Crypto Weekly Highlights: Jupiter Airdrop, Dusk Mainnet, THORChain Integration & More

Francis K

The week ahead is set to bring significant developments across the cryptocurrency landscape. From major network integrations to groundbreaking launches and airdrops, this week in crypto promises to be eventful. Among the key highlights are THORChain’s integration with Base L2, the activation of the USUAL fee switch, ZKSync’s incentive program, the release of the Jupiter airdrop checker, and the much-anticipated Dusk mainnet launch. Let’s dive into each of these crucial events shaping the crypto space.

THORChain Integrates Base L2 for Cross-Chain Swaps

In a highly anticipated move, THORChain, the decentralized liquidity protocol, is set to integrate Base Layer 2 (L2) for cross-chain swaps. Announced by Nine Realms in October and set for launch in the second week of January, this integration is expected to significantly enhance liquidity and improve the user experience for liquidity providers (LPs). Jade, a well-known figure in the THORChain community, emphasized that the integration is just around the corner.

THORChain leverages the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol, which allows assets to move across various blockchains seamlessly. This new integration with Base L2 will provide users with more options for swapping assets across multiple networks, boosting liquidity and creating a more dynamic ecosystem for decentralized finance (DeFi) participants.

USUAL Fee Switch Activation

Another important development in the DeFi space comes from the USUAL protocol, a real-world asset (RWA) stablecoin initiative. On January 7, 2025, the fee switch mechanism for USUAL will be activated, a move that could reshape the DeFi landscape. Fee switches are gaining momentum in decentralized ecosystems as they allow fees to be redistributed among key stakeholders, such as liquidity providers, stakers, and token holders.

USUAL’s fee switch is expected to boost the platform’s sustainability by prioritizing value creation and equitable fee distribution. This could become a benchmark for success in DeFi, impacting competitive dynamics across decentralized exchanges (DEXs). However, it raises questions about the long-term viability of higher fees and how they might affect liquidity and trading volumes.

ZKSync Incentive Program Kicks Off

On January 6, ZKSync launched its incentive program, distributing up to 300 million ZK tokens to DeFi users. The first phase of the program will incentivize users across participating protocols, with a focus on assessing pool performance. Key factors for incentivization include annual percentage rates (APRs), total value locked (TVL) growth, fee generation, and aggregate swap paths.

ZKSync will also encourage bridging assets to its Era chain, with special incentives for users of Jumper Exchange and LayerSwap. This initiative is designed to accelerate the adoption of ZKSync’s Layer 2 network, a key player in the Ethereum scaling ecosystem, and boost liquidity for its decentralized applications (dApps).

Jupiter Airdrop Checker Release

Jupiter’s airdrop, one of Solana’s most successful initiatives to date, is making waves once again. The release of the airdrop checker this week has created a buzz among the crypto community as it prepares for the next major airdrop. Jupiter is set to distribute 700 million JUP tokens, and users are encouraged to increase activity—buying, selling, and trading on the platform—to enhance their chances of receiving a larger allocation.

Although specific details about the airdrop, such as date and eligibility, remain undisclosed, the checker release signals that Jupiter’s second airdrop could become one of the largest in crypto history. The potential impact on the price of JUP and the token’s market dynamics is still under scrutiny.

The case of Do Kwon, the controversial founder of Terra, is making headlines again as the second U.S. hearing is scheduled for January 8. Kwon faces fraud charges related to the collapse of the TerraUSD and Luna stablecoins, which wiped out $40 billion in value in 2022. The hearing will focus on motions and evidence, setting the stage for the trial.

Despite growing support for crypto within the U.S. government, high-profile fraud cases like Kwon’s continue to draw significant attention. As prosecutors remain firm in their pursuit of justice, this case is expected to remain a key point of focus for the crypto community and regulators alike.

Dusk, a privacy-focused Layer 1 blockchain, is set to launch its mainnet on January 7 as part of its token generation event (TGE). The launch is a pivotal moment for the project, which aims to provide a privacy-friendly platform for regulated assets. With its unique consensus mechanism, “Succinct Attestation,” Dusk is designed to allow the on-chain issuance of regulated assets while maintaining compliance with privacy standards.

The mainnet launch will enable a range of applications, including blockchain-based stock exchanges and other real-world asset protocols. With a $5 million grant program and growing interest in its privacy features, Dusk’s mainnet launch is poised to have a significant impact on the future of decentralized finance and asset tokenization.

Also Read: MEXC Unveils First-Ever Launchpool Project with Xterio (XTER), Featuring Airdrop+ Rewards

This week in crypto is packed with developments that will have long-term effects on the decentralized finance ecosystem. From cross-chain swaps and fee switch mechanisms to airdrop excitement and blockchain innovations, the space is evolving rapidly. As we approach these key events, the impact on liquidity, adoption, and regulation will continue to shape the trajectory of blockchain technology in 2025.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses.

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Francis K

Crypto and blockchain enthusiast.

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