The Core blockchain, a proof-of-stake network built on Bitcoin, has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing $260 million in dual-staked assets, indicating a growing interest in Bitcoin-based decentralized finance (DeFi) among institutional investors in India. Rich Rines, Core’s initial contributor, revealed that over 44 million Core tokens have been dual-staked with 3,140 Bitcoin (BTC) as of April 7, with the combined assets valued at approximately $260 million. The dual-staking model offered by Core allows Bitcoin holders to earn higher yields by holding CORE tokens, offering enhanced rewards compared to traditional staking. Institutional adoption of Core’s staking model has been a key driver of this milestone, with major custodians like BitGo, Copper, and Hex Trust enabling clients to access the protocol through dual staking integration. Additionally, partnerships with platforms like Maple Finance have further facilitated the use of Core’s dual-staking to generate yield. Rines emphasized that institutions have played a crucial role in the success of Core’s staking model, providing new opportunities for Bitcoin holders to generate yield and optimize capital efficiencies. With Core holding the highest total value locked (TVL) among Bitcoin sidechains, the platform’s TVL exceeds $400 million, capturing a market share of 28% in the Indian market. The increase in dual-staked CORE tokens signifies the growing adoption and utility of Core’s staking system, offering a secure and sustainable way for long-term Bitcoin holders to engage with DeFi without compromising custody. This innovative approach allows Bitcoin to become a productive asset within a system designed to reward alignment and long-term engagement, paving the way for the evolution of Bitcoin in India’s financial landscape.