The rundown: Bitcoin and all major currencies were down in the morning; South Korea to use blockchain to track beef; The University of Tokyo launches a blockchain course; North Korea plans to hold a blockchain and cryptocurrency conference; and India is getting ready to begin drafting cryptocurrency regulations.
Here is what is happening in the cryptocurrency market on Wednesday.
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In the News
The South Korean government is preparing to use blockchain to track beef and provide consumers with information about the source of the food, Yonhap News Agency reported. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Ministry of Science and ICT will begin the pilot program in North Jeolla Province by December, according to the news agency.
The University of Tokyo is offering a blockchain course, thanks to a donation of nearly $800,000 from several companies including Japanese banking giant Sumitomo Mitsui and the Ethereum Foundation, Cointelegraph Japan reported. The education course, dubbed Blockсhain Innovation Donation Course, is being offered by the graduate school of engineering at the University of Tokyo. The 3-year program begun Nov. 1, 2018 and will run until Oct. 31, 2021.
North Korea plans to hold a blockchain and cryptocurrency conference in 2019, no joke. According to a promotional website for the event, experts from around the world “in the blockchain and crypto industry will gather for the first time in Pyongyang to share their knowledge and vision, establish connections and discuss business opportunities.” However, the website notes that journalists are not allowed to attend.
India has reportedly decided to begin drafting cryptocurrency regulations next month. The Supreme Court of India had ordered Narendra Modi’s government to come up with a clear crypto policy in November. Now news website Quartz is reporting that the Modi’s government is making serious efforts “for preparation of the draft report and the draft bill on virtual currencies, use of distributed ledger technology in (the) financial system and framework for digital currency in India.”
Cryptocurrency Prices Today (As of 9:39 AM EST)
Bitcoin (BTC) is down 5.81% over the past 24 hours, trading at $4,450.77.
Ethereum (ETH) is trading at $133.48 in the morning, down 4.94% over a 24-hour period.
Bitcoin Cash (BCH) is trading at $235, down 3.7% over the past 24 hours.
Ripple (XRP) is trading at $0.4353, down 6.61% over a 24-hour period.
Litecoin (LTC) is trading at $33.21, down 5.06% over a 24-hour period.
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