What’s a Bitcoin and How Does it Work?

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The 21st century witnessed one of the most revolutionary inventions in the form of blockchain technology. It’s perceived to be almost as radical as the internet technology that changed the way we live. One of the most popular uses of this ground-breaking technology is in the form of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Let’s delve deeper into the subject to understand what is Bitcoin and how does it work,

Understanding Bitcoin

What is Bitcoin? This is a frequently asked question by people who want to understand and invest in this exponentially growing asset. Bitcoin is a popular cryptocurrency that has no central backing and is used in the peer to peer Bitcoin network. In simpler terms, it can be understood as a digital currency that is not represented by a central authority and doesn’t require any intermediary to function.

This means that there would be no transaction charges or fees what so ever. Bitcoin was officially launched as open-source software in 2009. It is among the world’s largest crypto-currencies when valued using the market capitalisation.

The aim of using Bitcoin is to remove all the intermediaries that exist and adds to the financial burden of common individuals. Also, the absence of a central authority makes it more transparent and less regulated. The underlying technology behind cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin is known as the Blockchain technology. Blockchain can be simply understood as a decentralised digital ledger that records transaction which can’t be altered later or manipulated by any one individual.

Any new entry will be visible to all the peers in the network, reducing the chances of fraud altogether. The use of cryptographic hashing and decentralisation is the key highlight for blockchain technology as it helps to create a more transparent system reducing the dependence on the intermediaries and chances of corruption.

Just to give you an analogy, think of the blockchain ledger as a shared spreadsheet. Any changes made to the spreadsheet is visible to all the people who have access to the spreadsheet, the same is the case with blockchain.

How Blockchain Works

Fiat currencies are issued as a legal tender and are backed by the central government; this includes the normal currencies that exchange hands daily like the US Dollar, Euro, Yen, Rupee, etc. Unlike a fiat currency, the Bitcoin doesn’t have a physical presence rather it is mined digitally and kept on a distributed digital ledger that multiple people in the network have access to. Bitcoin has very low and almost nil transaction fees, the present online transaction methods charge a good percentage of the transaction as a fee.

Bitcoin uses peer-to-peer technology and facilitates instant transactions using the network. The Bitcoin network has individuals and companies that own the governing computing power, it is comprised of miners. So who are the miners? Well, miners are people who help to process transactions on the blockchain, they are compensated using rewards and transaction charges paid in Bitcoin.

They are a decentralised authority who manages the reputation of the Bitcoin network. Using the Bitcoin mining process, the cryptocurrency is released into circulation.

Mining requires discovering new blocks by solving difficult puzzles, these blocks are added to the blockchain. One Bitcoin can be divided to a maximum of 8 decimal places; this smallest unit is called a Satoshi based on the mysterious founder of this revolutionary crypto-currency. You can Bitcoin using a credit card, bank account or cash, it will be transferred to your Bitcoin wallet and you can then use it to make a purchase or sell an item using the Bitcoin as an exchange medium. Every transaction is recorded in a digitally distributed blockchain ledger to maintain accountability.

How Does Blockchain Technology Works?

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What is Blockchain?

The latest phase of industrialisation is filled with ingenious inventions. Blockchain is considered a ground-breaking technology that has the power to change the world. The Blockchain technology can transform the way we do things on a very fundamental level; it is considered even a bigger breakthrough than the internet which is something.

However, the Blockchain technology is still in its nascent stages and there’s so much that we are yet to discover. So, what exactly does Blockchain mean? Blockchain can be formally defined as the distributed ledger technology that is decentralised and record digital transactions which cannot be altered after input.

The use of cryptography along with decentralisation creates more transparency and instils accountability in the system. Most of us know Blockchain from one of its major applications that is crypt-currencies. It became popular as the revolutionary record-keeping technology behind the Bitcoin. Let’s find out how does the Blockchain technology works.

How Does it work?

How does the Blockchain technology work? Well, that’s a common question from people who are not very familiar with the technicality of this technology. At the core of the Blockchain technology resides the idea of decentralisation and transparency that brings more accountability in the process.

For a basic analogy, you can think of this technology as equivalent to a spreadsheet that is shared with a few people. Now changes made by any individual can be view by all the people and they would easily recognise the person behind this new development. This brings more transparency and accountability in recording a particular transaction.

Blockchain is very different from the spreadsheet and much more advance but it works along with the same principles. The three important terminologies related to Blockchain that you must be aware of are blocks, nodes and mining. Every chain is formed by multiple blocks and each block has three respective elements; the data, nonce, hash.

New blocks are added to the chain through a process called mining. Miners create new blocks on the chain through the process of mining which helps with the new addition. Now mining is not as simple as it sounds and requires Blockchain experts. There are plenty of Blockchain online courses that you can choose from and develop your skillset.

Each block has a unique hash and nonce value and the blocks also have the hash reference from the previous blocks. This is done to maintain the block’s uniqueness and connect it with a valid block so that the information can be traced properly. Let’s talk about the third component that we call nodes.

Nodes are all about the decentralisation aspect of this revolutionary Blockchain technology. It is very important to understand that any single computer or organisation or entity cannot own the chain, it will defeat the purpose of transparency and decentralisation. Nodes can be understood as any form of electronic device that has copies of the Blockchain and helps the network to function.

The network must approve algorithmically the mining of a new block for updating and v verifying the chain. This instils transparency since every new update can be traced and verified. A unique identification number is provided to participants that help to trace their transactions. This identification number is a combination of alphabets and numbers.

Blockchain has the power to dramatically reduce the chances of corruption by ensuring transparency and accountability. This is very useful in the case of any public information as it helps to track the source of change and creates a sense of integrity through its checks and balances. Blockchain has numerous other applications in addition to crypto-currency in the field of healthcare, insurance, supply chain, etc.

9 Work-From-Home Business Ideas to Start Earning Money Right Now!

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Everyone is talking about improving productivity and learning new skills during this lockdown period. But no one is talking about how to use this free time to earn money from home. With most people staying indoors, now is a great time to explore inventive work-from-home jobs. It might also be a good idea to start a business from home.

It can be to either create a secondary income or secure your future with a backup job in case the pandemic situation does not improve in a few months. All you need is a stimulus and a fantastic idea to begin with.

This article aims to help you kickstart your business-from-home activity and boost your overall earnings. Here are some interesting ideas for you to start earning money from home. Let’s begin.

9 Best Online Jobs from Home

The key to starting a lucrative work-from-home project is to start small. In an ideal scenario, you should look at a job that is in line with the skills that you already possess.

1.      Start an Online Course

One of the best online jobs to do from home right now is online tutoring. With school and college students finding it difficult to keep up with their curriculum, it is a great time to become an online tutor. The idea is to create an online course that you have considerable knowledge and practical experience. And then market it online to those who are in need.

As a beginner, you can create a YouTube account and upload some interesting educational content to test the waters before going full board. If even that looks like a big task, you can also begin tutoring your neighbor’s school-going kids.

According to a recent report, the global downloads for education apps spiked by over 300% in March 2020. No wonder then that apps like Byju’s and Toppr are gaining more users and engagement during these lockdown days.

Earning Potential: INR 3,000 per month and upwards.

2.      Homemade Food Delivery

Not exactly a work-from-home business but still a very relevant field to explore these days. If you feel your culinary skills can bring in some money home, this is a great opportunity for you.

The basic idea is to cook various recipes at home and sell them in your circles. It can be a boon to bachelors and families who used to depend on their maids for meals before the lockdown. You can fill the gap, and in that process, earn good money while working from home.

At first, you should look at covering nearby areas like your housing society or your colony. This is because of the curfew and social distancing measures set by the government. This business also has great scope for expansion in the future.

Earning Potential: INR 5,000 per month and upwards.

3.      Online Cookery Courses

This is similar to the online tutoring job that was discussed above. The only difference is that here you will be helping those who lack cooking skills. It cannot be denied that the number of such people has increased since the COVID-19 lockdown. This makes it a great opportunity for culinary artists.

The trick is to think of easy as well as tasty recipes that can be prepared using essential food items. You don’t want to suggest a recipe that requires Mexican peppers or American walnuts. Just basic ingredients that your potential viewers can easily source from their local market. Doing this will help you gain instant followers online.

This can also be tied to the #2 job and thereby increase your earning potential.

4.      Healthcare Consultation

Professionals in the medical field can create a secondary income by passing valuable healthcare information to those in need. This can be done via videoconferencing where you can help diagnose and solve issues of any scale. It can be as small as writing a prescription for a common cold or directing a potential COVID-19 patient to the appropriate testing clinic.

With the healthcare industry experiencing a deluge of requests from needy people, your extra time can be of great help. Secondarily, it can also act as a strong passive income source.

However, this is more difficult than it sounds. Unless you are a registered medical expert, your consultation will have no value. It is also not recommended to pursue this if you lack any medical qualifications. Disseminating false information is dangerous and highly frowned upon, especially in the current COVID-19 situation.

Earning Potential: INR 1,00 per consultation and upwards.

5.      Writing Services Network

This is a common freelance job where you provide writing services to agencies and brands. However, there is a way in which you can convert it into a work-from-home business. Instead of you yourself providing these services, you should scout for more like-minded people with a writing flair. Gather a team and create a network of writers.

This way you can exponentially increase your earnings. As a single writer, the maximum you can earn in India is around INR 40,000 a month. With a team of writers, this can grow 2x to 3x depending upon its size and the volume of work you produce.

If you are new to this but are confident about your writing ability, start providing the service individually first. Then move on and hire friends and acquaintances to join you as you all work from home and mint money.

6.      Digitize a Board Game

Today, the popular mobile game Ludo King has surpassed billions of app downloads worldwide. Why? It has helped people with two things:

  • To stay connected
  • To play together while being connected

These two are the only elements that have caused the number of downloads to skyrocket. Similar patterns have been observed in the game’s revenue.

Learning from this example, if you are a mobile or web app developer, now is a good time to explore creating such apps that have the multiplayer function. You can either digitize an existing board game (Snakes & Ladders does not have a fancy digital app version yet) or create a fresh one.

Of course, the competition is very high, but you can tackle it with a game that has some peculiar characteristics. This will require some creativity on your part.

Earning Potential: A few thousand per month depending upon the number of app users.

7.      Productivity Guidance (Virtual Work)

Are you a professional with years of experience in remote working? The world needs you right now.

While you tackle your own work-from-home assignments, you can also share valuable tips and tricks to other managers in the form of long-form articles, videoconferencing, and even personal consultation. You can charge a small fee for the last one provided you have some top credentials to support your claim of expertise.

Earning Potential: A few thousand (INR) per consultation.

8.      IT and Network Support

Different sectors have suffered differently due to the coronavirus situation. While some of these can sustain complete or partial shutdown, there is one field that still needs to run. And that is IT and network – the field that supports businesses to run smoothly.

As a network engineer, you can pitch your extra time to help smaller companies and agencies by providing IT and network support. This can be a money-making side business for you as there are a lot of small companies in India that are starving for IT support personnel.

Start by pitching yourself in your professional circles.

Earning Potential: INR 5,000 to INR 30,000 per month depending upon hours allotted.

9.      Motivational Coach

Last on the list is a job that can be a real profit-maker if you do it correctly. With people working from home and failing to indulge themselves in various outdoor activities, there is an overall drop in motivation levels. People are feeling low due to loneliness or work stress or some other aspect of their indoor life.

As a motivational coach, you can come to their rescue and help them stay afloat during this difficult time. All you need to do is keep their spirits up through video chatting. You can charge a small fee for a video consultation.

Earning Potential: INR 1,000 per consultation and upwards.

A Note on Freelance Websites and Portals

While there are many sites that you can visit to find such online work to do from home, here are some of the best and the most trusted:

  • com
  • Various job groups on Facebook
  • Subreddits or Reddit communities: r/forhire, r/freelance, r/freelance writers
  • com
  • com

Who knows how the future of work will look like? So, secure your future now by planting a seed today whose fruits you can bear in the uncertain years to come. Start earning right now!

Frequently Asked Questions on Fintech

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Example to understand the Fintech domain

Fintech is the short form used to denote the financial technology industry. The Fintech industry has revolutionised the traditional banking and finance industry by leveraging progressive technology to boost customer satisfaction. In the contemporary digital landscape, customers are more accustomed to using their smart devices for purchasing goods and services and thus making payments for the same.
The growth in online transactions as a result of booming e-commerce led to technological progress in the field of finance. Fintech is the amalgamation of finance and technology. It is the infusion of cutting-edge technology to solve the challenges faced by the traditional banking and financial services industry. Fintech is making the banking industry more efficient using tools like chatbots, mobile applications, UPI payments, etc. to improve customer satisfaction.
PayPal is a very relevant example to understand the Fintech domain. PayPal is a leading Fintech company that helps to facilitate personal and business transactions, payments and credit services online using the application or through its website. PayPal has an international presence and is valid across 200 countries worldwide and is accepted by millions of websites. It is also used for other transactions like online donations, fundraising, etc.

How Do I Learn Fintech?

Technology is touching all industries and transforming the way the world runs. Finance is one major industry which has made the best use of technology. The integration of Finance with Technology to bring in the required automation in the Finance sector is referred to as FinTech. FinTech is everywhere. It has enveloped us in a way that it has become a part of a modern man’s life. FinTech finds its use in various domains like Payment apps and even cryptocurrency!

FinTech is becoming a very popular field to work in. Learn FinTech if you have an interest in going into the field of Finance. To get insights into FinTech, one can start knowing about the major sub-topics which build the FinTech industry like lending, borrowing, working of blockchain and cryptocurrency, payments, etc. This will help you in analysing the underlying potential of the industry and also help you in understanding your interest areas in the particular domain.

Various online courses on FinTech are available on renowned online learning platforms. One can enrol in these short-term courses and start gaining perspective on the sub-topics. Also, you can network with people who are already a part of this industry. This will give you in-depth insights on FinTech and its subsidiaries.

What is FinTech Course?

FinTech is a popular term that is commonly used for Financial Technology. FinTech is any company that makes use of technology to deliver its services. It deals with multiple functions like managing cryptocurrency, payments, etc. FinTech makes it easy for consumers to manage their finances and also transact with ease.

With FinTech, the space of accessing finance has changed drastically. FinTech has brought about huge and major changes in the field of traditional finance and investments. FinTech provides modern tools that are disrupting the way consumers manage their finances. FinTech has demonstrated its utility in Crowdfunding platforms, Blockchain, Payments, Insurance, Robot-Advertising, Stock-Trading, Budgeting apps, etc.

The FinTech course is an introductory course that gives insights on FinTech and how technology is bringing about a major change in the field of Finance. FinTech courses are designed for Finance professionals who want to keep themselves at par with the industry and also for the newbies who are willing to join the Fintech or Finance industry.

FinTech courses are brought forward by various online learning platforms. They collaborate with industry experts and professors of renowned Universities to compile the best material on FinTech and its subsidiaries. These courses also provide multiple certifications which can help in increasing your credibility in the field.

What Is the Blockchain Course?

Blockchain is a list of transactions which are stored on any network and can be accessed when needed. Blockchain is used by various cryptocurrencies like Bitcoins to store and record transactional data. Blockchain technology is finding great uses in various businesses as it can keep a record of events, contracts, personal information like medical history, monetary transactions and a lot more.

Blockchain has disrupted the way data is stored and managed. It is increasingly becoming popular due to multiple usages and also the automation of various industries and companies. Blockchain is a relatively new field where everybody is getting to know how it works and then converting their knowledge to potential gains.

A Blockchain course can help your cause. Various courses on blockchain and how it works is present on various learning platforms. A course on the blockchain can help you in knowing how blockchain is helping businesses. It will also give you insights on how this technology can add value to a particular business or a project.

A course on the blockchain will help you understand its basics, how it is tackling the prevailing problems, types of blockchains and how blockchains are disrupting the whole business space and creating a whole new world. These courses will help you enhance your knowledge and understanding of the subject. Also, you can seek employment is connected fields after taking up a blockchain course.

How Do I Get My Blockchain Certification?

Blockchain technology has brought about a disruption which has affected the whole world. Blockchain is creating a lot of jobs as companies need people who understand how blockchain works so that they can make the best use of the resources in hand.

To get into the Blockchain space, you must be certified. Also, you must have relevant and in-depth information on the subject matter to find your space in the blockchain industry. Getting certified in any aspect of blockchain would be the first step. One can get Blockchain certification on innumerable online and offline learning platforms. Also, certifications give you the required knowledge in the subject matter without burning a hole in your pocket.

Certifications are universally accepted and have an instant impact on your career as they give out an impression that the person is well-versed with the topic. Blockchain certifications can be received after successfully completing various learning modules and assessments provided by the offline and online learning portals.

Using these learning portals, you can upgrade your knowledge and understanding of the topic and become more employable. Blockchain certifications cover multiple aspects on the topic and can get you ready for the market. With blockchain certification, you can get ready for the next big step of your career.

Also Read: All You Need To Know About Fintech Technology

13 Cool Work From Home Jobs To Look Out For in 2020!

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If the COVID-19 outbreak has brought one topic to the forefront, then it is the idea of a virtual workplace. Today, most of the world is working from home, which is triggering a shift in the processes and workflows that were previously considered untameable. With experts calling the current scenario the new normal, it is only practical to look at more ideas for working from home.

You may be already working a full-time job but there is no way to predict its future. This calls for a look at different avenues that you can explore for employment. Even if you hold a recession-safe job, it makes sense to increase the number of sources as the world inches into a state of uncertainty.

Here are some of the coolest work from home options in 2020:

Freelance WritingFreelance writing

This was and remains one of the most profitable and best online jobs to do from home. There’s no need for any extra investment; just a flair for writing and the ability to market yourself over the internet is enough. You can start by exploring sites like Freelancer.com for leads.

 

Data entry jobs

This is another common work from home job where you assist agencies and companies with data entry tasks. Most of these jobs involve Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets, so some degree of expertise in those tools is necessary.

Data Entry JobsGeneral app testing

Several companies rely on a virtual workforce to get their projects done. One such opportunity in India is to assist testing companies with your time. All you have to do is download the specified app or game (e.g.: Google Maps or Ludo King beta) and test all its elements (such as the UI) from a user perspective. Your job is to find out issues in the app and report them to the company in return for bounties.

Tableau expert (data visualization)

One of the critical means of data communication during the COVID-19 epidemic is a graphical representation. This art of collecting data and relaying the information through visualization is a hot skill right now. Sites like Upwork.com are seeing an uptick in jobs posted in this category.

Social media management

This has been a hot work from home job for some years now. Very relevant in the current scenario, you can easily look at earning a good amount every week by handling social media profiles of brands, personalities, and corporations. Start with Instagram as a platform. Jobs like these are available on Upwork.com and Fiverr.com.

online tutoringOnline tutoring

Do you know parents that are struggling to maintain their kids’ curriculum during the lockdown? Get in touch with them and show them how you can keep their children busy via Zoom or other videoconferencing tools. If you are a master of any primary or secondary school subject, it’s a great skill that is waiting to earn you some good money.

Baker or chef

Although panic buying is not a reality in India yet, you can take advantage of this scenario by putting your culinary skills into good use. Since restaurants are closed and grocery shops running with reduced staff and supplies, you can offer home-made food (bread is a hot demand food item right now) to your neighbors and relatives. Just make sure you put “safe cooking” on top of all your marketing communication.

Content editing and proofreading

This is an all-time cool work from home idea. Here all you need is a good understanding of grammar, writing styles, and punctuation to polishing content pieces that are ready for publishing. Know a digital marketing startup that is looking for talent? Hit them up right now.

Instructor

Slightly different than online tutoring, here you are supposed to help other people get certain tasks done. Do you know a neighbor who is struggling to do her finances during the COVID-19 crisis? You can help her out by teaching the alternative way to bank i.e. net banking or via debit cards. This may not sound common, but such jobs have certainly mushroomed up in modern India.

Product reviewing

With Amazon and Flipkart only servicing essentials right now, merchants are looking at other ways to keep their business running. A part of this involves scouting for genuine product reviews so that when things go back to normal, they can get a headstart at least in terms of online promotion, marketing, and reputation.

Online Product ReviewingBecome a self-learned stylist

Salons and barbershops are shut but hair growth hasn’t stopped. There is no way to find professional barbers and people are trying their own hand at grooming. With a little bit of learning and training with common tools, you can be a helping hand to those in need. Just make sure you provide the services while taking the necessary precautions like wearing a face mask and washing hands before and after the job.

Help in taxes

The fiscal year has been extended by three months in India but people are still looking for assistance in their finances. Now is the right time to put your mathematical hand into good use and work from home to help needy individuals sort their taxes out. Currently, everyone needs a three-month financial plan, right.

Become a conversationalist

With people staying indoors in India, loneliness has peaked. Sanity levels are dropping as people are experiencing mood swings and involuntarily changes in lifestyle. In these dire times, you can turn your extroversion into a helping hand for those who need some form of communication. Various agencies are providing such communication services for individuals who are trying to fight loneliness. You can get in touch with them.

There are many more freelance jobs available but the epidemic has either rendered them useless or have added limitations to them. However, that is not the case with these cool ideas for working from home. Start with one or two now!

How Challenging Is the Lockdown for Fintech Players?

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Humanity is facing a tough time today. The Novel Coronavirus is spreading at a fast rate globally. Some countries are tackling it hard while some have lost many of its citizens. Almost all the countries are under lockdown and all the economic activities have hit a speed bumper. People cannot go to banks and ATMs regularly nowadays as compared to normal days. A lot of financial activities are done through online transactions and digital payment methods are witnessing a rise in demand.

There are a lot of firms that had a huge cash inflow/outflow which has been affected due to lockdown. A lot of small vendors are closing their shops who do not deal in digital transactions. The Fintech players have been posed with the challenge to fulfil the demands of people and to maintain economic stability in these tough times. Let us discuss more the challenges faced by Fintech companies during this outbreak.

Many people earn their meals by working every day. If they don’t work, they can’t survive. Many countries have ensured necessary funds for these people and it is the job of a Business correspondent (BC) to deliver the funds to them. They help people who have less financial knowledge in accessing their bank accounts. Many economic activities have come to a halt and the cash flow is decreasing. It is very tough to provide cash to these people as many financial institutions are reporting cash shortage issues. The BCs of Fintech companies who were looking to expand themselves in rural areas are now facing the challenge of cash shortage. The financial exchanges of these rural people are mostly in cash and it is not possible to make the rural economy cashless overnight amidst this crisis.

There are restrictions on human movement because that is the only cure till now. The Fintech companies have to provide cash to these BCs and then the BCs have to ensure this money reaches the one in need. People cannot gather at one place to collect their share because of fear of an outbreak. The Fintech companies will find it hard in authentication, accessibility, and distribution.

A lot of people are shifting towards digital payments due to cash shortage. The load on servers of this Fintech firms is also increasing day by day. The fear of data loss or server lag is always there. The Fintech players have to adapt and bring technological advancements so they manage the load. If the server crashes, then a lot of transactions will get affected.

The data/information which is generated each day has also to be secure. A lot of people are using the services of Fintech firms and they are trusting them with their valuable transactions and personal information. The Fintech players have to cope up with the security challenges.

There is a lockdown imposed in many countries and is strictly monitored by the authorities. The Fintech players and their BCs have to cooperate with the local authorities and they have to make sure they follow the permissions and guidelines.

Due to this epidemic, cross border transactions and activities are witnessing a fall. The Fintech players have to make sure they manage the loss. They have to find innovative and secure ways for the demands of customers across the border.

Conclusion
There is a lot of load on these Fintech players but it is also an opportunity where they can leave an impact on their customers. The firms which will adapt will come out stronger from this situation. After all, there is hope to hang on! This article was all about the challenges faced by Fintech players amidst the lockdown. I hope it helps!

How Blockchain Can Be Used to Change Space Industry

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Blockchain technology is a decentralised technology, which is stable and flamboyant. There are millions of systems around the globe through which the information passes; still, it will be unmodified. One can see the information in blockchain technology but cannot alter it. A lot of digital payments are done through blockchain technology. Besides giving full transparency and stability, blockchain technology supports peer to peer sourcing.

It has high-security measures which are a combination of hash functions and other security protocols. In the context of the space industry, there is a lot of data generated. For continuous and unambiguous data, blockchain can be a boon. Let us dive deeper and understand the pros of blockchain in the space industry and exploration.

Emerging technologies like blockchain and decentralised data are making a lot sound in recent years, but the technology is still new to people hence its very hard to imagine any application of it in our life. There are many commonalities that tie blockchain and space. Blockchain describes a very different way of data storage. That is decentralised too, having a common database but more secure as blockchain uses cryptographic algorithms.

How Blockchain technology can be used in the Space Industry?

The cryptocurrency application of Blockchain is popular in the finance industry and other sectors. Blockchain is already in use for several years in the space industry. Some prominent applications in this context are:

Supply Chain Management
Keeping track of supplies in space is very important in space. Blockchain is used in man-aging big space construction projects and managing the resources for space exploration.

Satellites as nodes for better and secure communication
The satellite network can be used as a node in the chain of information where you can store as well as perform transitions. This allows the space sector to give an important contribution toward better and secure communication.

Space asset tokenization
Asset tokenization in space is not an easy task; it requires enabling a crypto token-based
ownership of space assets including spacecraft, satellite and potentially astronomical bodies such as asteroids.

Blockstream was launched in 2017, which became first-ever state lite to use blockchain technology. SpaceChain first used blockchain in space in 2018 that formed the base for the constellation of satellites to support the blockchain-based operating system.

Some major predictions of blockchain in the space industry are very intriguing as their development is happening at an accelerating rate. The investment for the space industry has gone down in last years but the introduction to new technologies like blockchain and others is going to change the face of the space industry. It will help a great deal in cost-cutting and other developments.

Space Giants SpaceX and Amazon, which has large investment are sending a large fleet of satellites which could increase the risk if collisions.

Commercialising Space Exploration using Blockchain

Commercialising space exploration will be far more efficient using revolutionary blockchain technology. The feature of tokenization of a spacecraft allow institutions to prepare different component of the spacecraft. Big Institutions like NASA and ESA take this
opportunity to obtain things efficiently with more clarity and origin.

SpaceX and other companies are working on commercialisation of space exploration for a very long time but it is not feasible the point of time. With all these progressive new technologies, new avenues are opening up every day.

Conclusion
Blockchain is a cutting edge technology which is changing the approach to work for many industries and the Space industry being one of them witnessing the same. With every advancement in space industry Blockchain is being used and it is cost-saving, accurate and secure for the space industry.

The Difference Between E-Learning and Distance Learning!

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People use lots of terms when it comes to new styles of learning. Nowadays, everybody talks about online learning, eLearning (electronic learning) and distance learning while considering education options. And every time they talk about these terms, there’s one confusion that whether they are the same or different.

Few people use these terms interchangeably with few similarities but each of these learning is unique having strategic although subtle differences. The features of these three types of learning that differentiate them from each other can be the type of access, media and of course, the interaction they include. What according to you is eLearning and distance learning? Let us put this up in simple words. You can say that eLearning is one of the styles of learning while distance learning is one of the methods of attending classes by not physically going for it.

Before we jump to discuss their differences in detail, you must know what these concepts are.

What is eLearning?

Learning that includes technology to help the learner can be known as eLearning. eLearning uses technology to enable people to learn anytime and anywhere. In the real world where people have occupations to do with limited budgets, the learning system that one uses should possess the power of technology to overcome the impediments of time, distance as well as resources.

You can use eLearning delivery methods for the very fact that people learn in a wide range of courses and at different times. It is a new way of learning that suits a lot of learners including, both school-aged and adult. Tutor James Anderson at the State of Writing says, “We use eLearning in order to connect with our students. They can connect with us online, and we can work with them to improve their writing skills”. Most people fail to understand that eLearning can happen anywhere, as far as you have a laptop/desktop.

What is Distance Learning?

When you want the data exchange should happen regardless of geologically isolated by time or distance, distance learning is at your rescue. Distance learning is often comprehended and used as a synonym for online learning. Online learning is considered as a form of distance learning, but a more feedback-oriented version of distance learning. Distance education begins with teaching through print media even before the internet. Distance learning is a concept that uses technology to bridge the gap of time and distance.

How are eLearning and Distance Learning different?

Both, eLearning and distance learning are capable of getting learners out of learning, irrespective of where they are. Even though these methods of learning are slightly different from each other, but can also overlap. As we discussed before, since eLearning is used in local settings, the distance is not considered as much of a factor.

It is helpful for adult learners as eLearning fits into most people’s busy schedules making it easier to access anytime and anywhere. The ease of access means more and more adults are undertaking online courses and classes, to learn the necessary skills. eLearning can be used when by including multiple formats and methods of instruction, like CD-ROM, the Intranet, the Internet and audio as well as video formats. While technology continues to evolve, e-Learning also keeps changing.

Distance learning, on the other hand, is designed in such a way that it is accessible from anywhere in the world. It is the solution to the issues of accessibility by using webcams or chat programs. Both eLearning and distance learning are fairly flexible. But in distance learning, you have to learn in a specific time frame, whereas in eLearning, the learner can go through the course at his/her pace. eLearning gives the learner a lot more freedom than distance learning. When one is learning online, he/she may or may not have a specific tutor to help but distance learning may provide a little less support in terms of receiving feedback or responses to your queries.

Can both happen at once?

If we say these two types of learning are not the same, does that mean that they are always separate? The answer is, that is not the case at all, because eLearning just refers to how the teaching is being delivered. As you can see, although there is a difference between eLearning and distance learning, there are no reasons to keep these two apart. As an educator, one uses both these types of learning together to create unique and engaging training courses.

Now that you know what distinguishes eLearning and distance learning, you need to consider the type of learning that suits you the most. Apart from this, you must also consider that how earning an alternative education could benefit you.

Why Fighting COVID-19 Needs More Than Blockchain to Succeed?

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It’s been more than three months since the COVID-19 started spreading from Wuhan city in China in the whole world today. There are around more than 18 lakhs cases reported in the whole world. At present, there are more than 4 lakh cases in the US alone. COVID-19 has spread like anything in the whole world today.

Every other country is shut down and is under lockdown. Due to lockdown, every other company is suffering from daily loss. Also, different companies are trying their level best by coming with innovative ideas and crypto startup and other different ideas to tackle the pandemic using blockchain and decentralization.

Moreover, ideas are coming from everywhere to tackle the situation whether it is from analytics companies for prediction or reporting.

These ideas are much appreciated. People are working hard to share their beliefs using technology like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. But there’s a need to check about what all ideas are practical and possible to implement. They should not be used for marketing strategies.

Data is considered to be a very important part while making a prediction and studying something. Data is the key role used for making predictions these days which helps you to generate insights. For a Data scientist, data is considered to be everything. The more the amount of data, the better is the predictions made from it.

China is considered to be well advance in using technology’s but the data shared by china of patients and disease was inaccurate. It consisted of false information. Many leaders have shared their disappointment with china. This is the reason why blockchain technology will be bad because of the wrong input of the data which would result in the wrong output.

What All Can Be Done to Overcome the Pandemic Crisis and the Coming Recession?

No one can deny this fact that the year will change the usage of different technology which is a great turning point and also creativity. Nothing will be the same again. People are losing jobs constantly across the globe due to the great impact in the IT industry. When we will start the economy again nothing will be like a similar situation like the previous one. We will see the increased use cases of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning along with tech like IoT & Blockchain to develop systematic services and other different applications.

Previously discussed why blockchain cannot be considered as one of the solutions due to inaccurate data and there is no need to make it inflexible. But the technology presents several other applications in the banking sector like loans, payments, and supply chains, etc. Targeting the payment service can turn out to be an important factor in terms of success. The US-made sure that freelancers and people working from home workers are paid in time by digitalizing which is not a new thing for the country. This would result in complementing the insurance and fund distribution.

Countries like Japan and Sweden are well advanced digital currencies. Different banks have come out with a piece of information that focusses on the future of payments and cash by noting down the fact a person can even get corona transmitted through cash. People are focusing on how to reduce the flow of cash and switch to the digital currency where blockchain is the game-changer. These points can be questionable but banks constantly are trying to make people believe in cash and are requesting contactless payment methods. It is proved that how digital currency can help in this pandemic situation and the use blockchain with these sorts of applications can be the game-changer.

Also Read: BLOCKCHAIN: A SOLUTION FOR POSITIVE SHOPPING BEHAVIOURS AMID COVID19

Blockchain: A Solution for Positive Shopping Behaviours Amid Covid19

Reading Time: 3 minutes

The world is battling against the recent pandemic of the novel coronavirus. The whole world has come to a standstill and everyone is trying to practice social distancing and safety measures. Not only medically, but this pandemic has also challenged people financially, mentally, etc. We are lucky that we have so many technologies that are doing our share of work. One such technology is blockchain which is helping a lot nowadays amidst this pandemic. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of blockchain technology in the shopping sector amidst this chaos.

What is Blockchain technology?

Blockchain is a technology that supports payments through digital channels. It takes care of digital information/data during online transfers. It allows the user to share digital data with any person and that information can only be read. Blockchain ensures that people can only access information about digital payments and history. They cannot change or manipulate the data/information.

The power of authority is equally shared among people as there is no central controlling point in blockchain technology. Security is the main responsibility of blockchain. Blockchain is widely used in digital transactions and cryptocurrency distribution. Let us see the positive effect of blockchain technology on shopping behaviors of people.

Less portal charges

You can transfer information from one point to another using blockchain technology without any transaction fees or portal charges. The block/information which is to be transferred is passed on to the millions of computers around the globe before reaching its final destination. If someone tries to falsify this information, then he/she has to falsify all the million checkpoints too through which the information is passed before reaching its final location.

For example, whenever we do a credit card transaction on any online portal, we give a few transaction charges which are taken by the credit card company or the service provider. There are no transaction charges cut by the blockchain technology in such transactions. Amidst this pandemic, we can apply this technology worldwide to reduce buying costs for all the people involved.

Distribution of control

There is no central authority in the blockchain. It is a decentralized technology. Covid19 has forced people to stay in their homes and work from home. If there was a centralized technology, then all the information would be stored on one entity only and people would have to monitor and control it, if any damage comes to the central authority, it can result in complete data loss and security concerns. Blockchain enables information sharing by everyone without being manipulated. This will surely help in shopping and marketing amidst this novel coronavirus outbreak.

Transparency and Stability

If you want to look up to transactions of any cryptocurrency institution, you can easily see it using blockchain technology. But you can only see the transactions and cannot manipulate them. For each block, a hash code is generated and it is hard to break all the security protocols. All the transaction done with a public address on blockchain technology is visible to everyone. This also forces these firms to follow honesty. Blockchain technology is transparent and secure at the same time.

Since human interaction in physical terms is impossible amidst this outbreak, this technology can clarify the doubts of buyers and can also be trusted because of its transparency. Immutability is also a major concern in blockchain technology. One can understand these things practically through various blockchain online courses.

Note – A hash code is generated through a hash function in which the input string is changed into a different output string. The output string is generally large and tough to decode. Any small changes made in the input string affects the output string by a huge margin.

Conclusion

The human society has taken a huge blow due to covid19. Amidst this pandemic, blockchain technology can ease our difficulties by modifying our shopping habits. One can easily find many blockchain online courses to start learning. It will help us in adapting to the current scenario. This article was all about the pros of shopping through blockchain. I hope it helps!

Also Read: Why Fighting COVID-19 Needs More Than Blockchain to Succeed?