Bitcoin: The Trailblazer
Oct 2008: Satoshi Nakamoto releases white paper 'Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System’
Dec 2010: Nakamoto leaves Bitcoin community; 1 bitcoin at $0.06
Jun 2011: Bitcoin at $32, gains traction on Dark Web
2012: Cryptocurrency makes subtle India entry
Jun 2013: RBI releases first Financial Stability Report, defines virtual currencies as type of ‘unregulated digital money’
Dec 2013: India's first cryptocurrency exchange Unocoin launched; Bangalore hosts India's first global Bitcoin conference
Nov 2016: Demonetisation fuels investment in cryptocurrencies
Dec 2017: Bitcoin crosses $20,000
Feb 2018: Government of India announces Bitcoin will not be legal tender
Apr 2018: RBI issues circular prohibiting dealing in virtual currencies
Feb 2019: Finance ministry committee recommends banning cryptocurrencies, suggests creation of digital Rupee. Recommends fine of up to ` 25 crore, or imprisonment of 1-10 years, or both.
Mar 2020: SC strikes down RBI’s crypto ban, terming circular unconstitutional
Apr 2020: Cryptocurrencies trading volume up 700-800%
Jan 2021: Bitcoin touches $30,000 and then $40,000 in a week
Jan 2021: Government plans ‘The Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill, 2021’ to create sovereign digital currency; ban private cryptocurrencies
Feb 2021: Bitcoin breaches $50,000; RBI’s Shaktikanta Das says central bank working on digital currency; FM Nirmala Sitharaman states panel recommended prohibiting all private cryptocurrencies, except state-issued virtual currencies
Mar 2021: Bitcoin breaches $60,000; FM softens stance on crypto, says not all windows to be shut; Schedule III of Companies Act amended to make it mandatory for companies to disclose crypto trading and investments during the fiscal year
Apr 2021: Bitcoin peaks at $64,000; Many banks blacklist crypto merchants and block crypto transactions in customers' accounts; MoS for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Anurag Thakur, assures protection of investors' interests; expresses concern over volatile prices
May 2021: Bitcoin plunges 50% to near $30,000 on Elon Musk’s tweet suspending vehicle purchase using Bitcoin and Chinese government issuing warning to financial institutions not to conduct virtual currency-related business