Latest news with #CBR
Indian Express
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Attack on Titan, Demon Slayer, and more anime targeted by cybercriminals: Kaspersky report
Anime fans may be under serious threat. A new report by Kaspersky has found out over 2,50,000 potential cyber attacks disguised as popular anime on streaming platforms. These shows, which are hugely popular among younger audiences, have a massive fan base. In order to spread awareness about the cyber risks of streaming content online, the popular anti-virus provider has launched Case 404, an interactive cybersecurity game. Streaming has become a way of life for most members of Generation Z as it instantly helps in forging a connection with characters, worlds, fandoms which go on to define their identity. According to a CBR report, over 65 per cent of Gen Z watch anime regularly. For the latest study, experts and Kaspersky's selected five anime titles that are popular among Gen Z – Demon Slayer, Attack On Titan, Naruto, One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, etc. The experts found 2,51, 931 attempts to deliver malware or unwanted files disguised under names of these anime titles. According to the report, cybercriminals were tapping into the trust Gen Z has for these series. They often use bait like 'exclusive episode', 'leaked scenes', or 'premium access.' When it comes to titles, Naruto had the most with 1,14, 216 attempted attacks. Demon Slayer followed with 44,200 attack attempts, and at the third spot is Attack on Titan with 39, 433 detected attempts to distribute malicious content. Apart from anime, Kaspersky also analysed five films and series that continue to resonate with Gen Z: Shrek, Stranger Things, Twilight, Inside Out 2, and Deadpool & Wolverine. These shows accounted for 43,302 attack attempts with a pronounced spike in attention to these titles from cybercriminals at the beginning of 2025. All of these are primarily related to the rise of attack on Shrek with over 36,000 attempts in all and a steep rise in March 2025. While OTT platforms have reshaped the anime watching experience, this has also created a fertile ground for cybercriminals. Kaspersky detected 96,288 attempts to distribute malicious or unwanted files disguised as the names of these major streaming platforms. According to the report, among streaming services, Netflix stood out with 85,679 attack attempts related to over 2.8 million phishing pages imitating its branding. Cybercriminals take advantage of the constant traffic, frequent subscription-based activity, and global reach. Experts said that scammers mimicked login pages, shared free trial links or spoof password reset emails. Kaspersky's game, Case 404, invites players to become cyber-detectives and solve immersive cybercrime cases. With this game, Kaspersky aims to empower Gen Z to develop their mindset and skillset to stay safe in an increasingly vulnerable online world. 'As the world of entertainment continues to evolve, so do the tactics used by cybercriminals to exploit popular content, whether through fake downloads or fraudulent merchandise offers. From beloved anime like Naruto and Demon Slayer to the latest blockbusters like Inside Out 2, scammers have found new ways to take advantage of Gen Z's affinity for digital culture and streaming platforms. With the rise of these cyberthreats, it's more important than ever for young users to stay vigilant and understand how to protect themselves online,' said Vasily Kolesnikov, security expert at Kaspersky. To safeguard one online while streaming content, Kaspersky recommends the following steps: 📌Use a legitimate, paid subscription when accessing streaming services and ensure you're using apps from official marketplaces or the official websites. 📌Verify the authenticity of websites before entering any personal information. 📌Stick to trusted, official pages when watching or downloading content and double-check URLs and company name spellings to avoid phishing sites. 📌Be cautious about the file extensions you're downloading. Video files should not have .exe or .msi extensions, these are usually associated with harmful programs. 📌Use a reliable security solution to detect malicious attachments that could compromise your data 📌Ensure secure browsing and safe messaging with reliable VPN, protecting your IP address and preventing data leaks.
Arabian Post
27-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Sber Steps into Digital Asset Market as Russia Eyes Regulated Crypto Trading
Sber, Russia's largest lender, is poised to become a market maker and liquidity provider on the country's forthcoming regulated cryptocurrency platforms, marking a significant shift in Moscow's approach to digital assets. This development aligns with the Central Bank of Russia's experimental legal regime , designed to permit cryptocurrency trading among a select group of high-net-worth individuals and institutions. Under the ELR, only 'super-qualified' investors—those with over 100 million rubles in securities and deposits or an annual income exceeding 50 million rubles —will be authorized to participate in crypto trading. The initiative, set to span three years, aims to enhance market transparency and establish regulatory standards for digital asset transactions. Sber's involvement is a strategic move, leveraging its existing license from the CBR to issue and exchange digital financial assets. This license, obtained in 2022, allows Sber to facilitate transactions involving tokenized assets backed by traditional financial instruments. By acting as a market maker, Sber will provide liquidity to the nascent crypto platforms, ensuring smoother trading experiences for participants. ADVERTISEMENT The ELR represents a cautious yet progressive step by Russian authorities to integrate digital assets into the financial system without fully lifting the domestic ban on cryptocurrency payments. While the use of cryptocurrencies for payments remains prohibited, the ELR provides a controlled environment for investment activities, mitigating risks associated with volatility and illicit transactions. The CBR and the Finance Ministry are collaborating to finalize the framework for the ELR, including the precise criteria for investor qualification and the operational guidelines for participating institutions. The initiative reflects a broader trend of regulatory experimentation in the face of evolving financial technologies and international sanctions. Russia's approach mirrors similar sandbox models adopted by other jurisdictions, aiming to balance innovation with financial stability. By restricting participation to super-qualified investors, the ELR seeks to limit systemic risks while gathering data to inform future regulatory decisions. The establishment of regulated crypto trading platforms also addresses the current reliance on foreign exchanges by Russian investors, which poses challenges for oversight and compliance. A domestic infrastructure would enable authorities to monitor transactions more effectively and enforce anti-money laundering measures. Sber's role is pivotal in this context, given its technological capabilities and extensive client base. The bank's digital asset platform, which supports the issuance of tokenized financial instruments, is expected to serve as a foundation for the new crypto trading environment. This infrastructure will facilitate the development of a regulated market, offering investors access to digital assets within a legal framework. The ELR is anticipated to commence in the latter half of 2025, following the completion of regulatory preparations and the establishment of necessary technological systems. During the pilot phase, authorities will assess the effectiveness of the regulatory measures and the performance of market participants, including Sber's role in maintaining liquidity and market stability. This initiative is part of Russia's broader strategy to modernize its financial sector and reduce dependence on Western financial systems, especially in light of ongoing international sanctions. By fostering a regulated digital asset market, Russia aims to attract investment, stimulate innovation, and enhance the resilience of its financial infrastructure. The success of the ELR could pave the way for more comprehensive integration of digital assets into Russia's financial ecosystem, potentially leading to the development of new financial products and services. However, the authorities remain vigilant about the risks associated with cryptocurrencies, emphasizing the importance of robust regulatory oversight and investor protection.
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Rivals that shaped Anime: From Vegeta vs. Goku to Sasuke vs. Naruto
Credits: CBR In shonen anime, rivalry is more than just a personal feud—it's fuel for adventure and character growth. Series from Dragon Ball to Naruto use tension between heroes and rivals to drive their stories. In fact, one analysis notes that rivalry is 'a major narrative device in shōnen manga,' even citing Dragon Ball as a classic example. Fans around the world have followed these intense matchups for decades, debating dream battles and forming dedicated communities. Iconic rivalries like Goku vs. Vegeta and Naruto vs. Sasuke have set the standard for the genre, while newer hits like My Hero Academia and Black Clover evolve the dynamic in fresh ways. The saiyan spark: Goku vs. Vegeta Credits: CBR When Vegeta first invades Earth in Dragon Ball Z , he meets his match in Goku. Their showdown on Namek and later battlefields became 'one of the most iconic anime rivalries in history,' defining the 90s era of shonen. Originally enemies, the Saiyan prince Vegeta and the cheerful Goku forge a competitive friendship. Each defeat inspires the other to train harder, unlocking Super Saiyan and godlike new powers. In effect, every battle pushes both warriors to higher levels. As one analysis notes, their rivalry 'transformed shonen anime by creating numerous rivalries' where characters help each other grow. Vegeta's journey – from ruthless villain to begrudging ally – set a template: even the fiercest rival can become a source of respect and motivation. Bonds & conflicts: Naruto vs. Sasuke Credits: CBR Naruto and Sasuke began as friends and academy rivals in the Hidden Leaf Village, but their ambitions led them down different paths. Their relationship is 'one of the most emotionally charged anime rivalries' . by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Naruto is the determined underdog craving acknowledgment, while Sasuke is the brooding prodigy bent on revenge. They clash in dramatic battles – especially at the Valley of the End – where personal feelings and ninja honor collide. Through these fights, Naruto's empathy confronts Sasuke's bitterness, illustrating how complex a hero-vs-rival bond can be. Fans see their story as both a friendship and a conflict: Naruto's growth is tied to saving Sasuke, and Sasuke is challenged by Naruto's ideals. Their final showdown and eventual reconciliation are often cited as one of anime's most fulfilling conclusions. A new era of rivals: Deku vs. Bakugo and Asta vs. Yuno Credits: CBR Modern shonen often frames rivals as childhood friends or equals. In My Hero Academia , Deku (Izuku Midoriya) and Bakugo (Katsuki) grew up together at hero school. Bakugo's natural talent and explosive quirk made him the confident hero-in-waiting Deku admired (and later envied); Deku's humble perseverance earned Bakugo's respect. Their rivalry is loud and abrasive but rooted in mutual respect. Each tries to outdo the other, constantly pushing both toward improvement. Black Clover offers another example. Asta and Yuno were raised together in an orphanage, sharing a dream of becoming Wizard King. Yuno is blessed with powerful magic; Asta has none but wields anti-magic blades. Their competition began in childhood and grew through official exams. Each victory by one drives the other to work harder. In fact, one analysis points out that despite their 'directly opposite abilities, their rivalry pushes them to new heights that they couldn't overcome before'. The two maintain deep respect even while competing, showing that friendship can fuel a rivalry as much as rivalry fuels strength. Modern twists: Ideology and legacy The rival archetype is also being reshaped. Some modern stories turn rivalry into ideological conflict. In Jujutsu Kaisen , for example, one of the series' core pairings is former friends Gojo Satoru and Suguru Geto. They share a history but split over opposing beliefs about how sorcerers should treat the world. Their clash underscores bigger moral questions, extending rivalry beyond personal power struggle. Fans continue to debate which rivalry is the greatest. In one Japanese survey, Vegeta ranked as anime's #1 rival and Sasuke #2 (with MHA's Bakugo also in the top five). Such polls highlight how these characters captivate multiple generations. For instance, early Dragon Ball viewers grew up with Goku and Vegeta, while younger fans bonded with Naruto and Sasuke in the 2000s, and today's audience cheers Deku and Bakugo. These rivalries become a common thread through decades of anime history. Cultural impact: Fans and merchandising Rivalries extend off-screen into real-world fan culture and merchandising. Conventions and social media often feature debates and art imagining 'what if' battles between famous rivals. Official merchandise even sells these rivalries directly: for example, Crunchyroll offers a collectible Dragon Ball figure set titled 'Son Goku vs. Vegeta – ICHIBANSHO,' inviting fans to 'relive the legendary rivalry' between the two Saiyans. In India and worldwide, action figures, posters, and video games frequently spotlight these dynamic duos. The fierce competition between heroes and their counterparts drives not only narrative excitement but also broad cultural trends and collector interest. In the end, shonen rivalries do more than thrill viewers: they test heroes, reveal their values, and deepen long-term storytelling. Characters like Vegeta, Sasuke, Bakugo, and Yuno endure because their relationships with the protagonists are complex, personal, and evolving. As long as those fiery clashes capture our imagination – and even our wallets – rivalries will remain at the heart of anime's enduring appeal. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Anime stories and characters that speak to today's youth
Credits: Medium Anime's surge in India is unmistakable. Once a niche interest, anime is now mainstream among Gen Z: Crunchyroll recently named India its second-largest market. Fans even joke that playgrounds echo with 'Kamehameha' and 'Super Saiyan' moves. Iconic shows like Naruto and Dragon Ball Z created a loyal fanbase early on, and today younger hits like Demon Slayer and Jujutsu Kaisen are just as popular. What draws these fans isn't just vibrant art, but deep, emotional storytelling . Many Indian viewers say anime heroes face struggles of identity, acceptance and loss – problems Gen Z can relate to. As one fan put it during the lockdown: 'Anime is not something I watch just to pass time. The stories… are very relatable, and they teach you… fighting your battles, dealing with things with patience'. In short, tales of friendship, found family, and perseverance (common in anime) resonate with young Indians. Icons and role models from every genre Credits: CBR Gen Z fans point to characters who feel like role models . For example, Naruto Uzumaki (from Naruto ) starts alone and unpopular, yet he never gives up. His perseverance and belief in friends become a powerful example of 'never giving up' – a message many youngsters admire. Similarly, Monkey D. Luffy (from One Piece ) lives for freedom and adventure, inspiring young fans to chase big dreams. Darker heroes matter too: Levi Ackerman (from Attack on Titan ) fights relentlessly to protect his team, teaching duty and sacrifice. In newer series, characters like Yuji Itadori and Satoru Gojo (from Jujutsu Kaisen ) or Tanjiro Kamado (from Demon Slayer ) show courage, kindness and loyalty even when the odds are stacked against them. Many Indian fans say they see their own journeys reflected in these heroes' ups and downs. As one fan explained, watching these characters 'overcome their challenges gives us hope and sometimes even a roadmap for our own lives'. (Anime's universal themes of friendship, family and overcoming adversity have long attracted Indian audiences. ) Streaming, social media and local voices Part of anime's success is sheer accessibility . Major streaming services have made anime easy to find in India. Crunchyroll launched a dedicated India service in early 2024, and giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime now pack their libraries with hits – even offering Hindi, Tamil and Telugu dubs for top shows. As Crunchyroll's India boss Akshat Sahu notes, 'anime's popularity in India has skyrocketed… particularly among Gen Z and young millennials'. Even kids' TV channels are embracing anime; shows like Pokémon and Shin Chan have become household names, and about half of Disney India's kids programming now features anime. Social media plays its part too. Fans share clips and memes on TikTok and Instagram, often set to catchy anime audios or fan art. For many young Indians, scrolling through Reels might introduce them to Your Name , A Silent Voice or other anime titles. Influencers on YouTube and Instagram proudly discuss anime: Delhi cosplayer Tulip Hazarika remembers discovering it 'with Animax and the show Naruto ' as a child. She and others say that seeing creators show off their passion makes more people curious. In fact, cosplayer Samarth Thakral points out that YouTube channels and anime-loving influencers 'have helped get more people hooked on anime'. Fan communities, fashion and cosplay Credits: Shutterstock Fans aren't just watching – they're living anime. Across India, clubs and conventions have sprung up. For instance, the Bangalore Anime Club (which began as an Orkut page in 2006) now organizes screenings, meetups and contests on WhatsApp and Discord. Even large events like Japan Habba in Bengaluru feature anime cosplay, music, and fan art booths. Individual fans pour creativity into cosplay (dressing up as anime characters). As Tulip Hazarika describes, cosplayers 'use their body as the canvas' for characters they love. Delhi-based Akanksha Solanki (pictured above as Shoto Todoroki from My Hero Academia ) notes that a full costume can take months of work on fabrics, wigs and props. The payoff is a real community: cosplayer Samannay says 'getting into the character… it's very fascinating — a lot of people flock to take pictures' at conventions. Anime's influence shows up in fashion too. Some fans embrace Japanese-inspired styles like Lolita dresses or Gothic streetwear. Brick-and-mortar stores have caught on: a comic shop owner in Bengaluru notes many retailers that once focused on Marvel/DC are now stocking anime hoodies, figurines and posters. Online, fan art and DIY accessories multiply. India's growing anime merch market even includes custom-printed tees and keychains when official goods aren't available. Emotions, values and identity At its heart, anime provides a language of emotions that many Gen Z find comforting. These shows don't shy away from pain, loneliness or conflict — themes that often match young people's lives. Characters learn to cope with grief, fight injustice, or accept themselves. Seeing heroes grow through hardship gives fans courage. As one teen fan said, 'Anime characters often struggle with their identities… watching them overcome their challenges gives us hope'. Parents and teachers have noticed that anime can start conversations about empathy, diversity and persistence. Importantly, Gen Z fans talk about found family : many favorite anime heroes form close bonds with friends who become like siblings or mentors. This resonates with young adults finding their place away from home. When a fan feels 'alone' or pressured by society, seeing that journey on screen can be therapeutic. In India's recent lockdowns, fans like Ananya Sharma found anime gave 'moral support amid the pandemic'. As she says, anime became 'a getaway' with stories that taught patience and fighting your battles. From its inspiring heroes to its lively fan culture, anime has truly become a new cultural vocabulary for Indian Gen Z. Streaming platforms, social media, and enthusiastic communities have turned what was once 'just cartoons' into something much bigger. For many young Indians, anime is not only a way to pass the time, but a mirror of their hopes, struggles and dreams. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ted Lasso Season 4: Hannah Waddingham teases major update
In a development that delighted fans worldwide, the popular Apple TV+ sports dramedy Ted Lasso is officially returning for a fourth season. The announcement, which had initially surfaced in March, has now been reaffirmed by Emmy Award-winning actress Hannah Waddingham , who confirmed the production will begin filming in July this year. The series, headlined by Jason Sudeikis , debuted in 2020 and quickly earned acclaim for its heartwarming humor and positive tone. The narrative follows American football coach Ted Lasso as he takes charge of the fictional British football club AFC Richmond, bringing his trademark optimism to the pitch and beyond. Waddingham Confirms Production Timeline Speaking on the UK's Capital Breakfast show while promoting her upcoming film Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning , Waddingham revealed, 'We start shooting in July.' The actress, who portrays team owner Rebecca Welton, noted that the news came as an unexpected but welcome surprise to the cast. 'We thought we'd mourned the loss, and now it's rising from the dead! It's amazing,' she said, as quoted in a report by CBR. Play Video Play Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 30:13 Loaded : 0.29% 00:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 30:13 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track default , selected Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mountain Gear for Extreme Conditions Trek Kit India Learn More Undo Praising the writing team behind the show, Waddingham described the scripts as 'beautifully drawn,' further highlighting the gender-inclusive dynamic in the writers' room. 'We've got a full room of real feminist men… and you really see it in the scripts,' she said. Jason Sudeikis' Green Light Was Key While there had been speculation about the show's future following Season 3's emotional finale, Warner Bros. Television Group Chairperson Channing Dungey disclosed that the return of Ted Lasso was largely contingent upon Sudeikis. Live Events 'It's really all been driven by Jason,' Dungey told Deadline earlier this year. She noted that both Apple TV+ and Warner Bros. were open to continuing the series, but it hinged on the actor-creator's creative readiness. 'We were fortunate enough to find ourselves in a place where he landed on an idea that he was excited about,' Dungey explained. Season 4 will reportedly see Ted Lasso transitioning into coaching a women's football team — a narrative shift teased by Sudeikis during an appearance on the New Heights Podcast hosted by NFL stars Jason and Travis Kelce. Brett Goldstein Hints at Return Another fan favorite, Brett Goldstein, known for his portrayal of the no-nonsense Roy Kent, expressed mixed emotions after the wrap of Season 3. 'I cried… but I never felt like it was the end,' he told USA Today . While not officially confirming his on-screen return, Goldstein stated that he is back as a writer and executive producer. Release Expected in Late 2025 or Early 2026 Though Apple TV+ has yet to announce an official release date for the fourth season, current projections suggest a late 2025 or early 2026 debut. All three previous seasons remain available for streaming. Alongside Sudeikis and Hannah Waddingham, the returning ensemble is expected to include Phil Dunster, Juno Temple, Brendan Hunt, Jeremy Swift, and Cristo Fernández, among others. The Ted Lasso franchise has earned 13 Emmy Awards and continues to be celebrated for its heartfelt storytelling and uplifting spirit. FAQs Is Ted Lasso officially returning for Season 4? Yes, Ted Lasso is officially coming back for a fourth season on Apple TV+. The confirmation was recently reiterated by actress Hannah Waddingham. When does filming for Ted Lasso Season 4 begin? According to Hannah Waddingham, filming is scheduled to start in July 2025.
