[Enhancement] Standardize all timezone handling across the backend to strictly use UTC

[Tybravo]

📁 Implementation Directory

backend/src/utils/dateUtils.ts

🎯 Goal

Prevent timezone-related bugs in timestamps and cron jobs.

📋 Requirements

• Enforce UTC usage in all Mongoose models.\n- Ensure Date objects are instantiated in UTC.\n- Refactor any local timezone dependencies.

🔧 Technical Scope

• Node.js / Express
• TypeScript
• MongoDB / Mongoose
• Stellar Soroban RPC

🌿 Branch

git checkout -b refactor/standardize-utc-timezone

✅ Acceptance Criteria

• Using an AI Agent to submit a PR is DISALLOWED.
• Strict Layered Architecture (Non-Negotiable): Implement using the Controller -> Service -> Model pattern.
• Data Source: Response data must be retrieved from the database. No Inline Mock Objects or Hardcoded Values usage for integration.
• Environment: Contributors must use the requested .env credentials to enable implementation with real-life data.
• API Versioning: API Must Be Versioned (e.g., /api/v1/...).
• Production Ready: Code must look production-ready (robust error handling, strong typings).
• Proof of Work: Upload a screenshot of work done (i.e., API Response Success via Postman/Browser, or all unit tests passed successfully).
• PR Content: Must include Closes #[issue_id] with a work done summary.

📌 PR Requirements

• ⚠️ Assignment required before starting — comment on this issue to request assignment.
• PR must comply fully with the CONTRIBUTING.md.
• AI Agent submissions are DISALLOWED and will be closed without review.
• No Inline Mock Objects or Hardcoded Values usage for integration.

[yeswanth08]

Hey! I'm a Software Engineer. I’d like to take this issue up. I’ve looked through the current date/time handling and have an approach in mind. Would you mind assigning it to me? I can work on a PR.

[Vicistar-V]

@Vicistar-V has applied to work on this issue as part of the Stellar Wave Program's 8th wave.

I’d like to work on this issue because it addresses an important area of the project and presents a great opportunity to make a meaningful contribution. I’m particularly interested in delivering a solution that is reliable, maintainable, and aligned with the project’s existing architecture and development standards.

I have experience working across software development, including backend and frontend development, APIs, databases, testing, DevOps, and blockchain-based applications. I’m comfortable understanding existing codebases, identifying the root cause of issues, implementing clean and scalable solutions, and writing thorough tests to prevent regressions.

My approach would be to first understand the existing implementation and project conventions, then develop the solution in a focused and incremental way. I’ll ensure the changes are well-tested, documented where necessary, and do not introduce unnecessary complexity or break existing functionality. I’m also committed to clear communication, responding to review feedback, and delivering a polished contribution that provides real value to the project.

ℹ️ Repo Maintainers: To accept this application, review their application or assign @Vicistar-V to this issue.

[starboytiimz]

@starboytiimz has applied to work on this issue as part of the Stellar Wave Program's 8th wave.

Hi maintainer, can i be assigned this issue pleasee?

ℹ️ Repo Maintainers: To accept this application, review their application or assign @starboytiimz to this issue.

[MJ-RWA]

@MJ-RWA has applied to work on this issue as part of the Stellar Wave Program's 8th wave.

Hello swiftChainn, can l work on this to lmplement this fix?

ETA: 4 Hours

ℹ️ Repo Maintainers: To accept this application, review their application or assign @MJ-RWA to this issue.

[obswrld]

@obswrld has applied to work on this issue as part of the Stellar Wave Program's 8th wave.

I would like to work on this Issue

ℹ️ Repo Maintainers: To accept this application, review their application or assign @obswrld to this issue.

[drips-wave]

Congratulations, @starboytiimz! 🎉 Your application was accepted by the repo's maintainers, and the issue is due on August 31, 2026.

🧑‍💻 @starboytiimz: Please resolve the issue such that the repo's maintainers have enough time to review your contribution before the due date. You'll earn Points for completing the issue on-time, which will make you eligible for a share of the Stellar Wave Program's reward pool.

Warning

When opening a PR, please link it to this issue to ensure it gets tracked accurately. Points are awarded when this issue is marked as completed by the maintainer.

🤠 Repo maintainers: Please keep an eye on the contributor's progress and review their work before the due date. You can manage this issue, including adjusting its complexity and points, here.

🌊 Happy Wave 🌊