Hey there, PoI readers! 💫

It's your favorite crypto connoisseur, Mochi, back with another serving of tantalizing tech and web3 news. From Trump's groundbreaking crypto reserve to Tether's strategic freeze on a Russian exchange, from Solana's blockchain drama to India's revolutionary land record digitization, we've got a rollercoaster of digital innovation to explore. So, grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and let's dive deep into the wild world of blockchain and beyond!

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INTEL BRIEF

🟧 US President Donald Trump signs executive order creating a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and Digital Asset Stockpile using forfeited cryptocurrencies.

🟧 Tether freezes $27 million in USDT on sanctioned Russian crypto exchange Garantex, forcing the platform to halt trading and withdrawals.

🟧 Solana co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko expresses concerns about the proposed US crypto reserve, despite Solana's inclusion.

🟧 Dantewada District in India digitizes over 700,000 land records using Avalanche blockchain, ensuring transparency and preventing tampering.

Trump Unleashes America's First Digital Currency Vault

President Donald Trump has officially signed an executive order establishing a "Strategic Bitcoin Reserve" – think of it as a digital Fort Knox for cryptocurrencies. White House AI and crypto czar David Sacks announced the groundbreaking initiative, describing it as a landmark moment for government cryptocurrency management.

The reserve will be uniquely funded through cryptocurrencies seized in criminal and civil asset forfeiture proceedings, giving a whole new meaning to "crime doesn't pay." Initially, the government plans to leverage its existing crypto holdings, with the US currently controlling approximately $18.28 billion in digital assets, predominantly in Bitcoin.

Interestingly, the order creates two distinct crypto repositories: A Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and A U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile.

Sacks emphasized that this isn't just another government fund – the Bitcoin reserve will be treated as a "store of value", with a strict no-sell policy. The Treasury Department will seed the initial reserve, and other federal agencies are being asked to evaluate transferring their cryptocurrency holdings.

Trump's vision extends beyond Bitcoin, with previous statements suggesting the inclusion of cryptocurrencies like XRP, Solana, Cardano, and Ether. However, current government data shows no holdings in these specific cryptocurrencies, adding an intriguing layer of speculation to the announcement.

A critical component of the order is a comprehensive audit of the government's digital asset holdings – something Sacks claims has never been fully completed. Agencies must now provide a detailed accounting to the Treasury Secretary and the presidential crypto working group.

Trump signs executive order creating Strategic Bitcoin Reserve

Reserve will be funded by forfeited cryptocurrencies

Government mandated to conduct full audit of digital asset holdings

Tether Deals a Crushing Blow to Russian Crypto Exchange

Stablecoin giant Tether has effectively paralyzed the Russian crypto exchange Garantex by freezing approximately $27 million worth of USDT. The move comes in the wake of European Union sanctions against the exchange, sending shockwaves through the Russian crypto ecosystem.

Garantex didn't take the hit quietly. The exchange dramatically announced on Telegram that Tether had blocked their wallets worth over 2.5 billion rubles, immediately suspending all trading and withdrawal services. "We will fight, and we will not give up," the platform declared, adding a warning that "all USDT in Russian wallets is currently under threat".

The sanctions aren't new territory for Garantex. The US Department of Treasury first sanctioned the exchange in April 2022, with the EU following suit in February of this year. Originally registered in Estonia, the exchange now primarily operates out of Moscow and Saint Petersburg – hotspots for sanctioned virtual currency exchanges.

Data reveals an intriguing growth story for Garantex. Despite being absent from major crypto tracking platforms, the exchange has reportedly experienced a mind-blowing 1,000% surge in trading volumes over three years. From a modest $11 million daily volume in March 2022 to $121.6 million in March 2025, the platform has been anything but stagnant.

Russian lawmakers aren't backing down either. Anton Gorelkin, a deputy head of the parliamentary committee, suggested this freeze is "not the last case when Western countries put pressure" on the crypto industry. However, he boldly proclaimed that it's "impossible to completely block this market for Russia".

While Tether's move might seem like a small blip compared to global exchanges like Binance (trading $23 billion daily), it represents a significant strategic maneuver in the ongoing geopolitical crypto chess game.

Tether froze $27 million in USDT on Garantex

Exchange suspended all trading and withdrawal services

Garantex saw 1,000% volume growth in three years

Solana Founder Declares War on Government Crypto Scheme

Solana co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko has voiced staunch opposition to the proposed US national cryptocurrency reserve – even though his own blockchain, Solana, is potentially part of the lineup.

Yakovenko laid out a clear hierarchy of preferences on X, with "no reserve at all" sitting firmly at the top of his list. His primary concern? The potential death knell for decentralization if the government takes the wheel. It's a bold stance that cuts to the core of blockchain's fundamental principles.

Coming in at second place in Yakovenko's crypto reserve ranking: state-level reserves. He suggests this approach could serve as a safeguard against potential missteps by the Federal Reserve – a crypto insurance policy, if you will.

The Solana CEO didn't stop there. He proposed a third option involving objective, measurable requirements for tokens entering the national reserve. With a hint of competitive spirit, he challenged the ecosystem, noting that if a target is set, "the Solana ecosystem will get it done."

The plot thickens with rumors of behind-the-scenes crypto politicking. Anonymous sources suggested Ripple may have lobbied to include Solana, hoping to lend legitimacy to XRP's inclusion. Yakovenko swiftly dismissed these claims, quipping, "What's a Solana representative? At this point, it's honestly like saying a Bitcoin representative."

A similar narrative emerged with Cardano. Founder Charles Hoskinson claimed no prior knowledge of ADA's inclusion in the reserve and noted his team wasn't invited to the White House crypto roundtable. Meanwhile, crypto heavy-hitters like Brad Garlinghouse, Michael Saylor, and Brian Armstrong are confirmed attendees.

Trump's proposed digital asset reserve continues to generate more questions than answers, with the crypto community watching closely and leaders like Yakovenko ready to challenge the status quo.

Solana co-founder opposes US crypto reserve

Prefers no reserve or state-level alternatives

Denies lobbying for Solana's inclusion in reserve

Indian Town Transforms Land Records with Blockchain Magic

The Dantewada District of Chhattisgarh, India, has transformed land record management by securing over 700,000 historical documents on the Avalanche blockchain. This isn't just a technological upgrade – it's a full-scale digital transformation that's putting transparency on the blockchain.

The project tackles a decades-old problem of bureaucratic inefficiency. Previously, citizens faced weeks-long delays in accessing land records. Now, with blockchain technology, those same records are instantly accessible and virtually tamper-proof. District Collector Mayank Chaturvedi emphasized the game-changing nature of this initiative, highlighting how blockchain can cut through traditional administrative red tape.

Key innovations of this blockchain land record system include: Kiosks installed in every sub-district, Strict authorization protocols for access, Comprehensive record types including ownership documents or cadastral maps and Ability to verify smart contracts through Avalanche Explorer.

The blockchain solution isn't just about speed – it's about empowering local communities. Tribal communities and farmers can now more easily secure and verify their ownership records, potentially reducing long-standing land disputes.

LegitDoc, the blockchain startup behind this initiative, isn't new to innovative government solutions. They've previously helped digitize various official documents, from caste certificates to diplomas. This Avalanche-powered project represents a significant leap forward in how governments can leverage blockchain technology.

Devika Mittal, Avalanche India's growth consultant, didn't hold back her enthusiasm, declaring that "Blockchain is the way forward for land record digitization". The project's leader, Jayant Nahata, highlighted additional benefits like reduced legal costs and improved document security.

Dantewada digitized 700,000+ land records on Avalanche blockchain

Records dating back to 1950s now instantly accessible

Blockchain ensures document security and reduces disputes

And that's a wrap, my lovely PoI readers! I hope this edition left you feeling informed, entertained, and maybe even a little bit wiser about the ever-shifting landscape of crypto and technology. Remember to stay curious, stay informed, and keep your digital ears to the ground. Until next time, this is Mochi, signing off with a virtual high-five!

P.S. Don't forget to share your thoughts, questions, and favorite crypto puns with us. very voice matters in the PoI community! 📣❤️ Share the newsletter

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