Indian State Government’s ‘Blockchain District’ Now Has a Dedicated Accelerator for Blockchain Startups

The Indian state of Telangana has launched a blockchain accelerator in its recently created Blockchain District, in collaboration with Tech Mahindra. Selected startups will pitch innovative ideas and get mentored by experts from the Telangana government, Tech Mahindra, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s Centre for Development of Advanced Computing, and IIIT Hyderabad. Also … Read more

Government Think Tank Niti Aayog Identifies Key Blockchain Use Cases for India

The policy think tank for the government of India, Niti Aayog, has published a strategy document identifying a number of key areas blockchain technology can significantly benefit the country. “By empowering citizens through features of transparency, decentralization and accountability, blockchain would help in improving ease of living,” explained Niti Aayog. Also read: Regulatory Roundup — … Read more

Crypto Exchange Zebpay Announces Relaunch in India Ahead of Supreme Court Decision on RBI Ban

Zebpay is returning to India more than a year after closing down local crypto exchange operations due to the banking ban imposed by the central bank, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Under a new leadership team, the exchange has also revealed a number of upcoming new services, including a crypto-to-crypto exchange and a way … Read more

India Unveils National Blockchain Strategy, Calling on RBI to Issue Digital Currency

India’s National Strategy on Blockchain has been published. It recommends, among other things, for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to issue a central bank digital currency. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology tasked the National Institute for Smart Government with drafting this national policy. Also read: Regulatory Roundup — New US Crypto Tax … Read more

Hearing Concluded: Indian Supreme Court Deliberates on Crypto vs RBI Case

The Indian supreme court has finished hearing the crypto vs. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) case. The hearing concluded on Tuesday with the counsel for the Internet and Mobile Association of India wrapping up his arguments, followed by arguments by the counsel representing crypto exchanges. The court is now in deliberation. Also read: Regulatory Roundup … Read more

Indian Prime Minister Modi Awards Young Entrepreneur for Cryptocurrency App

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has awarded a young entrepreneur for her cryptocurrency price tracking application while the government is still deliberating on the country’s crypto policies. News.Bitcoin.com caught up with the award recipient to find out more about her app. Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is being challenged in the supreme court … Read more

Panic Withdrawals at Indian Bank Over Alarming KYC Notice

Hundreds of customers went on a withdrawal spree after an Indian bank announced its revised KYC requirements. The bank’s action followed the decision by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to include the National Population Register letter as a valid KYC document for opening bank accounts. Customers are worried their funds could be frozen. Also … Read more

Indian Supreme Court Warms Up to Crypto – RBI’s Arguments Not Convincing

India’s supreme court heard the crypto case on Thursday, starting with the arguments by the counsel for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). After pointing out that the RBI ban only hurts crypto businesses but does not stop crypto trading, the court explained that “being an honest contributor to the blockchain is more profitable than … Read more

Crypto vs RBI: 3 Days of Intense Supreme Court Hearings

India’s supreme court heard the crypto case in detail over three consecutive days this week. In addition to intense arguments against the central bank having the power to ban crypto, the judges learned how other countries regulate this new sector, the amended EU directive, the FATF guidance, and less invasive crypto measures. Also read: Regulatory … Read more

Indian Supreme Court Hears In-Depth Arguments Against RBI Ban

India’s supreme court spent all day hearing arguments against the crypto banking ban by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Wednesday. The counsel for the Internet and Mobile Association of India presented extensive arguments to convince the court that the central bank acted outside its jurisdiction and power in placing a banking restriction on … Read more