Cardano is set to implement an in-era hard fork to upgrade to protocol version 11, focusing on enhancing security, Plutus smart contract functionality, and on-chain governance. This upgrade, which will not disrupt the current Conway era, is under public review and has the backing of Intersect and the Hard Fork Working Group. The proposed changes aim to improve Plutus script capabilities, clarify ledger behavior, and enforce stricter node-level protections. Key ledger-level updates include unique VRF key enforcement and the integration of governance voting logic into the ledger, bolstering protocol security. The Plutus environment will remain compatible across versions V1 to V3, enabling developers to utilize new features without rewriting scripts. Performance enhancements include support for array types, improved multi-asset management, and faster list operations. The Cardano community is actively participating in the review process, with ongoing bi-monthly meetings by the Hard Fork Working Group to incorporate feedback.