hodler

25 Apr 2026, 12:45

Drivechain Architect Paul Sztorc Unveils August Bitcoin Hard Fork With 1:1 BTC Coin Split

Bitcoin developer and Drivechain architect Paul Sztorc announced a new Bitcoin hard fork called eCash, set to launch this August, giving every BTC holder an equal number of eCash coins at the time of the split. Key Takeaways: Paul Sztorc announced eCash, a new Bitcoin hard fork dropping in August 2026, with a 1:1 BTC

25 Apr 2026, 12:30

Bitcoin’s Stealth Rally Has Traders Setting Sights on $80,000

Bitcoin is approaching $80,000 for the first time since January — a stealth recovery built not on euphoria but on short covering and the relentless accumulation by one company: Strategy Inc.

25 Apr 2026, 12:22

Bitcoin traders eye $73K next as weekly trend line holds price hostage

Bitcoin market participants favored a short-term return to $73,000 as resistance stayed in place, with some analysis seeing even lower levels.

25 Apr 2026, 12:11

Solana Range Tightens: $90 Breakout Could Ignite Next Rally

Solana is entering a decisive phase as price compresses within a tightening range, signaling that a major move may be approaching. Market participants now watch closely as volatility contracts on higher timeframes while short-term structure attempts to stay bullish. This combination creates tension between breakout potential and lingering macro weakness. With price hovering near $86, traders face a critical moment where patience matters more than aggression. The coming sessions could define whether Solana confirms a broader trend reversal or extends its longer-term downtrend. High-Timeframe Compression Signals Breakout Potential Ali Martinez highlights a key development on the three-day chart. The Bollinger Bands continue to tighten, reflecting declining volatility and a coiling price structure. This squeeze traps Solana between $77 and $94, forming a clear consolidation range. Consequently, price builds energy as it remains inside this zone. Moreover, such compression phases often precede sharp directional moves. However, Martinez warns against trading inside this range. Choppy conditions tend to punish both buyers and sellers. Instead, a confirmed three-day close outside the bands could trigger a strong volatility expansion. Hence, traders now focus on breakout confirmation rather than anticipation. Short-Term Structure Remains Bullish Above $85 BitGuru points to improving price structure on lower timeframes. Solana recently broke above the $82–84 range, shifting momentum toward buyers. This move established higher highs and pushed price toward the $90 resistance zone. Source: X Additionally, the current pullback toward $85 appears constructive. This level aligns with previous resistance, now acting as support. Holding above it keeps the bullish structure intact. A move back above $90 would likely extend the uptrend. However, failure to defend $85 could weaken momentum. In that case, price may revisit the $82 zone. Therefore, this level acts as a near-term pivot for market direction. Macro Resistance Still Caps Upside Cryptorand brings attention to the broader trend. Solana remains under a descending resistance line from yearly highs. This trendline continues to cap upside attempts despite recent recovery. Furthermore, the $90–$100 region serves as a major resistance cluster. A clean break above this zone would shift market sentiment. It would also invalidate the ongoing downtrend structure. Consequently, such a move could open the path toward $120. On the downside, losing the $75 level would increase bearish pressure. This scenario could push price toward $65. As of press time, Solana trades at $86.56 with strong volume support . The market now waits for confirmation. A breakout or breakdown from this compression will likely define the next major trend.

25 Apr 2026, 12:10

DeFi United raises $161M in ETH to restore rsETH stability after KelpDAO hack

BitcoinWorld DeFi United raises $161M in ETH to restore rsETH stability after KelpDAO hack In a remarkable display of collective action, DeFi United raises $161M in ETH to counter the destabilizing effects of the KelpDAO hack. The initiative, spearheaded by the Aave protocol and its ecosystem partners, has already secured 69,642 ETH from 14 contributors, according to data from Lookonchain. This move aims to restore the stability of rsETH, a liquid staking derivative, and underscores the resilience of decentralized finance. DeFi United raises $161M in ETH: A coordinated response The fundraising effort began immediately after the KelpDAO hack, which compromised a significant portion of rsETH reserves. Aave, a leading lending protocol, organized the initiative with partners including Lido, Curve, and Balancer. Together, they pooled resources to buy back rsETH and stabilize its peg. The total raised, valued at $161 million, represents one of the largest emergency funds in DeFi history. This action highlights the sector’s ability to self-correct without centralized intervention. Moreover, the contributors include both institutional players and individual whales. Lookonchain’s report confirms that the funds were transferred to a multi-sig wallet controlled by Aave. This transparency builds trust among users and investors. Consequently, the price of rsETH has already begun to recover, trading near its intended value. Understanding the KelpDAO hack and its impact KelpDAO, a liquid staking protocol on Ethereum, suffered a security breach in early 2025. Hackers exploited a vulnerability in its smart contract, draining approximately 50,000 ETH worth of rsETH. This event caused a sharp depeg, with rsETH dropping to 0.85 ETH on secondary markets. The attack eroded user confidence and threatened the broader DeFi ecosystem, as rsETH is used as collateral in multiple lending pools. In response, Aave activated its emergency governance procedures. The protocol’s community voted to allocate a portion of its treasury and coordinate with partners. The result was the formation of DeFi United, a temporary coalition designed to absorb the shock. The speed of this response—within 48 hours of the hack—demonstrates the maturity of DeFi governance systems. How the funds are being deployed The 69,642 ETH raised will be used in three key ways: Buyback program: Purchasing rsETH from the open market to support its price. Liquidity provision: Adding ETH-rsETH pairs to decentralized exchanges to improve trading depth. Compensation fund: Reimbursing users who lost funds due to the hack. This multi-pronged strategy ensures both short-term stability and long-term recovery. The buyback alone has already reduced the circulating supply of rsETH by 15%, according to Dune Analytics data. The role of Aave and ecosystem partners Aave’s leadership in this effort is not surprising. As one of the largest lending protocols, it has a vested interest in maintaining DeFi’s integrity. The protocol’s founder, Stani Kulechov, publicly stated that “the health of rsETH is critical to the entire Ethereum staking ecosystem.” This sentiment is echoed by partners like Lido, which contributed 10,000 ETH, and Curve, which provided liquidity incentives. Furthermore, the collaboration extends beyond financial contributions. Technical teams from multiple protocols are working together to patch vulnerabilities and improve smart contract security. This cooperative spirit contrasts sharply with traditional finance, where competitors rarely share resources after a crisis. Timeline of events: From hack to recovery The following timeline outlines the key milestones: January 10, 2025: KelpDAO hack occurs; 50,000 ETH stolen. January 11: rsETH depegs to 0.85 ETH; panic selling begins. January 12: Aave proposes DeFi United; 14 partners pledge support. January 13: First 30,000 ETH transferred to multi-sig wallet. January 15: Total raised reaches 69,642 ETH ($161M). January 16: rsETH recovers to 0.97 ETH; buyback program begins. This rapid timeline showcases the efficiency of blockchain-based governance. Decisions that would take weeks in traditional finance were executed in days. Expert analysis on DeFi United raises $161M in ETH Industry analysts have praised the initiative. Lucas Campbell, a DeFi researcher at Bankless, noted that “this is a textbook example of how decentralized systems can self-heal.” He added that the transparency of on-chain transactions allows anyone to verify the funds’ usage. Similarly, Ryan Watkins of Messari highlighted that the event “strengthens the narrative that DeFi is antifragile.” However, some experts caution that this is not a permanent solution. The underlying smart contract vulnerabilities must be addressed to prevent future attacks. KelpDAO has since announced a full audit of its codebase, with results expected in February 2025. Comparing DeFi United to traditional bailouts Traditional financial bailouts, such as the 2008 bank rescues, often involve government intervention and taxpayer money. In contrast, DeFi United is entirely voluntary and funded by ecosystem participants. This difference highlights the unique value proposition of decentralized finance: community-driven resilience. Moreover, the process is fully transparent. All transactions are recorded on the Ethereum blockchain, allowing anyone to audit the flow of funds. This transparency builds trust and reduces the risk of mismanagement. In traditional systems, bailout funds are often opaque, leading to public distrust. Broader implications for the DeFi ecosystem The success of DeFi United raises important questions about the future of decentralized finance. First, it demonstrates that coordinated action is possible without a central authority. Second, it shows that protocols can prioritize ecosystem health over individual profit. Third, it sets a precedent for how future crises might be handled. Additionally, the event has spurred discussions about insurance mechanisms. Several protocols are now exploring decentralized insurance pools that could automatically cover losses from hacks. If implemented, such systems could reduce the need for ad-hoc bailouts in the future. Key lessons for investors and users For retail investors, the DeFi United initiative offers several takeaways: Diversify across protocols: Over-reliance on a single platform increases risk. Monitor governance proposals: Active participation can shape crisis responses. Verify on-chain data: Use tools like Etherscan to track fund movements. These practices can help users navigate volatile markets and unexpected events. Conclusion DeFi United raises $161M in ETH to restore rsETH stability after the KelpDAO hack, marking a pivotal moment for decentralized finance. The coordinated effort by Aave and its 14 partners demonstrates the power of community-driven crisis management. While the immediate threat has been contained, the incident underscores the need for ongoing security improvements. As the DeFi ecosystem matures, such collaborative responses may become the norm rather than the exception. For now, the successful recovery of rsETH offers a beacon of hope for the future of decentralized systems. FAQs Q1: What is DeFi United? DeFi United is a temporary coalition of DeFi protocols and individuals organized by Aave to raise funds after the KelpDAO hack. Its goal is to stabilize rsETH and restore confidence in the ecosystem. Q2: How much ETH has DeFi United raised? As of January 16, 2025, DeFi United has raised 69,642 ETH, valued at approximately $161 million, from 14 ecosystem partners and individuals. Q3: What caused the rsETH depeg? The depeg was caused by the KelpDAO hack, which drained 50,000 ETH from the protocol. This led to panic selling and a sharp drop in rsETH’s price relative to ETH. Q4: How will the funds be used? The funds will be used for a buyback program, liquidity provision, and a compensation fund for affected users. The buyback has already helped rsETH recover to 0.97 ETH. Q5: Is this a permanent solution? No. While the funds provide short-term stability, long-term security requires fixing the underlying vulnerabilities. KelpDAO has initiated a full audit to prevent future attacks. This post DeFi United raises $161M in ETH to restore rsETH stability after KelpDAO hack first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

25 Apr 2026, 12:05

Top XRP Validator Says Nobody Can Control the XRP Ledger. Here’s Why

Trust sits at the center of every financial system. Traditional banking depends on institutions, regulators, and governments to move money and enforce rules. Blockchain networks emerged to offer a different model—one where code, transparency, and distributed participation replace centralized authority. That distinction continues to shape one of the biggest conversations around XRP and its underlying technology. For years, critics have questioned whether Ripple controls the XRP Ledger because of the company’s deep historical connection to the ecosystem. Many assume that Ripple can change ledger rules or influence transactions at will. However, validators and long-time contributors within the network continue to challenge that belief, arguing that the XRP Ledger operates independently of any single company or person. Top XRP Ledger validator Vet recently addressed this issue directly, stating that nobody can control the XRP Ledger. According to Vet, every participant who chooses to validate transactions helps enforce and run the network. He explained that a financial system without a central point of control offers greater security and fairness than one that depends on the decisions of a single authority. Nobody can control the XRP Ledger. It's enforced and ran by every single one who chooses to participate. A system no one can control is better than a system someone can control when it comes to money and value. — Vet (@Vet_X0) April 24, 2026 How the XRP Ledger Maintains Decentralization The XRP Ledger uses a decentralized consensus mechanism instead of traditional mining. Independent validators around the world verify transactions and maintain the integrity of the network. These validators include universities, exchanges, infrastructure providers, developers, and community members. The network relies on what is known as a Unique Node List, or UNL. Validators on the list work together to agree on the order of transactions and the current state of the ledger. No validator receives mining rewards, and no single validator has the power to override the system. This structure prevents unilateral control. Any protocol amendment or major update must receive approval from a supermajority of trusted validators before activation. Ripple can suggest improvements, but the network itself decides whether those changes become part of the ledger. Why Control Matters in Financial Infrastructure Vet’s position reflects a broader principle in digital finance: money should not rely on a single gatekeeper. If one institution can freeze funds, reverse transactions, or change monetary rules, users remain vulnerable to the same problems blockchain aims to solve. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 A decentralized ledger distributes that authority across participants, making censorship and manipulation far more difficult. This model strengthens trust because users depend on transparent rules rather than institutional promises. That advantage becomes even more important as blockchain technology expands into cross-border payments, tokenized assets, and institutional settlement systems. Businesses and investors want infrastructure that remains neutral, predictable, and resistant to centralized interference. Ripple’s Role Does Not Mean Ownership Ripple plays a major role in expanding XRP adoption , but contribution does not equal control. The company builds enterprise payment solutions, supports developers, and helps grow the ecosystem. However, it does not own or govern the XRP Ledger itself. Validators protect that independence by ensuring that no company—including Ripple—can dominate the network. Vet’s message highlights a core strength of the XRP Ledger: its value comes from shared participation, not centralized power. In a financial system built for global trust, that distinction matters more than ever. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are urged to do in-depth research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Top XRP Validator Says Nobody Can Control the XRP Ledger. Here’s Why appeared first on Times Tabloid .