In 2016, Ruja Ignatova, a charismatic businesswoman, promised the world that her cryptocurrency, OneCoin, would surpass Bitcoin. Investors from around the globe poured billions into what they believed was the next big thing. But by 2017, OneCoin’s investors faced a shocking truth—they couldn't convert their coins to cash, and Ignatova had vanished. What started as a glittering opportunity turned into one of the biggest financial scams ever. This is the story of how Ignatova, the so-called Crypto Queen, fooled millions and disappeared without a trace.

Source

“Cryptoqueen” Ruja Ignatova, mastermind of the OneCoin scam, was still investing in Dubai while under indictment. (2024, May 28). Le Monde.fr. https://www.lemonde.fr/en/les-decodeurs/article/2024/05/28/cryptoqueen-ruja-ignatova-mastermind-of-the-onecoin-scam-was-still-investing-in-dubai-while-under-indictment_6672858_8.html

Southern District of New York | Co-Founder Of Multibillion-Dollar Cryptocurrency Scheme “OneCoin” Sentenced To 20 Years In Prison | United States Department of Justice. (2023, September 12). Www.justice.gov. https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/co-founder-multibillion-dollar-cryptocurrency-scheme-onecoin-sentenced-20-years-prison

In 2022, Ethereum made a bold move to reduce its energy consumption by ninety-nine percent by switching to proof of stake, earning praise for its environmental benefits. However, Bitcoin, the world's most popular cryptocurrency, continues to consume as much energy as the entire country of the Philippines. While there is no technical barrier preventing Bitcoin from making the same change, social resistance within the community poses a significant challenge. As regulators and environmentalists increase pressure, the question remains: can Bitcoin overcome these social hurdles and follow Ethereum's lead?

Important Disclaimer

This study is for academic purpose only and should NOT be treated as an investment advice. Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile ecosystem and any investment should be done based on individual risk appetite. This study do not promote any crypto investment.

Source

Buterin, V. (2022). Proof of stake: The making of Ethereum and the philosophy of blockchains. Seven Stories Press.

Castor, A. (2023, February 28). Ethereum moved to proof of stake. Why can’t Bitcoin? MIT Technology Review. https://www.technologyreview.com/2023/02/28/1069190/ethereum-moved-to-proof-of-stake-why-cant-bitcoin/

Lin, S. (2023). Proof of work vs. Proof of stake in cryptocurrency. Highlights in Science, Engineering and Technology, 39, 953-961.

Sarkodie, S. A., Amani, M. A., Ahmed, M. Y., & Owusu, P. A. (2023). Assessment of Bitcoin carbon footprint. Sustainable Horizons, 7, 100060.

Stoll, C., Klaaßen, L., & Gallersdörfer, U. (2019). The carbon footprint of bitcoin. Joule, 3(7), 1647-1661.

On March 2022, Amazon made a bold move by acquiring the iconic Hollywood studio, Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM), for eight point five billion dollars. This deal is more than just an investment; it's a strategic play to bolster Amazon's Prime Video library with MGM's vast content catalog. Founder Jeff Bezos once said, “When we win a Golden Globe, it helps us sell more shoes.” This highlights Amazon’s aim to drive loyalty and boost Prime memberships, making this acquisition a key step in their broader strategy to keep customers engaged and buying more from Amazon.

Source

Intelligence, G. T. (2022, March 21). What prompted Amazon acquisition of MGM? Verdict. https://www.verdict.co.uk/comment/amazon-mgm-acquisition-2/

Maas, J. (2022, March 17). Amazon Closes $8.5 Billion Acquisition of MGM. Variety. https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/amazon-mgm-merger-close-1235207852/

Why did Amazon buy MGM Studios? (2021, May 31). Finshots. https://finshots.in/archive/why-did-amazon-buy-mgm-studios/

‌Diaz, J. (2022, March 17). What the Amazon-MGM deal means for the streaming business. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2022/03/17/1087268067/amazon-mgm-deal

‌Watercutter, A. (2022, March 18). Amazon Finally, Officially Owns MGM. Now What? Wired. https://www.wired.com/story/mgm-amazon-acquisition/

Mirae Asset Financial Group, a South Korean giant, has done what many global financial firms couldn't in India. While big names like Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan exited the Indian market, Mirae thrived. Since entering in 2008, Mirae's Indian arm has skyrocketed, growing its assets 234 times to an impressive 1.6 lakh crore rupees by March 2024. Their success is rooted in patience, local market understanding, and a unique strategy of organic growth. This story reveals how Mirae outshined its competitors and became a top player in India's bustling mutual fund industry.

Important Disclaimer

Mutual Funds are subject to market risk. This story is only for academic purpose, and not an investment guidance. The author of this podcast has no stakes in the Mutual Fund House discussed in this story and this story is not a promotion. Anyone willing to invest in the discussed funds should do so based on their own risk appetite.

Source

Kalyanaraman, A. (2024, May 30). What Mirae did in India that Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan couldn’t. The Ken. https://the-ken.com/story/how-mirae-defied-foreign-mutual-funds-india-jinx-to-break-into-the-top-10/

Antony. (2016, April 13). Wall Street gives up on India mutual funds as JPMorgan joins exodus. Mint; mint. https://www.livemint.com/Industry/rjGIAVZg1wFVBPKuVrlDzJ/Wall-Street-is-giving-up-on-India-mutual-funds-as-JPMorgan-j.html

In 2023, Hindenburg Research, a U.S.-based research firm and short seller, dropped a bombshell report accusing the Adani Group of stock price manipulation and accounting fraud. The report claimed that Gautam Adani and his family made over one hundred twenty billion dollars, mostly in the last three years. Using shady tactics like fake shell companies in offshore tax havens, they allegedly manipulated stock prices. This shocking revelation caused Adani’s wealth to plummet by eighty billion dollars and triggered a massive market impact. Now, the spotlight is on both Hindenburg and Adani as investigations unfold.

In the heart of Gurugram’s bustling D.L.F Cybercity, Masters’ Union, a new B-school with big dreams, is facing a tough challenge. Founded by Pratham Mittal, the school once boasted a stellar placement record, rivaling India’s top business schools. But this year, with over half the students from the latest batch still searching for jobs, the pressure is mounting. In a high-stakes game of placements, Mittal and his team are determined to secure top positions for every student, navigating a tricky job market and fighting to keep their promises and reputation intact.

Once a shining star in India's education technology world, Unacademy is now facing tough times. Founded by the ambitious Gaurav Munjal, this Bengaluru-based startup was once valued at $3.4 billion. However, like its rival Byju’s, Unacademy is now struggling to stay afloat. The company is exploring options like mergers, acquisitions, or bailouts to survive. Unacademy’s story is a mix of rapid rise, pandemic-driven growth, and the harsh reality of declining demand. This tale not only highlights Unacademy’s challenges but also sheds light on the broader crisis in India’s edtech sector.

Source

https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/unacademy-lays-off-250-employees-amid-reports-of-a-potential-merger-11719924145779.html

https://themorningcontext.com/internet/unacademy-is-up-for-sale-merger-or-bailout

https://www.ndtv.com/business-news/to-set-record-straight-unacademy-ceo-gaurav-munjal-denies-reports-of-merger-acquisition-6025755

Meesho, a powerhouse in India's e-commerce scene, is at a critical crossroads. Having turned the market on its head with budget-friendly, unbranded products and zero commission for sellers, Meesho now faces intense competition and internal challenges. With new ventures underperforming and growth in its existing business nearing a ceiling, the SoftBank-backed startup must find a fresh growth engine fast. Eyeing an IPO, Meesho's journey from a reseller platform to a full-fledged e-commerce giant has been impressive, but sustaining its four-billion-dollar valuation will be an uphill battle. Can Meesho navigate these turbulent waters and emerge stronger?

Quant Mutual Fund, India's fastest-growing fund house, is under SEBI's scrutiny for alleged front-running, a practice where insiders trade stocks ahead of big orders for personal gain. While investors have profited, they might have earned more without this illegal activity. The situation is dire for CEO Sandeep Tandon, with issues like conflicts of interest and poor governance adding to the trouble. Despite remarkable growth and top-performing schemes, Quant's future is uncertain. This story delves into the rapid rise, the potential pitfalls, and the ongoing investigation that could change everything for Quant and its investors.

Source

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/mf/mf-news/quant-mutual-fund-front-running-case-what-is-it-and-should-investors-be-worried/articleshow/111223460.cms

https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/quant-mutual-fund-front-running-clients-pulled-168-million-rs-1398-crore-in-days-sebi-probe-founder-ceo-sandeep-tandon-11719475006358.html

Imagine rushing to an ATM, only to find it empty or out of service. This frustrating scenario is becoming more common in India, despite the increasing number of ATMs. Between 2016 and 2024, the number of ATMs has grown by just 14%. While digital payments are partly to blame, a significant issue lies in the complex journey of upgrading and securing these machines. From RBI's strict guidelines to the challenges of the "Make in India" initiative, the story behind your cash withdrawals is more complicated than it seems. Join us as we unravel the hidden struggles of the ATM revolution.