Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

An APK teardown helps predict features that may arrive on a service in the future based on work-in-progress code. However, it is possible that such predicted features may not make it to a public release.

I wrote the following function to build and sign a Taproot (P2TR) transaction using @cmdcode/tapscript: My intention is to support spending on both key and script paths.

The problem is that it doesn’t work as expected.

Script-Path spending often fails validation (e.g. block error, invalid witness, or failed script execution).

Can someone review my code and point out what’s wrong with my logic or implementation? I especially appreciate the advice on how to fix performance improvements in script path failures and key path cases.

import { Address, Signer, Tap, Tx } from '@cmdcode/tapscript';

protected buildTaprootTx(
  senderKey: { publicKey: Uint8Array; privateKey: Uint8Array },
  utxos: Array<{ txid: string; vout: number; value: number }>,
  recipient: string,
  amountSat: number,
  feeSat: number,
  mode: 'key' | 'script' | 'both',
  scriptLeaves: Array = (),
  opReturnData?: Uint8Array | string,
  changeAddr?: string
): string {
  // ... (full code as in my gist, see link below)
}

Complete code

question:

• What am I doing wrong, especially when it comes to script path spending?

• Is there a better way to configure or optimize features for performance and accuracy?

• If you find any obvious bugs or misconceptions in how you use TapRoot key/Script Path Logic, please point them out.

Code reviews, suggestions, or references to practical examples are highly appreciated. thank you!

Recent developments have created complex drawings of Asian cryptography. On the one hand, established companies are doubling their regulated digital assets. Meanwhile, law enforcement is tackling a surge in wrench attacks and criminal misuse of cryptocurrency.

Metaplanet, the Japanese Ministry of Bitcoin Treasury, has gained control of South Korean publicly listed software company SGA. If confirmed, SGA can acquire Bitcoin as part of a broader digital strategy.

According to an article published on July 15, 2025, the company’s CEO Simon Gerovich has joined a consortium with Hong Kong-based Moon, Bangkok’s Cliff Capital, Taipei’s crypto-centric venture capital firm, Solaventure company, Solaventure and Bitcoin-focused investment and advice company.

Metaplane will be purchased from SGA: Strategic Play

Japanese company Metaplanet has invested $25 million in SGA, a Korean system software developer, through rights provision. Encrypted entities expand their impact on traditional technologies.

-bluastercapital (@bluastercapital) July 14, 2025

Although Gerovich is listed as an independent investor, the move is consistent with Metaplanet’s Bitcoin accumulation strategy by converting traditional companies into bitcoin-related entities and using them as a means of Bitcoin exposure in regional capital markets.

Both the SGA Committee and the South Korean Financial Services Committee have approved the issuance of 58 million shares to the consortium, but the final agreement is still pending.

Explore: Best Meme Coins to Invest in July 2025 ICOS

Asian Cryptocurrence is facing security crisis as wrench attacks and bitcoin theft rise

A recent report released by ChainAlysis on July 17, 2025 showed that wrench attacks targeting crypto holders in the APAC region spiked in 2025. Compared to 2021, the worst year before in such cases, the attack has almost doubled, with 35 cases reported so far.

Moreover, these are not siloed events. The APAC region witnessed a wave of wrench attacks and crypto theft, with over $2.17 billion stolen from the Crypto platform in the first half of 2025, beyond 2024.

Surge in physical attacks on Bitcoin holders

The risks of 2025 have been the worst year on record for “dollar wrench attacks” (physical attacks aimed at stealing Bitcoin and cryptocurrency), and the incident has hit a new high.

According to chain analysis, 35 attacks on Bitcoin… pic.twitter.com/xcoxoejm0j

– atlas21 (@atlas21_news) July 17, 2025

Retail wallet theft accounted for almost 25% of funds stolen in 2025, and attacked Japan, Indonesia, South Korea and the Philippines the most violently. Criminals specifically target Bitcoin holders when chasing large wallet yields.

The surge in crypto influx has created criminal groups that exploit the anonymous nature and liquidity of asset classes by carrying out lures, house invasions, emergency situations and ransom attacks.

Explore: Top 20 Cryptos to Buy in July 2025

India’s FIU is investigating Binance over cross-border terrorist financing

The Indian Financial Information Unit (FIU) is actively adjusting to identify Indian private wallets, particularly in sensitive areas such as Jammu and Kashmir, where cryptocurrency may be received from Pakistan.

As reported by local publications on July 15, 2025, FIU believes that individuals are using these private wallets as a source of funding to implement illegal activities and terrorist financing in India.

These wallets are not tied to centralized exchanges, and authorities find them difficult to monitor and track.

According to the publication, investigators are investigating the vinanence on this issue as it is the most used exchange in the region for cross-border crypto transactions.

breaking

India’s crypto reality check has become darker.

The FIU is currently investigating the cross-border cryptocurrency flow linked to Pakistan and terrorist financing, with Binance and Wazirux under the scanner.

Wazirx wallets are said to be linked to ISIS.

The attacks already occurring in Jammu and Kashmir. … pic.twitter.com/rcgned7y8z

– Rananjay Singh (@todaycryptorj) July 13, 2025

“Binance is working with FIU and we suspect that some of these are linked to terrorist financing as crypto transactions between Pakistan’s J&K (Jammu and Kashmir) and the border regions have increased in recent months.”

This follows an exchange that resumed operations in India after a $2.25 million penalty was settled to restore FIU compliance after the December 2023 suspension.

Explore:12+ Hottest Encryption Presale to Buy Now

VCI Global strengthens Asian crypto with regulated bitcoin investment vehicles

On July 15, 2025, Malaysia-based diversifying holdings company VCI Global acquired another Malaysian company, V Capital Fund Management, to offer Bitcoin investment options to Asian institutions and luxury investors.

The VCIG Bitcoin Fund, launched through Labuan (Federal Territories of Malaysia), offers an internationally recognized offshore financial centre and provides a flexible regulatory environment that knows the benefits of strong money laundering (AML) and customer (KYC) compliance and tax.

$vcig VCIG announces decisive agreement that will allow VCIG Bitcoin Fund to launch, targeting the $2.6 trillion cryptocurrency market with low float stocks of $2.7 million pic.twitter.com/wipe34nihn

– Parker Wilkes (@0UJL7) July 16, 2025

The move reflects the industry’s trends for widespread adoption of digital assets by established financial companies, filling traditional funds into digital assets.

With Asia’s regulated crypto investment options still limited, VCIG Bitcoin Fund is looking to improve the crypto infrastructure in the region. The fund aims to increase liquidity, enhance custody solutions and attract participation from a wide array of asset managers in family-owned offices and institutions.

Explore: 20+ next ciphers that will explode in 2025

Why you can trust 99 Bitcoin?

Over 10 years

Founded in 2013, 99 Bitcoin team members have been experts in crypto since the early days of Bitcoin.

90 hours+

Weekly research

100k+

Monthly Readers

50+

Expert Contributors

2000+

Crypto project reviewed

Follow 99 Bitcoin on Google News Feed

Provide the latest updates, trends and insights directly to your fingertips. Subscribe now!

Subscribe now

Trusted Editorial content, reviewed by leading industry experts and seasoned editors. Ad Disclosure

As crucial crypto-related legislation advances in the US Congress, lawmakers are evaluating introducing a digital assets market structure bill in the Senate in the coming weeks, which could add “another layer of complexity” to the uncertain surrounding digital assets legislation in the US.

US Senate To Introduce Crypto Market Structure Bill

The US Senate Banking Committee will hold a subcommittee hearing next week on a potential crypto market reform. The hearing, named “Exploring Bipartisan Legislative Frameworks for Digital Asset Market Structure,” is scheduled for Tuesday, June 24, and will be led by Senator Cynthia Lummis.

Journalist and podcast host Eleanor Terret reported that lawmakers are working on principles for the Senate’s version of a crypto market structure bill, which will be the focus of the upcoming hearing.

Subcommittee hearing scheduled for June 24. Source: Senate Banking Committee

Terret shared that Republican Senator Tim Scott recently told her, “He’s hoping to hold a full committee hearing within the next month,” which would likely follow the release of a discussion draft.

The news follows the uncertainty surrounding the House of Representatives’ version of the crypto market structure legislation. A Tuesday report from Unchained claims that US President Donald Trump’s goal of passing the market structure bill by the August recess is in “serious jeopardy.”

According to the report, a spokesperson for Senator Scott, who is Chair of the Senate Banking Committee, said in an email that a markup session for the Digital Asset Market Clarity (CLARITY) Act of 2025 will not happen until the fall, despite the senator’s plan to hold a hearing session on the legislation in July.

Notably, the bill passed both the House Financial Services and House Agriculture Committees’ markups last week with bipartisan support, advancing to the full House floor vote.

However, negotiations over the language used in the bill have reportedly hit a wall, as bipartisan lawmakers have proposed standard language to address Democrats’ concerns about potential conflicts of interest by the President, Vice President, Congress Members, and their families, which the White House allegedly pushed back.

Terret noted that the introduction of the Senate’s version of the bill would add another layer of complexity as two separate legislative texts would be moving through four different Congressional committees.

Stablecoin Legislation Could Face Challenges

Meanwhile, the Senate passed the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act in a 68-30 vote on Tuesday afternoon. The bill, now headed to the House, is also expected to face some uncertainty in Congress’s lower chamber.

The bill, introduced by Republican Senator Bill Hagerty in February, aims to develop a framework for stablecoins to fall under the Federal Reserve Rules, establishing a “safe and pro-growth” regulatory framework to advance innovation.

According to Terret, the bill faces multiple challenges, including having to reconcile with the House’s version of the bill, the STABLE Act, and having some House leaders “pushing to package the stablecoin framework with some version of the CLARITY Act,” as it could allegedly improve the odds of both bills clearing Congress before the August deadline.

Speaking off the record, a House lawmaker told Terret that advancing both bills is a priority, as passing just the GENIUS Act without the market structure bill could slow broader crypto legislation.

“I just don’t buy the idea that passing one builds momentum for the other,” the congress member affirmed. Nonetheless, lawmakers remain optimistic about the odds of both crypto bills passing in the coming months.

Bitcoin (BTC) trades at $104,419 in the one-week chart. Source: BTCUSDT on TradingView

Featured Image from Unsplash.com, Chart from TradingView.com

Editorial Process for bitcoinist is centered on delivering thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content. We uphold strict sourcing standards, and each page undergoes diligent review by our team of top technology experts and seasoned editors. This process ensures the integrity, relevance, and value of our content for our readers.

Occidental Petroleum (OXY -1.74%) believes carbon capture and storage (CCS) will eventually become a massive market. The oil company estimates it could be a $3 trillion to $5 trillion global industry in the future. It’s not alone in that view. Oil giant ExxonMobil (XOM -1.68%) estimates that there could be a $4 trillion market for capturing and storing carbon dioxide by 2050.

Both oil companies are working toward capturing this potentially multitrillion-dollar market opportunity. Occidental recently signed a deal with a potential partner to develop what could be its next direct air capture (DAC) facility in Texas. The company’s early leadership in carbon capture and storage puts it in a strong position to capture a meaningful portion of what looks like a massive opportunity.

Image source: Getty Images.

Building a carbon removal powerhouse

Occidental Petroleum and its subsidiary 1PointFive signed an agreement with XRG, the investment company of Abu Dhabi’s ADNOC, to evaluate a joint venture to develop a DAC facility in South Texas. As part of the deal, XRG will consider investing up to $500 million into a facility that could capture 500,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.

The oil company noted that the announcement follows several significant milestones in developing DAC technology. That includes progress on constructing its first DAC facility in West Texas. The STRATOS facility is on track to begin commercial operations this year. That facility would also capture up to 500,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. It’s partnering with investment giant BlackRock, which agreed to invest $550 million into the project.

Occidental was also awarded up to $650 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy to help support the development of its South Texas DAC hub. The initial 500,000-tonnes-per-year DAC facility would only be the beginning of this hub. The site has the potential to support up to 30 million metric tons of carbon dioxide removal each year through DAC facilities. Meanwhile, the site has about 165 square miles of acreage that has the potential to store up to 3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide in underground saline formations.

Commercializing a nascent industry

Occidental Petroleum has also been working to commercialize its DAC technology to make money from its investments. A major aspect of its strategy has been selling carbon removal credits to companies seeking to reduce their carbon footprints. For example, it signed an agreement with Microsoft last July to sell 500,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide removal credits over six years to support the technology giant’s carbon removal strategy. That was the largest single purchase of carbon removal credits enabled by DAC technology. These credits will support Occidental’s STRATOS DAC facility. The oil company has signed agreements to sell carbon credits to several other companies, including AT&T, Amazon, and TD.

The oil company has also signed other commercial agreements related to carbon capture and storage. In 2022, the company signed an agreement with SK Trading International to supply it with up to 200,000 barrels of net-zero oil for five years. Occidental will inject about 100,000 tonnes of captured carbon dioxide into the ground, offsetting the entire lifecycle emissions of this crude oil — that is, extraction, transportation, shipping, refining, and use.

Occidental also recently signed a 25-year agreement with fertilizer maker CF Industries (CF -0.21%) to store 2.3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide per year at its Pelican Sequestration Hub in Louisiana. This agreement will support a low-carbon ammonia production facility that CF Industries and its joint venture partners are building in Louisiana.

ExxonMobil signed two similar agreements with CF Industries in recent years. Last year, it agreed to transport and permanently store 500,000 metric tons per year of carbon dioxide captured at a complex in Mississippi, which will reduce the site’s emissions by 50%. In 2022, Exxon signed a landmark commercial agreement with CF Industries to store up to 2 million tonnes per year from a facility in Louisiana. CF Industries is one of six commercial customers Exxon has lined up in recent years, representing 16 million tons of carbon dioxide per year.

Occidental and Exxon believe these commercial agreements are only the beginning. Occidental thinks it could eventually make as much in earnings and cash flow from CCS as it currently does from oil and gas. Meanwhile, Exxon believes CCS could be a multibillion-dollar business for the company. Furthermore, given the long-term contracted nature of its CCS projects, the technology will help reduce its earnings volatility in the future.

Slowly taking steps toward capturing a potentially massive opportunity

Occidental Petroleum continues to make progress in growing its CCS platform. It’s working on lining up funding partners such as XRG and agreements to commercialize its DAC facilities and sequestration hubs. This strategy could create a lot of value for investors in the future if CCS grows as big as the company believes it will become. It makes Occidental a more compelling long-term investment opportunity in the oil patch.

Austin University (UATX) is working to host Satoshi Papers Symposium in partnership with the Texas Bitcoin Foundation, Bitcoin Policy Institute and Unchained

press release

Austin University (UATX) is working hard at the Texas Bitcoin Foundation (TBF), Bitcoin Policy Institute (BPI), Unchained and Asset Management to host Satoshi Papers Symposium, an academic conference celebrating the launch of TBF’s first book. Satoshi’s paper: Reflection on the post-Bitcoin political economy.

Sato’s Essaypublished by BPI and edited by TBF Executive Director and fellow BPI Natalie Smolensky, takes inspiration from 18th-century American debates between federalists and anti-federalists about the role of government in protecting individual and community freedom. The book features open exchange of ideas among scholars about the relationship between money and nation in the post-Bitcoin world.

“Sato’s Essay Natalie Smolensky, founder and executive director of the Texas Bitcoin Foundation, said:

Bitcoin Policy Institute, a DC-based policy think tank, will be releasing the book’s publication imprint Sato’s Essay.

“Starting a Publication Imprint is a natural next step for BPI as we continue to advance the Bitcoin Policy Intellectual Foundation. Sato’s Essay “We’re looking forward to seeing you in the future,” said Grant McCarty, co-founder of BPI.

Atsoshi Papers Symposium, which will be held at the UATX campus on April 16, 2025, features presentations by the authors of the atsoshi Papers Symposium. Sato’s Essay He is also a BPI fellow, including Avik Roy, Josh Hendrickson, Craig Warmke and Natalie Smolenski. Faculty at Austin University discuss the discussions the authors have in their books.

“Austin University is committed to a fearless pursuit and rigorous debate of truth about ideas that shape our world,” says Chad Tebnott, Austin University’s SVP of Progress and Communications. “Satoshi Papers Symposium is a perfect example of its commitment, bringing together scholars and students to explore the economic and political implications of Bitcoin. We are honored that UATX will be the platform for convening for this important conversation.”

The symposium independently encourages student participation. Thanks to generous donations from Strive Asset Management, a financial services company co-founded by Vivek Ramaswamy, all students in UATX’s first class will receive copies of Sato’s Essay An invitation to participate in discussions during the symposium.

Matt Cole, CEO of Strive, said: In light of the inevitable volatility that characterizes the early lives of rapidly monetizing new assets, deep education is essential for investors to build and maintain convictions in their allocations. Sato’s Essay It is an important contribution to Bitcoin education and we are honored to partner with holding the symposium. ”

The symposium is generously supported by Unchained, Bitcoin’s Austin native financial services company.

“We’re looking forward to seeing you in the future,” said Joe Kelly, Unchained co-founder and CEO and director of Texas Bitcoin Foundation. Sato’s Essay It challenges you to think critically about economic sovereignty. By allowing individuals to control their own Bitcoin, we ignore it and create something real. We are proud to support this symposium and the broader efforts to ensure economic freedom for future generations. ”

Unchained will hold public receptions, book sales and signatures Sato’s Essay At Bitcoin Commons on the evening of April 16th.

About Austin University

Austin University (UATX) is a new private, nonprofit, nonprofit university in Austin, Texas, dedicated to fearless pursuit of truth. Its innovative faculty curriculum combines rich inheritances from the past with the most persuasive ideas and initiatives of the present. Each student will undertake a four-year Polaris project to build, create and discover something that will serve humanity. Austin University’s first freshman class began its journey in the fall of 2024. Find out more at uaustin.org.

About the Texas Bitcoin Foundation

The Texas Bitcoin Foundation (TBF) is a public charity dedicated to research and education on Bitcoin and the political and economics. Founded in 2021 by Natalie Smolensky, the foundation brings together academics in disciplines around the world to explore the social and political influence of decentralized digital technologies. For more information, please visit txbitcoinfoundation.org.

About Bitcoin Policy Research Institute

The Bitcoin Policy Institute (BPI) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit think tank located in Washington, DC. It is dedicated to educating policymakers and the public about Bitcoin and disruptive digital technologies, providing research-based insights to inform US sound policies. For more information, please visit btcpolicy.org.

About Unchained

UNChained is the most trusted name in Premium Bitcoin Financial Services, protecting over 100,000 BTC through a joint custody model that combines institutional-grade security with white glove services for the wealthy, families and businesses. Find out more at Unchained.com.

About efforts

Co-founded by Vivek Ramaswamy in 2022, Strive is a financial services company with a mission to maximize the value of its clients through incompatible capitalism. The company has grown rapidly to manage its $1.7 billion assets since the launch of its first fund in August 2022, and is directly competing with the world’s largest financial institutions by strengthening Americans’ sole focus on maximizing shareholder value. With an effort, he recently launched the Wealth Management Business Unit to provide true financial freedom, including a coordinated integration of Bitcoin into the everyday American portfolio. For more information, please visit strive.com.