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In today’s newsletter: 

• India puts Wikipedia on notice
• What Trump or Harris win means for crypto
• Are near-expiry goods flooding quick commerce and e-comm apps?

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It seems Wikipedia’s “free encyclopaedia” status may not be enough to avoid scrutiny. 

The Indian government has questioned if Wikipedia’s editorial practices make it a "publisher" instead of an "intermediary."

• The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has reached out to Wikipedia about recurring complaints of biased and inaccurate information on the platform. 

• In its notice, the Ministry argues that selective editorial control could classify Wikipedia as a “publisher” rather than an “intermediary”

The timing of this notice aligns with a legal dispute in Delhi High Court, where news agency Asian News International (ANI) has sought information about Wikipedia users who edited a page calling ANI “the propaganda tool” of the Indian government.

• During the latest hearing, judges stressed that Wikipedia may be required to reveal data on users behind specific edits

This isn’t the first time Wikipedia has faced issues in India. 

In 2022, controversy erupted when an edit wrongly accused Indian cricketer Arshdeep Singh of “betrayal” after a dropped catch, fueling outrage. 

• The government had raised concerns about Wikipedia's ability to prevent harmful or misleading information, particularly on sensitive subjects

Go deeper

Picture credit: Microsoft Copilot

October has brought a fresh wave of excitement to the crypto world, with Bitcoin surging to a high of $71,000 — its highest level since June. 

• But what's behind this sudden spike?

Industry insiders are pointing to a growing trend of "Trump Trades," with the possibility of Donald Trump emerging as the next US president sparking optimism in the crypto market.

• As the 2024 presidential race heats up, Bitcoin is benefiting from speculations about Trump’s stance on digital currencies
  
  
• His promise to make the US the “crypto capital of the planet” has struck a chord with crypto enthusiasts 

Some market optimists even believe Bitcoin could break the six-figure barrier if Trump returns to the White House.

In contrast to Trump’s outspoken support for cryptocurrency, Vice President Kamala Harris has kept a relatively low profile on digital asset issues during her campaign.

• While she has met with crypto industry leaders, she has not introduced any campaign policies specifically addressing the sector

Overall, the Biden-Harris administration, with the latter as vice president, has been viewed as anti-crypto by much of the US population.

Beyond the political landscape, 2024 has been a monumental year for the global crypto industry. 

• Bitcoin halving, the approval of Bitcoin ETFs, and new US regulatory frameworks have all set the stage for increased adoption and growth

Go deeper

Picture credit: Kalaido.ai

Have you ever wondered why your favourite snacks or beverages are available at discounts on e-commerce and quick commerce platforms?

• While it might seem like a bargain, there might be more to the story

The All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF) has raised a red flag, accusing FMCG companies of using e-commerce and quick commerce platforms as dumping grounds for near-expiry and slow-moving products.

• It claims that these firms lure consumers with deep discounts on these near-expiry products, creating a false sense of value

This follows AICPDF's recent complaint to the Competition Commission of India, accusing quick commerce players Blinkit, Swiggy, and Zepto of predatory pricing.

To address these issues, AICPDF has urged the Ministry of Consumer Affairs to:

• Implement regulatory frameworks mandating clear expiry labelling on quick and e-commerce platforms
  
  
• Protect brick-and-mortar retailers from unfair competition.

Find out more

Picture credit: Microsoft Copilot

• Strong deal-flow momentum and opportunities in Generative AI are expected to drive growth in the IT sector, according to Nuvama Institutional Equities' latest research report.
  
  
• Physical Intelligence, a robotics AI startup, raised $400 million in a funding round led by Jeff Bezos, with participation from OpenAI and others. The company is now valued at around $2 billion. 

Ever found yourself on Wikipedia, researching a topic, only to emerge hours later, having learned about everything from the Roman Empire to the mating habits of the platypus?

You're not alone!

WikiHole, hosted by D'Arcy Carden (you might know her from The Good Place), is a quirky podcast that dives deep into the endless labyrinth of Wikipedia.

Check it out on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

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