Each cryptocurrency runs on its own code called as blockchain. Like any other software program these codes can be altered/upgraded to take the currency to next level for greater good. When such a change occurs, they can be either compatible with the older versions or not compatible with older and may require newer versions. The changes which are compatible with the older versions are called as Soft Forks and the changes which will require everyone to update to newer versions are called Hard Forks.
When a Hard Fork occurs, if miners decide to continue using the older versions instead of newer versions, it will lead to birth of a new cryptocurrency. This is the backstory for the reason of existence of Bitcoin Cash which came from a hard fork of Bitcoin and Ethereum Classic which came from a hard fork of Ethereum. Few upcoming Bitcoin Hardfork in coming weeks are:
After the HardFork, a each coin holder will get the new currency equal in quantity as their old currency. For example, if you have 0.1 BTC in your wallet at the time of Hard Fork of Bitcoin, you will get 0.1 BitCoin Gold after the Hardfork. This is free cash to the coin holders. Hence, my hunch is many are showing interest in holding the coin which is leading to the increase in demand for the coin, which is in turn increasing the price of the Bitcoin.
PS: These are my (non technical) views and please let me know your comments
Image Credits: CoinGecko
