis (dead tissue with a brown-black colour) and deformities. In flowering crops like cannabis, this is particularly worrying because it directly affects final yield.

Excrement: As an additional clue, look for small black dots (insect excrement) on the underside of leaves and in silvery areas. This is a general indicator of thrips presence.

Field identification: how can you tell if it is Thrips Parvispinus?

Accurate identification of this species requires a good-quality hand lens or even a laboratory microscope, but there are practical features that can help you in the field:

Adults: Very small (around 1 mm), dark brown in colour. The wings have a pale base with the rest darker, and the legs and antennae are mostly yellow. If you observe these details with a 20–40× hand lens, you already have solid indications.

Larvae: Yellowish in colour and found in a gregarious manner (grouped together) on young shoots and the underside of leaves. This tendency to cluster is a distinctive feature compared to other thrips that may be more solitary.

Where to look: Focus your inspection on the underside of tender leaves, flowers, calyxes, petioles and sheltered areas of the plant. Remember that the pupa (the transition phase between larva and adult) is often found off the plant, in the soil or substrate, which complicates control.

Biological cycle and spread: why is it so difficult to control?

Thrips Parvispinus completes its life cycle very quickly in warm climates. Its optimal development occurs between 25–30 °C – the ideal temperature for cannabis crops – allowing it to produce several generations per season, especially in greenhouses where conditions are stable.

The complete cycle includes: egg → larva 1 → larva 2 → prepupa → pupa → adult. The pupal stage, which occurs in the soil or substrate, is key to understanding why traditional chemical control fails: if you only treat the aerial part of the plant, the pupae in the substrate will survive and give rise to new adults.

Presence peaks: In greenhouses, from spring to October, although it may continue through mild winters. Outdoors, activity is concentrated in the warm months.

Dispersion: Thrips actively move between nearby plants, are easily transported on nursery stock, plant material (cuttings) and contaminated tools, and can make short flights aided by air currents. This makes clean entry and quarantine critical measures.

Integrated management for cannabis: prevention is the key

Here is the crucial part: traditional chemical control is NOT effective against Thrips Parvispinus. Why? Because of its biology (fast cycle, refuge on the underside of leaves and in the substrate, pupation off the plant) and because broad-spectrum insecticides destroy the beneficial fauna that naturally controls the pest, creating a rebound effect.

Phytosanitary authorities, research centres (IFAPA, RAIF) and biological control companies (Koppert, Biobest) agree: the approach must be preventive, biological and based on hygiene and exclusion from the very beginning.

Below we detail the four pillars of integrated management adapted to cannabis:

1) Monitoring and thresholds: know your enemy

You cannot control what you do not know is there. Early monitoring is your best ally:

Sticky traps: Install blue sticky strips (yellow ones also work if you already use them for other pests). At a minimum, place 1–2 traps per 20 m² of crop, with higher density near entrances, doors and known hotspots. Check captures at least twice a week in greenhouses and indoor grows. Blue traps are especially attractive to thrips and will allow you to detect the first adults before the population explodes.

[productes tipus=”fitxa” cerca=”Koppert Insect sticky traps” nfitxes=”1″]

Visual sampling: Inspect the underside of young leaves and calyxes with a 20–40× hand lens. Look for grouped yellowish larvae, brown adults and black dots of excrement. Spend a few minutes each time you enter the grow; with practice, you will be able to detect problems before they are visible to the naked eye.

2) Cultural practices and hygiene: the foundation

Many T. Parvispinus infestations begin due to carelessness when introducing material or poor hygiene. Strengthen these points:

Clean entry to the grow: Establish a 10–14 day quarantine for any cutting or plant entering your grow space. During this time, inspect visually and with traps. Disinfect tools, clothing and footwear before entering. If you grow in a greenhouse or indoor space, consider installing insect-proof nets on vents and access points.

Constant sanitation: Immediately remove heavily affected shoots, severely damaged leaves and plant residues from pruning. Bag this material and remove it from the grow area; do not leave it in piles nearby, as it can act as a reservoir.

Substrate management: Avoid substrate cracking or accumulation of plant debris on the surface. Thrips pupate in the soil, so a clean, well-managed substrate hinders their cycle. Consider using soil-dwelling predators (see below) to attack pupae.

Physical structure: In greenhouses and indoor grows, install insect-proof filters on all vents and openings. This drastically reduces adult entry from outside. There are also insect-proof filters specifically designed for grow tents and extractors.

3) Biological control: the backbone of management

This is where you can really make a difference. Biological control is based on releasing natural predators into your crop that feed on thrips at different stages. The key is to act preventively (before damage appears) and to combine several natural enemies to cover all stages.

Foliar predators (for larvae and adults on the plant):

Orius laevigatus: This anthocorid bug is a voracious predator of adult and larval thrips. It works especially well in flowering crops because it also feeds on pollen. In cannabis, you may need bank or trap plants (for example, interplanted hot peppers) to maintain Orius populations even when thrips are scarce. Early releases are recommended, either as shock releases (single massive releases) or inoculative releases (small repeated releases).

Predatory mites: Amblyseius swirskii, A. montdorensis and Neoseiulus cucumeris are your best allies for preventive control. They feed on thrips larvae (as well as other mites and whitefly eggs). Release them preventively from transplant or early in the cycle, and reinforce in hotspots when you detect increases. These mites establish well under typical cannabis temperature and humidity conditions and are compatible with most bio-insecticides.

Other predators under evaluation: Franklinothrips vespiformis (a thrips predator of other thrips) and some products such as Entomite-M are under trial or used locally. Check with your biological control supplier for the latest options.

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4) Bio-insecticides and compatible products: the last resort

If, despite all the above, a high-population hotspot appears, you can resort to contact bio-insecticides or entomopathogenic fungi, always within regulations and prioritising products compatible with beneficial fauna.

Potassium soaps and vegetable oils: Products such as Oleatbio by TRABE (potassium soap) act by contact, dehydrating juvenile and adult stages. They have low impact on beneficials if applied locally and with respect for reapplication intervals. Apply during low light hours (dawn or dusk) and focus on hotspots rather than the entire crop.

Rotation and localisation: Never apply the same product continuously or across the entire surface. Rotate active ingredients, apply only to detected hotspots and respect safety intervals before releasing beneficials or harvesting.

Quick checklist: protect your crop step by step

Here is a summary of the whole process in a list of concrete actions:

Before planting:

• 10–14 day quarantine for any cutting or plant entering your grow.
• Install insect-proof netting on vents and access points (greenhouse/indoor).
• Prepare hygiene points (disinfection of tools, footwear and clothing).

At the start of the cycle (prevention):

• Release preventive predatory mites (swirskii, montdorensis, cucumeris) at transplant or during the first weeks.
• Place blue sticky traps (5–10 per 100 m²) and record captures by area.
• If growing in a greenhouse with flowering plants or banker plants, introduce Orius laevigatus.

During cultivation (early detection):

• Visual inspection with a hand lens at least twice a week: underside of young leaves, flowers and calyxes.
• Map hotspots: note where activity is detected to focus reinforcements.
• If populations rise: reinforce predators in the affected area.

In the event of high-population hotspots (action):

• Sanitise heavily damaged shoots or buds: bag and remove from the grow.
• Localised applications of compatible bio-insecticides (potassium soap, oils, Beauveria).
• Reinforce soil predators (Dalotia) if pupae are an issue.

End of cycle / harvest:

• Thorough cleaning of the grow space: remove all plant residues.
• Sanitary break before the next cycle (minimum 1–2 weeks without plants).
• Disinfect structures, trays, pots and tools.

The post Thrips Parvispinus (Tobacco Thrips): Complete Guide for Cannabis Cultivation appeared first on Alchimia blog.

Rokid has launched its AI Glasses Style at $299, positioning them as a lighter, screenless, and more affordable alternative to Meta Ray-Ban glasses while focusing on voice-first AI features like translation and assistance.

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SANTA CLARA, Calif., Jan 22, 2026 – Recently, International Data Corporation (IDC) released the report “China Large Language Model (LLM) Security Assessment Platform Vendor Technology Evaluation” (Doc#CHC53839325, October 2025). NSFOCUS was selected for this report based on its proven product performance and LLM security assessment methodology. With a comprehensive capability matrix built across model security, data […]

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SANTA CLARA, Calif., Jan 21, 2026 – Recently, MarketsandMarkets™, a globally recognized market research and consulting firm, released its Global DDoS Protection and Mitigation Security Market Global Forecast to 2030 report, providing a comprehensive assessment of industry trends, technology evolution, and leading vendors worldwide. Based on its mature technology stack, comprehensive solution portfolio, and strong market […]

The post NSFOCUS Enters the Global Top Tier of DDoS Security: NSFOCUS DDoS Solutions Positioned in the MarketsandMarkets™ Star Quadrant appeared first on NSFOCUS, Inc., a global network and cyber security leader, protects enterprises and carriers from advanced cyber attacks..

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EuroTrophy GmbH has signed a €330 million ($383 million) contract with KNDS Deutschland to supply Trophy Active Protection Systems for Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks ordered by Lithuania, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and Croatia, the company announced on January 19, 2026. The agreement covers the delivery of Trophy APS units for the four national […]

An Israeli defense entity has placed its first purchase order for ParaZero Technologies’ DefendAir counter-unmanned aerial system, the company announced, confirming a new procurement of anti-drone equipment amid heightened drone activity identified in recent conflicts. The order represents ParaZero’s first direct contract with a main Israeli defense organization for its DefendAir system and includes delivery […]

Teledyne FLIR Defense has secured a $32 million contract to supply reconnaissance and surveillance sensor kits for Bulgaria’s Stryker armored vehicles, the company confirmed. The contract was awarded by the U.S. Army Contracting Command at Aberdeen Proving Ground and covers the integration of advanced sensor systems on nearly 200 U.S.-made Stryker vehicles that Bulgaria is […]

The $400 million round was led by Dragoneer.