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What Money Knows That You Don’t: An Insight (International Edition)

by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | coins, currencies, economics, money, money management

By Jules Nartey-Tokoli

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Wealth goes by various terms across different cultures and nations and wields significant power. True, but do you believe you have a grasp on money? Do you truly comprehend it?

A lot of individuals hold various interpretations when it comes to defining money and understanding what it truly represents. In reality, some actually consider money to be an evil force! Do you share this perspective as well? Often, people tend to agree with this viewpoint because they mistakenly quote a Bible verse which states that the love of money is considered the source of all evils.

So, that indeed discusses the
love
of money; the love of money is what is evil but

not

Money serves as a safeguard, as stated in Ecclesiastes 7:12 and 10:19 of the NIV translation: “Wisdom is a refuge just as money is a refuge… but having money answers every problem.”

Therefore, there is inherently nothing wrong or wicked about money itself. However, cultivating a deep affection for it, or in simpler terms, turning into greed, is considered evil. This relentless desire drives individuals to go to great lengths to obtain it and hoard vast amounts even when they possess more than sufficient wealth.

Today, we’ll explore what constitutes real money versus artificial money. In doing so, we’ll clarify what money truly is and what it isn’t. Additionally, in the latter portion of our discussion, we will contextualize these concepts appropriately.

What is Money?

To better understand what constitutes money, let’s examine some definitions from the Merriam-Webster dictionary. According to this source, “money is an item widely recognized for use in transactions, serving both as a standard of value and as a method of settlement.”

Next up, we have currency, which people frequently confuse with money. The term “money” as commonly used nowadays—be it the US dollar, British pound, Ghana cedi, Nigerian naira, among others—is technically referring to different forms of currency.

A currency is a form of money but not money. While that statement seems paradoxical, it’s accurate in that currency is a physical or tangible form of money (like coins and banknotes), while money is a broader concept encompassing any medium of exchange. So, I found this on the investopedia.com website that I would like to share with you, Money versus Currency:

The concepts of money and currency are frequently considered interchangeable. Nevertheless, although connected, they possess distinct definitions. Money represents a wider notion encompassing an abstract framework for value that facilitates the trading of products and services both presently and subsequently. Conversely, currency is merely a physical manifestation of this concept.

Therefore, since currency represents one physical manifestation of money, I believe you’d concur that various forms of money exist beyond just currency. In my view, these include both natural money and artificial money.

Natural Currency Versus SyntheticCurrency

What does natural money refer to? In my understanding, this includes elements such as human capital, valuable metals, and gemstones. On the other hand, currency represents an example of artificial money. It’s considered artificial since humans invented it, unlike natural money which is believed to be divinely ordained.

For example, during the First World War, cigarettes evolved into a form of currency. Cigarettes were not natural products either, yet they served as a medium of exchange amongst soldiers. That’s how things stood then.

Once again, when discussing money, we typically concentrate on its artificial version, and tragically, many individuals perish over this artificial currency. You might concur that this makes little sense; after all, why would anyone risk their life for something as intangible as artificial money? Naturally occurring wealth isn’t worth risking one’s life for either, so it follows that fabricated monetary forms hold even less value in such circumstances.

Your Responsibility

Therefore, each of us should take the time to determine definitively what genuine money truly means. Once we understand this concept of true money, we can assign actual worth to it.

Therefore, as mentioned previously, natural money consists of human resources, valuable metals, and gemstones. We will now examine each component individually.

Human Resources

When discussing human resources, I’m talking about the inherent values or assets within an individual—skills, knowledge, and experiences—that they can utilize to generate outcomes or accomplish tasks. These resources encompass specific abilities, information, and past encounters that, when integrated effectively, contribute to productive efforts. Essentially, human resources possess the potential to generate wealth artificially, unlike natural monetary sources.
cannot
create human resources.

To illustrate: To start a business many people think about money, which is usually what they refer to as capital. However, there are human resources that each one of us has which we can make use of in order to create that currency, capital that we need to start the business. What are some of these human resources I’m talking about?

As I highlighted before, experiences, knowledge, and talent are crucial factors in this equation. Your experiences pertain to aspects such as your interactions with others, your demeanor, and your honesty.

If you are honest, for example, and you have a good reputation–i.e. your name; how people view you when your name is mentioned or when they see you–you’ll be able to start your business without even looking for cash, currency. How can that be? Yes, because you have the reputation of honesty, for example, you can get goods supplied to you by a wholesaler or even a manufacturer, using your reputation as the currency, the cash. That is because they believe that you’re honest and will definitely really pay what you owe.

Hence, based on your reputation, they supply you with the goods, you go stock them in your shop, if you have one, or store them away in your home, sell them and then bring the money back minus your profits. In this way you have used your human resources, in this regard your reputation as a form of money to start your business.

Be sure to pay attention to the second section.

Feel free to reach out for interaction: +1 (914) 259-0242

jules.ntokoli@soleilvision.com

www.soleilvision.com

The author is a proactive entrepreneur who serves as the Founder and Group CEO of Groupe Soleil Vision, which includes entities like Soleil Consults (US), LLC, NubianBiz.com, and Soleil Publications. Possessing deep expertise in areas such as strategy, management, entrepreneurship, premium audit advisory, and web consulting, he brings considerable experience from his work in both Ghana and the U.S. Known for his insightful contributions, Jules stands out as a leading thinker in sectors encompassing corporate governance, leadership, e-commerce, and customer service. His writings delve into subjects ranging from economics and IT to marketing and branding, establishing him as a key figure in conversations about African development and innovative business practices. Via NubianBiz.com, he fervently promotes inter-African commerce and tech-enabled expansion aimed at strengthening small-to-medium enterprises throughout the region.

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Beijing Calls on Swire Group to Bolster Hong Kong’s Aviation Hub Ambitions

by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | business, commerce, international trade, news, politics

Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng urged the company to participate in the development of the Bay Area and the Hainan Free Trade Port during his meeting with CEO Merlin Swire.

Chinese Deputy President Han Zheng has urged the British multinational corporation
Swire Group
to contribute to solidifying Hong Kong’s position as an international aviation center while actively participating in the growth of the Greater Bay Area.

On Monday, Han encountered Merlin Swire, the CEO of John Swire & Sons, who was present in Beijing for the China Development Forum.

“Han stated that the Swire Group, a globally renowned multinational corporation, has experienced significant growth in both Mainland China and Hong Kong,” as reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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I am hopeful that the Swire Group will play an active role in the development of both the Greater Bay Area and the Hainan Free Trade Port.

The Bay Area Blueprint aims to transform Hong Kong, Macau, and nine Guangdong provincial cities into a major economic force. Meanwhile, the Hainan strategy seeks to develop the island into a leading global free-trade center with its own custom regime by the end of this year.

At the meeting with Swire, Han recognized the intricate global landscape but emphasized that China’s backing of economic globalization along with its ongoing reform and openness initiatives will contribute additional stability to the international community.

Han similarly had a meeting with the CEO of Swiss pharmaceutical firm Novartis, Vasant Narasimhan, underscoring Beijing’s backing for the creation of novel medications and fostering an improved climate for innovative activities among international corporations.

He urged the firm to capitalize on opportunities, leverage its advantages, and enhance cooperation with the nation for better growth within China.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that both Swire and Narasimhan spoke positively about China’s economic and social accomplishments and expressed optimism regarding the nation’s future.

It was claimed that both firms agreed to engage in extended partnerships with the nation and vowed to increase their financial commitment and strengthen collaboration with China in sectors such as aviation, healthcare, and medical services.

At last month’s “two sessions” political event, Chinese Premier Li Qiang urged Hong Kong to strengthen global interactions and collaboration. This directive was seen as a step towards enhancing China’s openness during the growing competition between Beijing and Washington.

In 2023, Merlin Swire headed a delegation that met with Xia Baolong, who leads the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office.

At the meeting, Xia commended the team for their sustained involvement in Hong Kong and their backing of the “one country, two systems” governance policy, simultaneously encouraging them to play a role in advancing the nation’s progress.

Rusinga Schools Lead Transformation as Kenya’s Innovation Hub in Digital Literacy Push

by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | education, educational systems, innovation, schools, technology

As Kenya speeds up its initiatives to leverage locally developed digital platforms for promoting inclusive growth, several schools are independently competing to support this significant move by adopting tactics designed to encourage innovative education, thereby helping to maintain the nation’s digital economy.

These strategies align with the goals of the Digital Platforms Kenya (DigiKen) initiative, a UN SDG collaborative effort backed by the government. The aim is to enhance digital literacy, boost economic growth, create jobs, and improve overall digital inclusiveness by the year 2030.

Visiting Rusinga Schools during the weekend uncovered detailed preparations by the school to introduce an innovation center with objectives similar to those of the bold DigiKen project.

Head teacher Juma Nyamori said the hub will serve as a catalyst for innovation by equipping students with skills in coding, programming and robotics, as well as host annual hackathons where young innovators from across the world will be invited to collaborate in solving contemporary challenges through technology.

The unveiling of the Rusinga Innovation Hub on Saturday was synchronized with the school’s 50th anniversary festivities, which were marked by attendance from previous principals, parents, pupils, graduates, church collaborators, faculty members, and media representatives.

“As we celebrate this achievement, we renew our pledge to encourage creativity and provide students with the abilities necessary to succeed in a changing landscape,” he stated, highlighting the importance of sustained funding in maintaining educational standards to address the requirements of upcoming generations.

“The inauguration of the innovation center underscores our commitment to nurturing future leaders who will drive Kenya’s economic growth and make contributions to worldwide progress,” he stated.

Founded in 1975, Rusinga Schools has played a key role in enhancing educational policies and advocacy efforts in Kenya, covering areas such as curriculum design and instructor education.

The precise count of Kenyan schools featuring innovation hubs remains unclear; however, the DigiKen project has established 15 Digital Innovation Hubs nationwide aimed at fostering digital advancement and strengthening local communities.

The initiative is overseen by a coalition of United Nations entities, with UNESCO taking the leading role. They collaborate closely with the Ministry of Information, Communication and Digital Economy, the Kenya School of Government, and the Directorate of Training and Human Capital Development, along with several additional partners.

The chosen hubs will serve as catalysts for opportunities enabling entrepreneurs, youth, women, and marginalized groups to develop and expand their creations, driving forward the digital revolution.

Included among these initiatives is the Africa Media Hub located at the Strathmore University Business School, the Kijiji Connect ICT Hub situated in Tana River, the Lake Hub based in Kisumu, the Isiolo Youth Innovation Center, and Pwani Tekknowgalz operating in Mombasa County.

Nyamori mentioned that their forthcoming center will act as a specialized hub for technology exploration and STEM education, expanding upon the school’s collaboration with governmental organizations such as the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), which aims at improving the standard of education and influencing Kenya’s academic environment, notably through the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

“True educational excellence extends past academic achievements; it involves nurturing comprehensive individuals and significantly supporting the advancement of our nation’s education system,” he stated, highlighting an extensive array of accomplished alumni who have distinguished themselves in fields such as commerce, journalism, invention, and civic duty—many of whom received recognition during the Golden Jubilee festivities.

Nyamori stressed the importance of sustained investments in high-quality education to address the needs of upcoming generations. This sentiment was seconded by guest speaker KAG Bishop Philip Kitoto, who highlighted that introducing more programs focused on developing digital skills among the nation’s youth has been delayed for too long.

Kenya’s demographics reveal that more than 62 percent of the population is under 18 years old, which presents a significant challenge for us. Although what Rusinga is accomplishing seems small in comparison, it holds potential to make a global difference. Clearly, the upcoming generation will encounter obstacles that could affect educational opportunities.

Kitoto highlighted the issue of insufficient infrastructure leading to educational inequalities. He then urged prominent institutions to extend support to less advantaged areas by providing resources and chances for local educators to demonstrate their skills, particularly in uplifting disadvantaged neighborhoods.

Celebrating a heritage of fostering resilient families and pioneering exceptional education ought to be an aspiration for all—be they parents, teachers, or providers of educational services,” he stated. “From the outset, I am convinced that students, educators, parents, and organizations such as Rusinga need to stay vigilant against threats that could derail this vision.

Kitoto cited activist and former US First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, stating that the future belongs to those who have faith in the beauty of their dreams.

“Start investing in novel methods that will help us maintain our leading position amid these constant changes,” the bishop stated, highlighting the importance of keeping God at the forefront of everything.

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Met: Kenyan Rains Set to Continue Across Most Regions This Week

by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | meteorology, news, precipitation, rain, rainfall

The Kenya Meteorological Department reports that rainfall is expected to persist across much of the nation for the remainder of this week.

The weather forecast issued on Monday for the period from March 25 to 31 predicts scattered instances of intense rain in certain regions.

Kenya Met said i

Isolated intense rainfalls are expected in various regions including the Highlands both East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley itself, the southeastern lowlands, and northeastern Kenya.

.

The weather report indicates that the daily high temperatures during the reviewed period will reach up to 30 degrees.

°C at the Coastal Region, as well as northeastern and northwestern parts of Kenya.

In the Central Highlands and the Central Rift Valley, nighttime temperatures are expected to fall to around 10°C.

On March 18, Kenya Meteorology Department announced that the long rains for the months of March through April to May had commenced in certain areas of the nation, with the remaining regions expected to begin shortly.

According to Met, the beginning of the rainy season will feature a period of continuous rain amounting to at least 20 mm over three successive days, without any stretch of completely dry weather lasting for seven days or more during the next twenty-one days.

For regions in the northern section of the nation, there should be a total accumulation of precipitation reaching at least 10 millimeters across three successive days.

The meteorologist announced that the prolonged rainfall season will commence from March 10 to March 16 in the western highlands outside the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria region, the Rift Valley itself, Nairobi, and certain areas within these highlands.

Ands east of the Rift Valley, as well as some areas in the southeastern lowlands and portions of Isiolo County.

He mentioned that the rainfall was higher during March 3 to March 9, particularly in the Southeastern lowlands and certain areas of Northeastern Kenya.

“The beginning of rainfall for the areas east of the Rift Valley Highlands and the southeastern lowlands is anticipated to start this week,” he stated.

He additionally mentioned that the beginning for the Northeastern area is anticipated to fall between March 25 and March 31.

This will probably be succeeded by periods of drought.

The northwestern areas of Kenya along with the coastal zones are anticipated to experience intermittent rain showers for the rest of March 2025.

This, however, might not satisfy the criteria for onset.

The height of the season along the coast is anticipated to happen in May.

The beginning is expected to happen in April across both areas.

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How Robert Downey Jr. Scored the Role of Doctor Doom: An Exclusive Look

by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | celebrities, doctor strange, entertainment, iron man, marvel studios

Washington [US], March 24 (ANI): Performer
Robert Downey Jr
shared his surprise at seeing him stroll onto the stage costumed like that
Doctor Doom
at
San Diego Comic-Con
Last year; it came as a surprise to almost everybody, largely due to the fact that he had previously rescued the Marvel Universe as Tony Stark.

The idea of Downey portraying a villain named Victor von Doom dates back even before he was chosen for the role of Iron Man’s alter ego, according to reports from Deadline.

I recall that you had previously met with [Downey] for, something like,
Doctor Doom
“Or perhaps something from another venture,” Director Jon Favreau mentioned during a 2023 talk with Marvel head honcho Kevin Feige. “He might have shown up around [2005’s] Fantastic Four, which made everyone familiar with him,” according to the source.

In the 2005 movie, Victor Von Doom was played by Julian McMahon, whereas Downey took on the role of Stark in the 2008 release “Iron Man.” However, according to reports fromDeadline, Feige considered casting DowneyJ as Doom instead.

Downey consented, and the actor attempted to persuade his Avengers: Endgame directors to reunite the band for the forthcoming Avengers: Secret Wars and Avengers: Doomsday projects, according to the source.

Robert attempted to persuade us to go along with his idea, but we responded with ‘no.’ We lacked a storyline and an entry point. For some time, we remained unconvinced.

Once, Steve McFeely, who is one of our key partners, mentioned he had an idea. We responded with excitement, saying, ‘There’s your tale! This narrative needs to be shared; it carries immense power.’

What is that idea? None of the directors revealed significant details until Joe stated, “All I can share regarding the film is this: We adore antagonists who believe they are protagonists in their personal narratives. This makes them multi-faceted and far more intriguing. With an actor such as Robert Downey Jr., one must craft a fully developed, complex character for viewers.” As reported by Deadline. (ANI)

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