Despite some viewing Q2 2023 as a lost quarter, the smart contracts industry has shown resilience with developers continuing to deploy smart contracts and a growing demand for blockchain-based solutions. BNB Chain's Q2 report noted an increase in verified smart contracts across multiple blockchains, highlighting the importance of security, reliability, and scalability within the blockchain ecosystem. The report predicts potential trends for the year, including a focus on smart contract security, layer-2 solution adoption, and increased regulatory scrutiny. Although Q2 2023 recorded one of the lowest quarters in terms of crypto fundraising, executives within the industry remain positive about its long-term prospects.

Telegram bots such as Unibot, Swipe, WagieBot, and Bolt are becoming increasingly popular among crypto traders due to their user-friendly nature. However, experts are worried about the security of these bots as they handle user assets and private keys. The bots may pose risks to users, including data breaches and loss of assets to cybercriminals.

The Ethereum network now has $52.3 billion worth of ETH securing it, making it harder for attackers to gain control. This is due to the migration to proof-of-stake consensus, which relies on stakers for security. The Ethereum ACDE call discussed plans for DevNet 8 and adjustments to Deneb/Cancun EIPs, with various teams working on new software releases for the launch in the first week of August.

The Cardano protocol has announced that its Mithril upgrade will soon be launched on the mainnet. Mithril is a stake-based signature scheme and protocol that aims to improve the efficiency of nodes' syncing times.

The recent ruling by a US judge that XRP is not a security and the acceptance of BlackRock's bitcoin ETF application by the SEC has caused a 25% surge in XRP's price and increased volatility in digital assets. According to Greg Magadini from Amberdata, regulatory events have a significant impact on prices and movement in the crypto market.

XRP community members, including lawyer John Deaton, corrected House Republican Jane Adams after she referred to XRP as a security. Deaton explained that while XRP may be used in securities transactions, it is not itself a security. XRP's price has risen by 5% in the past 24 hours and by 75% in the past week. Analysts predict that XRP's price will continue to rise and may surpass $1.

The recent ruling that XRP is a security is unlikely to affect the wind-up of bankrupt crypto lender Celsius, according to the lender's counsel. The new company set to take over Celsius is not engaged in securities offerings or any of Celsius' historic business practices. The Fahrenheit consortium, which won a recent bid for Celsius' assets, will focus on less legally contentious issues like bitcoin mining and Ethereum staking.

Zokyo and Conflux have partnered to enhance the building projects of the Conflux ecosystem, with a focus on optimizing security and accelerating innovation. Zokyo will provide support for upcoming projects on the Conflux Network, including security services such as penetration testing and smart contract auditing.

Following the recent court ruling that XRP is not a security, Ripple's Chief Legal Officer, Stuart Alderoty, expects US banks to adopt Ripple's cross-border payment solution. Alderoty expressed confidence that American banks would return to Ripple's On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) product and plans to initiate discussions with US-based financial institutions in the next quarter of the year.

InQubeta, a crypto crowdfunding platform that focuses on AI, has successfully raised more than $1.3 million in its presale, making it a popular choice among investors. The platform's unique selling point is its dedication to the AI industry, and its transparent and equitable crowdfunding model attracts a diverse range of investors. InQubeta places a high priority on the security of its users' funds and has undergone rigorous auditing to ensure their assets are safeguarded. With an exciting roadmap that includes a launchpad NFT marketplace and a staking dApp, InQubeta is committed to continuous innovation and community engagement.