Why in News?

Bitcoin has recently crossed the value of 20,000 US dollars.

Cryptocurrencies are banned in many countries but Bitcoin has
remarkably crossed this value in spite of that. Know more about
cryptocurrency, Bitcoin and many other details below. 
What is a cryptocurrency?
1. A cryptocurrency is a digital/virtual form of currency that is secured
cryptography. This makes it next to impossible to counterfeit. 
2. Various cryptocurrencies work as decentralized networks that are
based on blockchain technology. 
3. Cryptocurrencies are generally not issued by any central authority,
leaving them theoretically immune to government interference or
manipulation.
Cryptocurrency: Features
1. Cryptocurrencies are systems that allow for secure payments online
2. These are denominated in terms of virtual tokens and are
represented by ledger entries internal to the system.
3. The word "Crypto" refers to the various encryption algorithms and
cryptographic techniques Techniques like elliptical curve encryption,
public-private key pairs, and hashing functions safeguard the ledger
entries.
Bitcoin:
1. The first blockchain-based cryptocurrency was Bitcoin, which still
remains the most popular among players. 
2. It was launched in 2009 by Satoshi Nakamoto, which no one knows
was a single person or a firm.
3. By the end of 2019, that is after 10 years of launch, there were
more than 18 million bitcoins in circulation with a total market value
of around 146 billion dollars.
4. Bitcoin was originally intended to provide an alternative to fiat
money to become a universally acceptable mode of exchange.
5. Bitcoins are regulated by software and the agreement of users of
the system. 
6. Only 21 million units of Bitcoins will ever be created